Vintage weekend in Bath, 28th/29th January 2012

Well it really was a vintage weekend, what with Mrs Stokes's fabulous secret tea party in the Bath Society Meeting Room on Saturday, where we were treated to the delights of being taught some jive and swing by Hoppin' Mad, [see Charleston and Cake film on www.secretteaparty.com ], and utterly delicious and delectable cakes from Dolly's, surrounded by fabulously dressed friends and other women.

Inma from the Pop up Parlour provided very glamorous and unusual 1940s/50s hairstyles.  Mrs Stokes's sister who was helping looked amazing in a red polka dot 1950s dress.  I feel we are definitely gathering impetus for the V&A fashion special fair on 1st April.

Having shed my 1940s dress like Cinderella at midnight! I packed my car up ready for the V&A fair on Sunday.  Despite the arctic conditions there was a great atmosphere and it was lovely to see fellow traders who I now feel I have got to know.  Lyn Lewis with her fabulous kitchenalia and beautiful textiles was there as well as Steve Weekes from Texworks and Tess Chodan with her quirky finds.  BBC Home and Antiques had a stand too with some stunning vintage plates to add to their fabulous magazine (I enjoyed reading that after flopping on my return from fair!).  Having chatted to its editor, Angela Linforth and her magazine Ambassador Alice Roberton, the Brocante got a mention on their website blog http://www.homesandantiques.com/feature/ha-bath-vintage-antiques-market and is soon to appear in its fair listings.  Home & Antiques magazine are aiming to have a strong presence at antiques, collectors, vintage and retro fairs in 2012 and have reserved space at the Brocante.

There are some new stallholders on board for this year's Brocantes:  Chris Garrett, Jacqui Hunt, as well as the original stalwarts, to add interest and fresh stock.  So if there are any Brocanteers, interested, do get in touch to book space.  It is on a first come first served basis and I would hate to disappoint....