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I just had a letter...probably others have it too... that says that the Spring Bears and Dolls fair isn't going to run. I am totally gutted by this as this fair was the nicest fair of the lot in my book. Yes it was in a huge barn of a place...yes, the NEC is bland and faceless..but the organisers did a fantastic job at every fair...and it was busy and friendly and a highlight in the beary calendar.
It's a sad day...and it's a poor reflection of things to come...
It is sad Jenny ... I used to do the NEC and although the venue itself didn't inspire me, it was always well organised and the friendliest of shows. That said, I don't think it's a poor reflection of things to come, I think it's just a sign that things are changing and in my view, it's about time too. We've been seeing the same old format at shows for years and I think it's time for a fresh approach. It's easy to get despondent; after all, we've seen Oakleys cease trading this month, the Ally Pally show has closed its doors to us and two of our UK mags have merged, but I'm still optimistic, after all, there are many great bear makers out there and enthusiastic collectors, promoters, magazine editors and suppliers ... all is far from lost!
I'm disappointed too Jenny....as you know I went as a visitor to the last show, and I thought it was great, really friendly, and very well attended. It seems they didn't get enough positive responses for them to go ahead this year, but have not ruled out the possibility of re-launching it again at a smaller venue in the future...so maybe all is not lost!
So what now apart from Hugglets....... it certainly gives organisers and promoters of other events, here in the UK. a real
chance to get their act together, and produce a show that is really attractive to both Artists and visitors. It can be done,
(ie Hugglets! )... The Artists and collectors are still out there...
Let's be positive and hope that all this change, is for the better....new ideas, fresh approach, new blood etc!!!!!!!
Yvonne.
What a shame!
I haven't had a letter yet, so didn't know.
They have obviously been having problems booking the NEC for April, which is the reason why they moved it to the Ricoh Arena last April, and looked at doing it in May this year. I told them I would support it if they did it in May, but obviously not enough people did. The weekend they were looking at in May is actually the same weekend as the London Dollshouse Festival at Kensington Town Hall, which is a three day major event, and may 'share' some of its collectors with a fair like Bears and Dolls. My Mum and I go as collectors, so have booked to go on the Friday ths year, so that we had a day resting between the two fairs. I really thought that they would go ahead with Bears and Dolls. Its another show that I have been going to since I was a child, and seeing it disappear, along with Ally Pally, is really sad.
It makes me even more determined to organise a really great fair for UK collectors. How about April 2008? 
Yep..I'm in!!
If it's within a couple of hours drive from Kent, me too!
Back Road BearsFrom a producer's stand point I will say that it's better for the bear industry to bow out of a show BEFORE it becomes a total flop. Just as TV shows come to an end (most of 'em) before everyone has totally lost interest. This leaves positive thoughts and memories of bear shows. Rather than a person thinking "Oh, well, it became a lousy show anyway. I wouldn't go to another show that producer does." Or they may think "Wow, that show used to be good. Wonder what happened to the bear industry, it used to be thriving! Guess it's dying off so I'll find something else to collect!"
A good producer knows when it's time to quit, or take some time off. (I hope I remember this when my time comes! Someone please remind me!!!!!) 
And I agree whole-heartedly with what Paula said. This is indeed a great opportunity for someone new to get into producing shows in England. Give the whole concept a new, fresh and exciting feel with a new location, new look, new activities, new and old artists, new marketing tatics.... just NEW NEW NEW! The industry as a whole has proven that the old ways aren't working any more. Many long standing shows have come to an end. Bear mags alone no longer draw new collectors, eBay has come along, the old collectors are gone. New tatics need to be taken in all areas of the bear industry to keep it alive. A sign of the times? Yes it is, but it doesn't have to be a negative one!
Perhaps this is the beginning of a new Teddy Bear Revolution??? :dance:
Yes.......me too Samantha!
Yvonne 
Well said Daphne 'Vive la revolution' !!!!! :dance: :dance:
LutonI Have never been to the NEC or Huggletts.
However i did attend the one at Ally Pally, the year before last and did feel a bit let down. It was smaller than I imagined and even though some beautiful artists where there many of the Big Names in the bear world, were starting to Bow out of this show. So was disappointed somewhat!!!
I'm going to Huggletts in Feb and am hoping for bigger and better things!!!
From my view - they are some briiliant new bear artists around as well as the more experienced artists still making incredible bears, so can see no reason why a new show couldn't be successful !!!
Hugs
Claire
