Ive been up the unit for most of the day today, cocooned in the back office without a clue as to what is happening outside!
Ive been busy working all day, so much to do! The process of getting a tweed jacket from the hanger to the customer is staggering. Just getting it up onto ebay is a major achievement!
Its been a while since Ive sold vintage clothing, but its all coming back to me as to how much hard work it all is!
But, Im not complaining, Ive got more work than I can handle, and Ive just spoke to my client who is bringing more down for me on Monday evening!
Tuesday Im off with him to Kempton, its a massive antiques fair. Ive never been before so we will be stalling out and hopefully making a few quid in the process. A bit of an early start though. We are meeting up at 2000hrs on Monday, driving up, and kipping in the van ready for the gates to open early o'clock! That beats getting up at 0400hrs for Ford Market look very easy!
"M" came up the unit late afternoon and sorted a few things out, then as we were packing up, the heavens openned!
Got back to the caravan to find some rather large puddles around the van and the roof of the awning sagging under the weight of the water! Google earth is now showing a rather large lake next to our caravan which happens to be on top of our awning!
Pushed the roof up and torrents of water flew off straight down the sides, then back in underneath the awning! We didnt put the awning carpet down this time, probably just as well, at least you can see where the puddles are!
Not sure what has happened to the awning though. I thought it was all fairly taught, but evidently not, so now not sure how to sort it out! Will have a play in daylight tomorrow, but if we get another heavy down pour, Im going to have to get up and push the water off! Deep joy!
I do feel sorry for a couple who turned up at the same time as we did back on site, with rivers of water running down the track Im not too sure how they are going to get on putting up their tent!
No plans for tomorrow, other than working! But, the way Im looking at it, the more work I do, the more I earn, and when the shows are on Ill be relaxing, and not doing any listing, so till the 19th of May its flat out!
Well, its getting late so heading off to bed, once China dog has gone out for a paddle!
Till later..............
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy!
Not too sure where this week has gone!
My new client has landed me with a proposition that I couldnt refuse, so apart from one day a week where I am back in good ole' Shaston the rest of my time is now taken!
I will be running an ebay site, selling vintage clothing and sporting accessories, the name I will release once things are up and running!
Its all very exciting, with a great deal of work to do!
Its also a cracking deal for me, so Im not complaining at all. As with most things in life, if you put the effort in then you will be rewarded.
Today I set up my new photographic studio up at the unit, complete with two flash-lights, which Im trying to get my head around, Ive almost got it sussed, but coupled with using a new camera its a bit of a learning curve! The camera is a Nikon D3000 with a Nikon 18-55mm lens.
Not to mention the new apple mac desktop computer! Not having any real experience of mac its a bit of a challenge to get it all up and running.
There has been plenty of swearing and cursing going on whilst Im making mistakes!
Stock now is not an issue, Ive got more tweed jackets than a posh gentlemans outfitters!
Of course I will be plying my wares on here! So if you ever fancied looking like the landed gentry, then Ive bound to have the tweed jacket for you, Ive also got over a dozen barbour jackets of various sizes, ready for a downpour!
Im taking over running an existing ebay site, to say its had a few problems recently is a bit of an understatement, its been badly managed by the previous person who ran it, but now that Im on board its just the mess to clear up, and move on! There is alot of mess to clear up, and I think a few negative feedbacks will be whizzing in over the next couple of weeks, whilst I try and sort out what the heck has been going on! The previous person has been given the boot so its really a fresh start all around.
The guy who owns the business is a smashing bloke, as with all antique/traders, slightly off his rocker, but so far so good! He is totally hands off, all he wants to do is buy the stock, my job is to sell it!
Im just glad that we have the unit, without it I wouldnt of been able to do any of this, its just too big a project.
So between the shows this year, its absolutely flat out, long hours and no doubt alot of stress as well, but the upside, I can feel a new 4x4 coming on!
As its now pumpkin time at 0001hrs Im off to bed, another long day tomorrow, working all weekend, and if this weather keeps up, its currently pouring down with lightening flashing around us, then I dont think Ill be missing much!
Till later...........................
My new client has landed me with a proposition that I couldnt refuse, so apart from one day a week where I am back in good ole' Shaston the rest of my time is now taken!
I will be running an ebay site, selling vintage clothing and sporting accessories, the name I will release once things are up and running!
Its all very exciting, with a great deal of work to do!
