Joyce's Column - November

Well, the 10th (yes, the 10th!) Anniversary of the ACOS Show certainly had everything going for it, regular and new exhibitors all happy to display their variety of products, on bright and colourful stands, and visitors to the show didn’t disappoint either, numbers far exceeded last year. Held at the Mercure/Ibis Hotel in West London, which I have to say is now great to stay in after its refurbishment, the venue is excellent, convenient to get to and many places around to enjoy your time after the show.

Exhibitors were invited to a drinks evening at the hotel on the eve of the show to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the the show and it was appreciated by the exhibitors, and a most enjoyable evening. Following the close of the show on the first day it was time for the party over the way at The Prince which is for all exhibitors and visitors alike, and is always a night of great atmosphere and camaraderie, music, food and of course alcohol of which I am sure much is consumed!! Here are some photos from the party night.

The second day of the show was quieter than the first day, but then again this is always the same at shows, and the show finished at 3pm on the second day, very sensible. Giving exhibitors and visitors to try to get out of the Capital before the real heavy traffic., and if you were staying overnight, it gave you time to unwind. This was a very sensible decision by Karen Cooke the show organiser who over the years has had much experience in this field, and I think she should give herself and her team a huge pat on the back for such a great ACOS 2025.

Amongst the new exhibitors to ACOS were Derek Lynch of Radical Shock and Derek commented that he had experienced a great show, transacted a nice amount of business, felt it was very worthwhile and a valuable show and he says he will be back in 2026. Similar comments were echoed by PST’s Gareth Treharne and he says he will definitely support the show again in 2026. A regular exhibitor to ACOS is Paul Scott of E-Services and he felt that Karen had done a sterling job of organising the show, again they will be back in 2026.

Kelly and Joe Fletche of Joe Joe Jim’s were at ACOS together with Kelly’s sister Lindsey Seldon, and besides enjoying the show they were going to see Abba Voyage, which I am sure they all enjoyed, and knowing them I bet they were up and dancing in the aisles.      

It was nice to see Ray Underhill at ACOS, Ray is one of what I call the stalwarts of the industry with his days spent at ACE followed by Crystal Leisure with the late Jeff Hull, as always, Ray was immaculately turned out, he was always known for this, even in his casual attire, one of the smartest dressers around. According to Ray, ACOS was the first show he had been to for a few years, and he thought it was a great show, and enjoyed it.

The NSM Boys were all dressed in their new uniforms of black shirts with their logo on them, these are to coincide with their new branding, and I have to say boys you all looked very much the part and very smart, just like your equipment top class!!

Thanks to HC Terminals Bob Hepworth, Concept Games Tim Stayman and Joe Fletcher of Joe Joe Jim’s for taking me out to dinner after the party at The Prince, this was most enjoyable and they were all 3 such superb company, needless to say we ended back at the hotel for a nightcap!

I would also like to express my thanks to Karen Cooke and her husband Billy for their kindness shown to me at ACOS, and also for our great chat Karen which was most enjoyable, and well overdue

I understand that Robert Higgins has earned himself a new title ‘Chief Cake Tester.’ Apparently, some staff at Novomatics have their own Bake- Off competition at Halloween, Christmas and Easter, and Robert acts at the chief cake tester. Well done to all of you that take part, and remember Robert not too much testing of the cakes it would not be good for your nice trim figure!!

Rex Sargent

Mick Blanche contacted me recently regarding the sad pass Rex Sargent, Rex worked at Associated Leisure in Dawlish, MDM and Wessex Coin, he passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Devon. One could say Rex was a quiet man until he imitated ‘Jethro’ (the well- known Cornish comedian) and Rex then became the life and soul of any party. Condolences to his family and friends, and many thanks Mick for letting us know

 Colin Mallery an ex industry stalwart and trade personality has sadly passed away and gone to our amusement sanctuary in the heavens, Colin was so much a part of our industry for many, many years, spending much of that time at was Ruffler and Deith, with dear departed Bob Deith. Some of my happy memories of Colin where at the Scottish Show in Renfrew, Glasgow where Colin organised the show. Usually held in November over 2 days, it was a small event and sorry to say never that well attended but he used to organise a fabulous cabaret evening complete with dinner on the first day of the show and it was amazing just how many people turned up for this they seemed to come out of the woodwork, the acts he used to get well they were always top class, and every year they seemed to get better. The weather was always cold and often rain or snow in November, but you could guarantee every year during the cabaret evening when dinner had been served that the fire alarm at the hotel would ring and we all had to muster outside in the cold until finally allowed back in again, that of course was different for ex trade personality Mick Kennedy who decided he had had enough of this one year and took a bottle of red wine and hid himself under the table until the all clear. Colin was the first person to allow me to organise a raffle of a Barnardo’s teddy at a show, and we always did well with it, as Colin encouraged people to buy the raffle tickets, and he won it one year. Colin was a man with a cheeky smile and a great knack for selling machines, and I am proud to say that he was a part of my time in the amusement industry, and would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family.     

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25 November 2025

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