Stonham Barns Car Boot Blog Archive: Jun - Sep 2012 

suffolk's traditional car boot sale ~ every Sunday from 8am 

 

It was raining Friday evening and the forecast was looking gloomy…. I had quite a few of the road signs to mend prior to going out so… the evening was going to be a late one. There’s several good points when you are taking the boards. The first is the pleasing feeling that they are all in the car ready to go. At this point the rain started to increase it’s power. That first feeling of excitement was quickly removed with the feeling that all the boards would be soaked pretty quickly. The second good feeling is when I have finished doing junction 50 of the A14 and suddenly i’m off on the A14 towards junction 51. 

 

I’ve obviously become totally insane because I’m managing to obtain good points when i’m doing a job that I know takes several hours and is one that I perform when sensible people are sitting on the sofa watching TV. The next enjoyable thing about this is watching people’s faces as they see me parked on roundabouts wandering around aiming a small torch into non existant holes in the floor. Many almost crashing as they watch for just a bit too long. What’s that nutter doing! 

 

Outside Needham and I almost smile as I place the double width Stonham Barns is great sign outside the Saturday Car Boot at Needham Market. I must say that I do appreciate the fact that it has ever been pushed over, broken or even dirtied outside there. I expect that 20 years of running a Saturday Car Boot has enabled them not to be too bothered by another Car Boot on the next day. 

 

At that point it’s almost downhill with the roundabout at Junction 51 followed by the trip up towards Stonham. The time was 10.30 and it was looking like it would take me 30 minutes before I got to the pub in Stonham… I was determined this time and skipped one so, that I made it by 2 minutes to 11. Such was the weather that I came out feeling that it had been a long day and I still had quite a few to go. 

 

I was finished at 12 and the week had been quite good with many visitors to the website and quite a few calls for the Car Boot. Not one person spoke about the weather and I was really quite optimistic that it would be fine till at least 1 or 2. 

 

At 5am I looked out the window and it was rain free. Yes, it was gloomy but, rain free. I had read the various weather forecasts and despite the previous reports of doom I decided to listen to the later report that it would be till 1pm. Surely fellow Car Booters would do the same. We generally leave at 10 to 6 in the morning and buy milk and a few bits and bobs but, this time the morning was a little different. Whilst I was carefree and happy that the weather was actually ok Penny decided to throw the spanner in the works. It was all running far too smoothly, I’d even managed to find pretty much all of the old holes where the signs go. I’d even had a pint in the pub. I made a cup of tea and whilst sitting on the bed for the 37 seconds of peace I get in the morning Penny decided to slip in the ‘I’ve forgotten to buy any rolls for the Food Trailer’ morning killer. The following ten minutes was filled with silence, shouting, silence and yet more shouting. I suppose it is quite a daft time to say something like, why did you do that…. but, I’m pretty sure I probably did. This was followed by more shouting and a weak attempt at trying to counteract and blame me for something entirely irrelevant to Car Boots and getting there on time. It was decided that bread would be purchased instead of the rolls and rolls would appear slightly later but, in my mind, the whole order of preparation had been destroyed.. I would surely turn up at the Car Boot and everyone would be banging plates at the gates and demanding rolls. The stalls would all be set up in a strange diagonal pattern formed in a totally non Zen way… The Food Trailer would be upside down and Ian would appear wearing a smart suit. 

 

Strangely enough though, none of this happened. There was one car waiting with the occupants looking at me in a ‘are you sure there’s a Car Boot going on here every week kind of way’. We were very early though and although there are often 3 or 4 waiting I was quite positive having had calls all week and even the lack of rolls wasn’t going to stop the masses flying in. 

 

Well, it was really a strange morning. By 8am hardly any of the regulars were there and most the people were new Car Booters. Yes, it was pretty gloomy but, the weather looked like it was going to hold off. In total I think we had 27 sellers. This was obviously very different to other weeks but, the enjoyable thing was the fact that we had a lot of buyers. The shortage of sellers meant that most people sold quite well. This goes back to my long standing discussion with myself about Car Boots with less sellers. They always do well when there are less of them. Fact. I took the trouble of listening to the buyers and again they were positive. They had been to other Car Boots and it was the same at others. Everyone had expected bad weather and many sellers stayed in bed. They pointed out that some Car Boots were ending soon so, the fact that we are carrying on through winter should really help us. Again, the discussion was with both sellers and buyers with regard to the covers and also many were asking me again if we were carrying on in winter. Yes, we will open every Sunday until a nuclear war stops us. I have been saying that I wanted to put a cover over everyone but, this is looking difficult at the moment. I think the best way forward will be to buy large market stalls with covers over them. If we place them in the same way that the rows are now the idea is to have another cover attaching the two sides. So basically the buyers will walk down the aisle with a cover above them. I will attempt to buy 20 initially and it will have to be first come first served but, if I get sufficent support from sellers we will quickly purchase more and more until there is the option for everyone there to use them. This is quite an outlay for us but, it will give us the option to carry on even in the rain. Buyers will come even if it rains if it is waterproof. We would also look at placing this on the hard ground if the field ever becomes soggy. I will have to look at the cost of this and see how the Car Boot World take to having a Dry Car Boot at Stonham. It won’t be there for this Sunday (at the moment) but, I am looking to see how many people we gain from the closed Car Boots and how many like the idea of a covered Car Boot. 

 

Well, the Car Boot was eventually attacked by winds and closed earlier than normal but, I was heartened by the number of Buyers still there. We had less than normal sellers but, the one’s there did pretty well so, I’m positive again for this Sunday. The number of Car Boots left on Sundays is probably down to a couple now and we will definitely be one of them. I hope that everyone will continue to support Stonham (as they have) and although I would love to see a Sunny Sunday on the 30th September I’m also positive that we will get a lot of interested Car Booters if they know we are looking at a dry Car Boot that will be open every Sunday. Contact me personally 07817 539168 or email me on fishface65@hotmail.co.uk and let me know if you would be interested in taking part. 

 

I will repeat a few things and that is the Ice Rink and Fireworks display. Look on the board outside Stonham Barns and you will see that the Firework display is £5 a car. This will be packed. There will also be Xmas events so, keep an eye on my dribblings as I will make sure that the Car Boot is involved. One last thing. We will be having a special New Years Day Car Boot. here’s your perfect excuse to shake off that belly at the Stonham Barns New Years Day Car Boot. I will be advertising this weekly on the build up to this. 

