Sunday at the Ideal Home Show with Rotaire Dryline

Day 3 passed eventfully; I don’t know if it was because of the lovely weather (which we saw briefly on the way in) or because it was a Sunday, or because we found a way to engage with people as they passed, but we seemed to get a much better reception from the visitors, and a lot of definite maybes. Today we were equipped with a sandwich each, a samosa and a bakewell tart, coffee and tea – and Lynn made a toastie that was a bit burned so I ate it rather than let her waste it. I ended up feeling quite bloated. It’s noticeable that from day one to date the entries have become shorter and shorter due to Fran’s presence and the intensity of the traffic. I began to feel guilty when I was checking my emails and potential customers were passing by; the urge to make this investment work is so great.

It certainly is a big Show, probably as big as a major County Show, but condensed into a smaller area, and extending for 17 days on end. Over 300,000 people are expected each year. The quality of the fitting and the sheer cost that has gone into the setting is enormous; entire swimming pools filled with scintillating blue water, three Eco Homes and many spectacular gardens and buildings to go in them; from perspex globes to massive chalets. It was nice that Estelle came to visit us in the afternoon. Although she wasn’t in a fit state to do anything, having had a few drinks the previous night and some at lunchtime it was a pleasure to have her with us for a short while. It’s 5.45 now and Fran has gone to catch a train back to Cheltenham and then home. She’ll be up at 6 in the morning again, And I am concerned that she’s burning her candle too quickly. But it’s time to pack up and go as soon as I can, get back to Jane’s