Beach on the Green

I think I have just about recovered from the amazing event that was, the beach on the green. For those who don't know, Redditch, is in the midlands which is about as far as you can get from a beach in the UK. It's about three hours by car to get to the coast (I know that's nothing to my American friends), but it's a fair way over here especially if you don't have a car. So, the awesome people at Batchley Support Group, Redditch BID and Reimagine Redditch brought the beach to the midlands.

So, with a beach in the centre, carnival rides, the sounds of the seaside and plenty of laughs, it was the perfect recipe for an amazing event.

We met so many amazing people. I personally can't wait to see the photos from Cassy McGowan Images, who is busy working on her portfolio, and being stall mates with Paige of pjartandcrafts for three days was a pleasure (though bad at times for my bank balance!). Paige is also the incredible artist behind our new stall signs! Not to mention all the amazing people we interacted with running the stall for the three days.

The first day was Friday 21st of July, the weather was a bit mixed with short showers but generally ok. We got there stupidly early (cars had to be off the high street by 9:15 ready for the opening at 10am), though the Friday is the only day we didn't get there first!

We tried to set up our gazebo. Unfortunately we appear to have lost the instructions and several pieces of the frame, so we were kindly lent a gazebo by Batchley Support Group (who were amazing. Thank you so much for inviting us!). Mike hates putting up gazebos, so he volunteered to take the car round to the carpark while several people helped me put the gazebo up. Thank goodness we did because we needed it later when the heavens opened! This gazebo was huge! We currently only have one table so we felt a little lost under it. It did mean that we didn't lose any stock to the rain. It also meant that some people who visited us could stop under the shelter for a chat. Also, lots of love to the lady who bought something to support a fellow crocheter, you are awesome!

Packing up a crochet business at the end of the day is a dream. Nothing is breakable, so throw them in the box. Set down quickly for a well earned rest at home.

The second day was a deluge of water. Mike and I got there first with Henry. We didn't even attempt to leave the car for fear of drowning. Picturing putting up a gazebo in a cold shower, we weren't exactly keen on day two. In fact, an outdoor craft event a town over got cancelled due to how bad the weather was. But, as people slowly arrived, and we debated the pros and cons of setting up we all decided to give it a go. If snorkels were needed, then the decision would be made to pack up.

Unfortunately on this day, I became unwell and had to be taken home. Unfortunately, this is something that can happen to me and can come on suddenly. The decision was made to leave Henry with me at home so we could both have a break. Mike stayed and did this day on his own like the employee of the month he knows he is.

Mike was lucky that he was allowed to put our table under the a covered walkway by the library. So I didn't have to leave him facing his arch nemesis, the gazebo. Mike did do amazing by himself though. He was set up next to the Punch and Judy show, so I'm sure he now knows all those stories by heart!

Mike kept messaging me through the day to let me know what was low in stock. So, after a two hour coma nap and food, I got to work making more stock. For the record, this is the first time I've had to restock at a weekend event. I managed to make five leggy frogs, five triceratops and two bees...that were all gone by the end of the next day!

Sunday, I managed to revive myself and I was so happy to be at the last day of the event. The weather was better, the beach was open and spirits were high. The atmosphere was amazing and it had a real community feel to it. So many happy, smiling people.

Today was the day I finally got a picture with Mike and Henry on the giant deckchair! I couldn't exactly pass up this opportunity. Also, check out the accessories that Batchley Support Group gave us for the last day!

I bought materials to restock more (I focussed on bees), but silly me forgot my crochet hook! So I had to do a quick run to the shops to get another one! I got to talk to people about how to crochet, hints and tips and do a few demonstrations which is always really fun. I love teaching people and I don't gatekeep any knowledge here. So it was great knowing I've inspired a few people to pick up their hooks again.

Over the weekend, over eighty plushies have made their way to their forever homes and I am so, so grateful to everyone. For those who adopted, those who said hi and those who just smiled as they went past. It's all of you that made this one of the best weekends I've had with my small business. It's helped give me that little more inkling of faith that I can do this as my full time job. So, thank you again!

We can't wait to see you all in the wild again. Our next event isn't that far away, so when I know the details, I'll let you all know. Until then, you'll be able to find me panic crocheting a restock. The best situation I have ever been in. See you all again soon. Best wishes from the NerdyTortoise family!