Long Melford . Suffolk .
 

Farm Machinery Preservation Society.
The Event is behind Long Melford Hall .
Lady Helen and Wallis Ob 7372 on site with Clayton and Shuttleworth from Castle Hedingham .
Looking forward to what looks likely
to be a warm weekend !

Shall be there with 'George' - Should be a great rally ... looking forward to it :)

I will be there with my model Burrell and rack saw bench, sadly Natel Taylor will not be there this year with his Wallis and Steevens Expansion engine "faith" as the Rally is not paying anything towards transportation costs.

We are not there because of the same reason as Natel. Although heard this afternoon that we are in the programme, bit naughty of them, as them have known for months !!

11 full size on site. Plus 20 or so models. Not a lot moving though.

Good show but sadly down on engines.... good to see you earlier Matt.

Jim

I want as a punter yesterday, I only managed to count 10 full size, give into Matts 11, as may have missed one somehow (3 were from Simon Webbs collection i.e. VERY local). I chatted to friends and exhibits in most areas, and sadly all were unhappy. For full size, apart from no financial help with costs, the coal allowance had been reduced by 25% to six bags for the weekend, no movement other than to the ring a back. So after this, around late morning, many told me that with lack of coal, and no movement anyway they would let they fires go slowly out. Was told by four, that they wouldn't be returning next year.
The models guys also had a no movement restriction, so much so that that Doug Fleet was told off for just turning his Foden around to face the correct way in the line up !!!! And again later when he stopped on his permitted way back from the ring to buy some lunch !! Told to return straight back to his peg. As the day went on I did notice more movement from the model guys, as I think they became more rebellious ! Many said that they wouldn't be returning next year.
Chatted to a friend on the stationary engine line up (was had laid out in a different, and poor way), he told me, he and others were not happy, and would not be returning next year. Also as he faced one of the two rings there, he told me that arena events seemed to be down too, at least in that ring.
I did notice many, many empty pegs and space though out the show field, even in areas strong in support (normally) of the FMPS, such as tractors, so much so that I took photos to prove to friends that were not there, as I'm sure that will not believe me when relaying the show to them !! May even post on here if anybody feels they need to see them.
Mrs Bungle and I stayed chatting to friends until around 10.30pm last night, and sadly the unhappy theme ran though every conversation we had. It will take an awful lot to turn this once good show back around, I hope in time that it can be done, but I am fearful for it's future at this moment in time.

Bungle
Traders told me that pitch fees had been increased by 50% (!), which explained the reduced trade and food stands.

Sorry to hear Bungles report above.

I am not a person to go to the same events every year so didn't go this year, last year was acceptable albeit a little wet at times and I photographed some 14 engines.

Regarding engine movements, there is an item in Discussions I believe on this same subject.

Arfursteam

The same feeling was felt in the Commercial section, we were moved at last notice from the section marked on the site plan to the far edge of the field behind the steamers and during Saturday less than a dozen people ventured up to our fire engine. Sunday morning we trundled down to the ring for our scheduled 'parade' at 11:30 to be told that the Hall had demanded no vehicular movement on site and to get back to our peg immediately. The atmosphere this year was nowhere near what it was in previous years and many people in other sections said they wouldn't be returning.

Very disappointing weekend
I had my grandson seated next to me queuing up to go into arena and was told told no children were allowed in the ring and also a lot of disappointed children in trailers all seated had to be taken back to caravans before we could enter ring . Would have been better to have been informed earlier quoted H/S .
Keith

Very sad....... hardly the way to encourage youngsters.

Jim

It does seem a little sad and short-sighted.
The last two rallies that we have been to this year both had a 'ride around the arena' or 'have a steer' session both for adults and kids.
All they asked for was a donation in the charity pot.
Quite the reverse situation. There were some very fired up youngsters dragging parents/grandparents towards the ring!

I was at Evesham rally where they had an eight year old towing a range rover with a 4" in the ring.
Also had a have a go session with visitors steering in the ring.
Not a yellow jacket in sight.
Not going to Cerney as you cannot move without a yellow jacket in front.

Very sad indeed. My enthusiasm for this hobby has largely been encouraged by the 'public steering' opportunities that I had when I was younger, they allow a bit of access for those who may not have had the opportunity to get up on an engine before. I think having a ride around on 'Sir Douglas' with my father at Weeting? In the 90's pretty much had me hooked!!

