There it was on our new 2013 calendar, another 50 + Show so off we went catching the “Witchway” luxury double decker to Manchester . We were in the city centre within the hour and a short walk then to the G-Mex centre. Although we arrived early the show was already packed with visitors milling around the many stands. As always the show was alive with things to do, to watch, to learn or even to participate. I had a go on the adjustamatic bed but drew the line at climbing up the vertical wall! There were a lot of demonstrations going on. Cookery classes were very popular as were the innovative new kitchen appliances. One stand had a glittering display of designer jewellery alongside mortgage and financial advisors. We managed to get a seat at the live fashion show which is always very popular. Lots of nice ladies up there on the catwalk showing off some new fashions in time to some nostalgic music from the 1950s and 60s. After that we retired for lunch, in our case a picnic we had brought with us of Serrano ham in a crusty roll and half a bottle of Chardonnay ! Then it was time to do the holiday thing and we were spoilt for choice with holiday companies offering anything from a trip to the “Black Country” in the midlands to far flung destinations like the Great Wall of China. A couple of years ago at this same show we entered a competition to win a three day cruise on a luxury canal boat and won! So once again we had a go at all the competitions on offer. As they say “You have to be in it to win it!” We managed to get past the Yoga stand without being roped in for a spot of exercise only to be trapped by the hearing aid people wanting to check out my ears. However the highlight of the show was meeting Jennie and Debbie for the first time on their Silver Travel Advisor stand! I have written a few reviews for them in the past so they made me very welcome. They recently sent me a Marks & Spencer voucher for £10 as a prize for one of my reviews. I assured them that the money had been well spent on men’s underwear for me! It seemed to amuse them. I suppose spending time discussing my underwear with two very attractive ladies is one way of passing the time! As another little present Jennie gave me a carrier bag with their company logo and a promise that if I were to be photographed with it at some interesting location and sent them the snapshot I may win yet another £20 M&S voucher. The question is can I handle yet more underwear? Nevertheless my partner did take a photo of me clutching their bag in Albert Square, Manchester on the way back to the bus stop so that will be winging its way via the airways to them shortly and see what they make of that !
