Well the day started well the sun was out and the dog was walked.
Now I knew the M3 was closed for road works but what’s that on the radio? The M4 is shut from Heathrow to the Chiswick roundabout!.
The husband was intent on driving me to the Bash. I told him that maybe it would be easier if I went by train. He was however insistent so we set off early at 8am. After an hour of looping round hubby finally concided that we were not going to make it by car. So I was dropped off at Hatton Cross Tube station we only done 25miles in an hour and a half!
Anyway I got my ticket , and headed on down to platform 2 Picadilly Line to Cockfosters. Rang the hubby told him I was on the tube. Changed at Hammersmith to the district line to Upminster. Then we reach Earls Court and everything grinds to a holt! A delay, what have I done to deserve this.
So finally I arrive at Victoria and it is five minutes past ten. I had Geoff’s directions to hand. Everytime I was unsure of my bearings one of Geoff’s landmarks would crop up.
The photo above is one of Geoff’s.
And so it was at 10.26am I arrived at the Venue.
I was greeted by Ali and Hugh! And the huging began!
Did I say hugs lots of hugs!!
Not mention the cakes, did I mention the cakes, Ritu and Geoff made cakes!!
Then the first set of awards were given out and our first presentation by from Suzie of “Suzie Speaks ” about how to monetize your blog and from Elena of Elena Peters mid life blogger about how to harness and use Pinterest to drive traffic to your blog.
All very informative and interesting but a little scary for me but lots to think about!
Then it was lunch time after which there was a panel discussion with Suzie, Elena and Christoph, we were able to ask lots of questions and get sensible and interesting answers!
Then there were much hilarity from the committee and more awards! Talking of the awards I was sitting next to Supawoman, I mean Ritu, who is now a dear friend and Blogary Sis to me. When it came to the award for the Best overall blogger we did not need drumroll as Lovely Ritu’s heart was beating like a drum!! Well luckily she did win and before her heart burst!!
Well done Ritu you did so well and really deserve the title!
The runner up was–Sue Vincent who’s blog I really love and infact I was so excited we she arrived at the Bash I was straight in with a hug before she had a chance to know who I was, poor lady she must of wandered what was going on!! I was excited about meeting Sue and she is just as Lovely as thought she was.
2nd Place – Chris Graham – Again a wonderful Blogger.
For names of the all the Award Winners go to ABBA Awards.
Then it was time to mix and mingle and in case this myself fall at the feet of my idols… Well I tripped up a step and fell on my face! I hasten to add I had not touched a drop of Alcohol! Infact I was told by the many helpers to drink wine and stay up right. It was so great to chat everyone!
Sadly I did not take enough photos, I was too busy enjoying myself.
For a more comprehensive post with more information and photos go to the lovely Ritu’s post at But I Smile Anyway
To everyone I met I really enjoyed your company, I dare not mention names for fear of missing someone out. I love you all. To Sacha, Hugh, Ali and Geoff you are all the best and so supportive!
Next year the Bash is on 9th June 2018. Also the committee is looking to recruit six new members if you can help contact Sacha.
Jun 12, 2017 @ 07:57:01
Many thanks for the link back, Willow 😀
Jun 12, 2017 @ 08:12:00
Happy to do so I didn’t dare link everyone as I was worried about missing someone out ! But I knew every one on the Best overall blog! 💜💝
Jun 12, 2017 @ 08:21:16
😀
Jun 12, 2017 @ 09:54:54
It was such a great day sis!!!
Jun 12, 2017 @ 10:06:33
Oh! Yes it was roll on next year 💜
Jun 12, 2017 @ 10:09:30
The countdown is on!!!
Jun 12, 2017 @ 10:10:17
Yes!!
Jun 12, 2017 @ 10:21:54
Lovely to see you and your smile Willow.
Jun 12, 2017 @ 10:22:48
Thank Geoff it was a wonderful day 💜 thanks to you and the committee! 🤗
Jun 12, 2017 @ 21:33:02
A pleasure as always
Jun 12, 2017 @ 21:35:36
💗💜💝
Jun 12, 2017 @ 12:48:37
Looks like you all had a good day, Willow 🙂
Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:45:14
We did Martin it was fabulous,you should come and join us, note for next year 9th June 2018 😊💝
Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:52:21
I can’t afford a trip to London and besides I’m not a blogger as such but I’ll think about it.
Jun 12, 2017 @ 15:21:31
Get Saving, and what are you if not a blogger??
Jun 12, 2017 @ 15:34:07
Well bloggers, write about stuff. I just write poetry.
