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GW Friday and Alan T

• Message 1. 

  Posted by Clare (U8297608) on Saturday, 14th June 2008

  We (me and my husband), went to GW yesterday and what a fantastic day we had, we saw Alan in the Celebrity Theatre bit, he was funny, interesting and of course very helpful, I managed to get his autograph as he was leaving (on my GW June magazine), then my husband said about getting a book signed by him, so I brought a book and stood in line for Alan to sign it (OK 2 autographs in 20 minutes may be bordering on stalking but I think hes wonderful) he was even nice enough to allow my husband to take a photo of me with him (33 years going on 12 is how I felt), he is a true gent and Im thrilled that I have finally been able to meet him, my one regret is that my mother in law who passed away recently never got the chance to meet him, she got me hooked on gardening and thought Alan was the best, so to you mum and Alan I would like to say thank you XX.

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• Message 2

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  Posted by Cheerypeabrain (U3425151) on Sunday, 15th June 2008

  How lovely ! Alan comes across on the screen as a jolly nice chap.
  
  I went to GW Live on Thursday, saw Carol, Joe, Toby and Rachel. I must say that they all came across as very friendly...even tho every time they stopped to draw breath they were mobbed by us gardeners.
  
  We went to a talk given by Anne Swithinbank on the grow-your-own stage as well, really enjoyed it. I had a lovely time all round, and bought some GORGEOUS plants (all on my wishlist and only had one impulse buy...I'm getting better at just buying stuff that I can't grow from seed or buy locally.
  
  

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• Message 3

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  Posted by thebear (U8525731) on Sunday, 15th June 2008

  I saw him in the outdoors 'grow your own' stand and thought he was great.
  
  Shame Monty wasnt there as well.
  
  

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• Message 4

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  Posted by TallyHo (U2364821) on Sunday, 15th June 2008

  I expect Monty's luxuriating in his own gorgeous garden right now... and why not? It's just about the best week of the year in my opinion — everything's (veg, fruit and ornamental) gorgeous.

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• Message 5

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  Posted by tibouchina2 (U2865648) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  OH and I went on Saturday, had a great day, bought lots! Sorry Alan wasn't there on Saturday, I have seen him other years and think he is lovely! We saw Monty in the theatre which suprised me as I didn't think he would be there, he looked very well, I enjoy hearing him speak he is so passionate about gardening. Also watched John Craven off Countryfile, he seems a real Gentleman. I wonder why they were making a charge for the theatre when you could stand outside and watch it all, last year it was all closed off and free! Anyway we had a great day, just get annoyed about the £8 car park charge, but thats another story.

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• Message 6

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  Posted by malanD (U7337386) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  Yes, we didn't like paying £8 for the car park either, it was £5 last year, I think. We had to walk quite a bit to get the shuttle both ways. It used to be from the main front entrance. So we thought £8 was a day light robbery.

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  Posted by Clare (U8297608) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  I thought that about the theatre as well, last year was free and this year we paid for it and when they did a question and answer bit they went to people who were standing outside.
  
  But at least we got the ticket cheaper by pre-booking it and we got to see Alan which was worth every penny.
  
  Car park is an absolute rip off, £8 is ridiculous!!

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• Message 8

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  Posted by Her outdoors (U1450108) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  I think if you are having a special day out then it costs "whatever it costs" and you have to put aside thoughts of it being a rip-off.
  
  I try not to worry about it. If there are two or more of you in the car the per-head cost isn't much. Look at it this way.
  
  With beer being about £2.50 or more a pint nowadays that £8 is only three pints and a bag of crisps.
  
  You can get to NEC reasonably easily by public transport but at least if you have your car with you then you can buy masses of stuff and get it home.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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• Message 9

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  Posted by tibouchina2 (U2865648) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  I couldn't agree more Angie, I buy what I want when I am there, except if I know I can get it a lot cheaper at my local small nursery, I would rather support them.
  
  As with regards to the car park, I just think that when you look at all the cars parked there and often the same again in the evening if there is a concert on, also you have no option to park 'around the corner' and walk in! Also, I think it is a private venture, and nothing to do with the NEC, I'm afraid its just another case of 'rip off Britain'. Sorry I have had my moan, promise I won't do it again! I really enjoyed my day and the car park charge didn't spoil it, it was only my own opinion.

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• Message 10

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  Posted by hotsunlover (U5664870) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  Lucky you Angie . After weighing up the cost of the tickets(2), petrol to get there, car parking, plus anything that I dare buy, I decided I had better stay at home. I always used to go to this show but now its been priced out of my league. Surely I can't be the only one?

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• Message 11

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  Posted by the cycling gardener (U2350416) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  I went to see Muse at Wembley Arena and it cost me £15 to park - in cash. A jaw dropping moment at the car park entrance kiosk. Teenagers in the car thankful I was speechless with incredulity. Perhaps £8 not so bad afterall.

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• Message 12

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  Posted by malanD (U7337386) on Monday, 16th June 2008

  Hotsunlover, I agree with you. When you add it all up, you know you have spent too much just to get inside. Once in there, you have got to get the bargains, haven't you? So I am thinking, next year I will refrain myself from booking. On the door tickets are expensive anyway.

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• Message 13

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  Posted by CK (U9546106) on Tuesday, 17th June 2008

  We went to GW on Saturday but this time unlike last year when we drove ourselves we went on a day excursion with a coach company. When we worked out the cost of petrol, car park and entrance fee plus the hassle of battling in traffic, the cost of the coach was very reasonable.
  We bought loads, it all fitted in the huge luggage space underneath the coach, we could sit back and relax and be served with excellent service and good value (60p for a coffee versus £2.50 in the show?) No contest!
  

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• Message 14

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  Posted by Clare (U8297608) on Tuesday, 17th June 2008

  I have to say even though it does work out a slightly expensive day I would not miss the show, I look forward to it so much and especially as I saw Alan it has made my year.
  I know you have the travelling etc but Gardeners World is worth every penny. I guess you just forget about the money when you book the tickets etc its part of the day and if you prebook you get them cheaper which makes up for the money you spend on parking and we took a picnic with us so it was just the cost of a couple of coffee/teas etc. Will definitely be going next year.
  
  

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• Message 15

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  Posted by Little Cornflower (U12037777) on Tuesday, 17th June 2008

  I would love to be able to go to the shows but they are all so far away!! I wouldn't begrudge the money, but it is a logistical nightmare.My OH is not interested and I have no one to go with and as I would have to stay over at least one night in a single room the cost would be great ( and how could I keep my purchases alive?). The nearest large show to here is the West Country show at Bath and that is a 4hr drive away - so you can guess how far the others are!!I suppose it's a price I pay for living close to Land's End ( says it all really!!) but please don't moan, just think yourselves lucky that you are able to go - especially if you can see Chris Beardsaw,what a bonus!!

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