 

As you know by now I’m always active and I haven’t not done something that I have said I will do… so, you do realise that this means that I will probably have to set up the stalls just after putting out the boards. I have looked at getting rain proof boards which may make this task a little easier… watch this space… 

 

 

Quite a few calls on the run up to the Car Boot. Most were people that hadn’t been to Stonham Barns before, which was pleasing. It’s always difficult to gauge what is going to happen the following Sunday as I often don’t get the chance to talk to Sellers and it’s hard to tell whether people have sold well or averagely or in fact poorly. It can be quite difficult talking to some because some weeks they sell ever so well and then expect the same every week. I can’t answer question as to why this happens. I guess it’s like eBay because one week you could make hundreds on an item and the next week have no bidders at all. You just need a few people that want the same item or in a Car Boot’s case just one person. I’ve said this before but, some weeks clothes (for example) sell well and the next they don’t. This can only be down to who is looking that day. 

 

We now have a good crowd of sellers and rightly so, they aren’t there every week. Sellers know what stock they have and they also know whether it’s easy to sell or in fact worth what they are selling for. We do get a lot of one off sellers that price everything often too cheaply. They often sell over £100 of items and are ecstatic. The seller of antiques would probably try to get £300 out of the same items. Car Boots are great for people looking for bargains, however, if you are selling antiques, sometimes you need a selection of buyers that either know the worth of items, really want that particular antique irrespective of the price or you price the items at a price that is not too expensive for the everyday buyers. Stonham is quite a wealthy area but, in the recession, people are still very careful with their money. At the moment school holidays/summer holidays have just ended and it’s a long month before payday. All these things have an effect on Car Boot Sales. Equally though, you can have a terrible first few hours in a Car Boot and suddenly two big sales and you have had a great day. 

 

Car Boots and Stonham particularly is a venue where you need to go with an open mind. As a seller you need to look calm, confident and not overly eager to sell every item. I think that buyers can notice this. If a buyer sees something they like they generally will buy it. We know that everyone loves Stonham Barns Car Boot because it is very calm and relaxed but, you won’t enjoy it if you are desperate to make a set amount. I think it really makes a difference. Some of the people selling well at Stonham don’t even care if they sell anything. They love the fact that they talk to the other sellers, the public and just have a good day. I’ve had so many remarks about how lovely the people are at Stonham. I think that there are some real characters there but, most of all we do get a lot of people that spend ages talking to the sellers and just really enjoying being there. I really wish I had time to look at all the items for sale but, i’m always so conscious of how many are coming in or how many are walking away having bought. I want everyone to say how well they have done and how they have enjoyed their day so, you can understand why I tend to try and keep out the way. No matter how many I see walking around with bags in their hands there is always someone telling me that they haven’t sold as well today. 

 

Having started in May we have a long time to go before we are considered to be a regular Car Boot and this is always on my mind. It must have been a nightmare to start Car Boots ten or twenty years ago when there wasn’t internet. Word of Mouth is always the best way of growing but a good leaflet always works wonders. I’m sure everyone will say the same when running a Car Boot but, it’s an endless task promoting one. I can’t see my life ever being the same if I wasn’t thinking of another way of reaching people and getting them to Stonham. 

 

Anyway, I had ten plus calls asking about the Car Boot which was better than the last few weeks. I’m not sure why but, maybe the radio and extra internet work may be the reason or extra leafleting, who knows. The Sellers started early with two waiting at 6am. I was impressed with the fact that they both waited at the entrance which was very courteous. I asked them to wait till we were ready and all was going far to well at 6.15. 

 

We had lost two of our helpers this week Jade (Food) and Will (entrance), which is a shame but they have both started at University (Sheffield and Newcastle) . good luck to them although I expect them both back at some point. 

 

Without them the Bouncy Castles had a delayed start as we had to stretch people from one task to another (you have no idea how many things crop up that have to be remedied). The Car Boot kept filling until about 10am when the last seller turned up. As I’ve always stated you are always welcome to attend at any point so, if you have overslept do come along as I can always find a spot for you. We will utilise the other field if necessary. We must have had less vans this week because we had 80 sellers but, took up less area or it may have been down to my positioning of cars. 

 

I will say one thing about Stonham Barns Car Boot and that is that I will give you as much room as you need but, it’s a pain if you ask for a huge spot then take out two items to sell. I had a complaint from someone stating that I hadn’t given them enough room when they arrived at the Car Boot. When he asked for more room I quickly allocated a larger area for him. He had telephoned me the day before asking for a larger area. I stated that this was fine but, he would have to introduce himself in the morning and reiterate that he needed a larger space. 

I had spoken to quite a few people the day before so, I apologise that I didn’t recognise his voice when he drove in…… He sent a moan on the website about this. I emailed him when I received the complaint and apologised that he took it this way but, explained that It’s quite frantic getting people in when you don’t know how many are coming and I didn’t know it was him etc etc. I don’t have a problem giving people as much room as they like but, when you drive in tell me at that point. The man in question was happy with my response. 

 

Something I have mentioned on this week’s Car Boot is allocating an area for people that want to stay longer. I’ve already allocated the back bit for people that want to leave early, I now want to allocate an area for people that are happy to stay together till 2pm and beyond. Someone asked this last week because there was quite a few early leavers and the ones that wanted to stay would like to be together so, when you come in I will ask the lady to check this. I may put you all on the hard ground or along that side. Make sure you ask ABOUT THIS. 

 

Well, as pointed out earlier we had 80 sellers which was pretty good because the weather looked very grey and rain was always not far away. I was also pleased with the Buying numbers and that was despite the numerous Fairs/Events/Open Gardens/Hamster watch, Slug races going on at the same time. If anything I was a little disappointed that many decided to leave earlier last Sunday. I’m not sure why, maybe the gloomy sky? We have kept going for a lot longer on previous Sundays. It’s amazing how the weather can affect everything. If the day is warm and lovely the Buying crowd tends to keep going a lot longer but, a grey sky suddenly meant it went a bit quiet at 12.45. This is where we need everyone to persevere. It does go quieter at lunchtime but, if the cars going past see that everyone is there they tend to come in. The Car Boot is on the Tourist Route so you do get a good passing crowd. Last week wasn’t helped by the fact that the Car Boot Turn Right sign was run over. I will have that replaced for next Sunday. I may have to make the sign Car Proof. It’s been bugging me, since I found it, as to when it was run over. If it was early how many people drove past without seeing the Car Boot was on….. If anyone squashed my sign please tell me as we have a few of them. 

