Welland Steam & Country Rally - July 23rd, 24th & 25th 2010

[The Pirate]

Originally Posted by four-inch-samson

I don’t really want to take this one any further, but just for the record;

Welland Programme – 104 pages, of which only 22 non-rally advertising.

Organs listed – 9
Showmans – 18
Road Loco & GP – 21
Wagons and cars – 5
Rollers – 8
Crane – 1 (sadly no-show I believe)
Ploughing – 3
Miniatures – 15
Fairground – 11
Tractors – 223 sorted by maker
Fire engines – 17
Classic caravans - 15
Vintage and classics cars – 219
Historic commercials – 205
Stationary engines – 139
Classics bikes – 212
Historic military – 94
Model tent – 78
Tractor pulling – 36

I make that over 1300 entries.

If you would like, I can point out the engines in the program which were no shows, but seeing as I am being classed as an armchair rivet counter - I don't think I will bother.
Maybe I will go and polish the engines in the workshop instead.
Anybody can put together a booklet of exhibits - but a useful one with correct information is no more difficult to produce.
I shall save my money next time.

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

Originally Posted by lampwortroy

But that can be said of many rally programs. Looking at my small collection going back to 1963, every one has spelling mistakes & description mistakes from an Aveling Barford SCC & an A&P No. 1000005 (didn't realise thay made so many!) to a Fowler oilbath single compound and a Sentinel overtype shaft-drive and steam-organs!
A lot can be put down to difficulty in reading details supplied by the owner or no-body check reading the proofs before printing. But these mistakes have always happened.

Roy we are not talking about spelling mistakes and the odd typo.

The guff written is pure sh1te. To a point it makes you wonder if it is made up.

[lampwortroy]

Originally Posted by 8_10 Brass Cleaner

Roy we are not talking about spelling mistakes and the odd typo.

The guff written is pure sh1te. To a point it makes you wonder if it is made up.

I know what you are saying, but my point is that the guff starts with wrong descriptions and continues with the sh1te which is being complained about.
I sometimes think that it is all a load of guff aimed at the visitor who is expected to be ignorant of steam & its history and those of us in the know should not be buying it.
It still boils down to the fact that if you or I or anyone else who has been around steam for the best part of his life were given the chance to check-read the program proof, it would never get to the printers!

[chaffcutter]

I attended the event for the first time on Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were quality exhibits in all sections, a great atmosphere and it was pleasing to see engines at work for a change. A much better event in my view than the mediocre and unimaginative stuff we have to put up with up North! My only disappointment was the distinct lack of activity in the Showman’s line up. Few of them even turned a wheel at the times I walked through the section (with the notable exception of the Foster), at least until the dash for the low loaders at four. More effort required here, I think!

[mikebeetle]

By the way, the sale results are available at www.hjpugh.com

[Challenger]

Compiling a programme is a hard and thankless task. Most section leaders provide nothing in the way of information other than a list. Turning this into something readable is very difficult, more so when the subject matter is not your chosen field so to speak.

However, small mistakes aside (we all make them) a programme is for many a souvenir of your day out. Whilst the event may well be fantastic, the programme is the lasting legacy. A lot of enthusiasts know the mistakes and prob take them with a pinch of salt, but the general public take what is written as factual information.

Organisers should not then be printing information that is utter poppycock, and whats more lamentable is they should not be making money on the back of it!

The Pirate is perfectly right in flagging this up. More shows should take note.

Whilst the show is a fantastic event, the programme should reflect this, not be full of utter bollocks.

[David Littleboy]

Maybe what the people who work all year to put on an event of this quality need is some of you more knowledgable steam fans to help them. Its clear from what you say that this years programme contained some mistakes and although its obviously much easier to carp then help I'm sure any help would be appreciated.

Perhaps you could offer your services chaps? That way when youve spent weeks or months working on something you can answer the people who sit at home complaining it isnt good enough.

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

David

£40/hr

Please get in touch via PM or e-mail.

[David Littleboy]

Originally Posted by 8_10 Brass Cleaner

David

£40/hr

Please get in touch via PM or e-mail.

Ah you see you finally have the point, these people do this for free and the enjoyment of others

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

Originally Posted by David Littleboy

Ah you see you finally have the point, these people do this for free and the enjoyment of others

LOL, you still miss the point.

They don't do it very well.

You've got hot under the collar because a number of us have commented on how bad the programme is.

You criticised us for pointing this out and you have asked if we can do better.

I can assure you that I can, certainly with regards to the steam entries.

I have also given you my rate for doing so.

If you or the club care not about the programmes quality, stop getting steamed up about us who criticise. We are not telling lies.

If you and or the club do care about its quality, I have given you an opportunity to improve it.

Put up or shut up.