[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
On the other side we did Sovereign Suppliers Fair earlier in June. It was an excellent venue, great parking, lots of space for wheel chairs, a consideration for me at the moment, good selection of suppliers, catering and so. Hardly any one came.
I think that this year the costs of fuel probably had a major effect on people travelling by car and it was also held during the time of the Shell fuel tanker drivers dispute so people may also have been conserving their fuel. Although there wasn't supposed to be any shortages as usual some reacted by keeping their tanks filled more than normal if they could find supplies and were prepared to waste time queuing. I didn't and was running very low when the dispute ended. I don't think that I would have gone from Poole though, my limit is about an hour an a half drive, no problem going there but I've still got to drive home afterwards when I will be tired and I no longer enjoy long journeys by car.
Another factor in the attendance numbers at the Sovereign fair may be OIDFA in early July. Although it is being held in The Netherlands not the UK those who are going to the congress may be saving their money for that. I remember the fair at Ryton upon Dunsmore in September 2002 held after the congress was in Nottingham and that was very quiet and many traders had a poor day. At that time I was on the Lace Guild's stand and I know that our takings were well down compared to previous years.
-- Eve Poole, Dorset, UK - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