Its also a cracking deal for me, so Im not complaining at all. As with most things in life, if you put the effort in then you will be rewarded.
Today I set up my new photographic studio up at the unit, complete with two flash-lights, which Im trying to get my head around, Ive almost got it sussed, but coupled with using a new camera its a bit of a learning curve! The camera is a Nikon D3000 with a Nikon 18-55mm lens.
Not to mention the new apple mac desktop computer! Not having any real experience of mac its a bit of a challenge to get it all up and running.
There has been plenty of swearing and cursing going on whilst Im making mistakes!
Stock now is not an issue, Ive got more tweed jackets than a posh gentlemans outfitters!
Of course I will be plying my wares on here! So if you ever fancied looking like the landed gentry, then Ive bound to have the tweed jacket for you, Ive also got over a dozen barbour jackets of various sizes, ready for a downpour!
Im taking over running an existing ebay site, to say its had a few problems recently is a bit of an understatement, its been badly managed by the previous person who ran it, but now that Im on board its just the mess to clear up, and move on! There is alot of mess to clear up, and I think a few negative feedbacks will be whizzing in over the next couple of weeks, whilst I try and sort out what the heck has been going on! The previous person has been given the boot so its really a fresh start all around.
The guy who owns the business is a smashing bloke, as with all antique/traders, slightly off his rocker, but so far so good! He is totally hands off, all he wants to do is buy the stock, my job is to sell it!
Im just glad that we have the unit, without it I wouldnt of been able to do any of this, its just too big a project.
So between the shows this year, its absolutely flat out, long hours and no doubt alot of stress as well, but the upside, I can feel a new 4x4 coming on!
As its now pumpkin time at 0001hrs Im off to bed, another long day tomorrow, working all weekend, and if this weather keeps up, its currently pouring down with lightening flashing around us, then I dont think Ill be missing much!
Till later...........................
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Next Show! Three Okefords Preservation Society Annual Rally 21st 22nd May 2011
Our next show is the Three Okefords Preservation Society Annual Rally on the 21st & 22nd of May.
We both consider this to be one of our favourites, its only a small show, but with a bit of everything including tractor pulling! Which if you have never seen before is awesome.
After changing the plug and cleaning the magneto on my engine its running really well so fingers crossed that it stays that way!
A couple of other tickets arrived today for shows, which are the Mosterton Summer Show 2nd & 3rd July and the Selwood Steam And Vintage Vehicle Preservation Society Southwick Rally 28th 29th and 30th May.
We havent been to either of these shows before so will be interesting to see how these turn out.
We both went to fat club this evening to be weighed in. After not having been for two weeks as we have been away, and eating and drinking all the wrong things, such as easter eggs, hot cross buns x 3, ice cream (various amounts) cider, ale, rum, red wine, (copious amounts) bacon and egg rolls (several), danish pastries x 2, chips (various portions).
But, I was pleasently surprised to find that I had actually lost 1.5Lbs! Ok, not a great loss, but considering the amount of bad/wrong food I thought I would of gained.
"M" managed to put on 1/2Lb, I did tell her not to have the chocolate brownies, but she wouldnt listen!
So back on track again now, and will be good till the 21st May!
My meeting with my new client went very well today, a deal has been struck, so now Im flat out with so much work it will be a struggle to keep up with it! Not that Im complaining in the slightest. in fact its a nice problem to have.
Im back down the other side of Dorchester again tomorrow morning first thing to collect stock and a few bits and pieces from him. Will tell you more about it all once Im up and running!
Had to get the unit sorted out this afternoon to make way for all the new stock arriving and of the setting up of the new photographic studio! Have now gone proper professional with flash lighting mounted to tripods x 2, with a purpose built photo box. Ill take a picture once Ive constructed it. It will all make sense then!
Finally the new owners came to day to collect their drinks cabinet, which sold for just under a fiver! They seemed very happy with it, and so they should!
Well, enough from me, up with the sparrows again tomorrow, so,
Till later................
We both consider this to be one of our favourites, its only a small show, but with a bit of everything including tractor pulling! Which if you have never seen before is awesome.
After changing the plug and cleaning the magneto on my engine its running really well so fingers crossed that it stays that way!
A couple of other tickets arrived today for shows, which are the Mosterton Summer Show 2nd & 3rd July and the Selwood Steam And Vintage Vehicle Preservation Society Southwick Rally 28th 29th and 30th May.
We havent been to either of these shows before so will be interesting to see how these turn out.
