Next Events:Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair
Rheged Discovery Centre Penrith, CA11 0DQ. Sunday 14th March.
COLIN’S NEWS BLOG
NOT ONE FAIR CANCELLED!
THE WINTER ARRIVED WITH FURY…
New Year’s Eve brought the worst snow fall on Tyneside for decades… but the show still went on! A huge thank you to all those who helped brave the elements to ensure the continuity of our Fairs. More than 50% of the exhibitors were able to attend and most reported that business was still done with the visitors that arrived.
The following Sunday the snow had reached the west coast and with the aid of my trusty old Land Rover Defender which came to the rescue of its modern hi tech Dodge, dragged the equipment across the country to the Shepherds Inn Conference Centre, Carlisle. A very satisfying day, as cancellation of a Fair is not within the CCE policy. The thirteen exhibitors that did attend had a terrific day’s business…a fitting reward for their effort. A bit of a shame that prior to the snow both Fairs had been full, however, the good news is that business has bounced straight back with many future Fairs already fully booked.
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE (A19)
In those famous words of Richard Wilson… “I can not believe it!” Following a week of sunshine, six inches of snow fell on the East coast hours before our first Fair at this fantastic venue. However, it could not stop the terrific effort from the college staff teamed with our crew to clear the snow and ensure the car parks were gritted at 6am before the exhibitors arrived. As the outside temperature dropped during the day to - 3 degrees, the car park filled up and we were inundated with positive comments from both visitors and exhibitors…”what a fantastic new venue, the unloading is so easy, it’s so light, the food is very good, we love the shopping mall layout just like New College in Durham”…the positive feedback was endless! Well, with such a great start against all odds with the weather, the good news is that we are back on Sunday 18th April.
HAMBLETON FORUM, NORTHALLERTON
Absence makes the heart grow fonder…...a lovely, sunny Valentine’s Day came with lots of visitors expressing delight that we were back in Northallerton. With many positive comments for the venue and Julie’s catering we look forward to our return visit on Sunday 13th June.
15th February 2010
TWO EXCITING NEW VENUES FOR 2010
EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
Sunday 31st January
New College Durham, we have been invited to the east of the county into this newly built £36 million College. The Fair will follow the format of New College, using the vast open spaces of the main College Malls. Easy, flat unloading for exhibitors, excellent College catering and huge, free car park. The location alongside the main A19 trunk road at the junction B1320 Shotton/Peterlee, is central for visitors from Wearside, Teeside and East Durham.
USHAW COLLEGE DURHAM
Sunday 21st March, Sunday 11th July
Truly, the North's hidden Jewel in the Crown opens its doors following its 200th anniversary for a wonderful opportunity to experience the breathtaking architecture of Augustus Pugin. During the Fair, visitors will have the opportunity to book a guided historical tour of St Cuthbert's grade 1 listed Chapel. The Fair will be held within the spectacular Great Hall and adjacent rooms and offers a unique atmosphere to enhance a wonderful day for all. The College will be serving food and drinks throughout the day and access to the halls is easy with exhibitor parking within the rear courtyard. Ushaw College is 2 ½ miles west of Durham and AA signs will be posted from A167 at Crossgate Moor.
9th October 2009
Rheged feature on Penrith Local
10th August 2009
SPEND…SPEND…SPEND!
WOW! A MAY DAY SPECTACULAR
SPEND…SPEND…SPEND…That was the story of New College Durham on the 4th May, all stands fully booked and our biggest crowd ever! Yes, they came through the door in droves, and left with arms struggling to carry the bags. Some of the senior exhibitors were heard to say “it’s just like the old days, if they want it, they bought it”. Well, it was very satisfying to see so many happy faces. The good news is that we return to New College on Sunday 28th June, the last Fair before the annual summer recess and most stands are already booked.
RAINTON MEADOWS ARENA
The snow held off and the sun shone on the Arena as huge crowds flocked for the launch of this terrific new venue on Sunday 8th February. Most exhibitors reported a successful day selling and without exception, all were pleasantly surprised by the number of visitors throughout the day. Now established as Durham’s premier entertainment centre, the Arena accommodates around 150 stands and features a new entrance lobby and an extensive free car park with multi door access to the Exhibition Hall. Located to the West of Houghton-le-Spring, the A690 provides a fast, easy connection to the A1 Motorway at junction 62. We return to the Arena on Sunday 31st May and look forward to building on our February success.
NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE
Following endless requests from both exhibitors and visitors, our return to The North East Exhibition Centre at Newcastle Racecourse on Mothering Sunday was welcomed with great enthusiasm from all. Most exhibitors reported steady sales and the public expressed their delight with the return of this popular venue. The North East’s premier Racecourse has free car parking on site and is clearly sign posted from the A1 north of Gosforth. Around 130 stands are available and our return to this prestige Racecourse has already been greeted with cheers from many of our long standing supporters and our next visit is on Sunday 7th June.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (PAT TESTING)
Since the introduction of our PAT testing service, many exhibitors have taken advantage and now enjoy the peace of mind knowing that their lamps and extension leads are safe. You may recall from previous News Blogs that this is an inexpensive service provided for both you and the safety of the public. The fee of £3.00 must be seen as a bargain price. If you require a PAT test or are concerned about the safety of any of your electrical fittings, please do not hesitate to contact a member of my staff, we are all there to help and ensure a safe and uneventful day.
7th May 2009.
New Venues announced
RADISSON SAS HOTEL DURHAM
Sunday 14th December 2008
Opened in November 2008, the Radisson SAS Hotel is Durham's new flagship luxury hotel. Located on the banks of the Wear and on one of Durham's most popular river walks, the Hotel is adjacent to the National Savings & Pensions Centre and the Passport Office. The Fair will be held in the extensive ground floor Conference Suite with easy access and inclusive, on site, exhibitor parking. Without doubt, the Radisson is Durham's most convenient city centre venue, with adjacent public car parks and a footbridge over the River Wear to the Gala Theatre and Leisure Centre car parks.
RAINTON MEADOWS ARENA
Sunday 8th February 2009
The Arena has undergone a major refurbishment and having recently hosted the televised Sir Bobby Robson Foundation “Night of All Knights” charity dinner, it is now established as Durham's premier entertainment centre. The Arena will accommodate around 150 stands, featuring a new entrance lobby and an extensive free car park with multi door access to the Exhibition Hall. Located to the West of Houghton-le-Spring, the A690 provides a fast, easy connection to the A1 Motorway at junction 62.
NEWCASTLE RACECOURSE
Sunday 22nd March 2009
Following endless requests from both exhibitors and visitors, we return to The North East Exhibition Centre at Newcastle Racecourse in March 2009. The North East's premier Racecourse has free car parking on site and is clearly sign posted from the A1 north of Gosforth. Around 130 stands are available and our return to this prestige Racecourse has already been greeted with cheers from many of our long standing supporters.
20th December 2008
Summer is on its way and with it come the tourists!
HOLIDAY VISITORS….A WELCOME BONUS!
The longer days are here again, great news for the journey home after a Fair and with that comes the summer season. It’s the time when we welcome holiday visitors to the North. More visitors than ever are heading our way this summer and our venues are in terrific locations to take full advantage of the Brits staying on home soil. The Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall Country and Northumberland are likely to benefit this summer and that is great news for our Fairs in key towns such as Alnwick, Hexham, Durham, Penrith and Kendal in particular. Holiday visitors have always had an impact on these Fairs during the summer months, a fact born out by the number of requests for venues sheets from prospective visitors to the North. So, let’s fly the flags high and welcome this added bonus, which this year, could be bigger than ever.
WENTWORTH REDEVELOPMENT COMPLETION
Many of you are asking when the building work at the Leisure Centre in Hexham will be completed; well the good news is that it is on target for August. The Wentworth Leisure Centre Fair is without doubt our greatest success story of the past two decades. It all started in a meeting with the then manager, Darren Lamb in February 1991, when we agreed to hold the first Fair on Tuesday 14th May 1991, Market Day, to be repeated once a month in June, July and August, after which we would evaluate and possibly return the following summer. The success was instant, although much smaller than now with around 45 tables in the early days. After four Fairs, the request from exhibitors was to continue into the autumn. The rest, as they say, is history. Not a month missed since 1991. The Fair has grown and become not only part of the social scene of Tynedale and Northumberland, but also an important monthly meeting place for the Antiques Trade from across the North of England and Scotland.. By August, Wentworth will be the most impressive leisure facility of any market town in the UK, a credit to Leisure Tynedale and the current Manager Geoff Cant. The next Fair will be held on Tuesday 10th June which will be the 205th consecutive month.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (PAT TESTING)
Since the introduction of our PAT testing service, many exhibitors have taken advantage and now enjoy the peace of mind knowing that their lamps and extension leads are safe. You may recall from previous News Blogs that this is an inexpensive service provided for both you and the safety of the public. Whilst there are many PAT Testing companies providing the same service for often considerable fees, one exhibitor recently paying £90.00 to have his lamps tested at a Midland Fair, our fee of £3.00 must be seen as a bargain price. If you require a PAT test or are concerned about the safety of any of your electrical fittings, please do not hesitate to contact a member of my staff, we are all there to help and ensure a safe and uneventful day.
19th May 2008.
What a terrific start to a New Year, and now, along comes a very early Easter!
