It’s been a whole week since the first Annual Bloggers’ Bash and the first Annual Bloggers’ Bash Awards were held in London. However, the day itself is still very much on my mind.
If we were having coffee I’d be telling you about the Bloggers’ Bash. Haven’t seen the video yet of all the bloggers who attended, introducing themselves? Then click here and meet the group.
I was very nervous when the day finally arrived. I’d only ever spoken to Sacha, Ali and Geoff via Google Meet Ups. However, I received the biggest hugs I’d ever received from people I’d never met before and Geoff presented me with a lovely bunch of sweet peas from his garden. By the time we sat down and were eating breakfast, you could have sworn we’d all known each other for years.
Realising we were running late, it wasn’t long before I left the other three committee members and made my way to the courtyard at the British Library where we had told everyone to meet. Dylan, who had joined us for breakfast, kindly walked me to the area and, upon arrival, a small group of people walked towards us. They’d recognised the T-Shirt design we’d told everyone the committee members would be wearing. Before long I was deep in conversation with people I’d only ever chatted to via the comments section on WordPress, or via the occasional tweet.
Within an hour most of the group were assembled, photographs had been taken, introductions had been made, and we were one big happy family. Even when I announced that I wanted everyone to stand in a long line and to announce themselves to the iPhone I was pointing at them, there was no hesitation from the group.
Inside Pizza Express, I found myself sat next to Marj, Conny, Helen and Mel. According to Marj, I never shut up. I was chatting away and firing all sorts of questions at them about why they blogged, why they published posts at certain times of the day, and who they knew really well in the blog world, amongst other things. I apologise to them now. They must have thought I had a wind-up key attached to my back and that I would not stop talking until the key stopped turning around!
Awards were announced and I was surprised not only to hear that Hugh’s Views and News took joint fourth place (with the wonderful Ali Isaac) in the best overall blog, but that it had also taken second place in the funniest blog category. A big thank you to those who nominated me for these awards and to all of you who voted for me. I was so shocked that I could not eat the rest of my pizza!
When we finally made our way to the pub, that key in my back had been wound up again and I started firing questions at more unsuspecting bloggers. Here I got my chance to have a catch-up with Suzie who I had previously crushed with a ‘Hugh Hug’ the moment she appeared in the courtyard at the British Library. We share a similar wicked sense of humour and laughed a lot about the four-hour twitter conversation we had had a few months earlier with Steve while watching The Eurovision Song Contest. I still have the whole conversation on Twitter and I’m sure the BBC could make a fantastic sitcom out of it.
The day seemed to fly past and it was not long before people started to leave. I was successful in stopping Sherri and her husband leaving by persuading them to let me buy them both another drink but, unfortunately, I lost the battle with some of the others. Obviously, the key in my back had been wound-up again and people were making a run for it!
I was delighted to have met Sue Vincent and to have been able to talk to her about her wonderful and inspirational son Nick. He’s a hero of mine (click here to find out why).
Here’s a full list of everyone that attended the First Annual Bloggers Bash.
Geoff Le Pard – TanGental
Helen Jones – Journey To Ambeth
Sacha Black – Sacha Black
Ali Isaac – Ali Isaac Storyteller
Ellie Marinova – A Writer’s Caravan
Suzie Speaks – Suzie Speaks
Graeme Cumming – Graeme Cumming Dot Net
Conny Kaufmann – Study. Read. Write
Marjorie Mallon – Kyrosmagica
Esther Newton – Esther Newton Blog
Lucy Mitchell – Blonde Write More
Melissa Barker-Simpson – Melissa Barker-Simpson
Julie Lawford – Julie Lawford/ A writer’s Notepad
Dylan Hearn – Suffolk Scribblings
Stuart France – Stuart France, Writer
Sue Vincent – Daily Echo
Sherri Matthews – A View From My Summerhouse
If we were having coffee I’d be telling you that I did not want the day to end. Of course, like everything, it had to end, but it’s a day I will never forget.
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Hugh's Views & News 
I’m suffering from a bad case of the green dye, now, Hugh. What a lot if fun you all had. You’re planning one for next year, already? London, eh?
Hi Jill, yes, it was such a great success and we got so many people asking if we were planning another event that we’ve decided to go ahead and plan another. The date will be announced soon although, as yet, we have not decided on a location.
I wish you all could have come along but until somebody invents that machine on Star Trek which whisks you to another place in seconds then I guess it’s not going to be possible. Still, I know you’ve met one or two bloggers yourself and I’m sure you’ll agree it is such a very special experience.
It certainly is, Hugh.