We both went to fat club this evening to be weighed in. After not having been for two weeks as we have been away, and eating and drinking all the wrong things, such as easter eggs, hot cross buns x 3, ice cream (various amounts) cider, ale, rum, red wine, (copious amounts) bacon and egg rolls (several), danish pastries x 2, chips (various portions).
But, I was pleasently surprised to find that I had actually lost 1.5Lbs! Ok, not a great loss, but considering the amount of bad/wrong food I thought I would of gained.
"M" managed to put on 1/2Lb, I did tell her not to have the chocolate brownies, but she wouldnt listen!
So back on track again now, and will be good till the 21st May!
My meeting with my new client went very well today, a deal has been struck, so now Im flat out with so much work it will be a struggle to keep up with it! Not that Im complaining in the slightest. in fact its a nice problem to have.
Im back down the other side of Dorchester again tomorrow morning first thing to collect stock and a few bits and pieces from him. Will tell you more about it all once Im up and running!
Had to get the unit sorted out this afternoon to make way for all the new stock arriving and of the setting up of the new photographic studio! Have now gone proper professional with flash lighting mounted to tripods x 2, with a purpose built photo box. Ill take a picture once Ive constructed it. It will all make sense then!
Finally the new owners came to day to collect their drinks cabinet, which sold for just under a fiver! They seemed very happy with it, and so they should!
Well, enough from me, up with the sparrows again tomorrow, so,
Till later................
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Moved From Yeovil To Three Legged Cross
We left the showground at Abbey Hill Steam Rally around 1100 hrs this morning, we weren't the last to leave, but not far off it!
It took around 1.5hrs to get back to our favourite campsite with no dramas on the way back.
We pitched up and set up putting the large awning on the van. Its amazing the difference to the site in just two weeks, it looks so much greener, we could see through the tree's before we left, you cant see a thing now, so lovely and secluded!
We haven't bothered putting the awning carpet down, ours is breathable, but after a couple of weeks the grass does tend to look a bit sad, so to save the pitch from that we decided against using it this time.
As per normal the cadac was fired up this evening, we did potato wedges, and Chinese flavoured pork with salad. Very good it was as well!
Off tomorrow to a little village the other side of Dorchester called Puncknowle to meet a new client. After having several phone conversations over the last 24hrs, all is looking good! Will find out more tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it!
Early start as the meeting is for 0900hrs and I'm around 1.5hrs away, so will be up with the larks tomorrow!
It really is lovely being back here, it feels so right. Ill take some pictures tomorrow if I can.
Well, off to iron a shirt! Got to make a half decent impression, cant go in my usual attire of shorts!
Till later..............
It took around 1.5hrs to get back to our favourite campsite with no dramas on the way back.
We pitched up and set up putting the large awning on the van. Its amazing the difference to the site in just two weeks, it looks so much greener, we could see through the tree's before we left, you cant see a thing now, so lovely and secluded!
We haven't bothered putting the awning carpet down, ours is breathable, but after a couple of weeks the grass does tend to look a bit sad, so to save the pitch from that we decided against using it this time.
As per normal the cadac was fired up this evening, we did potato wedges, and Chinese flavoured pork with salad. Very good it was as well!
Off tomorrow to a little village the other side of Dorchester called Puncknowle to meet a new client. After having several phone conversations over the last 24hrs, all is looking good! Will find out more tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it!
Early start as the meeting is for 0900hrs and I'm around 1.5hrs away, so will be up with the larks tomorrow!
It really is lovely being back here, it feels so right. Ill take some pictures tomorrow if I can.
Well, off to iron a shirt! Got to make a half decent impression, cant go in my usual attire of shorts!
Till later..............
Monday, 2 May 2011
Abbey Hill Steam Rally - Day 4
Day 4 of the rally, and its a bit windy! Which Im afraid seems to of put people off coming. Its been very queit today, so much so that alot of exhibitors were packing up at 1400hrs and going home themselves!
Not us though! Another night here, well, why not its free camping!
I would estimate that 95% of exhibitors have packed up and gone home only leaving a few die hards left!
Its funny as I was out cooking on the cadac again this evening I said to "M" that this time last year when ever we left a rally we would always say, wouldnt it be brilliant just to pack up and move onto the next camp site. Funny how things turned out! So becareful what you wish for!
