The steam & preservation world needs to stick together and support rallies, if we don’t do this then some events will fall by the wayside, so please guys (and girls) don’t knock the individuals who are no doubt trying their best to make their show a success.
Having said that; whilst most people plan to fail unfortunately many people fail to plan, so rally organisers need to look at what works for them and try to improve their event.
Remember the old adage KISS; Keep it Simple Stupid.
Due to family illness I wasn’t able to attend the WESES rally this year so it’s difficult to comment on WESES’s 2013 presentation however I have attended many of their previous events including the top field at Tywarnhayle Farm.
To be successful an event needs to have one or more focal points, the site at Tywarnhayle Farm (Top or Bottom Field) had the Engine Hill road run as a major attraction, officially it was run every four years; some of the diehard miniatures owners and a few full size use to do it every year!!!!!
We were prepared to travel huge distances just to complete a 12 mile or so road run, we use to joke on the Thursday “ that’s Engine Hill done we can go home now”
In addition to the road run there was considerable free movement on the site, a good full size engine line up, working exhibits of wood sawing; threshing & ploughing; good Saturday night entertainment/Fairground; trade stands; crafts tent; etc.
In theory you could stay on site for nigh on two weeks, steam and a holiday all in one, how good does that get!!!!!
My experience of Stithians is that not much of the above is currently available, that’s not to say that something/s can be put in place to attract both exhibitors & paying public, successful events require both.
There is a place for all sorts of preservation projects on the rally field and if you have a good mix then it makes an interesting show for both exhibitors and the public.
Whether its steam; internal combustion; commercial; stationary; tractors; motor bikes; military; classic cars or good old Heavy Horse somebody likes it and is prepared to pay to see it.
My view has always been to enjoy your particular hobby and have a great time, if you’re wish is to look at only one type of exhibit then organise an event that focuses on that particular genre, whatever it is I doubt that format would last in the long run.
I organize our annual club rally, anybody doing something similar will know it’s not an easy task; constructive criticism can be welcome but if you haven’t organised an event yourself please don’t knock the individuals who are giving their time for free to try and make a success of something
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