Long Melford . Suffolk .

[Comeonoldgirl]

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.