Really looking forward to going back to our favourite camp site. We have our old pitch back as well, lovely and secluded with masses of space around us. Very quiet and peaceful, just what you need after a long day slaving over a hot laptop!
Talking briefly of work, took a phone call from a new potential client today, I was recommended to him and am off to visit him on Wednesday morning! Looks like it could be alot of work, which would be great news!
I took the engine back to our unit this evening and was back for 1900hrs, just enough time for a shower and then cooked Italian sausages, a couple of small burgers, lime and corriander chicken and a piece of chicken tikka. Plenty of salad and a pint of blackthorn washed it down.
Yesterday, I went out and about and took a few pictures of caravans, thought Id better as this is a blog with a strong caravan influence!
So here are a few that I found.
Finally. Yes, Roast chicken roast potatoes and parsnips can be cooked on the versatile cadac. That was our Sunday lunch! The envy of many a camper!
Up fairly early tomorrow, we are on the move and when we get to the camp site the big awning has to be collected and put up. Along with retrieving the 500 from Woodgreen which is where we left it!
So till later...............
Not us though! Another night here, well, why not its free camping!
I would estimate that 95% of exhibitors have packed up and gone home only leaving a few die hards left!
Its funny as I was out cooking on the cadac again this evening I said to "M" that this time last year when ever we left a rally we would always say, wouldnt it be brilliant just to pack up and move onto the next camp site. Funny how things turned out! So becareful what you wish for!
Really looking forward to going back to our favourite camp site. We have our old pitch back as well, lovely and secluded with masses of space around us. Very quiet and peaceful, just what you need after a long day slaving over a hot laptop!
Talking briefly of work, took a phone call from a new potential client today, I was recommended to him and am off to visit him on Wednesday morning! Looks like it could be alot of work, which would be great news!
I took the engine back to our unit this evening and was back for 1900hrs, just enough time for a shower and then cooked Italian sausages, a couple of small burgers, lime and corriander chicken and a piece of chicken tikka. Plenty of salad and a pint of blackthorn washed it down.
Yesterday, I went out and about and took a few pictures of caravans, thought Id better as this is a blog with a strong caravan influence!
So here are a few that I found.
 |
| A pair of Dandy trailer tents being towed both by vintage Citreon vans |
 |
| Not sure of make, but has seen better days, but still in use! |
 |
| Home made trailer/caravan complete with awning, TV and Fridge inside trailer! |
 |
| Pop Up! |
 |
| Home made trailer tent built by Gent seated 1977 |
 |
| As above |
 |
| Not sure of make - Any ideas? |
 |
| Eccles 1933 For Sale At £9500 |
 |
| 1966 Dovetail Minum |
 |
| As Above |
 |
| Cheltenham Sable 1969 |
 |
| Sprite Cadet 1970 |
 |
| Viking Fibreline |
 |
| Roast Chicken |
Finally. Yes, Roast chicken roast potatoes and parsnips can be cooked on the versatile cadac. That was our Sunday lunch! The envy of many a camper!
Up fairly early tomorrow, we are on the move and when we get to the camp site the big awning has to be collected and put up. Along with retrieving the 500 from Woodgreen which is where we left it!
So till later...............
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Abbey Hill Steam Rally - Day 3 And Our 250th Consecutive Night!
Another day here at the Abbey Hill Steam Rally.
Thankfully the weather is holding up, a quick shower during the night, and still a little breezy but reasonably warm, Im sat in the awning entrance in shorts and shirt.
We gave the engine a good clean up this morning, it was in need of it! It now looks rather smart and we even had a comment from another Wolseley owner saying how good it looked! That was nice coming from an experienced engine owner!
A bit of lazy start to the day, we didnt fire up the engine till nearly 1100 hrs and Ill be switching it off around 1600 hrs. In that time I will of used approx 1.5litres of fuel. Not bad for an old engine.
We went and had a look around yesterday and I took a few more photographs that Ive added on to the bottom.
Yesterday evening we went for a bite to eat across the road at the Rugby Club and afterwards wished we hadnt, it was rubbish! I guess we are used to eating good food. Wont be doing that again!
After that we had a wander up to the beer tent to see what the band was like, they were ok, we stayed around by the steam engines for a bit, these were parked up outside the beer tent, then we made our way back to the van.
I cant believe how tired we get at these shows, its the same everytime we do one! In bed for around 2300 and out like a light!
Bacon and eggs on the cadac this morning and later on today we will be roasting a whole chicken with roast potatoes and parsnips as well! Just to make the other campers around envious!
