I think I bumped into virtually every trannie I've ever met since I came out 4 years ago, and a zillion more who I've never met face to face before. And there was a rather diverse mix of events which hopefully meant that everyone found something of interest.

Friday was a rather chilled out night, where many of us gathered at Joanne's and Kim Angels penthouse for their 'Bring a Bolly' party. Rather decadent, but a great opportunity to sit and talk in a nice environment. And needless to say, there were more than a few bottles of Bollinger consumed that night!

Saturday for me started with a series of talks by GIRES, Dr Russell Reid and the Way Outs Vicky Lee. I'd never spoken to Vicky before, and her talk about being an 'inbetweenee' was an absolute joy. She had everyone in fits of laughter with her brilliant observations. And she also made some really good points, which I've been pondering since.

Saturday night of course, was Miss Sparkle, the moment I'd been dreading! I was so nervous, I was physically shaking. Crazy isnt it? I decided to get a drink to try and help me calm down a bit, and guess what happened? A very pissed up tranny gave me a mouthful of abuse and then threatened to punch me while I was waiting at the bar! This didnt help my frazzled nerves one bit I can tell you. She later apologised and said it was because she was jealous, and to top it all she then tried to kiss me, silly cow! Ironically, the only real hassle I had all weekend was from another trannie! lol

I have to say, when I walked into the changing rooms I thought 'wow'. There were some really cute girls there, and in my mind I picked the three I thought should win the prizes. I honestly didn't think I had a chance once I'd seen the other girls.

But its not just how you look, its how you perform on the catwalk that really matters. Some of the girls were just naturals (or they'd done it before) and had the capacity crowd eating out of their hands as they prowled along the catwalk. Others (like me!) where much more nervous.

Thankfully though I didn't 'do a Naomi' and fall on my tush, but I came awfully close. Note to self, dont pick a dress with a long train in future! ;)

I completely forgot about the judges and didn’t wave or pose to them at all. To be honest you're only up to there for a few seconds so it flashes by. You walk up and down, and then after everyone’s been up, you all quickly go up a second time to remind the judges and crowd who you are.

As we waited for the results, I actually thought, 'oh bugger I've let my friends down' as many had come to cheer me on. Having said that, the only ones I saw or heard where Tiffany Tuesday and Cosmic who gave me a real boost when they cheered me on my second walkthrough. After that I relaxed and started to enjoy myself a bit.

The larger than life Michaela Marbella came third, I came second and Steffi, a really lovely, very natural looking girl won.

I'd never spoken to Michaela before, and I really didnt know what she would be like. But I needn't have worried, she was very complementory, and I was quiet touched by what she had to say.

Coming second was a real surprise, and I was very pleased. Obviously, it would have been fantastic to have won but the winner was the girl I'd have picked too. She was pretty, but she was also very confident on the catwalk, and I think that's what made her stand out.

I received a brilliant prize too! Tickets for the Repartee 50th Anniversary Party, a lovely Angels pendant and a years free entry to two of the London trannie clubs, the Way Out and Trans-Mission. And seeing as I do like to party till dawn, I think I'll find those free passes really useful!

After the show, it was great to get out of the red hot venue. I'd had really gorgeous ringlets put in my hair for the competition but the heat was so intense at the venue that they had nearly all dropped out by the time it was my turn.

I was simply buzzing on adrenaline and had a great night afterwards at Trans-Missions night at Prague V. And later I bumped into a couple of girls from the 'Ladyboys of Bangkok' who just happened to be doing a show in Manchester on Saturday night. And oh my god, was that a humbling experiance! They are just so perfect, and the girl I spoke to was absolutely lovely too. Im only 5' 7" and a slim 140 lbs but next to these girls I felt like a professional rugby player, and a very clumsy, graceless one at that! Awesome.

I really think Kim Angel and the other organisers did a brilliant job to make Sparkle happen. There’s been a fair amount of bitching on the UK forums by girls who where against Sparkle, which to be honest I really don’t understand. A group of people, some of whom would normally be competitors, work together and give selflessly of their own time, resources and money to arrange a free event. They pick a central location to try and make it accessible to everyone. And then they get slagged off for it. It beggars belief. Anyway, despite some negativity, Kim and Co did it, and did it with great style! Fingers crossed, we can convince her to do it again next year!

Whether I'll be in Miss Sparkle again? Well thats a totally different matter! :)