With this in mind, I feared the worst for The Cloisters Fair on Saturday morning as I looked out across the river and witnessed the coming of the next Ice Age. Snow and antique fairs do not mix. Stallholders cancel (ten did) and customers stay at home (and eat their corned-beef sandwiches). Add to the mix a stonking hangover (no regrets though - cracking boys night out on the Friday) and prospects were bleak. I was tempted to shut up shop and cancel the whole thing but then I remembered the phrase 'the show MUST go on'.
Seven. That's how many stallholders (myself included) entered into the Dunkirk Spirit on Saturday at The Cloisters Fair. The Cloisters Fair is a Norwich institutuion. It's been running since the early 1970's under different organisers. It stalls every wednesday and (usually) on two saturdays a month. It's the epicentre of our trading and a place where people meet and work and play. It's usually full of life but at 7.30am on Saturday morning it was very, very quiet. 'Is it just the two of us, Gary?' asked Brenda as she shivered in the snow before continuing 'Do you think they will let us in (to St Andrew's Hall, where the fair takes place) only this snow affects my arthritis'.
Before long we were joined by Jenny. Then Gillian. Like the brave (or foolhardy) signing up with the sheriff to protect the town against marauding bands of commanche, they came. One by one. Linda next. Then the Other Linda. And finally, Julia. Then we were seven, the Magnificent Seven.
Filling a hall with just seven stallholders is a challenge (although our record is four stallholders) but we managed it (just). There were one or two that swayed early on as the snow continued to fall and the customers continued to stay away. But you have to hold the line even when you can see that defeat is inevitable. We are British after all. So we did (hold the line) and in adversity we prevailed. One by one we started to take some money. It's a strange truism that things often go right when expected to go wrong. Although I spent most of the day slumped in a corner, I did manage to sell enough that my stall(s) looked quite empty! At the end of the day, one of the girls rushed up to me and (grasping me with both hands) smiled 'I've had my best day ever, thank you'. Contrary to popular opinion, antique dealers are not all rich - some of us are content just to make an honest living and that's been difficult lately. It felt good to know that she was going home having had a good day. There certainly were no grumbles as I collected the rents!
Of course, Sod's Law dictates that next Wednesday we have more antique dealers than stalls to put them on. The weather, if it continues to snow, may knock that conundrum out cold though. Whatever the scenario, The Cloisters Fair will stand. It will always stand.
Sunday was my last day of rest for a while and I spent it with a mate of mine who, despite being intelligent, is a Norwich City supporter. We went to The Doghouse to watch the local derby. Maybe it's a sign of the times that the pub was virtually empty. I drank beer, ate crisps, and watched my team capitulate. He'll have bragging rights now (until next time) - it's not easy, living in Norwich and supporting Ipswich Town.
This week, as well as The Cloisters Fair on Wednesday, we will be preparing for our next auction, which takes place on Thursday, 9th December. We are hoping to finish the year off in some style with our best sale yet. Do call us on 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 if you would like to enter something or if you just want some free advice and information. We don't bite...
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