Travel and Transport for August

Not the first time for this theme as it seems to bring endless puzzles from all the major brands. Especially as you can usually also hit the nostalgia which people seem to enjoy as well. I like the theme as you can always relay on nice blocks of colour when considering all the vintage cars and once you get your eye in, even multiple planes aren't that bad. Railways provide tracks to break up the image and even bus loads of people give added extras. I also had a glut on 500 piece puzzles which meant I could get more done for the month. 

Passing on the joy...

As well as my interest in puzzles I am also a member of my local Pantomime Group. Each year we hold a fundraising fete to help raise funds for our shows – we sell books, have duck races down the river, and since I’ve been on the committee we have also sold puzzles.

Now, this works in my favour. We advertise every puzzle sold as being ‘checked complete’…which means…you’ve guessed it…someone needs to check them. All our puzzles are donated, from friends, family members, local supporters and even members of the BCD. I then check them (meaning I do lots of puzzles for free) and then we sell them.

Last year we decided on a winning price bracket. £2 per puzzle no matter what the size, or 3 puzzles for £5. I can hear the gasps now – ‘£2, you are underselling, £2 is far too cheap, £2 is far less than even charity shops’! And yes, I probably agree with you. However, when we sold them for higher prices, we never seemed to be able to shift them. People coming out for the day didn’t seem to want to lug puzzles around with them or would only buy 1 really nice one. At £2 a puzzle people seem to think ‘why not take a risk and buy a few’, and as we only accept card payments for £5 or more people seem only two happy to add the extra £1 a get the 3! This year we started with well over 100 puzzles and by the end of the day had 7 left…reduced to 5 with a last minute purchase as we were loading the van to go home.

And the best bit – the puzzle chats I get to have with fellow enthusiasts all day long. They go home with some joy (and a leaflet for the BCD) and the pantomime group goes home with a few extra pounds to be spent on costumes.

Photos are before and after shots…

Thatched cottages for July

All the puzzle brands seem to love a good old thatched cottage and all create variations along a theme. Often surrounded by a country garden with plants and flowers galore. Add in a picket fence, perhaps a small pond or river and you have your classic scene. I like them despite the slight cliché they often represent, in part because the thatch is always tricky! 

WASGIJ mysteries for June

I was handed a large number of these to check and June seemed as good a month as any. I have always enjoyed a WASGIJ - bold images, bright colours and the added extra of not quite knowing what you are going to get. However, once you get into a rhythm with them there are similarities - some sort of problem, the same sorts of characters and lots of flesh!! I like some of the variations that the brand has come up with over the years and feel this has helped keep them fresh. 

Home is best for May

I've been looking forward to this theme. In our never ending pursuit of always looking for the next biggest and best thing, I sometimes wonder whether we forget the majesty of the British Isles and all it has to offer. From beautiful landscapes, tonnes of history and everything in-between there is certainly plenty to see right here at home. The puzzles I had certainly showcased the very best of British.