Thanks for the post. You all obviously had a great day. I hope to go to the next Bloggers Bash (quite easy as I live and work in London). However I had already agreed to meet Friends at the Ealing Jazz Festival so was not able to attend this time round. Kevin
Plans are already underway for next year’s Bloggers Bash, Kevin. You’ll certainly be seeing details on my blog in the not too distant future. I look forward to meeting you at the event and hope you will be able to join us all.
Just got to this one, Hugh – and another week has passed. Still a day that buzzes through your head though. I’ll have to look out for that key next time
Yes, two weeks on and I’m still reading and commenting about the very First Annual Bloggers Bash. Just goes to show what a huge success it was Graeme. As for that key – please use it at your peril 🙂
It sounds like you all had a wonderful time! I’m so jealous. If we were having coffee, mine would be peppermint tea! 🙂
Good job I like peppermint tea as well. I always have a supply in 🙂
Great! Put the kettle on!
Reblogged this on Study. Read. Write. and commented:
The lovely Hugh, whom I met at the Blogger Bash in London, posted this list of all the bloggers, plus pictures and a link to a video of all of us! Check it out!
Thanks for the reblog, Conny. Have a great weekend. 🙂
This is such a great summary of a fantastic day. I’m still buzzing from it too! It was really good to meet you 😀
Thanks Mel. Likewise, it was wonderful to meet you as well.
And if we were having coffee Hugh, I would tell you what a wonderful write up this is of a truly wonderful day! Love your photos and also, and huge apologies for being remiss in saying so before, many, many congratulations to you on your winning placements in not one but two categories! Richly deserved, most definitely. The day still sits with me too, and I am already looking forward very much to the next bash. And next time, it will be mine and hubby’s turn to buy you a drink 🙂 Oh, and how lovely of Geoffle. Sweetpeas are one of my absolute favourites too. As I said before, I am just sorry I missed the first part, but it was certainly a day to remember for a long time to come. Thanks again Hugh, you’re a star ⭐ 🙂 xx
I’m so glad you enjoyed my wrap-up of the event Sherri. I think the day will be on my mind for a very long time. Of course it all went far too quickly but it was wonderful to meet everyone there. We’re already talking about next year’s event and are planning on announcing a date so that everyone can put it into their diaries. I was thrilled to have met you. I feel like we’ve been friends for years. 🙂
That’s about it from me on the Bloggers Bash now. Apart, that is, from The Truth App, where the bloggers bash will still feature. Oh dear, I do hope it’s going to be all Okay for us bloggers in that story.
Wow, so much fun! I wish I could be there, it’s good to know that our virtual world can become a real world. Congrats!
It is indeed, Elizabeth. It was lovely to meet the people behind the blogs I follow. They really are human, just like me 🙂
Wow! What an incredible experience, Hugh! I have fantasized many times about doing something like this. There are so many people on that list that I would love to meet in person. You’re also someone I would love to meet in person. Maybe someday it will happen. 😀 xx
Arr, thank you Vashti. It was an incredible day and it was so nice to meet the people behind the blogs. I hope it happens somewhere near you someday soon. It does take some organising, but is well worth all the hard work. I was so pleased to have been asked by Sacha to join the committee that was organising the event. Maybe this first bloggers bash meeting will go down in history one day?
Wonderful Hugh where will we be without all your quick fire questions? It would make a great comedy sketch I can see it now! Hysterical Bloggers Bash Take 2 more to come next time!!
Thanks Marje. Those quick fire questions were all the nerves coming out 🙂 Thanks for putting up with both them and me! Unless you’re a blogger I don’t think other people understand what it’s all about. We seem to belong to quite an elite group. I think we’re all proud of that 🙂
Yes nerves come out in all sorts of ways. Glad to be part of the blogging group whatever did I do before?!!!
I know. I quite often ask myself the same question. 🙂
Thanks Hugh. Hadn’t seen this yet. Congrats, but of course, you are the best!
Oh that’s so nice, thank you. Even with just my second place in Funniest blog category?
Hugh, I wish we were sitting having coffee. I’d wind that key a bit tighter and let you tell me all about the fabulous meet and greet at the blogger’s bash. Hugs, my friend.
Brilliant. That’s a table for Sarah, Judy, you and I now Michelle. My, this table of mine is getting bigger and bigger 🙂
This is awesome! Looks like you guys had so much fun. And congrats on the awards, too! 🙂 Happy times.
It was a great day Diana. We already have bloggers enquiring about an event for next year.
Thank you very much.
That sounds great! 🙂
Lovely post, Hugh! Can’t believe it is already a week ago. And that it is still being posted about, it clearly had quite an impact. It’s the strangest thing, how comfortable it actually felt to be among all these people we had never met before. I keep thinking about it too.
It did indeed Ali. I never thought that posts about the event would still be published a week after the event. People already enquiring about next year’s event. I guess Sacha will need to assemble her team again sometime in the coming months. Let’s hope she’s not sacked us 🙂
Oooh… Never thought of that! Hope not lol!
