Southwest Pen Show, Bristol Uk, Who's Coming?

[UK Mike]

I only just caught up today with the fact that its the Bristol show tomorrow - so I won't be there.

 

In the same way I missed the Sheffield show last year in spite of only living 9 miles away and being on FPN every day (obviously in the worng places)!

 

To get the most out of these shows could I suggest that you increase the advance publicity and update the UK Pen Shows web site, which is still only showing the 2013 dates. Then undoubtedly at some part of the year, I will see you there

[ianpw]

I can't believe it, I'm all packed and ready to roll I've never left for a pen show this early before - and not only that we've got glorious sunshine for the drive down to Bristol. Looking forward to hooking up with the gang over the weekend. Meet up at 7:15pm - Aztec West.

 

ROGER B. - the show is TOMORROW!! Safe journey everyone.

 

Ian

[david6]

 

ROGER B. - the show is TOMORROW!! Safe journey everyone.

 

Ian

Oh cruel Ian

[ianpw]

At Bristol after a good journey down. Glorious sunshine most of the way. A little rest now before the fun starts at 7:15.

[Inkwellpens]

Hi Ian,

 

Glad you arrived safely I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow, I will definitely introduce myself, unfortunately Catys' friend can no longer come but we will be there.

Enjoy your evening and see you all tomorrow.

 

Ruth

[da vinci]

I throughly enjoyed the show. Although small in comparison to LWES I got a lot more out of this event, being able to take time to have a proper chat with some great people, and making a nice purchase. Thanks Ian and team for organising. Now looking forward to attending the show in Lichfield.

[Inkwellpens]

We had a great time too at the show, great to meet some lovely people.

[Inkwellpens]

I throughly enjoyed the show. Although small in comparison to LWES I got a lot more out of this event, being able to take time to have a proper chat with some great people, and making a nice purchase. Thanks Ian and team for organising. Now looking forward to attending the show in Lichfield.

What did you buy?

[da vinci]

What did you buy?

A vintage MB 142 and a cross townsend jade.

 

I looked at a couple of mb's as this model was a grail for me, but the nibs were flexible and I am not into flex. I was very disappointed. Luckily Sarj had the right pen with a not so flexible nib

 

I like cross townsend fp's and I have the Lapis limited edition, and wanted the Jade to complete the "set".

 

How about you?

[ianpw]

Had a great time at the South West Pen Show this weekend, I sold a few and traded a few, picked up a MB149 and a Balance limited edition both will be added to my daily user group. It was really great to see everyone especially as everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. Unfortunately two dealers had to pull out at the last minute due to illness but it was still the largest South West Pen Show to date. As far as size of shows is concerned, LWES is the largest followed by our Northern Pen Show, then its the Midland Pen Show (in my hometown) then the rest (North East Pen Show, Eastern Pen Show, Yorkshire Pen Show) are all about the same size as the South West Pen Show. We now have seven regional pen shows dotted around the country, with news of another show coming soon. But none of this would be possible without the great support we get from our dealers and of course you guys so a big thank you from me and Jeremy. BTW I've posted some images on the UK Pen Shows Facebook page here www.facebook.com/pages/UK-Pen-Shows/280774111963248

 

Ian

[Shuggy]

Thanks Ian - I had a great time. It was great meeting some interesting people and seeing many beautiful pens. Not to mention spending some money too!

[Inkwellpens]

A vintage MB 142 and a cross townsend jade.

 

I looked at a couple of mb's as this model was a grail for me, but the nibs were flexible and I am not into flex. I was very disappointed. Luckily Sarj had the right pen with a not so flexible nib

 

I like cross townsend fp's and I have the Lapis limited edition, and wanted the Jade to complete the "set".

 

How about you?

I finally settled on an OMAS Borgona and a Worcester pen with an italic nib ground by John. Very pleased with my purchases

[da vinci]

That sounds like a good catch! I don't own an OMAS yet but am constantly tempted by the Write Here stand!!

[Inkwellpens]

That sounds like a good catch! I don't own an OMAS yet but am constantly tempted by the Write Here stand!!

Definitely worth purchasing. The write here guys are also wonderful to deal with.

[Abicadabra]

Hello,

Another pen show 'virgin' here, but I'm based in Cambridge and the Eastern one is perfect timing for me as I'm thinking of replacing a very lovely Yard-o-led FP

Just wondering, though, is it OK to come as an inexperienced pen lover rather than a collector? Is it possible to try pens out, for instance? And are there new as well as vintage pens? Or is it mainly aimed at the true collector-enthusiast? I'd love to come either way, but my Gran is the one that's buying me the pen, and as she's elderly I don't want to drag her around if it's not going to be quite right.

Best Wishes

 

Abi

[Shuggy]

My first pen show was the SW show last year. I have to say that it was not at all intimidating for a newbie pen lover. You will find all the dealers to be incredibly helpful and patient. When I was looking at pens, quite a few offered to let me try them without being asked. Of course, there are plenty of 'true collector-enthusiasts' about too, but I didn't find it at all snooty or intimidating - quite the opposite in fact. Just lots of people that love pens!

[Abicadabra]

Thank you, that's very helpful!

[ianpw]

Hello,

Another pen show 'virgin' here, but I'm based in Cambridge and the Eastern one is perfect timing for me as I'm thinking of replacing a very lovely Yard-o-led FP

Just wondering, though, is it OK to come as an inexperienced pen lover rather than a collector? Is it possible to try pens out, for instance? And are there new as well as vintage pens? Or is it mainly aimed at the true collector-enthusiast? I'd love to come either way, but my Gran is the one that's buying me the pen, and as she's elderly I don't want to drag her around if it's not going to be quite right.

Best Wishes

 

Abi

Hi Abi,

The 'regional' shows that we organise are particularly aimed at people who are new to the pen show experience. You will find that the dealers have the time to chat with you at length and most will let you write with a pen (you may have a problem with a mint pen which has never been inked or dipped but other than that no problem at all. You will find a good mix of vintage and contemporary pens on display and we have several manufacturers who come along as well as their retailers, importers and distributors. I am membership secretary of the Writing Equipment Society (WES) and I'm finding that a large number of our new members are not collectors but simply love using fountain pens and this is also true of the shows. And of course we are all really nice, friendly people

 

The Eastern Pen Show is at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Granta Place, Cambridge on Sunday 9th. March, hope to see you there.

 

Ian

www.ukpenshows.co.uk

www.cathedralpens.co.uk

www.wesonline.org.uk

[Abicadabra]

Thank you so much, that's really helpful! It's very close to me, and looks like a really exciting day. I look forward to meeting you there!

Best Wishes

Abi

[Inkwellpens]

Thank you so much, that's really helpful! It's very close to me, and looks like a really exciting day. I look forward to meeting you there!

Best Wishes

Abi

You will have a great time, I have taken my 14 year old daughter with me the last two years to the Southwest show. Everyone was wonderful there.

 

Wish I could go myself.