 

Something for the parents to know. Don’t be scared of the Bouncy Castles. I know that fairs and shows are normally £3 for 5 minutes on them well, we don’t believe in stopping the kids from having fun. The use of both is £0.50p for 5 minutes. If it’s quiet we can be quite useless at counting to 5 minutes. Either way, like everything at Stonham Barns everything is reasonably priced. This brings me onto the Stonham Barns Food Trailer again. We have continued to get high praise for the quality of Burgers and food at the Trailer. We do cook everything on the spot which means that there will be a wait but, it means that the food is hot and freshly cooked. We use 100% beef for the burgers and likewise for the Bacon/Sausages/Eggs. It really is worth the wait for the food. And again the prices are really good. 

 

As you can imagine I will be out promoting all week. We are in the Bury, Stowmarket, Coastal and EADT newspapers and all web links are updated accordingly. Do come and tell me if you read this and any advice/moans etc etc please do talk to me. I will try not to burst into tears. Seriously though, It’s important that you talk to me. We all want Stonham Barns to be a success so, we need your continued support by attending. Without mentioning names but, certain car boots are ending this weekend so, do please let everyone know that Stonham will not close in fact quite the opposite. I intend to hand out a leaflet to all Buyers pointing this out to everyone. If you are selling at Stonham Barns do let everyone know that you will be here the next week (if that is the case). I want to stay on the grass as long as possible but, the hard ground in the Car Park (by the Owl Sanctuary) or by the shops awaits if necessary. i am still trying to find covers as well and have found someone willing to make one as big as I want it. The next problem is getting it up above everyone safely. I will keep you up to date on that as well. It would be quite a coup if we were able to make the whole Car Boot area rain free…. 

 

It’s Tuesday and i’ve already had 5 new calls about coming on Sunday. These will be new Sellers so, i’m getting optimistic already. 

 

Something I didn’t mention was me putting out the signs on a Friday night. I always try to follow the same route starting at Stowupland and going up to Needham Market (to put the one outside there) and then off to Junction 51 A14 and up to Stonham Barns. I then go back towards Stowupland. On my route I attampt to get to Stonham Barns and try and time the journey with getting into the pub in Stonham. I was literally one minute after closing time….. I was not served. How disappointing was that. I may have to rearrange my route in order to get one drink… 

 

 

I’d had a few calls prior to Friday and I was starting to get a little optimistic (which is a bit unlike me I know). This was quickly nipped in the bud as I realised that our advert in the Stowmarket Mercury said Bank Holiday Car Boot which was a few weeks ago now… I was also kept later than normal at work on Friday evening which meant that I didn’t get back till 8.45pm to start putting the Boards out. 

 

The Land Rover was full of bikes and I also had to repair and replace about 20 of the Stonham Boards with clean signs. Hence, by the time I was out it was nearing ten. I’m obviously quite used to doing this late at night and so long as I can find the normal holes to put the boards in it isn’t too stressing but, it can take a few hours to do. At 12.30 I had a chat with one of the milkmen who was just starting his work. The one at Forward Green said he had 80 miles to cover. I wonder how long it takes him. 

 

I got to the last board to hammer into the ground when I slipped and hammered my hand. I managed to hammer between my thumb and forefinger in the stretchy bit. Was it a sign for the weekend to come. Either way, it was bleeding and it was in that position that doesn’t like to heal… Anyway, Saturday was taken up with watching football training followed by three hours of leaflet distribution at Tescos (Stowmarket). I obtained permission, eventually, after calling them several times. It was a lovely day on Saturday and I was intrigued to see the reaction to receiving Stonham Leaflets. 

 

(Special thanks to Tesco’s for letting me hand out leaflets – much appreciated) 

 

It’s quite weird because I have had a similar reaction at Car Boots when handing out Stonham Leaflets. Many people are so used to the known Car Boots that the reaction goes one of two ways or perhaps three. Some people say, oh Stonham Barns in a ‘I didn’t realise there was a Car Boot at Stonham’ kind of way. Others say, ‘Stonham, I go there every week’ and others say ’Stonham Barns’ then laugh in a slightly that’s a new Car Boot kind of way. It’s difficult when you run something like this because you can’t help but listen to every persons last word when it comes to Car Boots. I’ve wandered through Needham and heard people talking about Stonham Barns and half of you wants to ask them what they are saying but, it’s because it’s such a personal thing I guess. I’ve put such a lot of time and effort into the Car Boot and I’ve tried to make it such a good venue for everyone that you can’t help but want to know everyone’s thoughts on it. 

 

With regard to the reactions, again, it’s also difficult not to say to people (that say they didn’t realise there was a car boot there . . .) where have you been… Equally, the one’s that say Stonham Barns in a slightly derisory way are the same one’s that are quite shocked when they do come. Many will have been in the early weeks of opening and a lot probably thought that we would have stopped by now. Either way, I was actually quite pleased with the reaction I got at Tesco’s. One person stated that they had been told that the burgers are really good (Aaron will be pleased). Many knew Stonham and said they didn’t need the leaflet and some, as I said, now know there is a car boot at Stonham Barns. 

 

Surely they must have seen the road signs! 

 

Something I have noticed at the Car Boot is the way that everyone’s views of the Car Boot has changed. I think that the sellers really enjoy the location, the calmness and now tend to open up more about what they are selling and whether they expected to actually sell some of the bits. Whereas before, as a new car boot, it was expected that we would have to perform better than any other Car Boot instantly. I do take it personally if people aren’t selling but, it seems that the sellers are now much more likely to say that it’s just the way it goes. Some weeks are good others not so good. Last week one chap said that he had his best week at Needham on the Saturday and an even better one at Stonham but, the next week hardly anything at either. Another said that he had done brilliantly in past weeks but poorly this week. Others say that they had bought new gear and thought they would sell well but didn’t. Others say that they sold loads of clothes the week before and especially brought more clothes this week and sold none. It really is difficult to please everyone but, I think that we are now accepted as being a pretty good Car Boot and whereas before many would try us once and go back to their regular haunt they are now enjoying the venue and actually enjoy coming to Stonham. This bring up another thought. People often say to me… I would come but I have my regulars at XXXXX. I’m not sure that you have noticed but the hardened buyers go to all the Car Boots… In their defence not everyone has a car but, the majority of Car Booters do drive to Car Boots. I definitely think that it is worth mixing and matching with Car Boots. I know that one of our regulars has said that he spent ages trying to sell something and was chuffed when he sold it at Stonham. Equally, i’m sure that the same happens at other Car Boots and I am sure that many sell wonderfully at our rivals and then sell less at ours some weeks. No one knows why this is. I guess it’s just the luck of who attends on the day. Hence, I wouldn’t expect everyone to only come to Stonham. I know it’s a great venue and very amusing for all to watch me stressing and counting and watching how many Buyers there are…. but, I don’t think you can fault the venue. 

