RetrotechUK now 26th September '21

[audiomagpie]

The BVWS committee have made the decision to postpone RETROTECHUK (formerly the NVCF) at the Warwickshire Event Centre from 9th May to a new date of SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2021.

This is due to the on going COVID-19 situation and although there is now light at the end of a very long tunnel, we feel that restrictions and social distancing measures that will possibly still be in place during May will hopefully have been relaxed somewhat by September, allowing both our visitors and many varied stall holders alike to experience a very successful and enjoyable day!

Keep your eye on the RetrotechUK website for further details and information, stall holder booking forms for the rescheduled event will be available to download from March onwards. https://www.retrotechuk.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

[Dave Moll]

Although it seems a long time to wait, I was beginning to worry that May was cutting things a bit fine and September seems a safer bet. Let's just hope that things are sufficiently "normal" by September, as I'm definitely suffering from withdrawal symptoms, as I suspect are many others here.

[Paul Stenning]

I will update the RetrotechUK website and BVWS website in the next couple of days.

[chriswood1900]

Postponing it to 26th Sept seems a very sensible decision, we should stand a fighting chance of having that longed for get together safely.
My thanks to Greg and the Committee for sorting this.

[GrimJosef]

Originally Posted by Dave Moll

... I'm definitely suffering from withdrawal symptoms, as I suspect are many others here ...

My living room floor has a steadily growing heap of things for sale !

September is a good choice - late enough to benefit from the maximum improvement in the situation but early enough for any winter issues not to have got going.

Cheers,

GJ

[Aub]

I don't know if it's been asked before, but why did the name change? Personally, I find the new name cringeworthy.

Cheers

Aub

[Duke_Nukem]

Originally Posted by Aub

I don't know if it's been asked before, but why did the name change? Personally, I find the new name cringeworthy.

The show is open to the general public and you have to think what the name "vintage communications fair" would mean to them, it really doesn't cover what is there and for the fair to make financial sense we have to find a way to get numbers up. There's also been talk about bringing in additional exhibits, still related to the kind of stuff that turns up at the fair.

Problem is, it is very difficult to find a short name that covers it.

TTFN,
Jon

[high_vacuum_house]

I think the name changed from National Vintage Communications Fair to the Retrotech is because of the increasing diversity of the items for sale in the fair.

There is quite a considerable amount of hi-Fi and related accessories on the stalls for sale now in recent years compared to years ago and probably to help start including such categories as “retro games” to the event which seems to be gaining in popularity now.

I think this is partially due to the increasing popularity of old (post 1960 era) Hi-Fi, record players ECT. and the decrease in the number and interest of new-find vintage radios and 405 line television sets being found now. (Content on AM radio is getting rather lacking in interest doesn’t help either!!)

If the event tried to limit stalls to selling only radio, television, telephones, valves and vintage test equipment I think that it would struggle to gain enough interest to allow the event to continue without being a financial loss.

Christopher Capener

[Reelman]

Sorry to see it delayed although a wise decision. I also have loads to take and sell so really looking forward to it. To keep with the Retrotech feel I’ll bring some old original IBM PCs to sell. Wish I had some spare CGA/EGA monitors though.
Also looking forward to Golborne eventually....

Peter

[Paul Stenning]

We wanted to widen the range of technology included in the name, to better represent the diverse range of items already offered and also to encourage a wider range of items that could appeal to more people including younger people.

Things like old computers, gaming consoles, video recorders, electronic toys, record players, hi-fi systems and other electronic devices, as well as records, cassettes, video tapes and software etc from the last 40-50 years don't really fit the "vintage communications" label but do fit "retro technology". However the more traditional range of vintage radios, televisions and telephones etc fit either label equally well.

As Jon said:

Originally Posted by Duke_Nukem

Problem is, it is very difficult to find a short name that covers it.

And then to find one where a suitable internet domain name is available!

[Aub]

Ok. Thanks for the explanations. Based on what's been explained and, because this forum is non-commercial, I assume there's no imperative, thank goodness, to change it's name to the Retrotech Repair and Restoration forum. 🙂

Cheers

Aub

[Duke_Nukem]

Originally Posted by Aub

Ok. Thanks for the explanations. Based on what's been explained and, because this forum is non-commercial, I assume there's no imperative, thank goodness, to change it's name to the Retrotech Repair and Restoration forum. 🙂

Nah, should be fine. Forum is doing well as it is, whereas if there is any further decline in the visitor numbers to RetrotechUK (the artist formerly known as NVCF) the event will be no more.

TTFN,
Jon

[Dave Moll]

Originally Posted by Duke_Nukem

if there is any further decline in the visitor numbers to RetrotechUK (the artist formerly known as NVCF) the event will be no more.

That would be sad indeed, but I suppose it's a classic case of "use it or lose it".

[electronicskip]

I think provided it goes ahead its going to be very busy indeed this year given that like minded people have been starved of meets and fairs.
Also with the added "retro" sounding name its going to attract new blood which might encourage younger people to take up our fabulous hobby.

[agardiner]

Noooooo..... I am away (restrictions permitting) that week!

Have to wait until 2022 now.