Poised And Ready!

Today began with the alarm ringing at 2.30am. By just after 3 Chippy and I were heading down the M6 to Tamworth for the UK's Vapefest. The second annual event for those who have given up the tar-laden cigarettes in favour of inhaling vapours from manufactured "juices".

We arrived at 7am to find the general public outside the hotel queuing to get in. The event didn't open until 10am! One person on a vaping forum said: "There were only 8 of us until around 5 am"

One moderately-sized marquee, in the back garden of a pub, attracted 1000 - 2000 visitors from all over the country. It was bedlam! Lots, and lots of excited people all eager to talk to ANYONE about their latest vaping device!

People had to queue patiently to get a look at any stand, one giving free samples of "juice had a constant queue about 25m long and 2 people wide.

I was delighted when, very early in the day, I sold my first decorated tank, the engraved dragon. The last one I made and blipped yesterday! I sold more as the day went on and we were very happy with the day as a whole.

I've not exhibited at an event with this buying frenzy since the eighties when a local firm, Lilliput Lane, used to invite Cumbrian craftsmen to their Collectors Fairs.

We got back to the house just as the clock turned midnight. We had been out for 21 hours. Very tired!