BTS Exhibition 2011

[Peter Kirk]

Okay folks, the 2011 BTS Annual Exhibition is almost upon us once again (how time flies!).

So, in order to generate some interest and enthusiasm I thought I'd start a thread posting up some of the photos that were taken by myself and Connie last year (so those people who were unable to make it can see what delights they missed and make an extra-special effort to get there this time).

So, first, the dedicated army of attendees queuing up from the early hours in order to get their prized specimens....

[Peter Kirk]

And the multiplicity of traders that were there (even more this year!)....

[Peter Kirk]

Some of the goodies that were up for sale (tempted by one of those Scolopenders this year!)....

[Peter Kirk]

And - some of the entries for the Competition!

DON'T FORGET - ENTRIES MUST BE IN A CLEAR CONTAINER!

[Peter Kirk]

And finally - some of last year's winners.............. let's be honest, it would have been wrong NOT to include Mr. Lacey!

Remember, you can't win if you don't enter!

[Peter Kirk]

Okay, one last one - some of my other 'favourites' from the Competition.

[Nicola Dolby]

What time do the doors open Pete?

[Ray Hale]

Hi , thought I would add a few of my own Pete.

The crowds in hall A.

[Ray Hale]

A few more.
Theres only on Jean Michel Verdez
The competition plaques from 2009
and
The legend that is Ray Gabriel

[Ray Hale]

If you have any photos of last years ( or any years to that matter) post them up.

The doors open at 11.00am sharp to the public.

[Ray Hale]

Hi everyone..not long now. The Big Day approaches...No not the Royal Wedding although William and Kate would be most welcome to attend THE Big Day if they wished.Thought I would post up a few questions and answers.

EVERYTHING YOU
ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE
BRITISH TARANTULA SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION (BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK)

At this time of year I receive a deluge of e-mails and calls from members regarding the BTS Exhibition. This year has been no exception and with a number of questions being posted on the Forum I have decided to post up a frequently Asked Questions page on the site. Hopefully this should tell you everything you need to know. If I have missed anything please feel free to contact me. Please remember that unlike Halpoplema lividum, I do not bite!
Q. What is the BTS Exhibition?
A. The BTS Exhibition is an event like no other in the World. It is a chance for spider lovers everywhere to meet, buy, sell, learn and generally talk about spiders with like-minded people. Last year we housed 30,000 tarantulas under one roof and had over 1000 visitors to the event.
Q. When is the BTS Exhibition?
A. The exhibition for 2011 is on Sunday the 22nd May. It is held every May.
Q. Where is the BTS Exhibition held?
A. It will held at The Coseley School, Henne Drive, Off Ivyhouse Lane, Coseley,West Midlands,WV14 9JW.
Q. How do I get there?
A. Directions are given on the BTS Website. If you are coming by plane, train or automobile you will not get lost.
Q. Is there parking?
A. There is ample free parking on the playing field of the school.
Q. Do I have to pre-book tickets to visit the BTS Exhibition?
A. No. The Exhibition is open to everyone. But be prepared to queue if you arrive early.
Q. Do I have to be a member to get in?
A. No, everyone is welcome
Q. What time does it open to visitors?
A. The exhibition opens to visitors at 11.00am and closes at 5.00pm.
Q. How much does it cost to get in?
A. This is variable but the 2011 prices to get in are as follows£4.00 for adults, £3.00 for children. ( Up to 12) Entry for children under 3 years of age is free. ( At the discretion of the door. So if you have a beard and claim to be 12 be prepared for some light hearted barracking) Members pay £3.00 on production of their membership card, no card no reduction!. A parent or guardian must accompany children. The BTS reserve the right to make any changes to the entrance fee without prior notification if circumstances dictate.
Q. Can I buy spiders at the BTS Exhibition?
A. Yes, there are over 40 exhibitors at the exhibition. All of which are experienced tarantula enthusiasts. They will be selling spiders but will be happy to give advice and help to the novice. The BTS does not allow the sale of animals to children. There are also a good number of Insect dealers selling stick Insects, mantids, millipedes and just about everything invertebrate that you might desire.
Q. Can I sell spiders at the BTS Exhibition?
A. To sell spiders or to exhibit you MUST pre-book space. This can be done by contacting me directly for details. No one will be allowed to trade or exhibit at the event without my permission. This rule will be strictly applied.
Q. I have heard about the BTS Spider Competitions. What is it all about?
A. You have the chance to win a fantastic trophy for displaying your spider at the exhibition. Each year we have a number of categories in which you can enter your spider. Bring it along on the day IN A CLEAR PLASTIC CONTAINER and enter it. The categories are:
Best Brachypelma species
Best new world terrestrial
Best new world arboreal
Best African
Best Asian terrestrial
Best Asian arboreal
Best scorpion
Best artwork (poorly supported in recent years. Lets see some decent entries this year)
Best photography
Best children’s artwork
Best committee entry
Full rules and regulations can be obtained by e-mailing me direct.
Q. Are there refreshments available?
A. There will be an onsite catering van serving hot food and beverages all day!
Q. Can I join the BTS at the exhibition?
A. Yes, we would love you to join the BTS. Please visit the BTS Trade Stand and ask for details. Angela runs the membership table so come and say hello.
Q. What else is there for me to see and do?
A. Lots. As well as the competitions we have a FREE lecture by one of the worlds leading Theraphosid taxonomists. Andrew Smith. There will be an exhibition by the BTS on exactly what you need fr an expedition in search of tarantulas. There is a chance to meet other members and talk to the experts. We really are a friendly lot, so don’t be shy. (It is better to speak to Angela or myself late in the day, as we are always busy in the morning. Any other committee member will be more than pleased to offer assistance.). We are also running a raffle with some great prizes.
Q. I’m afraid of spiders. Will people be handling tarantulas at the BTS Exhibition?
A. No. The BTS has a strict non-handling policy. Anyone seen handling tarantulas at the Exhibition will be confronted and removed if necessary. We are very aware that some visitors are afraid and we aim to educate, not scare.
Q. Why do you not organise two exhibitions a year?
A. It’s a thought but the BTS Exhibition takes Angela and myself twelve months to organise. The exhibition is an annual event and hosting two would detract from the idea. Visitors look forward to this event and two a year would probably kill us.
So there it is. I hope we have answered all of your concerns. If not then e-mail us at rayhale@thebts.co.uk or post it up on the forum and we will try to help you out.
Please visit the BTS Exhibition and enjoy the day.


