The Oxford Show in July this year started the day in rain and by the afternoon was bathed in brilliant warmth and sunshine.
The footfall from enthusiastic show goers was consistently steady and from what the exhibitors told me, a fair number of people were eager to purchase the treasures on display around Exeter Hall.
As many of you know, I am one of the organisers for this popular UK show, which is one of the smaller British shows, usually held four times each year, and timed to coincide with dealers returning to the UK with new 'finds' from the larger international shows.
This seems to work pretty well and suits many dealers and collectors alike.
The show, being smaller, lends itself to also being a great place to socialise and catch up with like minded friends. It's always a popular collectors fair and the majority agree it's ideally located to meet up with other collectors for a chat over a cuppa and a bacon buttie or slice of cake.
Emily who runs the catering at the hall on behalf of the Food Larder, which is a charity working with food banks and local supermarkets and military bases to prevent food waste. The catering that Emily and her team of volunteers produce is outstanding and the lady herself is an absolute joy. The breakfast baps are legendary ..though the tea could do with a bit more…tea ( but I do like a proper cup of ‘ builders ‘ tea ( strong) preferably Yorkshire 😉) I can certainly recommend the chips ( as in steak fries to our American friends).
Jolyon Ralph ( mindat) was there thinning out his mineral collection and had some great British classics and some good books available too.
Other familiar faces included Steve Plant and Roy Starkey BEM .
It's always lovely catching up with many friends at these shows. A stark reminder to keep in contact, was the sad loss of another friend and renowned mineral collector, George Fletcher, who sadly passed away in June a few weeks ago. He will be missed by many.
Yet another fabulous show. The next Oxford Mineral & Fossil Show will be the Sunday the week after the Sussex Show ( Sunday 26 November). Looking forward to seeing more friends and meeting new ones at that one or other shows.
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