Personally, I had a very enjoyable weekend with my engine on the saw bench, with our steward Colin Cracknal being most helpful, despite being 87 years only and just had a unsuccessful hip op. The issue over payment etc, from what we were told earlier in the year, was not his, but one that "rammed" (as it was put to me) home by the the powers that be. I do know a few years ago the commercial vehicles got up set, and last year the military got upset, (as did Natel Taylor) with one guy (who was named, as the chairman but this may not be correct) saying I have sorted out the Commercials, I have sorted out the military, now I am going to sort the ruddy steam out, further telling Natel that he did not want or need steam engines at "his" rally. This year there was one steward in a blue hat that was rude and offensive to Bill Middledich, and who also was very blunt and pushy towards people who were forced to move. This one man course a lot of upset, and I think should be removed from the rally team asap for the benefit of both the show and exhibitors! I understand words were spoken between Colin and this steward. Latter on in the day when there was a steam parade this steward in a blue hat then walked down the engine line, and abruptly told people that had to get in the ring "NOW" as there was to be a parade of the model steam engines, and any one telling him they couldn't due to a lack of steam was told they could as they had 10 mins, and that is all they needed. . . . . I made my self busy sawing up planks! (No i don't mean ones wearing blue halts on their heads :p )

Regarding the movement, we was told on the Saturday, that movement was allowed, but was restricted to the degree that no movement was permitted around the trade stalls and stationary engines, where the walk ways get crowded. (same as the previous few years) which makes a whole lot of sense to me, how ever the past two years, there has been a deff turn for the worse with H&S being forced down hard. Weather this comes with new blood on the committee or not, I am not in a position to state. All none necessary Movement was suspended for a while Sunday morning following heavy rain, allegedly at the request of the land owner, however the steward in the blue had stuck and had a go at any one who was moving.

Most of the stewards have been, were and are, very helpful, polite, and hardworking, but nearly all are in their latter years of life, and are struggling to find new fresh blood to come and help out. I think with Long Melford (as with another Suffolk Rally that has gone down hill over the years) it is a case of one rotten apple spoiling the lot, and unless people are willing and able to find the time to help out and join the FMPS and help run this once fantastic big rally, then it will continue to decline, which is a shame, as in 2011, it was the biggest rally for shear number of exhibitors in Suffolk. People complaining among themselves or winging in private do that bring about any useful change.

I can only comment as I find, and I enjoyed myself, all be it, it did seam a little strange not Having Natel there, and some of the model people who were moaning, would moan about anything, including the condition of the grass, the brightness of the sun, and the coldness of the water, but in all seriousness there was many people who were unhappy, and on a whole, it was decided that there was a lot less exhibits there than in the past, with the same name cropping up several times who was to blame, but this might just be ill feeling it may be true, not my place to comment on that.

Regarding children, this was the excuse for rearranging the stationary engine pens, stating they could not have children in the stationary engine enclosure. If I have ever been stopped in the past, I have always told the person that I am fully insured to carry passengers, of any age, regardless of what they may say, and if they have a issue, best they place it at the hands of my insurance company, which has lead to one or two heated chats, but where I have got my way. It seams who ever has taken over the H&S of this show in the last 3 years has gone Health and Safety mad!

It is a real shame that this fantastic show has taken a nose dive, and I hope that the reason for it can be ousted and normality returns and the show can carry on and continue to grow once more.

very sad state of affairs. I did not go this year but being born in that village have every intention of support Colin again next year as I found him a lovely chap. He know my old chap and we had a great chat last year of memories old. Shame others don't appear to have the same personality, they could all learn from Colin.

Lets not loose another rally we have to work through these issues and resolve then.

Richard

I had a chat with a steward last year in the ring about movements and Health & Safety. He blamed the crack downs on H&S but couldn't explain at what point a previously acceptable and managed risk (engine movements) had become unsafe and the reasons for this change in the assessment

I think the problem may be as has been said an older committee who are getting HSE forced upon them from the local authority (have a look at the last to FMPS magazines on their website) and are doing a mixture of overdoing it and accepting without question what they are being told by the authorities rather than asking sensible questions and explaining the what are seen as big risks can be successfully reduced without resorting to drastic changes.

Its a big site and a nice setting, it'd be a shame for it to fold over what are silly problems really. Plenty of rallies get it right but often fresh blood is needed, though sadly it is not always available or welcome!

They will find it hard to get fresh blood if they don't encourage youngsters in the first place.

Jim

perhaps if people stopped winging about things, and actually offered to help, then they could bring about a change. If the help is refused, fair enough, the problem is the shows, but in many cases with shows, clubs, and committees, the old ones carry on as no one new offers to help, but as always, many are willing to moan about the few who do try.

In the spirit you suggest I am going to raise this (Long Melford) at the next EATES committee meeting and see what peoples thoughts are. Mine are that it may be beneficial to the full size and miniature steam exhibitors if the Society offered some assistance (if it is needed) in the running of this section and in dealing with the Health & Safety element associated with it. Not to interfere but just a friendly offer and that is of course if the club wants to try to get involved. Its an idea in my head alone at present, we'll see if it gets any traction

Most clubs and societies organise events, if we all work together and share information I think we can all thrive

It is worth noting though that in some of the non-steam Stationary Engine / Tractor circles there is a degree of resentment towards payments being made to assist steam engines in attending events when they get nothing, this could be a part of the issue at Melford.