Ray and Angela Hale

[Nicola Dolby]

Thanks Ray. thats brilliant

[Peter Kirk]

"Hi everyone..not long now. The Big Day approaches...No not the Royal Wedding although William and Kate would be most welcome to attend THE Big Day if they wished.Thought I would post up a few questions and answers."

Would they? Would they REALLY??

Good summary Ray - cheers for that. Pre-empted a lot of questions there I'm sure.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there on the day and, when it's possible, getting chance to look round and maybe even buy some stuff!!

[Ray Hale]

Ok guys the BTS Exhibition is officially full. All space is sold out . This year we have more traders (43), more tables (170) and more spiders (approx 30,000) than ever.

If you havn't booked tables then I'm afraid its too late.

See you all there. Cant wait.

Ray

[Ray Hale]

Dont forget to enter the BTS competition. Details below.

Any budding artists amongst you please enter some artwork.

As usual we are holding our Annual Spider / Art Competition at the

The 26th BTS Exhibition

Entries will only be accepted from 11.00am until 12.30 in GYM. The following rules apply.
1. Spiders should be displayed in clear plastic or glass containers with no substrate.
2. The owners name should not be displayed on the tank. A ticket will be issued. This is your proof of ownership. Do not lose it.
3. You should be a paid up member of The British Tarantula Society. (Although not obligatory we would ask you to support us in the interest of the hobby)
4. The category and species name must be clearly displayed on the container.
5. Spiders can be collected at 4.00pm. No spider can be collected before this time. If you need to leave early do not enter your spider.
6. Prize giving is to be held at 3.00pm in the Main Hall.
7. The Judges decision is final.

The following categories are open to entrants this year.

Best Brachypelma species
Best New World Terrestrial
Best New World Arboreal
Best African
Best Asian Arboreal
Best Asian Terrestrial
Best Scorpion
Best in Show
Adult Artwork and Children’s Artwork
Photography
Committee
In recent years we have had some excellent display spiders but the Artwork and Photography has been under supported. Please try to enter something in these categories

Ray
.