 

I know what I mean anyway……. I think the Buyers really enjoy Stonham Barns as they tend to stay for ages. We are getting a great crowd now and although I can’t work out why it’s bigger some weeks compared to others we do have a crowd that really have a good look at everything and really enjoy the chat with the sellers. 

 

Well, Sunday was incredibly misty there was a car fire on the A14, which didn’t help, but we reached the total of 78 sellers which was an improvement on the week before but, not as many as the 99 we had at the Car Show. I was impressed with the number of Campers and the crowd at the UK Sub Show. I was pleased for Shows Uk as they have really tried to have events and not all of them had been a success so, it was good for them. The day was scorching and there was a good crowd at Stonham Barns and there was plenty of sellers. 

 

If I had to moan about anything….. and I have to moan about something…… it was that people do pack up too early. I know it eases at lunchtime but, it takes one to leave and then suddenly everyone joins in. Maybe, starting at 8am means that by 1pm they have had enough. Maybe it was because it was flipping warm or maybe I just ask for too much sometimes. It’s probably because we have days when the crowd has stayed to 2 or 3. I will say that some did stay till 2 and that was because they weren’t in a hurry and there is never any hurry to pack up. At 2.30 I did see someone still make a sale and we did have buyers coming in wondering why it had ended. But, overall…. I was very pleased with Sunday and after tidying up and collecting all the boards went home satisfied. 

 

So, next Sunday……… we have an Owl Sanctuary Harvest Home Day and with all the kids back at school i’m expecting even more….. 

 

One last thing…. if anyone wants to give me any feedback positive or negative please email me. Equally, we are on a million Car Boot websites if you like Stonham Barns it really is nice to see that people have said that on these websites. And don’t forget we have a twitter and facebook account so, you can read my rants on there as well…. 

 

Finally, I know of two events on Saturday one is the Occold Market 29th September. Link attached. The other is Rendlesham Table Top Market & VW Day for Dementia Awareness on 15th September. Link Attached. 

 

Finally, in response to Brian who emailed me, we do not have any intention of putting the prices up at present. Yes we are the Cheapest Car Boot in Suffolk but, we are new and I’m happy that people can sell with such a low overhead. If we do decide to increase the entrance cost, as many have said we ought to, you will read it here first and you will have lots of notice and we would still be lower than all the other Car Boots. But, again, I am happy with our pricing. 

 

 

I had quite a quiet week which is always a concern when you advertise as much as we do. I had a call from a man in Bury who hadn’t been since the first week we started. Have we got any bigger……. I suppose I should be pleased that he was checking up which means that word is getting round. Everyone must be aware of us by now and I don’t mean the sign outside Needham advertising us. I had three more calls and although I’m pleased to get every one I was starting to get concerned. Did the adverts appear? I normally get more than that on a Monday after the Car Boot. 

 

As usual I mended the boards and started to put them out on Friday evening. I now find myself having to sprint out the door because it’s getting dark by 7.30pm. I had intended to start earlier but, such is life that it was darkening by the minute. I do pretty much the same route every time starting from Stowupland going towards the roundabout at Junction 50 and then up to Junction 51 and towards Needham. If I can get that bit done quickly I can use the same holes however, with the darkness coming in earlier and earlier I find myself managing to find every stinging nettle and hole to fall into. My major concern on a Friday evening is whether they are going to ever cutting the grass around the roundabout at junction 51 (Needham turn off). I’m contemplating hanging the signs attached to the grass as it’s getting higher each week. The concern is more to do with when they cut the grass they sling the boards into the ditch or take them with them. Sometimes they reappear a few weeks later. If they knew how much time and effort goes into making the boards and making sure they are readable they might treat them as lovingly as I do. I do literally wave at them whenever I drive past… My Friday evening is normally finished with a pint in a pub before I go home however, sometimes I finish too late to even get a drink. I tried the Ten Bells at Stonham. 

 

Anyway…. the early rain stopped most of the plans to go to other Car Boots to distribute leaflets and I had to drop off some furniture here, there and everywhere so, we settled for handing out leaflets at Asda’s until we were moved on. I had a feeling we probably should have gained permission to do this but, we managed to get an hour in. 

 

On Sunday, I was definitely nervous of numbers. As I said we only had a few calls. But, looking out, as dark as it was, the weather looked like it could be a good day. This is the one vital thing that really makes a day at Stonham. By the time we got to Stonham at 6ish there was already a few anxious and eager sellers. I have made a big effort to not be stressed when there are people already set up or there already. It throws you out a little because you know you have to get the food trailer in position but, in the back of your head you know they are waiting to start setting up. My ritual is food trailer, light the tea thing and then get the poles up ready for the tape that indicates the Car Boot from the parking area. With them already in position it means that I have to position the poles around them and hope that no one else comes in before I’ve finished as I have to stop and then get them in-between the other early risers. I could solve this all by getting up earlier than 5 but, it would mean that I have it all in position and ready for me to greet everyone cheerful and stress free. Maybe next Sunday…. 

 

That’s something else that we constantly battle with. Come Sunday morning bed always feels so wonderful at 5 in the morning. I presume that every seller wakes up and thinks… shall we or shall we go back to sleep. As tempting as it is I know that everyone has the same feeling we do when it comes to the buzz of a Car Boot. I have to say that running a Car Boot is massively enjoyable. We have got to know a lot of great people through the Car Boot and really do look forward to the banter. 

 

The first few weeks we opened the Car Boot we had the terrible twosome that had specifically come seeking Computer Games/DVDS. Having advertised the venue as Suffolk’s Traditional Car Boot Sale where you could set up without being hassled the first thing I saw was these two staring into the back of people’s cars. I made a point of stating this to them and like everyone at Stonham they have become part of the furniture now. Every week they tell me that they have just recovered from the Burger they had the week before and now politely ask traders if they have any games. At other Car Boots I expect that they dive into the back of cars at rummage but, Stonham isn’t like that so, they have adapted. If they aren’t there one week I now ask them where they were… that’s all part of my Stonham day. 

 

Well, the weather was good and we filled up swiftly. we had 73 sellers in total. A great week for sellers. We had a steady crowd all day but, just not as many as we have had on other weeks. I’m not sure why. I spoke to many sellers on Sunday and some had done well, others hadn’t done as well as other weeks. We do work hard at getting people in and I guess that some weeks other events draw people away. I know that there was a big Children’s Football Tournament so, maybe that was why. Other’s had been to Needham on Saturday and said that there was less buyers there as well so, possible late holidays who knows. The one’s that were at the Car Boot seemed to all walk away with bags so, it wasn’t that bad. The burst of rain at 1pm didn’t help either. By 5pm we had cleared up, cleaned out the food van, cleared any dropped litter (although I must say that most people are brilliant at keeping Stonham clean) and I was off collecting the boards. A long day but, always satisfying. 

