With the past but still present recession, families have been working hard to get the ball rolling.
Recycling has become something more natural than ever. Keeping and re-using clothes or even transforming objects in order to give them a second life...because retail prices have gone up but wages haven't and interest rates for saving accounts have dropped dramatically. The economy is on standstill.
Everything can be recycled. Of course, the first things which come to mind are the packages of milk, water bottle, tin food and junk mail too.
Regarding recycling there is also the increase of a fashionable movement: when recycling becomes vintage.
Items can be so old that they become rare and in fact have a high value.
The main products concerned are:
- cars
- motorbikes
- bicycles
- watches
- vases
- suits and dresses
- musical instruments.
The word "vintage" is becoming a genuine trend in the 21st century - where everything should (normally) be so modern and high tech. Almost a parallel world of fashion with a crowd following everything about it, whatever the relevant detail which could enhance the visual aspect of it.
For some individuals, the past is better than the present. They like to live surrounded with music from the 50s, 60s or 70s... some want to be Elvis Presley, others spend time and money on reproducing and redesigning specific patterns for a coat, jacket or dress.
What comes around goes around - but there is never a lack of interest even if that Elvis impersonator has been seen fifteen times. We know what to expect but there is a kind of magic around that performance.
In France (in Anjou) as well as in England (in Devon) cyclists gather to have vintage bicycle rides - tweed being always welcome.
But more and more events are taking place throughout the United Kingdom: Goodwood Revival, being the main one. But there are also smaller and more regional congregations.
Sometimes it can almost feel as a VIP gathering, because it is by "invite only" or the selection can be strict. Nothing more normal after all, otherwise anyone could attend especially when there are terms and conditons such as a dress code.
The organisation is never that easy for such day or weekend: it is not just about having people meeting and talking, but something has to bring a certain buzz such as live music and/or particular type of food. The theme must be carefully and nicely present throughout. It is and should be a day to remember for all guests and organizers too.
The other main point for any fair (whether large or small) is the necessity of a budget to put all things together and tick the boxes. Sometimes sponsors are interested to be part of in and to contribute financially. That's a win-win guaranteed. Alternatively, the cost can be reduced if the people behind the project are able to auto-finance most of it. For instance, if it is on a private property the investment needed will be smaller. This is what commercial property consultants Turner Locker Barnfield are planning for 7th September 2014.
All these vehicles, whether with two or four wheels, will create a unique and fun activity for Exeter and Devon. The setting is superb and getting a community of old engines lovers in the same place is without a doubt a good example of hard work to go from recycle to vintage.
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