We might have to have a meet up in London one weekend in advance of the day, you know, just to organise things…
Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’d have to sample foods and wines to ensure everything is perfect.
I’m liking that idea!
I’m glad you all had a great time. Some lovely photos, too! And what’s this about you not finishing your pizza?! 🍕
I know, shock horror and all that. Getting second place in the funniest blog category had me in stitches! I wasn’t able to finish the pizza after they announced that.
A big congrats to you for coming second. Your blog posts always have me in stitches, so it only makes sense!
Hugh, this was an amazing wrap-up to the Blogger’s Bash! I loved it. You all look how I had imagined in my mind. Thank you so much for sharing all your lovely photos. I wish I could meet you all in person! ❤ Hugs to you all!
Thanks Colleen. A week (and a bit) on and I’m still reliving the Bloggers Bash. Posts are still being published about the day. It was so great to meet the people behind the blogs.
I so agree. It is like a blogging honeymoon! It takes a while for the love to wear off. ❤
Spot on, Colleen. I’ve a few extra Christmas cards to send this year 🙂
Thanks for the mention and it sounded like a fab day. Next year? Eurovision blog party…just saying…
Sounds good to me Steve 🙂 Suzie did mention something about a get together after this year’s contest.
it’s a fine plan
Great wrap up. I’m sure everyone loved being there.
I’m guessing they did, especially from the all the posts I’ve read about the event. Here’s to next year’s event.
I will be watching in envy.
Hi Hugh. Thanks for letting all of us be a part of this party, by writing this post. Hugs!
You’re welcome Tegan. That’s it from me on the Bloggers Bash – unless of course ‘The Truth App’ has anything else to say about it?
Hugs.
That’s so awesome that you guys all met up like that! What fun!!
Yes, it was an excellent day. All well worth it and it was lovely to meet some of the people behind the blogs.
Meet ups and events are such great inspiration! It is always amazing to meet the faces behind the words and connect on that level. How fun and thanks for writing this great wrap up!
Glad you enjoyed it Terri. I would never have thought, this time last year, that I’d be meeting fellow bloggers face to face, let alone being on the organising committee. It was great fun.
I will be coming next year hopefully as I can’t wait to meet you all. I probably won’t shut up once I get going either, and will definitely want to chat with you 🙂
Me thinks they will put you and me on our own table should we not be able to shut up 🙂 Then again I have a feeling that a lot more people will turn up at next year’s event, so I’m guessing we’ll all be shouting over all the noise. The UK had better get itself ready.
I think there will be lots more of us as well next year. You lot have paved the way, you intrepid pioneers of the blogosphere! 🙂
I’m asking the Queen if we can use her place next year. She can leave the key under the mat when she leaves for Balmoral. I’ve promised to hoover up after the event. I don’t think she’ll mind.
No, I think we are quite a well-behaved bunch and I bet she hates hoovering! 🙂
Thrown me over already for another talker, Hugh. I’m devastated!
lol, no, I’ve booked a big table, Sarah. Room for plenty more of us talkers 🙂
What a great idea. Looks like everyone had so much fun. Hope you have a great week.
Thanks Rosie. It was a great day and was lovely to meet fellow bloggers we only usually know from reading their posts.
There’s another bloggers bash being planned for next year.
Reblogged this on Thoughts by Mello-Elo.
Thanks for the reblog Eloise. 🙂
Happy Sunday.
I loved the video. Looks like you had a great time 🙂
We did, Christoph. Hope you can join us at next year’s event?
I hope so 🙂
If I make it next year, I’ll probably take over from you as the most talkative – that’s shyness for you; there are no donkeys with hind legs in Crete any more.
In which case they will probably sit you and me together Sarah 🙂
Oh I can’t wait for part 4. I’m totally engrossed!
That is so funny! I haven’t heard that expression in donkey’s years!
Melinda
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
It is clear that Hugh had a wonderful time meeting everybody for the first time and the proof of a great party is that you not only remember it but want to do it all over again.. be there next time Hugh.
Thanks for sharing this Sally. I’ll certainly be there next year and hope you will be as well?
That’s it from me about The Bloggers’ Bash now. Unless, of course, those poor bloggers who attained the event in ‘The Truth App’ get more than they bargained for with that mysterious iPad. 🙂
If I can humanly be there I will be Hugh.. from Ireland or wherever.. Those t-shirts are a must have fashion statement.. XXS
I’m sure Geoffle has some left. Shall I enquire and get him to send you one? xx
Thanks Hugh but I will earn one next year by helping with the organisation of the event.. but thank you for thinking of it.. XXS
You’re very welcome Sally. xx