The Canwell Meet.
This year saw a very successful, second Canwell meet arranged by Lynne and Matthew Robinson at the Quinney Hall near Tamworth in Staffordshire. Once again, early birds were met with the smell of bacon and eggs from the galley, which was washed down with copious amounts of hot tea and coffee. This year, Mark Roberts came down from North Wales with his collection, aided by Mick Robinson, and Alan Field came up from Sussex again with part of his collection for show, whilst several other members brought brasses for sale.
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Above, Matthew and Lynne Robinson who organise this meeting with Ian Jones and Mick Mulllens.
Pretty soon the hall filled up and members were swapping and dealing as usual, and a few good purchases were had. The popularity of collecting horse brasses has many followers and it was especially nice to meet husband and wife members Franck and Esther Desjariges who came all the way from Limoges, France. Franck has his own website which can be found at, www.horse-brasses.com and Franck has developed PC Software (which can be bought), which is an invaluable method for a collector who wishes to make an inventory of his or her collection.
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Above Franck and Esther Desjariges from Limoges, with part of their collection.
You just cant beat the buzz of a good meeting and the author always likes to take a few snaps that convey some of the spirit of our get-togethers and seen in the picture below, is a combined image of two photographs, which was achieved using new "Photo-Stitching" software, and a very convivial scene it depicts. It is a shame that the day is over so soon, and it is pictures like this that makes a past meeting look so inviting; shame we cant just step into a photograph for a look around.
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Below; members looking for that special bargain include Ian Jones, our Chairman from Norfolk, George Willet, and Mick Mullens. Indeed, Mick brought something rather special for us to look at, see below.
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Below; three panels from a rare, salesmans sample book which depict the kind of harness studs available to the horseman in the early part of the last century. The condition of the individual studs was phenomenal.
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Once again, the day was over all to soon and, after the raffle, collections were packed away and we made for home at around 4.30. As always, it is very nice to attend such a meeting without realising all the hard work and organisation that goes on behind the scenes so thanks are due once again to Lynne, and we hope we can meet up again here, next year.
Last Years Meet (2008)
Sunday 3th August saw a new meeting of the NHBS at Canwell near Sutton Coldfield arranged by Lynne and Matthew Robinson. This new venue was arranged to allow better access for those who found the meeting at Alstonefield in Derbyshire a little isolated, and a good move this turned out to be, as the meeting was well attended, with many fine brasses on display, some for purchase, and some just for looking; although these are all too often the ones that we want the most!!!!
As with the Church Stretton Meet in May this year, several members brought collections for display and these included another chance to see Mark Svensson's fine collection (with its Scottish theme) from Kent, and Alan Field's fine display who came up, once again, from the Sussex coast.
Another fine collection on display here today was that of Alex Hopkinson from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, which was very high in quality, and in superb condition.
Below, Quinney Hall at Canwell, Member Angela Standen converses with Stan Benton with Mark Svensson's fine collection in the background.
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As usual, the dealing gets underway as soon as there are enough members in attendance to conspire and it was nice to see Angela Standen's items for swap or sale (see above) as well as Matthew Robinson's pitch (below) alongside old regulars such as his Mother (in Matthews case) and Stan Benton.
Below; Matthew Robinson and Alex Hopkinson thrash out a deal.
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As with our other NHBS meetings, members are always heard to say how quick the day goes, and all too soon it was time to go home, with any last deals thrashed out, and the day done. As always, those of us that enjoy such meetings, and go home with a few bits for our collections, may not always realise the sheer hard work that goes into the organisation of such a get-together so hats off to Lynne and Matthew for a really good day. We hope to see you here again next year.
Below; Lynne and Matthew Robinson. I am sure that all members who attended will join me in saying, "well done for making this meet such a success".
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