Sunday came and the weather was fine and not quite as windy as it had been on the Saturday. Alison, Jacqui and myself got to the building where Real would be signing at around 9.50am as we had offered to "help" out on the unpacking table. We have been offering our help for years, but this is the first year our offer had been taken up. You will see in the photos of Alison, Jacqui and myself that we are wearing CWS shirts. Bill Dodds gave them to us some time ago, but its the first time we have worn them at an event. I have to say that the three of us thorough enjoyed our day "helping out" and have offered to help again anytime. Alison and myself had fun chatting to collectors while unpacking their dragons and passing the dragons to Reals table for signing. Then 2 CWS staff (Stephen and his fiancee Phillipa) were re packing them. While Jacqui was in charge of selling the raffle tickets. At one point I was unpacking the dragons and Alison moved to the other side of Reals table to re pack the dragons, while Stephen and Phillipa went for a well deserved break. When they came back we went for a break and took Muff with us (smile).
I had just been to move my car nearer to the building we were in, when I saw these three handsome men walking towards me (smile). I couldnt resist and asked if I could take their photo, and they agreed, Im sure everyone recognises them...if not they are left to right as you are looking at it Mike Payne (Miranda) - Me To You Bears, Real (who we all know and love) and David Corbridge - Piggins, but everyone who was at the event knows - piggins cant play draughts.....Pocket Dragons 2 Piggins 0 (sorry David, couldnt resist) (smile).
Before the event started I gave Muff and Real their birthday presents. Muff decided that she and Real should have a photo taken wearing the masks that I had bought her for her birthday. I think she liked them (smile). I bought Real a book for his birthday entitled Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Photo courtesy of Rick Ford...thanks Rick.
After giving Real and Muff their birthday presents, Alison, Jacqui and myself gave them their Wedding Anniversary present from the 3 of us. Its a carousel, complete with Muffs beloved horses all the way round it (smile), which holds photos, and when you take the top off there is a storage area in the centre. As soon as I saw it in a local gift shop I thought immediately of Muff (smile). Real is holding the book I bought him for his birthday, but upside down (smile). Photo courtesy of Rick Ford...thanks again Rick.
Real busy talking to collectors and explaining about "My Guardian Dragon", who is about to be taken out of his nice comfy "travel case" to be autographed (smile). While Muff smiling, listens and looks on. "The Cookie Commandos" set is the next one in line to get discussed while being autographed (smile). What a wonderful set it is too, I love mine, complete with my dogtag (smile)
That time is here again...I mean of course "Prize Draw" time (smile). Today all the prize draws are held in one room. The artists get together, ready to start with the different prize draws, everyone gathers round waiting with baited breath thinking..."hope I win". Finally the only prizes left to draw are the raffles for the ABC Cancer Charity. The winner from the Pocket Dragons raffle won Shark Patrol and a CWS shirt signed by Real.
The prize draw winners, but not in the right order...sorry: Marie Clarke, Dominique Taylor, Paul Brindle, and either Julie or Linda Houseman in the pink top who won the draught set, and of course Real and Muff (smile). Many congratulations to all of you (smile).
Here we are still busy working, having a chat and a laugh with some of the collectors, and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. When Jacqui saw Rick "hovering" waiting to take a photo of us, she "borrowed" a baby so she could hide behind him, she doesnt like having her photo taken (smile). photo courtesy of Rick Ford...thanks again Rick
Not many people left in the queue now as the security people stopped people joining it a short time before the prize draws were due to take place. Then the majority of people left to go home.
So the event weekend comes to an end, only the packing up to do now. Real collects what pens he hasnt used (not many) whilst having a chat with Andi (gotcha Andi...another one who doesnt like having her photo taken)(smile). While Muff packs up their presents and cards received from collectors. Shortly after I had taken this photo Sally from CWS came along and started having fun by bursting some of the balloons. Then her husband Paul came into the room and frightened us all half to death by suddenly running and jumping straight onto a balloon....it sounded like an explosion..typical Paul, he hasnt changed at all (smile).
A very bigTHANK YOUto Real and Muff for taking the time to come over and see us all in the UK for the weekend. Im sure I speak for all collectors when I say we really do appreciate you coming over. Also a bigTHANK YOUto all the staff from CWS who gave up their weekend voluntarily so that the event could take place.
