Boxes, Badges, BARmen and Biscuits

This year, Jane Finch insisted I go to the Movers and Storers Show in Telford. I was adamant that I wasn't going. I'm the backroom geek and had no interest in spending two days at a trade show. It's not my "thing".

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the absence of a B.A.R. stand. I couldn't understand why they wouldn't want to be there. The National Guild of Removers and Storers were there and were very busy. I wanted to chat to Martin Rose, but he was in such high demand, I didn't get chance.

Packing materials companies were well represented and Simpson Packaging were very busy. It was probably the busiest stand at the show. It was also the biggest.

It was good to put faces to names. I met a few people that I had communicated with for years but never seen. I found myself looking at people's badges before I'd even made eye contact. My eyesight isn't great, so I sometimes had to strain a bit to read the names. With the length of the cord which the badges were hanging on, I must have looked like some kind of belly button inspector.

The event was well organized and the exhibitors' party was a good night of beer and banter networking. We stayed at The Old Rectory Guesthouse, which was very pleasant. I came away with a recipe for Shrewsbury Biscuits. I don't know why, as I'm not into cooking.

All in all, it was a good two days and I'm glad I went. I shall certainly try to be there next year.