Salute 2012

As I've finally managed to kick the dust of the mighty metropolis from my shoes it seems appropriate to reflect, albeit briefly, on the 'lead fest' that was Salute 2012!  I must apologise in advance for the lack of photographic evidence, there was a camera and tripod in the bag but not a single photograph was taken; so intent was I on spending my pocket money!

 Myself and the 'Provost Marshal' arrived just in time to see the last goody bag been handed out and I had to fight hard not to show my indignation at this disappointing start to the day; I thought that ordering your ticket in advance guaranteed that you got your grubby paws on the Salute miniature?  Obviously not!

Determined not to let this spoil the day we pressed on into the hall and within minutes the 'Provost Marshal' had bumped into someone he knew, a recurring theme throughout the afternoon.  Although there was a wish list of sorts we seemed to wander aimlessly through the myriad of traders until I eventually took the plunge and made my first purchase from the very helpful 'Hasslefree Miniatures'.  

The 'Swag'

One of the highlights of the day was to be the meeting of fellow bloggers; to actually put faces to names.  Due to our delayed arrival at the venue, the allotted time for the meeting was soon upon us and, not without a little trepidation, we took ourselves over to the meeting place.  Any fears that I may have had were soon vanquished by the genuinely warm welcome from the likes of Dave - 'One man and his brushes', Fran - 'The Angry Lurker',  Ray - 'Don't throw a one' and Lee - 'Big Lee's Miniature Adventures'.  This was a lovely addition to the day, initially mooted by the gregarious boys of 'Posties Rejects'; I do hope that this can becomes a regular feature. 

Back to shopping and I managed to pick up most things on the wish list that should help to bolster the ranks of ongoing projects, but 'Shinybloodyitis' well and truly struck and towards the end I found myself grazing down the aisles, picking up all manner of bizarre and wonderful new items, one of the strangest been this half eaten resin dinosaur!

Of course all such ventures need a debrief and we took the opportunity to take a little liquid refreshment at the same time; perhaps a little too much refreshment given the headache I seem to have woken up with this morning!  Still another wonderful event, well done the 'South London Warlords', even if I didn't get my goody bag!  Time to start saving from next year!