Somerset Steam and Country Show 2015

Originally Posted by 8_10 Brass Cleaner

What does the future hold?, in my opinion probably the opposite of what Stefan would hope for.

Hedd, I agree with almost every word of your post. The only thing that puzzles me is that I seem to have given the impression that I "hope for" something. What might that be? Certainly not the failure of this, or any other, steam event. I've attended each year, although on occasions it's meant me missing an event much closer to my home. Simply because I wanted to support them in their difficult times. And, if I remember rightly, at times when many of their exhibitors turned their back on the Club when they were charged a fee to appear because finances were so poor.

Stef.

[Madore]

I too agree with all the above, we have to make our events attractive to the very kind steam owners who go to great expense and effort to bring their engines along to these shows/rally's ; the other factor we must take into account is the paying public. We must do all we can to attract them including parents with young children looking for somewhere to go for a day out. After all where would we be without them? All rally and show organisers cannot afford to stand still, by doing so we are in reverse. To me the country fair type of option or harvest event must have a little something for everyone. Yes it must be terrible to be standing still boiling water all day. A bit of activity for the steam engines is a must. On Sunday evening The Somerset Show put on a good demonstration of winching with two of the ploughing engines on site in the main arena with a good commentary being given. Unfortunately it can often happen that a lack of volunteer help can be in very short supply.

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

Originally Posted by stefan mlynek

Hedd, I agree with almost every word of your post. The only thing that puzzles me is that I seem to have given the impression that I "hope for" something. What might that be? Certainly not the failure of this, or any other, steam event. I've attended each year, although on occasions it's meant me missing an event much closer to my home. Simply because I wanted to support them in their difficult times. And, if I remember rightly, at times when many of their exhibitors turned their back on the Club when they were charged a fee to appear because finances were so poor.

Stef.

i got the impression that you were hoping for more entrants and significant showmans engines.

[sparkright]

But Edd's tandem was there and that's far more interesting than any significant showmans engine.

More seriously I am sure I'm not alone in noticing a lot more discontent among rallygoers (public and exhibitor) alike this year.