 

Next Sunday we know that the first Annual UK Bus Jam is on. This looks quite exciting and will bring in a crowd of VW Campervans which means that they will go to the Car Boot. Naturally I have sent details to the organisers to let everyone know about the Car Boot (although I’m sure they will be aware). They are camping there Friday/Saturday and leaving Sunday. I know from the last event they had that many went to the Stonham Car Boot on the Sunday. Just waiting for permission from Tesco’s, Stowmarket as to whether we can didtribute leaflets Saturday. Hopefully, this will enlighten a few more. We will see. 

 

 

On Saturday, early rain had ended Needham’s day which was a shame as I intended to look round. We had planned to go to a Car Boot in Eye and distribute leaflets but, the weather put paid to that as well. My saving grace was probably my big banner at the exit to Needham telling everyone about our Sunday/Monday car Boot. Hopefully a few would take notice of that. Instead I spent most of Saturday focusing on twitter, facebook and the various Car Boot sites telling everyone where to go. I also sent details to Nick Pandolfi at Town Radio and we were announced several times throughout the day. I just hoped the weather was going to be ok. 

 

When I looked out the window at 5 in the morning it was amazing how dark it was. Previous Sundays we have had Sunrises and fine mornings. However, it was raining and damp and the forecast was not positive. I wonder how many people were looking out and deciding to go straight back to sleep instead. By the time we arrived at Stonham the weather was starting to change & I was feeling more confident, although I was skeptical that many might have seen the dampness and been put off. I had advertised the Bank Holiday Double Day the end of last week & all week in the East Anglian Daily Times as well as the normal ads. in Coastal, Stowmarket & Bury. Online we were one of two locations showing up for Bank Holiday Monday & Sunday’s are getting more and more popular. 

 

Having had 99 the week before I was hoping to follow it up seeing as everyone had received notification that was selling last week and we had also leafleted buyers too. 

 

Well, we ended up with 57 sellers, which was a little disappointing but, it was a very mixed start to the day. The weather picked up and was quite warm and we even had a few turn up at 10am having pondered over the clouds. There is one thing that I can say about the normal field we use and that is that it really does absorb and drain the water well. Having rained all night the surface was damp but, still hard under foot. The early sunshine quickly dried the dampness and with the weather suddenly looking up the buyers started to stream in. 

 

Something I have to say again at this point is my psychological view of Car Boots. I’m sure sellers humour me by listening to me ranting on about numbers of Sellers at Car Boots but, I have to say that from a Sellers perspective the less sellers the better. We have been getting a very large and growing buying crowd and the feedback from all sellers is that we have a really friendly and generous lot that really do look at every pitch. Our Buyers tend to stay for quite a while and really enjoy the weekly event. I’ve got to a point now where I recognise the regulars and the ones that are looking for certain things be it Records or Computer games. But, going back to the size thing…. I’m never happier than when the sellers really do sell well. I know that one seller selling garden bits sold £260 worth. That feedback really warms me. Half of me wants us to get 100 sellers (one away the week before) but, any more than this and it means that it can be too much to look at as a buyer (and too much competition for Sellers). unless of course you have several hours to look. Of course it would be great to see hundreds of sellers but, I also don’t want to lose that special feeling that makes Stonham Car Boot so nice. I have nothing against the commercial sellers but, we are more geared towards people that do the odd car boot and the odd eccentric sellers that walk around with a dog on their shoulder.. As pointed out on other mailings we don’t want to see anyone being hassled by buyers and I think I can say that since May 13th (when we started) we haven’t had anyone doing this. I think that the buyers quickly realise that Stonham just isn’t the event where you would do this and suddenly act patiently whereas at other venues they may have joined in the free for all. When we do get up to higher numbers (which we will undoubtedly do) we will still make sure that this doesn’t happen. 

 

Anyway, after a quick burst of rain on Saturday the day remained pretty good and by the afternoon was a lovely warm day. I think everyone finally left by about 2 and there was a good crowd despite the ropey start. 

 

On Bank Holiday Monday the morning was warm and looking good. We had sellers there at 7am and I was again in a mixed mood. I felt that our chap on the gate hadn’t distributed leaflets to every Buyer but, at the same time we had advertised all over the papers and if you searched Bank Holiday Car Boots there was us and the Suffolk Showground. I know that several people went to Needham and Woolpit and found that they weren’t on so, there was no reason why we shouldn’t be busy. Especially with my Bank Holiday Monday sign outside Needham. 

 

We had fits and bursts of sellers and by 9am we had almost 50. We haven’t run a bank Holiday Car Boot before and all in all it wasn’t quite as buoyant as I was expecting which was really quite strange as our website had had it’s largest use since we began. I know that Needham and Woolpit have had bank Holiday Car Boots before which weren’t too successful so, it wasn’t too bad considering. The downpour didn’t help but, we all knew there was the potential of afternoon rain. We had a reasonable selection of Buyers but, again not quite as many as I would have expected. The day came to an abrupt end when the sky’s opened and by 1pm everyone bar a couple had left. I think that some sold well and generally it was still a success but, we will try again and make sure all the Car Boot sites know we are running. So, back to the Sunday only car Boot and hopefully the warm weather will bring everyone back again. 

 

I have mentioned on the September 2nd Car Boot that we will be getting an Ice Rink at Stonham Barns towards Xmas. Again, this is something that we will be advertising in the papers and it will be something that draws even more people into Stonham. The minute I hear further information I will mention it here. I do know that there will be Xmas Fairs and hopefully Santa will find time to visit us too. My latest venture is finding a way of obtaining a cover that could literally cover most of our area. This would possibly enable us to remain on the grass in Winter (I like the section we use and if we can still get the same number in there in the dry that would make us a genuine carry on even if it rains venue) . It may not be feasible but, I do like to be a little different. 

 

One thing I have noticed at other Boot Fairs is a van that collects unwanted items (at the end of the Car Boot). if anyone genuinely wants to leave anything come to the Food Van and we will arrange this for you. 

 

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you at 8am onwards on Warm Sunday 

2nd September. Any thoughts or ideas email me fishface65@hotmail.co.uk or call me on 07817 539168. 

