I picked up Derek Lyons from his home at the crack of dawn, in order to be in Portsmouth good and early. As usual, I programmed my idiosyncratic ancient Tom Tom with the postcode and off we went.
The weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky and hardly a breeze in the air! As usual, Derek and I chatted without noticing where we were going as, directed by the Tom Tom, we headed out of London in a general south-bound direction. We hadn't met up for some time, so had a lot to chat about and soon found ourselves not far from the coast.
Those of you who have read this blog may remember our trip to visit a fan called Jamie DuPont for a private signing, when the same Tom Tom took us on a trip around the universe - anywhere but Jamie's. It obviously doesn't like us talking over it, because this time it took us to a point just short of Brighton, when the postcode was most definitely Portsmouth!!! I suppose we must be grateful we at least headed south! LOL
Undaunted and unphased, we started off again along the coast and thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected diversion and scenery! We arrived in Portsmouth early! Yes! Early!!! And soon we were setting up in the hall of the Mountbatten Centre - a large sports and community centre towards the centre of Portsmouth. The dealers had been there considerably longer and were almost all set up. Quite an impressive array of toys and collectibles from a wide range of tables!
I had dropped my camera the day before and it failed me with blurry pictures, as you can see from the above, so I have to thank others for any pictures which follow...
The show got underway around 10 am, after the other guests had also set up - Toby Philpott, John Coppinger, Rusty Goffe, Colin Baker, Erkan Mustafa and Lee McDonald. Unfortunately, John Chapman was unable to attend, nor Pam Rose.
The day progressed well - not hugely packed out but a steady, busy stream of visitors and collectors, who kept us well-employed chatting and signing. My compliments to the organisers of the event, who had pulled out the stops to have everything well arranged and seamlessly running. We were very well tended to and everyone was most welcoming!
Derek and I were surprised by Terry Welsh and members of the Dorset Troopers, as we were both awarded Honorary Memberships! A very great pleasure for us both, as we are close to many of the members and are eager to support them in all they do - a really nice and genuine group of friendly and devoted people who deserve more recognition!!!
With us visiting was out mutual good friend Wendy Lowder, pictured centre-front in the picture above.
Our trip home went uneventfully door-to-door - mostly because I didn't switch on the Tom Tom!!! :-)
Having reached Derek's, we next set about recording our contributions to a skit for Joe Mignano of Dark Empire Radio - an improbable encounter between the Executor and Star Trek's Enterprise!!! Needless to say, we were tired and in fits of giggles and bad behaviour whilst we tried to get ourselves through the script...I think the outtakes might be more entertaining, though X-rated for language!!!
And so home to an early night with the Eurovision Song Contest blaring out from surrounding TVs all over the place! What is it with people not being able to listen to their TVs any longer unless they are deafening? And this remark from someone who is partially deaf!!!
Anyway, my apologies for the lack of photos - I shall have to beg more from friends. Next stop...Copenhagen!
No comments:
Post a Comment