SOUTH COAST TOY FAIRS
IN response to last month’s letter about the lack of toyfairs in Southampton, I remember attending events at Barton Peveril college in Eastleigh and at the barracks at Millbrook in Southampton. They weren't large events but I always found something to buy. They did disappear during Covid and don't seem to have restarted, so I'm in full agreement with Kevin about the current situation. I'd certainly go to one in Southampton, Portsmouth or anywhere in between - there must be scope for something. It was good to see a letter from Mick Haven, and to know that he's still in the game - perhaps the South Hants Model Auto Club could assist with getting something started?
Steven Sykes, email
IN response to Kevin Brock's letter regarding lack of toy fairs in Hampshire, over the years, there have actually been quite a few shows in Hampshire including Southampton, Havant, Bishops Waltham etc. Currently in Hampshire, Eastleigh runs four times a year and has done for the last 30 years or so. There is also a Hook Toyfair on a monthly basis. Sadly, over the years, fairs have died away due to lack of support from both dealers and public. Certain areas of the country do not work well and this is one of those areas. Add the ever spiralling costs of hiring venues and 'ageing' dealers, plus internet selling makes running a new fair anywhere a very difficult proposition. However, if you can find a suitable venue and enough dealers to fill a hall just let me know and I will do the rest!
Steve Clements, Steve Clements Fairs
ED Thank you both for your responses to Kevin’s letter last month. These are certainly fairly difficult times and toy fairs have always been subject to a supply and demand balance. There is no substitute for face-to-face dealing, chatting and catching up with like-minded collectors. The pressures of modern day living certainly take up a lot of time for many of us, but, I have to say that, when I do get to a toy fair, there is nothing that comes close to the experience online. I vow to do so more in 2023, so please join me if you have one close by – let’s get out and support these events when we can!