 

 

Suffolk Car Boot at Stonham Barns 

Wow, what a day. I’d had quite a few calls throughout the week so, I was expecting a decent turnout & I was hoping that the Classic Car Show was going to be a success. Well, we arrived at 6am at Stonham and I was shocked and slightly miffed to see 3 sellers had decided to set up.. I tried to be calm but immediately felt stressed as I needed to organise the posts/food trailer and selection of Car Boot tasks that I normally can do alone in the peace and quiet of the empty countryside at Stonham. This is normally a nice moment before the silence is interrupted. However, this time I had to work around the sellers that weren’t parked closely enough especially as I was worried about over filling our section. This was also 2 hours before normal arrival time at Stonham. I had intended to move the food trailer, light the gas and then put the posts down that indicate the Car Boot area and mark out where the rows should be (as I intended to squeeze another row in this week). Anyway, it was soon resolved and we began to fill out despite being short staffed. The shocking part was the sheer number of Classic Cars flowing into the showground. Such was the flow that we had to concentrate getting them off the Pettaugh Road ASAP as the council had manned the gates and were gauging the cause and effect of Stonham Barns. 

 

I concentrated on getting the cars in position whilst any visitors were rushed into position whilst all cars were squashed into the Showground. There must have been 4 to 5 hundred Classic Cars to view and it really was a constant flow in. The Car Boot had 99 pitches taken and we had an excellent constant flow of people around the Car Boot. 

 

If i had anything to moan about this week it was probably that the sun was probably too hot for some and many may have been put off by the queuing to get into the Car park. I had intended that every visitor received a form announcing the Sunday/Monday Double Car Boot at STONHAM BARNS next week but, we had to stop that as this seemed to cause more traffic problems. 

 

All in all it was a very good day with many selling well and everyone stayed longer than they normally would. The Car Show people definitely had a good look at the Car Boot and it was a short jopurney back to their cars to place bought items away before they set off to the Show. Again, I think we have gained some more fans and our buying public is growing weekly. 

 

Next weekend we have the Retro Show in the Showground. I cannot say how many will be there but, it’s another event at Stonham so, it’s a selection of new visitors. I have read that there will be 60’s/70’s and 80’s Cars there as well as a selection of Exhibitors, Bar and stalls. The Car Boot will be there as usual so, we will be busy and i’d like to think that many if not all of last weekends sellers will be back again. We also have the Bank Holiday Monday Car Boot as well which i am specifically aiming at Car Booters that haven’t been to Stonham before. I’d like to see extra sellers and buyers that might normally go to our rivals. i think we are the only one in the immediate area having one on Monday. It’s still £3.50 for cars, £5 a van and £7.50 a large van. So, 99 this weekend and 90 the weekend before. Will we get above 100? I think that the weather has been good to us lately but more importantly I’d like to think that we now have a good base number of sellers and definitely a constantly improving crowd of buyers. This is particularly pleasing because it’s the Summer Holidays when many are away, school holidays and also a time when we are constantly having to be careful with our money. 

 

Once again i’d like to end this by saying that our intention is to continue all year round. We will be running every weekend (Sunday) and will still try and set up in the rain. Once the fields do become soggy and it becomes increasingly darker on a Sunday Morning we will move to the hard ground. We are looking at covers for sellers and are looking at as much feedback as possible on numbers interested in selling right up to Xmas day. We will look at running Xmas Boot Fairs with Xmas themes and I have sent a letter to Santa asking for him to pay us a visit as often as he can. Do let me know all your thoughts as i’m at the Car Boot every Sunday. I’ve had comments about the signs I put up as well as some great feedback about the Stonham Feeling at the Car Boot. We do have a great collection of buyers and sellers and have managed to keep a very friendly Car Boot atmosphere. I keep advertising telling everyone that you won’t find another Car Boot like Stonham and I genuinely feel that this is the case. there really is something for everyone at Stonham. 

 

 

Suffolk Car Boot at Stonham Barns 

Where do I start. I must admit that I was very pensive coming into this weekend. We had lots of buyers last week and a good selection of sellers so, I was optimistic because the sellers were glowing after getting good sales. I’d received quite a few calls enquiring about the Car Boot and the newspaper had managed to at least get the advertisements into the Bury Mercury, Stowmarket Mercury, Coastal and EADT (East Anglian Daily Times – i’m sure I get the letters the wrong way round each time). However, I didn’t see the newspapers until Friday evening and the first thing I noticed was that the Stow Mercury had reset my advert and it didn’t look a bit like the one I sent them to put in! I set off and put the boards around Stowmarket/Needham and Stonham and by 1am was back home and feeling good that all the Saturday Car Booters would see my signs and especially my one outside Needham Market. Look out for it. 

 

I wandered around Needham Saturday and was amazed how many stalls there were. I saw several of our usuals there and they said that they had got there at 4.30am to get a place. By 7 people were being turned away. Wow. 

 

I love Needham but, my idea of going to Needham means 8am or later and that’s to buy nick nacks for home. I couldn’t get up at 4 to sell there. I suppose this is where we differ from Needham. We are really aimed at the occasional Car Booters or the Car Booters that want a lie in. I think that our buyers love that too and know that there are always bargains at Stonham. In the afternoon some of our boards had been knocked down which I repaired and replaced and I spent the afternoon twittering/googling and facebooking as many people as possible about the Car Boot. 

 

Once i’d recovered from wondering why people knock my boards over or steal them (I have to make the boards every week and they really are very home made) I was prepared for the morning. The only thing to worry about now was the weather. 

 

It was looking good. Nothing could stop me now… Well, that was apart from the fact that my partner decided to lose her shop keys and our 6.15 arrival was suddenly 7am. The food van was stuck on the fence, sellers were turning up and I hadn’t put the fencing up.. arrgghhh. 

 

By 8 everything was in place and we were filling up. More and more came….. and more and more. We got to the point where we had to use the hard ground and by 9 we had 90 sellers. 

 

It’s amazing what good weather does. This was our biggest crowd of sellers as yet and I was feeling great. All we needed was the Buyers to come and it would be a perfect weekend. We did get a good flow of buyers and as usual they had a good look at all the stalls. I must say that I have to mention another thing here and that’s the argument about big car boots. There we were with our highest number of sellers (90) and I managed to find someone sitting in their car wondering whether to sell or not. Is that all we get here! I thought you were a big car boot…. 

 

We started at the end of May and 90 people selling and a constant flow of buyers and growing every week and they weren’t sure whether to sell. My argument is whether it is better being a stall in a huge car boot compared to being a stall at a smaller car boot. I would say that our sellers tend to look at every stall closely at our car boot whereas I have to say that there isn’t time to do this at the bigger one’s unless you have hours to look. Also, i’m pretty sure that our sellers sell more when it is a smaller car boot. Obviously it depends upon what you are selling but, our crowd is growing every week and we are getting new fans daily. 

 

I’ve said it a million times but, you will struggle to find such a calm car boot with so many options. Shops, attractions and all within feet of the car boot. Even simple things like having a real toilet. Stonham is a great venue. Ask the sellers that go every week. 

