Almost won, no cigar but great experience

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted and very surprised to be listed among 12 or so Notonthehighstreet partners as a potential winner of a new award of 'Community Ambassador of the year 2012'. You can probably imagine how amazed and thrilled I was to make the shortlist of 3 partners - the other two being Ali Millard of Milly and Pip (who I'd voted for) and Helen Lindley of Lindleywood.

thanks to Karen from Blueberry Park for taking this for me

Off we all went to the awards and honestly it was like going to a wedding! Large round white tables decked out with pure white heavy linen cloths - white chairs, large trees in pots, central waiter served buffet and the most glamourous port-a-loos I've ever frequented. The venue was the Garden Room in Syon Park - sadly it was a rainy day so I don't think many people ventured out into the grounds - but it didn't matter. The day was packed with photography workshops, interesting talks, the award ceremony and delicious food to eat while grabbing as many chances as possible to chat to old friends and new.

 the queue for the photography workshops

All the shortlisted nominees for the awards had either had a product photographed and placed on easels as table centre pieces (or if they'd won before or been nominated in earlier years - as in the case of Tracy from Button and Bean then a portrait instead). We were all keen to take ours home as mementos. I'd touched up my two horse plaque samples and was really pleased with how they looked - much larger than the real things!

I had such a good time I forgot to take more photos! I was also interviewed on camera which turned me into a grinning sycophantic Noths advert - mind you it was before the awards when I thought I might win. That's my excuse. Nevertheless I think it was a great day and I wish I could have stayed even longer.

Well done Lucy Wood and the rest of the Notonthehighstreet team. The cakes were of course the best part.