Opinions on Leeds

[Andrew Ferguson]

I arrived at my first show / meet of this kind and wasn't sure what to expect. (Actually I expecting a lot of beardy type blokes, the ones that insist on drinking real ale.) My son James and I got to Rothwell about 11:15 and scoured the hall for any sign of the BTS. Didn't see anything. All the exhibitors baring about 2 companies had no way of identifying them other than a white sticker saying Exhibitor. Anyway, we had a wonder around for about an hour looking at all the tarantulas and scorpions and even one solifuge. I was very tempted to buy a scorpling, but I was under strict orders not to return with anything live.
We bought a book on British butterflies and moths, a small scorpion encased in an acrylic block and just some general bits and bobs. I saw one lady who I mistook for Lisa and felt a complete idiot in the process.
I had a nice little chat with one guy regarding his false Widow spider and was tempted to get one of those too. Gorgeous little spider.
It was a shame I didn't bump into anyone from the BTS and we left about an hour after we arrived as my 4 year olds attention was waining and he wanted to go see his grandparents.
All in all, I was impressed and hope next year its gets even bigger. And maybe next time, some of those brachy slings and scorps can come home with me.

[Steve Coe]

I thoroughly enjoyed it too.

We probably walked past you Andrew, we arrived at 11.15 too.

We had a wander to see what was on offer then bought a couple of hygrometers, a few clear boxes for juveniles, a P miranda, a H lividum, a N coloratovillosus and 2 Empire Scorpions for the boyo.

but sadly I was half way home and started having the "shoulda coulda blues".

It would of been nice to have seen a few of the BTS lot. Maybe next time...

[Lisa Baines]

We got there about half 1. was quite impressed.. came home with lots of new goodies!
You know that 1st stall on the left hand side that had the mantids and stag beetles etc etc... well they packed up over an hour before the end and the organizers weren't happy at all. Apparently they gave them a piece of their mind about the fact there were 'paying people' still arriving.
(my dad in law heard it all lol)

Was awesome to meet everyone... sorry you felt a plonker for mistaking someone as me... but just been giggling my socks off... sorry lol

We think we will be doing a stall there next year

[Andrew Ferguson]

I thoroughly enjoyed it too.

We probably walked past you Andrew, we arrived at 11.15 too.

We had a wander to see what was on offer then bought a couple of hygrometers, a few clear boxes for juveniles, a P miranda, a H lividum, a N coloratovillosus and 2 Empire Scorpions for the boyo.

but sadly I was half way home and started having the "shoulda coulda blues".

It would of been nice to have seen a few of the BTS lot. Maybe next time...

I was the one that kept telling a little spikey haired boy to stop touching things!

[Lisa Baines]

thats why we left the kids at home with nanna lol!

[Alexander Ramsey]

Rather impressed!! My other half was less so (the blondie sat by the ladies with a poorly looking 4 year old asleep on her and a nipper in a pram). Unfortunately I bought nothing though. My rather short selective list wasn't dented till I got home and logged on to the spider shop. However I didn't walk totally empty handed as the experience was well worth while even if a little short (ref the poorly 4 year old).
If this is an annual event, I'm already looking forward to the next, and if those Baines' have a stall, I'm sure I'll need a trolley, lol.

[Lisa Baines]

hahaha... you need a trolley... we need a bigger house!

[Colin D Wilson]

Went with a random child, crazy but lovely yorkshire lass, dozey scotsman (long journey from up north for him) and an archnid loving Canadian (now living in London)
i.e. Shane, Gemma, Andrew and James.

Throughly enjoyed myself, i missed a few people who i wanted to see as we turned up a little late due to my ineptitude at driving and directions (promptly put right by the afore said Yorkshire lass with much micky taking).

The selection of animals was very good, even for such a small first event, and we all came back with a good few deals (thanks especially to the lads at Tarantula Barn for the scorpions and of course (as always) Steve Mac for throwing tubs of "assorted stuff" my way (don't forget to PM your address mate and i'll get Shane to sort out a parcel for you))

The people who had tables seemed to be as "dedicated" to their particular part of the hobby as we all are and were helpful and offered very good advice to people buying their goods (shanes phasmid collection has increased dramatically again)
The little tea room was very good value and the food was well prepared.

Nice to catch up with Andy Hood again and to meet Matt and Lisa Bains.

Definitly worth another visit next time it's on.

[Lisa Baines]

Aye a BIG THANK YOU to steve Mac for throwing a tub at me too... will be throwing some back at ya in a couple of months hopefully

[Matthew Baines]

Someone was trying too sell a Pokie too my dad until i told him NO!!!! So he bought a P.Canbridgei which will be his first spider for 13 years , oh what have i introduced him too lol. Was great cant wait for the next one!

[Lisa Baines]

yeah ya dad did kinda.. sorta fall in love with the pokies didn't he?
Maybe in a couple of years... if Elaine lets him lmao! If she hasn't killed him already. must admit she was quite calm when he showed her.
Bet he got told off when they got home lmao!

[Steve McIntyre]

Hopefully, your Dad will get a few more, Matthew so I'll have some for him too, next time!

[James Box]

i had a great time, was sad not to meet a few i was hoping too (guess cause we got there a little later than planned) but did meet Lisa and Matt and dad, as well as the OTHER Andrew Ferguson! quelle coincidence that he had the same name as the Mr Ferguson already present on this board, and was great catching up with Andy and Steve again. some helpful people around, and a few bargains to be had.
i was well tempted by the CB Uropygids, but i just couldn't justify it to myself at this point.
i got a few bits and was pretty chuffed!
was a mad day of driving and hanging out and trains, but completely worthwhile.
i actually had a weekend of it, hanging out with Colin and Shane on Saturday and Gemma, Andrew, Matt and Lisa on Sunday.
grand!

Lisa, i'll get your little mite sorted and settled in, and then will let him loose amongst my two lasses! good luck to us both as well as them

[Matthew Baines]

Hopefully, your Dad will get a few more, Matthew so I'll have some for him too, next time!

Think he will too be honest. He also took a real shine too the butterfly's too . Glad my mum aint thrown him out too

[Lisa Baines]

James, keep him as long as you need him, fingers crossed he does the deed!

And matts dad is still alive lmao!!!