 

It’s difficult to gauge but, I think we had more buyers when we had less sellers but, when I asked around many had sold well. It’s possibly the downfall of shock warm weather. Many go to the beach. 

 

I will have to work on a way of throwing a few clouds in so, people don’t risk the beach. 

 

This weekend another Big One. The Classic Car Show running at the same time as the Car Boot. The show is 10 till 4 so, every visitor will be parked next to us. i’m expecting a lot at the car boot so, get there early (like me….). The idea is to stay as long as possible as the show crowd ends at 4 so, there will be many people going to both events. We also have the retro show next weekend and we are having a car boot Sunday (Retro show) and BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY. So, i’d like to see many people that haven’t been to Stonham yet, trying us on the Monday. 

 

We did have a few people going to ours that had been turned away from others so, long may that happen. I will be giving every buyer a note telling them that we are open on Sunday and Monday next week too. 

 

I will put our twitter and facebook accounts on this once I work out what I called us on them…… 

 

 

Suffolk Car Boot at Stonham Barns 

Another Sunday completed. I was particularly worried as I had only received a few calls from Car Booters and we were unusually quiet coming up to 7am. The weather was clear but, decided to scare us with a few sprinkles of rain. By 8am I was starting to feel much better as we started to fill. By 9 we still had sellers turning up and by 9.3o we were in full swing. We had about 40 sellers which is lower than I thought would attend but, you have to understand that we had the Olympics going on plus Helmingham Hall Classic Car Show just up the road. Again, despite the rain Stonham filled and we did have an exceptionally good crowd at the Car Boot. 

 

I have been impressed with the way that we are drawing in a larger and larger crowd to the Car Boot and we seem to gain new fans every week. I’m also partcularly pleased with everyone’s feedback on the Car Boot at Stonham Barns. Each week we get buyers asking about selling and each week we have sellers saying how much they enjoy the venue and are genuinely concerned that so many Car Boots have started and then disappeared. As I say to all of them we are here to stay and will be around for quite a few years to come. 

 

We have kept prices low and refuse to charge entrance fees for Buyers and I think that we will come into our own when many close for winter whereas we will be open. 

 

I will be advertising and letting our Sellers/Buyers know that we will be having a Bank Holiday Monday Car Boot at Stonham Barns on August 27th this is as well as the normal one on Sunday 26th (This shares the day with the Suffolk Retro Show). I hope to see everyone there for one or both these days. 

 

Also, don’t forget that next Sunday (19th August) we have the Classic Car Show at Stonham Barns so, I’m expecting a new set of extra visitors to the Car Boot. As usual all parking for the Classic Car Show will be next to the Car Boot. They close at 4pm so, prepare yourselfs for a longer day. 

 

 

Mixed feelings on what was a week of errors. I was going away for 4 days and tried to organise everything as usual. We advertise normally in several local papers and on top of that I keep everyone up to date on Twitter, Facebook and all the various sites we appear in. However, this week it was mixed up and we weren’t in the papers plus I was unable to get signals to update pages. Come Sunday we had half the number of sellers compared to the week before. 

 

But, the expected rain didn’t materialise until later and we had a fine Sunny morning. The warm weather brought the crowds to Stonham (as it does) and with the Bird of Prey day going on all day we had a good crowd for the sellers. Feedback was particularly good from the majority of them with most selling more than they had for weeks. Overall I was pleased because, times are hard and with it being the end of the month many struggle to sell. Stonham is fortunate that it has the Camping and Caravan site and with the kids on holiday Stonham draws in a good holiday crowd. 

 

We do have a good run of events over the coming weeks so, I will expect a large buying crowd and many on holiday in Suffolk so, next weekends Car Boot will be advertised heavily this week. 

 

We will be in the Bury Mercury, Stowmarket Mercury, East Anglian Daily Times and Coastal Scene and on local websites throughout East Anglia as well as the Car Boot sites. So, i’m pushing to get back to 80 odd sellers this weekend especially with the Children’s holidays and larger than normal crowds at Stonham. 

 

 

What a weekend. I had the pleasure of seeing HESFES sitting in the Car Boot Square on Saturday Evening. Instead we had to situate ourselves in the damper side. I wasn’t sure how we would do this week after the Mid and West Suffolk Show plus I was still working out which damp sections to avoid. By 8am we had already filled the field and more and more were coming in. That mixed with the early buyers trying to park around the HESFES Campers. I had to pull three vans out of the 3 wet patches and by 9 we had 80 separate sellers. 

 

The HESFES Campers were swiftly forgiven as many were seen wandering off laden with purchases. Most people I spoke to had enjoyed their day and quite a few had sold well. I think that we can safely say that most of the people that come to Stonham like the way it is set up and really appreciate that it does have so much going on there. I have listed before all that is tucked away in the acres but, it’s the fact that there is the option to wander around and visit the shops/play Golf or pop in the Garden Centre after you have been to the Car Boot. So many people come to see one thing and end up doing 5. See you again next week. I’m looking forward to a dry week and a dry dry. 

 

 

An enjoyable day at Stonham Barns with the Car Boot running in tandem with the Mid and West Suffolk Show. We had a good turn out with all the dry spots used. Again, I have to say a big thankyou to the Suffolk Fire Brigade for pumping the water out of most areas at Stonham. Our field is always pretty good even in the torrential rain that we keep having. As you can imagine the bouncy castles weren’t used for fear of losing a few children trying to get to them accross the wet bits. The Car Boot was a success, I think that many people visited Stonham Barns that wouldn’t normally and we may have gained some extra regulars. Judging by the requests for selling at the Boot Fair we should see an increase over the next few weeks. Many would have seen the shops and attractions for the first time so, I’m pretty sure that many would have been surprised that so much was on their doorstep. We definitely get a lot of First Time Car Booters at Stonham so, bargains are always available. 

 

I’m still looking at ways of making Stonham Barns Car Boot Sale a regular spot for the sellers and Buyers all year round. The hard ground would definitely be a sensible option in Winter although, going by the present weather, it will probably be a heatwave at Xmas. I’m also open to suggestions for the midweek Stonham Car Boot as well as the way to attract Car Booters even if the weather is poor. We do have an indoor area in the Main Showground but, it probably only holds 30 pitches. We may have to purchase a big canopy so, again any suggestions appreciated. 

 

I really think that we have done so well considering that we have had so many rain filled Sundays. As fast as we grow we have a horrid rainy Sunday or two which knocks us back a bit. We had 50 sellers and we are hoping for another Warm Sunday on the 22nd. 