Jun 12, 2017 @ 15:40:08
Me too, poetry an stories. Poetry is rhyming stuff. 💝💜💖
Jun 12, 2017 @ 17:48:51
Well, not necessarily rhyming 🙂
Jun 12, 2017 @ 16:05:41
💝🤗
Jun 12, 2017 @ 13:45:40
What a great time! Enjoyed all the pictures. Affirms bloggers are real people and not machines HAHA. Cool event – so jealous
Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:41:50
Well it was fantastic, a note for your diary 9th June 2018 come and join us! 💖💜
Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:48:36
Must win lottery ( but if I did, I’d help fund the event!)
Jun 12, 2017 @ 14:49:56
That such a lovely thing to say 😁💖
Jun 12, 2017 @ 15:38:03
To put faces to names and voices to words must have been a super experience 🙂 Lovely details and photographs!
Jun 12, 2017 @ 15:39:02
Thank you Prajakta, it was so lovely 💝💜💖
Jun 12, 2017 @ 16:00:19
What a lovely post, Willow. You captured the fun nature of the event perfectly – and the cakes, can’t forget the cakes!! 😉
Jun 12, 2017 @ 16:02:42
No never forget the cakes 💜💖💝💜🎂
Jun 12, 2017 @ 16:00:42
A lovely post Sis. i am so glad you all had a wonderful time xxx
Jun 12, 2017 @ 16:19:17
Great account of the day, Willow! Glad you enjoyed it so much. See you next year!
Jun 13, 2017 @ 09:41:58
Thanks Ali I can’t wait a year is too long!!
Jun 13, 2017 @ 09:46:54
But it will fly by! The last one did!
Jun 13, 2017 @ 09:51:00
Yes that’s true, are you all well 💜💖🤗
Jun 13, 2017 @ 10:13:23
I’m completely demotivated, Willow! No uni, no BB… no direction lol! 😂
Jun 17, 2017 @ 09:08:27
Hi Ali sorry for not answering this I just found this comment in Spam! I hope you feeling better now. 🤗💜💗
Jun 17, 2017 @ 09:10:40
Thank you! Don’t worry, I often find comments go ‘missing’. Technology for you! 😄 How are you, Willow?
Jun 17, 2017 @ 09:16:10
I am fine Ali I can’t believe that it is a week since we all met up!We have been away since Sunday.With friends staying in Portsmouth! We go home tomorrow.. then I will feel it!! Hope all is good with you. 💗💜💝🤗
Jun 17, 2017 @ 09:20:31
That was probably a very plan. I met up with some friends on Wednesday and spent the day in Dublin visiting places I had never been before but always wanted to, so that really helped. However, I am still not very motivated, and tbe summer is passing, so I really need to get a grip of myself, or September will be here and I will have achieved none of things I was hoping to, and I really will regret that.
Jun 17, 2017 @ 09:28:36
Life is like that isn’t it it never stops and keeps on moving, very unforgiving! I love Dublin my dad was born there. I have visited three times, and once to Waterford.
Yet having said life flies by, don’t be too hard on yourself 💝🤗
Jun 17, 2017 @ 09:39:11
Dublin is a great city, although I’m always glad to escape to the green open spaces afterwards. I don’t know Waterford, don’t think I’ve ever been.
Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:34:12
It is beautiful! 💜😉
Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:37:57
No. But I don’t want to feel p****d off with myself come September. I think the time for chilling is done, and now is the time for action. I need to write an action plan and start ticking things off! 😆
Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:36:21
Right then get too it Now and I want weekly reports!! PUT THAT CUPPA DOWN NOW!! 😱😉💜
Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:46:48
Hahaha! Yes ma’am! 🤣😂😄
Jun 17, 2017 @ 12:06:39
💗😁💜😉😉💜
Jun 12, 2017 @ 21:50:04
Looks like a lot of fun!!
Jun 12, 2017 @ 21:52:47
Oh!it was just wonderful 💗💝
Jun 12, 2017 @ 21:59:30
So glad you had a good time! Looked like a lot of nice bloggers all gathered together. 😍😍
Jun 12, 2017 @ 22:05:15
It was lovely and we all had such fun 💜💝
Jun 13, 2017 @ 14:53:29
Lovely to see you again Willow, and thanks for the hugs. 🤗
See you next year. 😀
Jun 13, 2017 @ 15:14:12
Yes,yes but we will speak before then 💝💖😱
Jun 16, 2017 @ 06:23:08
It was so good to see you again this year Willow. Thank you for all the hugs and catching up
Jun 16, 2017 @ 06:57:17
I was so pleased to meet everyone again it was especially good to see you too, hugs are good and they are free💖 it was lovely to meet Chloe too 💜
Jun 27, 2017 @ 11:46:31
Lovely day- but what an adventure to get there!
Jun 27, 2017 @ 11:55:09
Yes indeed, have a drink and something to eat thank you for coming ❤