Not sure whether I wanted to wade in on this one, but sadly I think the rot has well and truly settled in to what was once a fantastic show. 4 years ago this was by far the best show of the year. You were surrounded with friendly exhibitors, marshalls, stewards everything. A relaxed show which showed through smiles and fun, enthusiasm and life. This year it seemed more like a ghost town and there was no spark, much like Bruce has mentioned already.
I agree that a lot of the committee are helpful and friendly. The steam steward, Colin does an amazing job and we most certainly cannot put blame at them as they work hard and do what they are directed to do. That’s why my family continued to help him. Whilst there I also wondered if the negativity was just people moaning. Lots of us have had negative experiences and I was sure to not become biased over this, but I think this negativity was too far spread and across too many sections for it to be a few isolated cases.
Yes I think the man at the top is on some power mission and if that’s how they want to run their show that’s fine. But this year will be a reflection on what the show will become. Look at the commercial section, must be a quarter of what is was. Likewise look at the steam, stationary, military, cars and even the tractors. They were all down and why is that.
I have heard and seen it mentioned they want it to be an agricultural show (like it started out as) but seeing problems in the stationary engine line (which is one of the clubs key areas) and massive gaps in the tractor sections I am not sure that is true either. And what is more agricultural than an old traction engine. I wonder what they really want the show to be.
As for young free blood on the committee, they don’t want it. They claim they do, but they don’t. They are so negative to new ideas, thinking differently, mitigating risks rather than just stopping everything there is little response to help. We have offer and tried. My eldest son has done loads to help (physical help at the show (setting up and taking down) and offers of paperwork help over the past few years, all to help the older ones. But as far as helping progress the show. No chance. All we got for helping was a load of hassle from certain rally committee members as if we were dirt on their shoe. Then the story everyone hears is we are trouble. I hope those who know me and my family know otherwise. I wonder where the fun went from this show.
Regarding children and trailers, sadly there was nothing you could say to the committee on that one. I have friends who are also fully insured for carrying their children. They even phoned up just before the show to check out the rules, to be told it was ok for children on trailers behind models. Then just before entering the ring they were demanded to remove the children, citing H&S grounds. Well H&S is no reason at all, given they are insured, the trailer is built of passengers and above all these were their children. If anyone is going to look after them, it is their own parents. H&S is just an excuse for not being able to think about risks and risk mitigation. There are too many people on this committee that you cannot talk too.
So I wonder where this one goes. I spent a lot of time and money to support it this year. Will it change by next year, do they want us steam engines, commercial vehicles, stationary engines or tractors? I’m not convinced. All I know is that I was fortunate enough to have enough good friends to enjoy the weekend, but sad the show has hit the rocks. Not one to look back fondly on. I think my 8 year old summed it up this morning when I asked him what he thought. He said “Bit rubbish really and they have crazy rules this year” enough said.

Opps - double posted. Don't want to say all that again.

The people who make comments of this are normally poorly educated in how much it costs to take a engine to a show, weather on a lorry, lowloader, or roaded in, and many who say this (wrongly) think just because you have a engine, you are loaded with money and can afford to take you engine to shows out of your own pocket. There are shows about that do not have steam, but these are not as popular as those that do. Stradsett park rally is organised by NvTEC, and in the last few years has started having a few steam engines present as they have realised they are a more of a crowd puller than 100's of pop and bangs, and static tractors.

And that is certainly the case in this instance, but the reaction is just - why not leave them in a museum. I think the show needs to work out what it wants to be. It certainly is not what it was. But what do the organisers want the future to be?

I can see why other exhibitors may have some slight issue with the steamers getting more financing than other exhibits, but at the end of the day it IS the steamers that for most are the crowd pullers. Personally there are a number of Agricultural/County/Railway etc shows that I have gone to simply to see one or two engines, and whilst same can't be said for 100 % of Joe Public, I'm sure I'm not the only one!

Some also make the point however that it can cost as much to low load a tractor, combine, large piece of machinery as it does to move a traction engine. And costs are going up for everyone, its costing us over £1k to get a new chromed surround made for our ERF Showmans tractor, a similar amount for two new front wings (at a very good price), a similar amount to have the radiator re cored, more again for the dynamo to be rebuilt. We've staggered it over several years, as we can afford it all in one hit. High costs are not the exclusive province of the steam movement

There is a very diverse mix in the steam (and vintage) world, be that backgrounds, jobs, age, funds but it is our hobby and I do feel we are lucky that we have somewhere to take our toys to, and that people are willing to pay to get in to watch us enjoying them!