 

 

How disappointing was that. I had another busy weekend putting signs out at 11pm on Friday evening. I was very sceptical this time as we lost 20 signs last week. I think it must be our good friends at the council that suddenly decide that you have too many out. I wish they only knew how long it takes to make the signs and put them out. I finished at 1am and was up to visit Needham at 8.45 to hand out leaflets. I was promptly told to leave which was another disappointment. I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment that we are doing well or just to feel that it’s ever so strange to stop someone advertising a different day to Needham. I’m hoping that I will be allowed back as I certainly do not have a problem with Needham handing out leaflets at Stonham. I would encourage everyone to go to one on Saturday and one on Sunday as you never seem to know what the weather will do. On the Sunday, it was raining at 5am but, as usual we set up hoping for the weather to improve (as we always do). It did for an hour and we had three rows of sellers. I would like to thank everyone that did come to Stonham as they did manage to sell some items and I didn’t charge any of them to set up. I think that we will put the one’s that can’t set up in the rain under the covers next time and leave the flowers and rain friendly ones around the covers. So, at least the buyers can come knowing that there will be some to see. Thanks for the Buyers for popping in as well. Having said that it has been a terrible Summer so far and particularly difficult for someone starting up a Car Boot. We have done pretty well considering we are so new but, hopefully everyone knows that we are a genuine Traditional Suffolk Car Boot that’s here to stay and will bend over backwards for everyone that comes. 

 

Now, onwards and upwards. Next weekend is the Mid and West Wales Show at Stonham which you should start to see advertised on the roads. We do know that the Showground has been sold out for pitches. So, inside the showground it will be bustling. Naturally, we will be in our normal place on Sunday so, I would recommend that everyone that wants to sell arrives at 8am promptly as we will welsome all that want to take advantage of the Day. EVERYONE visiting Stonham will be parking next to us therefore, we will have the normal Car Boot crowd plus a whole range of new visitors to Stonham. Our intention is to remain open as long as possible as the Show is 10 till 5. Also, no matter how many we have turn up to sell we will accommodate you. We will use some of the Car Parking area if we fill our area (which I think we will. Visitors to the Car Boot will have to park further down the field as there will be designated areas for all the visitors. Don’t worry though, as it will all be organised as usual. Any worries, give me a call 07817 539168. We just hope the rain will disappear for the weekend, but, we will still be there so, still come as there will be a point when the sun comes out…. 

 

 

We had our best day for sellers where we almost filled the area. Hopefully next week we will have to expand to fit everyone in. Just so you all know we have the Mid and West Suffolk Show at Stonham on the 14th and 15th. The Stonham Barns Car Boot will of course go ahead on the Sunday. The Show starts at 10am and ends at 5pm so, I will be placing people in various positions based upon who wants to stay till 5pm and one’s that will be leaving earlier. With the Show going on all day I’m hopeful that the show will be full of potential buyers. Something to entice sellers is the fact that all visitors to the show will have to park next to the Car Boot so, we could have a lot of congestion on the 15th. Anyone wishing to book a space can do so via email, phone or by arriving at exactly 8am. 

 

Email: fishface65@hotmail.co.uk or call Simon Tilley on 07817 539168 (I will return all calls if you leave a number). 

 

Thanks 

 

Simon Tilley 

 

 

Disappointed but also pleased. We had the Motorbike Riders meeting and leaving from Stonham on Sunday. A good few hundred left having met between 8am and 10am. The pleasing element was the fact that many Car Booters still set up under the covers to attempt to sell their goods. The wind had destroyed one of the covers but, we soldiered on with the other and managed to squeeze 10 sellers plus two food wagons under in dryness. 

 

The weather, of course, became awful but, nothing stopped our brave sellers. I offered them all a free pitch because I couldn’t guarantee buyers in the wet. Some amazingly still braved the weather and had the weather cleared for longer than 20 minutes the place would have filled. 

 

So, although I was disappointed not to fill the area with Buyers and Sellers we did still carry on and most managed to still sell some items. Hopefully, next Sunday will be a nice one so, we can continue to expand the way we have over the last month or so. If anything, we gained some respect from the sellers and buyers that ventured out. We may move to the hard ground if the weather continues to behave the way it did on Sunday. 

 

 

A good selection of sellers this weekend. 40 odd with a good crowd of buyers coming out in the warm weather. Each week we are getting new fans as well as the regular buyers. There were 3 or 4 flower sellers that did particularly well as did the Antique and one off Car Booters. Hoping for another good day of weather next weekend. We are catering for 400 bikers between 8 am and 10am so, it will certainly be busy at the Car Boot. 

 

 

The shock of warm weather seemed to throw many sellers out last weekend. Needham, Woolpit and Stonham all were down on sellers. I think many listened to the weather forcast and didn’t prepare. Hence, come the morning many had set off too late to get into the normal venues. Because of this we have decided to push opening back an hour. So, Sellers will not be expected to arrive until 8am with Buyers starting at 9am. 

 

We will of course, be there at 7am but, we have noticed that our crowd generally tends to start arriving after 9am. Last weekend had a large crowd at Stonham. It seems that the area has really taken to our traditional Car Boot Sale. Sellers all sold well and all commented on how nice the Stonham public are. This is just the feeling we have strived to obtain. 

 

So, next Sunday, 17th June we really want to push to get a big crowd of Sellers at Stonham. The buyers are there. I’m hoping to push to get some more sellers for the large buying crowd. 

 

The Stonham public have money and want to spend it. If we can increase the sellers I think that more and more will turn out each week and they seem to want to spend. 

 

Last Sunday was obviously helped by the warm weather but, Stonham was busy all day with our crowd replaced by the visitors to the Shops and numerous attractions that run simultaneously. Visitors to the Owl Sanctuary/golf course/Showground all want to peek at the Car Boot so, it really was a successful day for all. 

 

The warm weather really does bring a lot of people to Stonham. 

 

If you are thinking of having a pitch this Sunday coming, call me as I think that we are really growing into a great Car Boot Sale that the public are taking to their hearts. Stonham is a great venue with so much for everyone to do. 

 

We don’t have the usual stock Car Boot toilets ours are permanent plus we have loads to entertain the kids. Having attended the Car Boot Sale the kids playground is a few feet away with a short stroll to the Bouncy Castles. Inside the square there is the exotic Pet Shop, Toy Shop followed by The Owl Sanctuary, Fishing and Crazy Golf. There are naturally lots for the Adults to view as well with Antiques, Vintage Furniture & Fabrics, 9 Hole Golf, Ladies Gym, Gardening, Furniture, General Store, Post Office (That’s open on a Sunday), Camping Store, Hairdressers, restaurant and lots more.