URGENT - EXPO MEET UP - PLASE READ

Penny1959 · 16-09-2011, 12:00 PM

Just had text from Carol who is at Expo as I type - she is very disappointed with the show - says one at NEC was bigger and better

Carol and I still want the meet up to go ahead for the social side of meeting forum friends but wanted to warn you as we know how precious time is.

We hope you will all still come but if you decide to cancel please could you let us know.

I suppose on the positive side we will be able to have a long lunch break and chat our way through the afternoon.

Penny

**nipper** · 16-09-2011, 12:05 PM

Oh no, I'm supposed to be going tomorrow. But never having been to one specifically for childminders/foundation stage (only the education show at the NEC) I'm not really sure what to expect. I've booked to attend one of the seminars as well, so I hope that doesn't disappoint.
Thanks for the heads up!
Emma

Penny1959 · 16-09-2011, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by nipper

Oh no, I'm supposed to be going tomorrow. But never having been to one specifically for childminders/foundation stage (only the education show at the NEC) I'm not really sure what to expect. I've booked to attend one of the seminars as well, so I hope that doesn't disappoint.
Thanks for the heads up!
Emma

Hello Nipper
We arte all meeting up at 12:30 for coffee / lunch. Would be great to meet you - especially as I see you are from 'next door LA area'

Penny

**Donkey** · 16-09-2011, 03:25 PM

it cant be as bad as the tes one as there was hardly anything for early years this year...

my train is booked so Imma coming regardless!!

4 hours of reading for uni on the train lol

**Nix** · 16-09-2011, 04:20 PM

I'm sorry I can't make this one but I hope to catch up with everyone again sooooon :-)

**Donkey** · 16-09-2011, 04:24 PM

will miss you nix!

**Carol M** · 16-09-2011, 04:32 PM

I'm home now and as Penny said.....very disappointed.
Yes there are a number of resource stands and I have bought a few things but I have come home with money in my purse still!!
There were lots of stands that were more suited for nursery purposes and only 1 of the three seminars I attended did I feel reflected at some point on a childminders perspective. yes, the seminar subject was relevent i just felt the content was aimed at nursery type settings.
I hate being negative but i won't be going next year, and I'm sorry to the lady who organises it. I did talk to a stall holder and their arguement was that some of the other shows are too big and they don't get a look in so prefered the smaller events.
To cap it all I have just received an email from Expo saying "sorry to see you didn't attend today"
All that said, looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow, I suggest we meet at the bar/cafe area that is just to the left of the doors into the hall but there are other places to eat, the one I liked the look off for sit down meals was just inside the main entrance to the RICOH , first double doors to the left after the desk.

Carol xx

**sarah707** · 16-09-2011, 05:01 PM

I am sorry it's disappointing

Maybe we have been spoiled after going to the similar one in Manchester.

Money left in my purse is no bad thing I suppose

However we will be there and we are looking forward to seeing everyone!

**murphy61** · 16-09-2011, 06:11 PM

I will be there but don't think i'll be there for lunch meet as ive got to get my dd ready for dancing in the afternoon but will hopefully meet up with some of you still before the meal in the evening. see you all tomorrow.

Jo

**Playmate** · 16-09-2011, 06:23 PM

Oh dear

We have never been to NEC or Manchester so won't be able to compare. We did TES in london a couple of years ago which was good, but Nursery world in London was poor

Never mind I'm still looking forward to a weekend away and meeting all my forum friends

**Donkey** · 16-09-2011, 06:52 PM

me too playmate!!

hope these cafe type places don't mind people with packed lunches

spending £15 on lunch could be spent on..........

RESOURCES!!!!!!!!

besides dont think they would sell hay or raw carrots...

donkey will be trot trot trotting onto the train in the morning!

**Playmate** · 16-09-2011, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Donkey

me too playmate!!

hope these cafe type places don't mind people with packed lunches

spending £15 on lunch could be spent on..........

RESOURCES!!!!!!!!

besides dont think they would sell hay or raw carrots...

donkey will be trot trot trotting onto the train in the morning!

I will bring you a carrot donkey

Penny1959 · 16-09-2011, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by Donkey

me too playmate!!

hope these cafe type places don't mind people with packed lunches

spending £15 on lunch could be spent on..........

RESOURCES!!!!!!!!

besides dont think they would sell hay or raw carrots...

donkey will be trot trot trotting onto the train in the morning!

Naughty Donkey - thinking of all those resources - but can understand why - Donkeys are very good at carrying bags and boxes - so it is only natural that you are thinking of all the things you might buy.

However I can save you from yourself - you can carry the things I buy instead

Penny

**Donkey** · 16-09-2011, 08:59 PM

LOL

I am bringing my big uni backpack....

just in case

**ruby** · 17-09-2011, 03:58 PM

So sorry Ladies but due to family problems yesterday we were not able to atend today luckly managed to cancel Hotel but we have lost the train fare but then family does come first just sorry we could not be with you all today
Hopefully we will meet up again

again so sorry

cathy and Rachel

**sarah707** · 17-09-2011, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by ruby

So sorry Ladies but due to family problems yesterday we were not able to atend today luckly managed to cancel Hotel but we have lost the train fare but then family does come first just sorry we could not be with you all today
Hopefully we will meet up again

again so sorry

cathy and Rachel

So sorry not to see you both. I hope you are ok and the family problems settle down.

Take care xx

Penny1959 · 18-09-2011, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by ruby

So sorry Ladies but due to family problems yesterday we were not able to atend today luckly managed to cancel Hotel but we have lost the train fare but then family does come first just sorry we could not be with you all today
Hopefully we will meet up again

again so sorry

cathy and Rachel

Sorry you could not make it - and hope that the family problems are sorted soon. Hopefully we meet up next time.

Penny

**miffy** · 18-09-2011, 11:52 AM

So was it worth going then (for the resources I mean)?

Miffy xx

**Playmate** · 18-09-2011, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by miffy

So was it worth going then (for the resources I mean)?

Miffy xx

I thought it was Miffy

Got a few bits and have added a bit more to my wish list

It wasn't as busy as other shows we have attended, but as I don't particualrly like crowds, that suited me. I found the sellers lovely and they had time to talk about their products. Probably not the variety you would get at NEC or TES, but to be honest with the TES exhibition alot was orientated towards schools anyway.

Had a fab meal in the evening and great to meat up with forum friends again. All in all great weekend

**sarah707** · 18-09-2011, 01:47 PM

I didn't buy much but it was great to chat to the stall holders and I made some useful contacts for the future.

It was fab to meet all our forum friends we had a lovely time! I have some photos I will try and get on later