Its been overcast all day, and we havent seen that many people walk by which is a shame as so much effort goes into these shows, with all of it being done by volunteers.
Well, better get back to work, I brought a load of postcards with me, and Ive been busy the last couple of days editing the pictures, ready to be listed today! So its not all sitting around and watching the world go by!
Till later...........
Thankfully the weather is holding up, a quick shower during the night, and still a little breezy but reasonably warm, Im sat in the awning entrance in shorts and shirt.
We gave the engine a good clean up this morning, it was in need of it! It now looks rather smart and we even had a comment from another Wolseley owner saying how good it looked! That was nice coming from an experienced engine owner!
A bit of lazy start to the day, we didnt fire up the engine till nearly 1100 hrs and Ill be switching it off around 1600 hrs. In that time I will of used approx 1.5litres of fuel. Not bad for an old engine.
We went and had a look around yesterday and I took a few more photographs that Ive added on to the bottom.
Yesterday evening we went for a bite to eat across the road at the Rugby Club and afterwards wished we hadnt, it was rubbish! I guess we are used to eating good food. Wont be doing that again!
After that we had a wander up to the beer tent to see what the band was like, they were ok, we stayed around by the steam engines for a bit, these were parked up outside the beer tent, then we made our way back to the van.
I cant believe how tired we get at these shows, its the same everytime we do one! In bed for around 2300 and out like a light!
Bacon and eggs on the cadac this morning and later on today we will be roasting a whole chicken with roast potatoes and parsnips as well! Just to make the other campers around envious!
Its been overcast all day, and we havent seen that many people walk by which is a shame as so much effort goes into these shows, with all of it being done by volunteers.
 |
| View From The Awning |
 |
| Engine Now Gleaming! |
 |
| "M" Bulling Up The Brass Fire Extinguisher! |
 |
| Steam Rollers |
 |
| Steam Lorries |
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| Showmans Engine And Steam Crane |
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| Field Marshall Tractor |
 |
| Now Thats What You Call A Caravan! |
Till later...........
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Abbey Hill Steam Rally Exhibits - Something For Everyone!
Ive just been reading through the programme for Abbey Hill Steam Rally, there really is something here for everyone.
There are 25 full size steam engines, ranging from the agrigultural type to the showmans.
18 miniature steam engines, total replicas of their full size cousins.
210 Vintage and classic motorcycles and trikes.
40 Landrovers
17 Emergency vehicles - From fire engines to ambulances
There is a craft tent full of crafty type things (not my cup of tea) but each to their own!
2 Old fairground organs
A model section including a collection of milk bottles!
Outside displays including a collection of teapots!
136 Stationary Engines - This is where we are no 133 if your looking for us!
Well over 300 classic and vintage cars - thats alot of cars
152 vintage and classic tractors, some still being used on farms today!
11 vintage caravans - just a little bit too basic now, but they do look good.
There is a vintage working area, with saw benches etc.
43 Military vehicles
65 Commercial vehicles
So with plenty to look at plus the arena which has a full programme of events which includes nearly all the above vehicles parading around it, this really is a family show.
Plenty of parking, and the weather is ok, so if you are reasonably close, come on down for a good day out!!
Oh and dont forget to come and say Hi!
Off to cook breakfast on the cadac!
Till later
There are 25 full size steam engines, ranging from the agrigultural type to the showmans.
18 miniature steam engines, total replicas of their full size cousins.
210 Vintage and classic motorcycles and trikes.
40 Landrovers
17 Emergency vehicles - From fire engines to ambulances
There is a craft tent full of crafty type things (not my cup of tea) but each to their own!
2 Old fairground organs
A model section including a collection of milk bottles!
Outside displays including a collection of teapots!
136 Stationary Engines - This is where we are no 133 if your looking for us!
Well over 300 classic and vintage cars - thats alot of cars
152 vintage and classic tractors, some still being used on farms today!
11 vintage caravans - just a little bit too basic now, but they do look good.
There is a vintage working area, with saw benches etc.
43 Military vehicles
65 Commercial vehicles
So with plenty to look at plus the arena which has a full programme of events which includes nearly all the above vehicles parading around it, this really is a family show.
Plenty of parking, and the weather is ok, so if you are reasonably close, come on down for a good day out!!
Oh and dont forget to come and say Hi!
Off to cook breakfast on the cadac!
Till later
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