Dear fellow collector,

Following the success of last year's Insulator Show & Swap in Dry, France, this year's event is to be held in England. It will take place on Saturday October 10th, from 9am to 6pm, in the hall of the historic village of Detling, in Kent, SE England. Detling is one of the villages on the Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury and has a lively assortment of leisure activities for those of you with time to spare exploring the area.

Here are a few details about the event.

Venue facilities:
Detling Village Hall: see www.detlingvillagehall.co.uk

The hall comes with trestle tables and chairs and parking for up to 30 vehicles. There is unrestricted parking in the surrounding streets. The hall contains kitchen facilities for tea and coffee and a 14th century pub within steps from the hall called The Cock Horse Inn serves both lunch and dinner. See www.cockhorseinn.co.uk. The hall will be open from 7am for collectors who wish to set up their tables and displays. Entrance is free for collectors.

The Show will feature several displays from prominent UK collectors in addition to insulators brought in to swap and trade.

Accommodation & activities:
There is no hotel in the village but the village does have a B&B with three rooms called Wealden Hall which is within walking distance of the Show. See http://www.wealdenhall.co.uk
The Coach House B&B just outside Detling also has three rooms. See www.detlingcoachhouse.co.uk
The Black Horse B&B in Thurnham is one mile away and can provide a transport transfer. It has 26 rooms. See www.wellieboot.net
In nearby Weavering the Hilton Hotel has 146 rooms. See www.hilton.co.uk/maidstone
For full hotel listings and activities in the region, see About Britain
A meal is planned for the Saturday evening at the nearby pub. Full details and prices will be announced once final arrangements have been completed.

How to get there:
By Air:
Flights will arrive at one of the four London airports depending on your airline and where you're flying from. Gatwick is the most convenient, it is situated 40 miles to the west of the show venue and is a straightforward drive to the venue. Most flights from the US will arrive at Heathrow. This is a little further at 65 miles. Some budget airlines from Europe fly to Luton and Stansted airports. Luton is the furthest and is situated on the opposite side of London. Stansted is 60 miles from the venue. All airports have car rental facilities.

By Car: If you are driving from anywhere in the UK or from the Channel Tunnel/ferries/airports you will need to make your way to the M20 motorway. The venue is conveniently located less than 1 mile from Junction 7. From here head north on the A249 towards Sheerness. Get into the right hand lane where a right turn lane will soon appear. This leads directly into Detling. Follow the road round two left bends in the village and the village hall is on your left. The map below should help you.
Be aware that the southeast of England is the busiest part of the United Kingdom. Road delays are common and if you're arriving at any of the airports you'll need to use the M25 motorway which is subject to random heavy traffic at any time of the day and night. Those flying to and from Stansted will need to cross the River Thames at Dartford where there is a toll between 6am and 10pm. The current rate is £1.50 each way for cars.

By Private Transport:
There is a chauffeur attached to the hall who can arrange transport. His name is Tim Day.

By rail:
If you are taking the train between any of the airports to the venue you will need to change trains since there are no direct services. It might be easier and more cost effective to rent a small car instead. For rail times see www.nationalrail.co.uk. This site also gives you prices of fares. If you have any questions about train connections I'll do my best to help.

If you need any information regarding this event you can contact me here.