Amazing Axbridge......

A few weeks ago I told you about the 2 day fair at Compton House in Axbridge. It is open for the rest of today until 6.30, and then from tomorrow from 10 until 4.

If you are able to go along, you will have a real treat. This beautiful old house is crammed with stalls selling everything from Lavender soap to fabulous cushions (made with Vintage fabrics)

This display cabinet has vintage china & great handmade items with a Christmas theme

Beautiful cushions are piled high on four poster beds & window seats...

Painted baskets with delicate china...

This Posting box was on display in one of the bathrooms!

Funky Seasonal lampshades.....

.. and even live music while you shop.... this guy was really good!

I fell in love with these felted bags.....

Another bedroom was full of silk clothing & these fab brollies. If you can get to the fair tomorrow I am sure you won't be disappointed as there is so much to see..... and I haven't even mentioned the willow workshop in the basement....

The Class of 1979.....

This week is the 30 year anniversary of the November 1979 intake of student nurses at the Nightingale School of Nursing at St Thomas's hospital in London. The above photo was actually taken a year or so into our training, but it is the only one I have that shows most of the group.
Here are some of us who got together 2 weeks ago to compare wrinkles & grey hair. Ruth hosted a great day & served a delicious lunch. Some of us had not seen each other for 10 or sometimes 15 years, so there was a lot to catch up on. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone & reminiscing over funny stories that we had from our nurse training days....

This hilarious photo was taken I think in 1981, it was during our time at the "Geriatric hospital" in Clapham. We hosted a party for the residents, shown here doing the "Conga" by the look of things!

November, dates for your diary

This months rather gloomy sign from the 1960's school room!

However, it is not all doom & gloom as there are plenty of great vintage events this month.....

Remember how I am always rattling on about going back in time to old fashioned shops? Well, if you take a trip to Ilminster Textiles fair on November 4th, you can pop into Dyers at the opposite end of the High street.... apologies for the quality of the photo, I took it through the doorway. I am always rather shy of taking photos, but one of these days I will be brave enough to ask if I can take some good interior shots of this gem.

The Ilminster fair takes place in The meeting house, Ilminster TA19 0An and is from 9.30 until 4 pm. Admission free.

These photos were taken at last years fair and show the great quality of goods on offer. As well as stunning vintage clothing from Angela Milson there are textiles, trimmings & goodies galore from all the stalls..

Another must for this month is the Stroud international textiles event at Bisley Village Hall, a few miles outside of Stroud on Saturday the 7th of November.

See link to website for full details http://www.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.uk/events.html

Open from 9.30 to 4 and a great event not to be missed!

Last year was well attended, and the stalls were piled high with a variety of vintage goodies for the collector & maker....

Next is the Vintage and Handmade fair on Saturday 14th of November. I had a stall at the very first fair this time last year, and the event has just gone from strength to strength thanks to the hard work of Michele & Jayne.

If the fair in May was anything to go by, this promises to be a bumper event. Quality stalls with beautiful handmade items, vintage toys, pictures, aprons, hats, trimmings, tins, cushions and so much more. The location is the Town hall in the centre of Chipping Sodbury, and is open from 10 to 4. Admission is free and tea and homemade cakes are on sale all day.

http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/

Images from last years Blind Lemon Vintage Fashion fair in Cardiff. A lively & fun event, bursting with sparkle for the Christmas party season. Takes place on Sunday November 15th at The City Hall, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3ND. Open at 10 am (public) Early entry to trade at 9am, and don't forget to hang onto your door ticket for the draw at midday when you get the chance to win £150 worth of vouchers to spend at the fair!

You can tell the Festive season is getting close by the pictures I have chosen to promote the next few fairs.....

Another event in Wales takes place on Saturday November 21st at the Wenvoe Community centre, Old Port Road, Wenvoe near Cardiff. CF5 6AL. The Love Vintage fair is open all day from 10 to 4. There will be stalls selling vintage items, vintage clothes, jewellery, fabrics, textiles and much more..... any questions, email info@plump-pudding.co.uk

Bridport Christmas Market is another new event and takes place on the 28th November at St Mary's church hall, Bridport. Open at 10 am & trading all day until 4 pm. I will be there with a selection of vintage clothing & seasonal inspired goodies!

A great day out as the town of Bridport has plenty of great shops & a vibrant market.

The following day is the Ashley Hall vintage fashion & textile fair in the Assembly rooms, Bennett Street, Bath. Open from 9 am to 4.30 pm, see website for full details

http://www.ashleyhallfairs.co.uk/

Always a super event with a good selection of vintage fashion items, Antique textiles from France and a lot more besides!

Chagford...Honiton...Newark.. it must be Thursday!

This has to be one of the busiest runs of fairs that we have attempted in a long time!

After the bustle of the fairs in Chagford and then Honiton, it was time to pack the van and head off up North.....

The very uninspiring interior of our Shopping Arcade (silly name for a tent don't you think?)

But it soon gets licked into shape with Rosy curtains to cover the sides, and a selection of vintage bits & bobs.....

As you can see the invitations for The Avington Brocante take pride of place...it is this coming Tuesday, the 20th of October if anyone lives in the Winchester (ish) area. Open from 9.30 to 4.

We had a very busy first day, and then day two was slightly quieter.... which meant I had time to catch up with an old friend who lives locally (but not for long, eh Jo!)

You can see that we had to wrap up warm as it was rather chilly! I met some lovely customers, especially a very enthusiastic pair of ladies who bought from me on the Thursday afternoon. (Hi girls, if you are reading this!!) See you in the Spring as I am not brave enough to do this in December, sorry!

Jolly day out at Donna's house sale.

It has taken me a few days to get my act together & get this posted...... but had to share a fab day I had at Donna's Open house sale last week......

So many wonderful goodies to view..... and choose from.....

Oh, if only this CK dress was my size....

Everything was beautifully displayed... you could tell that Donna must have spent AGES getting it all ready.

Aren't these games great fun? A real trip down memory lane.

Ah, now I really am in heaven.... a rail of vintage dresses to work my way through.......

Needless to say, I staggered out of there with a bag of lovely things. It really was a super way to shop. Look forward to the next one Donna. (when you & your mum have the energy to host it!!)

To find out more, check the website http://www.donnaflower.com