The Framers Forum

Just got back to sunny Cornwall from the Spring Fair.

This is just a Big Thank You to those who organised and booked the Hotel and Wing Wahs this last weekend.

16 of us arrived at the meal and ended up with a late night back in the bar. Although rumour had it that there was rather a late night the previous night and a few headaches in the morning.

No doubt the photographs will be appearing shortly.

It was really good putting faces to names. Those of you who couldnt make it missed out on the lively discussions that took place.

I for one and Barbara for two, hope that we can do the same again next year.

Thank You.

Absotively!

When I first had the idea I just thought of us all meeting at whatever venue for a meal.

But all, or most, staying at the same hotel was a great move - what's with this eating ritual anyway??

I'm sure this will become a growing annual event, with the Spring Fair as an added bonus!

Not long got back, had a fantastic time of it, learned a huge amount, drank loads of guinness in the company of some great folk! I even ate some food at one point Cheers all, it would have been a bland experience without you.....

Grahame and Mary having a jolly good time


Rogue's gallery

Tried to think of something funny but couldn't be bothered!! (too tired)

John. How could you put that photograph of me up on the forum. Makes me look like I was one of the ones with the sore head on Sunday, when in fact it was Grahame Brings back happy memories though of a wonderful weekend. Thanks everyone!

OMG! You guys actually did go round covered in JGF logos. Any curious comments from bemused onlookers?

Wish I had gone now. Next year deffo. The ranks of the JGFs might have swelled to 1000's by then. Told a M8 of mine to put up a logo in his shop and I have one in a flash H/F frame in my window.

I'm just very releaved that no-one came in the thong

prospero wrote:OMG! You guys actually did go round covered in JGF logos. Any curious comments from bemused onlookers?

A few, with the occasional stern look from FATG members Quite a few suppliers knew we were from the forum straight away, such as Ricky (I think) of Mainline - he said they do look at what we want, such as NYAF's black backing, and may have something that fits the bill!

Mostly it was taken in the good humour in which it was meant. Moglet may have sold a couple of JGF tote bags to a pair of ladies at the entrance who were scanning our badges!

sarah wrote:I'm just very releaved that no-one came in the thong

Ah, you'd gone back to your room before Robo's performance then

Spit wrote: Ah, you'd gone back to your room before Robo's performance then

That is not an image we need! I've had to take my brain out and give it a good scrub just to clean it..

Just like to add to what has already been said, great to meet everyone from the forum, we really did have a great time and I hope it is even bigger next year. It was nice to see Mary and Graham got back safe, the last time I saw them they were heading for London Instead off the NEC
As for the show, not great It reminded me of the show in the early 90's when the resession had taken hold. We did manage to do everything we wanted to do and I have at last bought Pre-View(It,s only taken me over 12 months to make my mind up) so I will be playing around with it and getting it set up over the next few months, if anyone has any time saving tips please tell me. Dont want to keep ringing John, he will need a rest after the show .

Hi All,

It was great to meet all the JGFs staying in our luxurious hotel in Coventry. Our professional discussions and lively debating skills no doubt greatly improved our knowledge and skill in our specialised field.

Now I remember the Fosters and Guinness, but I seem to have lost my notes! Mostly £5 and £10!! And how did I end up in that field?

I would like to thank John for posting the photos, now everyone can see that the "Mohican" contest was bravely fought. Grahame did well but was outnumbered by those of us who chose to wear our "Mohicans" on our chin.

The Spring Fair was smaller but we achieved what we set out to do and enjoyed ourselves into the bargain. The seminars were an excellent addition and well done to Martin Harrold for starting that off. Now all that has to be done is to bring them up to the standard provided at the WCAF show.

Sorry to hear you're worn out John but only one more day to go. At least you have Sarah to help you out. She has youthful exuberance on her side - shhh, mind you don't wake her up.

Mary and Grahame - please let us know how you get on with Val when she starts work.

Our drive back up to the ferry on Tuesday morning was awful, heavy rain and spray from lorries on the motorway and we had a moving experience on the ferry back as it encountered rough seas but we have happily been quite busy since we have been back - long may that continue.

I've just realised I could up my post rate if I sent each paragraph separately so I'm going to stop here.

Slainche!

Rolf

sarah wrote:I'm just very releaved that no-one came in the thong

If anyone came in the thong then the thinger mutht have had a thuperb voith.

(Thorry - but there are thingth I can rethitht and thingth I jutht can't rethitht)

(Thinks) - what sicko went and put an 'S' in 'Lisp'?

Roby Roby Roby

Do you see what that thong did to him. He can't talk properly now.

Another thought, why is dyslexia so hard to spell?

It was good meeting you all. If I do get out of IT I've now seen what many years of framing does to people and I won't be growing a beard!

Yeah, it was more like a ZZ Top convention!

For those of who don't know what the majority of you look like, how about posting the group photo with names on each person. I only know who Moglet, Robo and Grahame are in the photo!

It's funny how I get a picture in my mind of how someone looks, but when you see them in person or a photo, they are nothing like I imagined.

Struth, Grahame, you're just a kid! I had you pictured as being a bit older than that!

PS,. At our Down Under Dinner in Vegas we had 23 Aussies and Kiwis attending and there were another Aussie couple in Vegas who did not make it to the dinner. Not a bad number of people who had to travel 8000 miles there and 8000 miles back!

osgood wrote: Struth, Grahame, you're just a kid! I had you pictured as being a bit older than that!

possibly a kid in comparison to the average age of Picture Framers, but I've been brought up with framing since i was 6, (nearly 17 years ago), it just seems like the natural thing to do.

I of course have the advantage of being able to look at the framing and art world with a younger eye than some of our competitors..

I'm the beer-bellied sloucher on the far left.... I'll leave the others to introduce themselves!

I thought Mary looked like she was doing Karaoke in the photo of her & Grahame!

Grahame Case wrote: possibly a kid in comparison to the average age of Picture Framers, but I've been brought up with framing since i was 6, (nearly 17 years ago), it just seems like the natural thing to do.

23.........as I thought......just a kid! Oh...... to be that young! Envy, envy, envy!

Grahame Case wrote:I of course have the advantage of being able to look at the framing and art world with a younger eye than some of our competitors..

A great advantage to have in your business! I guess you would have a number of younger clients who have a rapport with you and your youthful outlook.


PS. I love your haircut. Always wanted one like that, but didn't have the balls to get one back in the 'olden days' and now I am too darn old for it!