Launceston Steam Rally's future at risk despite successful weekend

[RWHB1]

Launceston Steam Rally's future at risk despite successful weekend

The rally is seeking support from the community to help keep the event going
AFTER a successful weekend, Launceston Steam Rally is now calling for support as fears grow that the event could come to an end.

Each year, steam power enthusiast, locals and families flock to Launceston to enjoy three days of fun, with the event celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Speaking to the Post about the event, chair of the steam rally committee, Sally Meredith said: “It was a good weekend. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. We had some lovely feedback from the parents regarding the children's activities. We had Hodgepodge, Steve Spangles, Marvelous Eventures, and there was another one with alpacas, we had shire horses, we had lots of interesting vintage games, and we had a pop-up and play village.

“We had an absolutely fantastic weekend, everyone had a smile on their face! Lots of us ended up walking miles – with many of us still recovering – but everything was a really good laugh. We’ve had people who have travelled all the way from Gloucestershire and Cheltenham to come down to us to host a stand or serve food.”

However, despite the success of the weekend, there are some concerns surrounding the event’s future. With rising costs and dwindling interest from younger generations, Sally hopes the event can make it to its 50th anniversary.

“We need more hands; we need more bodies to run sections and help with general set up as well as fundraising and things like that, because it’s not a cheap thing to put on,” explained Sally.

You’re talking £50,000 to put something on like that.

“We need as much help as we can get,” explained Sally. “Because these things will die out otherwise, and that isn’t just our show, it’s every show. Look at Great Dorset for example, that’s a huge show which didn’t survive Covid.”

When asked if the prospect of the rally ending was a worry, Sally said: “It is a worry, because it’s been going for 41 years and I don’t want to be the chair that has to turn round and say ‘I’m sorry guys but we can’t put a show on this year.’”

However, Sally explained that the committee is passionate about making the event thrive, putting everything it can into keeping it going, however, there is a need for support, particularly from younger generations, securing the event’s future for years to come.

We’re trying to get the younger people involved, because if we don’t bring the youngsters in, soon you don’t have anyone to step in and take on the roles of former committee members of contributors,” added Sally.

Though, despite these worries, the committee is open to ideas from members of the public, encouraging residents to voice any suggestions for the rally.

“We’re open to ideas! Anyone who has anything unusual that they want to bring along to the show, contact us.

“If someone wants to see something in particular at the event, we’re more than happy to listen and discuss the idea. We had alpacas this year, as well as two lovely shire horses and we’re already looking at the prospect of expanding the animal side of things for next year.
If we can different things, it is an incentive to get people through the gate, which is what we need! We need the foot flow, we need holiday makers, and we need the local people to support it, not just the tourists.

“We would love to have a working section, but we just don’t know who to ask or where to go, so if people have ideas or contacts, we want them to get in touch!

“We want local people to have the event at the front of their mind as a suggestion for a must-see attraction should someone be visiting the area.”

The committee will be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October and would love to hear feedback and suggestions from residents.

As well as providing a fun few days for all involved, the event also serves as an important cause which raises money for local groups. This year’s event was dedicated to supporting the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital and Community and Pentreath.

The League of Friends works to support the town’s local hospital services by fundraising for much needed equipment. While Pentreath is a charity working to support people across Cornwall with recovery from mental ill health.

Those interested in getting involved with Launceston Steam Rally should contact secretary@launcestonsteamrally.com. Residents can also get in touch via: chair@launcestonsteamrally.com.

[tenor]

The dual effects of ever increasing legislative burden and fewer volunteers, particularly those keen enough to fill in endless risk assessments etc. is likely to claim more rallies yet. It certainly killed a local event here.
Martin

[trfdevon]

The problem that Launceston faces is the Tredinnick rally that started a few years back. Some organisers of sections were reported to have given passes to the Royal Cornwall show if they gave up Launceston. This year they targeted traders with a £40 pitch fee regardless of size. That was for the full show, not daily, however there were no fire breaks between stalls and apparently too close to the ring. Also, a lot of exhibitors pass Tredinnick to get to Launceston so it's easier for them to go to that.

Launceston is also struggling internally with section leaders leaving. My own leader was in charge of five sections, so we helped as much as we could.

Ultimately there needs to be a change in direction at the top. A rethink if you will. Possibly changing the date if that's what is needed. Whilst it's nice to pick up a three day bank holiday, they could do a Boconnoc and do Friday to Sunday if they really want to stick with a three day show.

But they are on a downhill spiral. Lack of exhibitors = lack of public = lack of exhibitors. Rinse and repeat.

Personally if Launceston stopped, I would give up that weekend. A lot of people are the same that they would never attend Tredinnick after the way they have acted.