A COLLECTIVE LIFE!!!

Christopher Biggins, Tracy Martin, Leslie Joseph and Mark Stacey. Taken at BBC London after Mark and I had aired on the Sunday morning radio show.

The Past Month has been exhausting. I was interviewed on around 15 radio shows including the Christopher Biggins and Leslie Joseph BBC London show which was a complete blast. Also interviewed for a piece which is going in the Daily Express shortly and loads of local media it was time to chill out a bit and relax on a twelve day cruise around Europe.

Now Life on a Cruise ship, isn't all play! There is the having to eat constantly, lying in the sun by the pool and of course the constant activities onboard. You know it really is quite exhausting work. I have just been aboard the Fred Olsen Balmoral ship which cruised in the sunshine around Europe. First port of call was Venice, then Dubrovnik in Croatia, Palermo in Sicily, then Sardina, Gibralter and Lisbon. Of course I had to give something in return for this particular luxury holiday and that was five lectures (talks) on collectables.

I am pleased to report that I had a packed house on all five occassions as likeminded passengers all wanted to hear my take on things. I started off with my usual chat about myself and my career, before giving talks on ceramics, glass, the Arts & Crafts Movement and finally bootsale bargain hunting. The later being a particular favourite with my audience. Then people were invited to buy a signed copy of my book - which they did - and I sold out of all that I had onboard.

Now I am home, and things are still a little manic. On Saturday I am opening a fete in my local Essex area, then the following weekend I am doing some more radio shows. But the big thing for July is being the guest speaker at the Richard Dennis Open Day in Somerset on Sunday 13th July. This is always a great day out as Richard Dennis, Sally Tuffin and their team really make it special for all those that attend. You get the opportunity to purchase special day pieces, trials and seconds, have a lovely lunch and walk around the pottery. So I am really looking forward to this weekend, and am especially honoured to have been asked by Richard and Sally to give a talk.

Then guess what, the following weekend off on a cruise again. This time around the Baltic where I am looking forward to seeing St. Petersburg, Tallin, Oslo, Stockholm and cruise down the Kiel Canal. Once again I will be giving talks on board and hopefully selling more copies of the book.

So there is no escape for me, or you as whereever I go and no matter what country I visit there is always an opportunity to talk collectables. A passion which I am sure we all equally share.

Until next time guys, take care and don't forget to get your copy of The Greatest Collecting Tips in the World.

xTrace