Wednesday saw an early start for me, van packed and ready for the Avington Brocante organised by Chloe. Ali Hocking had very kindly asked me if I would like to stay with her in her beautiful home as she doesn't live too far away and then we could set up for the fair on the Wednesday so it wouldn't be too stressful on the Thursday as the fair opened at 9.30am. We set up in 29 degree heat and then travelled back to her home where her lovely Mum and Dad had been holding the fort. We enjoyed a gorgeous dinner of roast chicken, new potatoes, salad with avocado all washed down with Bollinger and followed by strawberries and cream...perfect! We sat out in her garden until 9.00pm in the most glorious weather. Thursday dawned promising to be another hot one which indeed it turned out to be.
The doors opened promptly at 9.30am. Ali, her Mum and myself were in the main entrance opposite one another. It was actually the coolest part of this glorious house so we were lucky not to suffer in the heat.
Some of Ali's gorgeous goodies as we were setting up.
The lovely lady who stood next to me, her stand was full of the most beautiful samplers and folk art. Her friend was helping her and we spent a lot of the day howling with laughter.
A view of the main entrance.
One of the beautiful outside stands setting up. My apologies for not having more pictures of the completed stands but we were so busy.
The front of the gorgeous house. I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Ruth from Oh so Vintage, we managed to have a good natter and she made a couple of purchases from me. Lizzie and Jack had the most fabulous stand and I did make a couple of purchases from them, one being a linen chemise which are quite hard to find in a large size. Kate Forman the textile designer (my favourite) also came although I didn't meet her. It really was the most spectacular day and the weather just added to the enjoyment. A big thank you to Chloe for all her hard work, and also her son who was a real trooper helping everyone unload the heavier items. Her Mum in Law also kept us fortified with the most yummy home made cakes and mugs of tea on the Wednesday, she really is the most wonderful cook.
I'm just in the throes of getting ready for the V&H in Chipping Sodbury tomorrow so hopefully see you there. Have a great weekend.
Jo xx
It looks to have been fab, Jo. What a venue! Wish I could have been there for a spot of retail therapy. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHen xxx
Great pix of the interior Jo..mine are lacking in atmosphere within the building! xx
ReplyDeleteLooks absolutely fantastic Jo.....really wish I could have been there.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for tomorrow too.
Julie x
What a lovely event! How I wish we had more like this in The North xx
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had the most fabulous time my dear :o)
ReplyDeleteHave a really good day tomorrow, and a great weekend.
Love n hugs to you Jo,
Donna xx
what a great place. Love that floor
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
wow wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHope went well today for you my dear..
Maria x
Hi Jo
ReplyDeleteWhat fun and friendship. Your dinner sounded delicious too.
Helen xx
Hi Jo,
ReplyDeleteIt was so lovely to meet you. Wasn't it a fantastic day in such magnificent surroundings? Glad to hear you did so well and I am very pleased with the two items I bought from you.
Ruth x
It all looks wonderful - wish I could have gone there!! Wow........those mannequins in your previous post...........hand them over immediately!!!
ReplyDeletexxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hello Jo; your blog is lovely and your pics are great...very thrilled to see a pic of my stall at Avington outside. What a couple of days...I was soooo hot, but it was a fun event and some lovely customers. Your stall was amazing...I loved the old tutus. I adore mannequins - I have a Stockman size 10 and a larger green mannequin, quite busty on which I hang my necklaces. I hope to see you at one of the listed events...I am doing Hartley Witney. Do come to Village Vintage in Cuckfield on 7 July...you can contact them via Facebook. It is an open air event on a field, with a hay bale champagne bar and also tea rooms. Will be a lot of fun. The pugs are sweet...my colleague has four, so I hear lots of funny tales of pug exploits. I have three dogs, lurcher, whippet and chow chow. Happy vintaging. Julia AKA Gazehound Vintage
ReplyDeleteHi Julia
DeleteIt was lovely to meet you at Avington and your stall was gorgeous. I loved the pair of wooden table lamps that you had, I bet they were the first to go? I am doing Hartley Wintney so will see you there and hopefully Village Vintage if I can get a stand, it sounds fabulous. Pugs are very entertaining little dogs with huge personalities and yes, very naughty! Take care and see you soon.
Jo xx
Gorgeous event and house Jo! xo
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to see you at Avington you had such a beautiful stall, I have a stall at Village Vintage on 7th July so hopefully see you there.
Jillx