Had a fantastic time. Arrived in time to catch the end of the Saturday 'fun day' and used that time to chat with Stephane and Yann, picking up the handbook in the process, as well as getting all by back copies of his previous books signed too.
Then bumped into Mark and Lee for a beer and chat before joining the masses in the next pub along for a pre-panel drink and great conversation... Daz was handing out some swag (as was Stephane) which was a great treat for me having not been able to get to Orlando and I do love all my swag!
The evening moved (for me at least) over to the hall, the food was ok... certainly plentiful, having heard of previous exploits at previous FF's I do wonder if the format of having a late night talk is right though... although I enjoyed it, I had (for me)) drunk a little too much by the time it finally started and possibly didn't give Stephane the attention he deserved!
After a very much appreciated, but slightly hilarious trip back to the hotel (Three Lions; not cheap, but very highly recommended) with my brother stashed in the back of Dave Tree's van along with all Dave's shelving... a good nights sleep set-up for day two.
Sunday was brilliant, SO MUCH vintage you can't imagine... Jason has captured it in the pictures, but in all seriousness, it felt like there was even more than pictured. The hall filled with people and steadily reduced of stock... I picked up a handful of pieces throughout the day all of which (as ever) are already cherished items that I feel blessed to own. Not least a few more Swag items that were bestowed upon me, Rob, Grant and Jez all handing me some little gem through the day - thanks lads!
I can't recommend making a Saturday evening of it enough. The friendships formed and developed and the conversation (I'm a quiet one too) that I got into was the best part of the weekend all round. Shopping is fun, talking and friendships are so much better and cost so much less!