WILLOWBURN LEISURE CTR. ALNWICK
No longer nestling in a quiet backwater of Alnwick, Willowburn Leisure Centre is now at the heart of the commercial resurgence of this ancient market town. Love them or hate them, the mighty Sainsbury has arrived and with it comes Homebase and Argos in the new Willowburn Retail Park. The Leisure Centre is located at the entrance to the Park, consequently, as we all saw at the last Antiques Fair, business has never been better. Tens of thousands of people now pass the Leisure Centre every week, raising the profile and awareness to people across the region. Our next visit will be on Good Friday 21st March and with bookings already strong, book now to avoid disappointment.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (PAT TESTING)
I’m sure that you are aware that all electrical equipment must, by law, have a current annual test label attached. This notice appears on our web site and all venue lists published by CCE. All venues and organisers throughout the Country are under increasing pressure to enforce this regulation, which is why the matter is constantly highlighted by CCE. You may also know that it can be quite expensive to have your lighting tested annually; therefore from 1st March 2008, CCE will provide a new service for all exhibitors at a nominal cost. From that date, a PAT test will be available at all Fairs.
For a fee of just £3, your appliance will be tested, and should it be safe and pass, a pass label will be affixed and recorded. If it is unsafe, then a fail label will be attached and the appliance must not be used, however the test fee will be wavered. Make sure that you take advantage of this very inexpensive service - this advice should not be ignored.
NEW VENUES OFF TO A FLYING START
As many of you will now know, the New Year has seen the successful launch of a number of new venues including The Shepherds Inn at Carlisle where the facilities and huge free car park were received with huge enthusiasm from both exhibitors and visitors. A buoyant days trading ensured that the next Fair on Sunday 18th May is now almost full. Business was also very brisk on Tyneside at the Silverlink Park Hotel where there has been a terrific appeal to return from exhibitors, the venue will appear again on our programme very soon. We will also return to Marton Country Club on Teeside where the Fair got off to a positive start against all odds, with adverse weather leading up to the weekend and a now, infamous and rather boisterous gypsy wedding reception the night prior to the Fair, which delayed our set up time considerably. The next fair at Marton will be held on Sunday 13th April.
19th February 2008.
Here we are again, at the start of another year, 2008!
You may have heard that last year finished on a positive note, with a very successful Fair at Newcastle Airport Hotel; a steady flow of visitors throughout the day and a lot of money exchanging hands. The recovery of the Fairs programme throughout the last nine months looks set to continue with terrific advance bookings and in some cases Fairs already fully booked.
As you will be aware, today we have an exhibitor stand price increase, the first for two years. Once again, kept to the absolute minimum, the increase will offset two years of marketing and logistical price rises. Also, today you will see that vouchers are being given to our visitors in the form of a 2 for 1 ticket for the Gateshead Fair on Sunday 24th February. This voucher will also be repeated in newspaper adverts prior to the Fair and again at times throughout 2008 to help maintain the attendance on Sundays at Gateshead.
On that note may we wish you a Happy New Year, thank you for your support, and announce three new venues for 2008...
MENZIES SILVERLINK PARK HOTEL, NORTH TYNE.
Located 1 mile north of the Tyne Tunnel, on the junction of the A19 / A1058, Silverlink Retail Park is one of the busiest high profile locations on Tyneside. The Fair will be held in the Conference Centre, adjacent to the hotel, in a warm and comfortable environment. Thousands of people pass this location every week, and with banners and AA signs it is sure to be a successful day. The hotel will be providing food and beverages throughout the day and a large car park will make the visit and access very straight forward. The Fair to be held on January 13th is already well subscribed, so book now to avoid disappointment!
MARTON COUNTRY CLUB, TEESIDE
February 3rd 2008 will see the re-launch of this venue, and a return to Teeside for Colin Caygill Events after a long absence. The location is superb, on the A174, the parking is free, and the venue is vast. There is space for over a hundred stands and with no other Fair of this size within 30 miles, this could, with your support, become one of the North’s most popular venues. A big marketing plan is being put into place with PR, adverts, banners, AA signs and a huge effort from all. It’s now up to you to support this Fair from the beginning, secure your place for the future and take advantage of the vast catchment area of North Yorkshire and Teeside.
SHEPHERDS INN CONFERENCE CENTRE, CARLISLE
A new start for 2008 in Carlisle, with a venue that is perhaps the best known location in the city. Once again this high profile venue is passed by thousands every week, located next to Carlisle Mart, at Junction 43 of the M6 motorway. The adjacent Auctioneer Pub is one of the busiest Sunday Eateries in Carlisle and refreshments will be served throughout the day in the Conference Centre. Parking is free, with space for a thousand cars. Reserve bookings are now being taken, as the first Fair on Sunday 10th February is fully booked.
31st December 2007.