As has been said before if you own a set of golf clubs, you still have to pay to use the course!

I agree Steam is a big draw, Stradsett is a good example of introducing steam to a tractor event and I went last year with a friends engine and organ. They didn't pay us however and the steward was keen to point out that his sugar beet harvesting machine opposite (very large and complicated) had cost him money to transport to the event and to replace parts to get it working. The provided coal which seemed a fair

I think the payment issue is a separate one to that effecting Melford (though its a relevant concern). Really if its a club event or a charity event I feel the money is best in their pot and put to good use. Commercial events however should make a reasonable contribution if you are helping them make a profit.

Repairs to you exhibit, regardless of what it is, is down to you, and not a case for you to seek payment. Steam engines are the biggest crowd puller at any show, and a lack of steam is what most people seam to talk about when a shows is down on a big way on numbers of steam. The lack of money (or coal) towards transportation of a engine to a show is the main reason why Melford rally was only able to field 11 engines, and the discontent and upset did spread to fiends of the full size engines,

Most members of the public who are not even steam enthusiasts love seeing steam engines, but most members of the public would not look twice as a piece of harvesting machinery, old tractor or classic lorry. My advise on a stationary engine forum a few years ago when they were jealously moaning about the money steam engines get at shows, was if your not happy with the fact they get paid and you don't, don't go to that show. if neither of you attended, it would be the chap with the steam engine who would be missed the most. If people are stupid enough to think the money that shows pay out covers the transportation fees of taking a engine to a rally, then they are seriously mistaken.

I for one at Raveningham always try to pay the engines attending well, either in coal or money towards their lowloader. The committee know what a crowd puller they are and have no issues with paying out, as their attraction in their own right will pay for its self. Sadly the same cant be said for most other type of exhibits, regardless of their transportation needs. In regards to tractors, yes most use a lorry, of which 99% of them are owned by the exhibitor, cars use a few pounds of fuel and then sit there all day, stationary engine transportation costs and running fees are low. vintage commercial fuel feels are much greater, but what percentage of those present have to higher a lowloader to attend, and how many can say that the commercials are the star attraction at a steam and/or vintage rally? How many owners of the other type of exhibits are normally with their exhibits and are on hand to answer questions, hoe many of the other types of exhibits are willing to take part in fun and games in the ring. I know from the shows I organize, that the hardest people to please are the classic cars, and the most helpful tend to be the steam section.

Money is not the problem at Melford. It's the respect and appreciation shown to all exhibitors that counts. Whether it's a million pounds showmans or stall of mamods. We all make up the show. But why go if the show organisers won't appreciate you.

money was certainly the reason for the lack of full size engines, but not the discontent that has seemingly spread right across all the exhibit sections. its almost unbelievable how quickly a fantastic rally has gone down hill.

Money is not the reason for lack of exhibits in other sections and has no bearing on what happens in coming years.

Not all of us go or don't go cause of money coal or the like but there needs to be come respect. That's what I learnt when bought up anyway.

I agree Matt - A smile and a thank you costs nothing :)

Here is someone who enjoyed her weekend with Nanny and Grumpy Gramp's. She loved the tractors, saying that diesel was the future for exibit's..............I agree !

http://www.tractiontalkforum.com/pic...ictureid=25020

http://www.tractiontalkforum.com/pic...ictureid=25021

http://www.tractiontalkforum.com/pic...ictureid=25022

http://www.tractiontalkforum.com/pic...ictureid=25023

Mark.

Wonderful pictures mark. Thanks for sharing. That's what it's all about.
She'll be driving the scammell in no time.

it seams redundancy is in the air. having a mate who is a TT member, and a fellow RCF committee member both being made redundant this month, if your not careful mark, she will be making you redundant next, and be taking granddads lorry or roller around the ring so he can sit back and have a drink *beer ;)

She knows a quality machine when she sees one Mark :p

As regards to the rally, it's on a downward spiral and does need something to change as the site/location is one of the best in this area and very central to east Anglia and will be a great shame for it to be lost from the rally circuit.

Glen

Again I say really sad. I don't care if the comnmitte appreciate me or my engine its when a mum or dad says to a child " core look at that one with the pretty lights etc and the smile on the kids face that counts. Thats not why I go I go for my pleasure and enjoyment, yes there has to be rules we all know H & S is now a real issue we cannot change, but look at other shows and how they get around it.

Again I plead lets not loose it I have memories of going there for the Sudbury Old Time Rally back in the 60"s as a kid, its the same venue a great place to play, why can't they provide a play pen?

Richard

Rallies seem to me to either go overboard and have yellow coats everywhere or the organiser says- Yellow coat?? What be they for?