Arb show feedback

[Sapling 007]

No. I dont mean the aa. I was thinking of arb talk or similar having a presence to help people with questions or who are newbes like me.

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Arbtalk mobile app

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

No. I dont mean the aa. I was thinking of arb talk or similar having a presence to help people with questions or who are newbes like me.

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Arbtalk mobile app

 

Aaah, sorry, DOOHHH!!!

 

I'm sure (I know) there are many, many people on here who will help you virtually but I guess you mean "at the show."

 

So, Steve unfortunately couldn't make it this year because of prior commitments but hopefully he, and ARBTALK, will next year and may be able to "take this on board." (I'm happy to support ARBTALK's presence at future events but Steve needs help to....over to you guys.)

 

Cheers,

Paul

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

 

I managed a brief chat with Paul about the lack of up-north. I left with the feeling that my concerns had been given lip service but no real consideration, that in part it was being blamed on the Branches albeit I was talking about events put on by HQ, and that the AA doesn't exist outside its own bubble. And worse is possibly to come. I got to feeling as if membership of the AA is like having one of those current accounts at a bank that cost £15.00 a month and you get loads of 'benefits' which you never actually use or are of any benefit to you. I don't have one of them.

 

Yes I enjoyed it, but I won't be going again. Why? Well I can go to the APF once every two years. There's an awful lot more kit and machinery if that is what you are looking for, a lot of which you won't see at the Arb Show. You'll find many of the same people to socialise with, and maybe meet some new ones. I'ts not as far to travel, has in the past moved around, Longleat (I was there and I didn't have grey hair), Windsor, Clumber Park, Lockerbie, Lowther and more, and may do again so it may be even more convenient at some point.

 

The AA talk about being more collaborative. Then why not put their members money where the AA mouth is and join in with the APF, get a large presence and run some arb themed events/lectures/demos/competitions at the APF show under the AA banner. The APF are already hosting the world 25m pole climbing championship, and European chainsaw carving championship, would the 3ATC not sit well with these. Would having a big AA presence with lectures etc not benefit both sides bringing new people into contact with the arb world. I don't know how many people visited the Arb Show, but 22,000 visited the APF in 2016 (I was there and I have grey hair now). That's a big reservoir of people interested in and working with trees to tap into.

 

Hi Edward, thanks for your feedback here, very interesting and very useful...and quite challenging but I did invite "the ugly" too.

 

I am sorry you feel I "paid you lip service", that was never my intention, but I did mention prior to the show that I am not a decision maker and I did try to direct you to either Stewart Wardrop, the AA CEO, or Jamie Bray, the 'vice-chair' who was mulling around but you'd disappeared when I tried to facilitate this.

 

My point about the Branches was that many Head Office organized seminars / events, admittedly not including the ARB Show nor Conference, can be facilitated but this requires suitable activity and input at Branch level...which every member has an opportunity to influence.

 

I don't particularly understand your reference to AA Membership being like a bank account. My current account has many 'fringe' benefits, all of which I utilize to best effect, and collectively I'm very happy with the service. It's down to the individual to take advantage BUT I do acknowledge location / 'geography' can be an issue and where you are in Carlisle isn't terribly well serviced by either the Scotland nor Northern Branches...wouldn't you care to move?

 

The APF Show seems to have settled at Ragley Hall, Alcester, and hence I wouldn't anticipate that coming up north anytime soon either unfortunately.

 

As a Lancs lad by origin (albeit now living in S. Devon,) I do understand your frustrations Edward, but the demographics of AA membership / staff / suppliers / exhibitors also means the ARB Show isn't likely to shift in the foreseeable future...I am sorry about this.

 

I will ensure your views are 'aired' and considered and I will request you receive a direct response from somebody higher up the ladder than I (can you please supply a direct email or tel. number...perhaps by 'pm.')

 

Regards, and I'm pleased to learn that overall the show was useful and meet your needs and THANK YOU for making the effort to join us

 

Paul

[littlerob]

why Don't the AA do a Northern show you got norther suppliers up there like skyland gustharts and many more thats probable missing out attending a even do to logistical / traveling nightmares

[openspaceman]

T

The lectures are a good thing, and other events such as the root radar demonstration, ancient tree talk with Ted and Jill et al, (always worth seeking out), .

 

Is this the ground penetration radar being developed by the west london uni?

[Gray git]

Got to sort of agree with Edward as I've decided next year I'll probably not bother with arb show as much as me and daughter enjoyed this year with benefits of getting to explore the arboretum for a few hrs and just do the apf next year instead.

We do feel rather neglected further north and I know I'm definitely not the furthest but like many have said the days of show deals are gone so didn't come away with any trousers or boots for me nd lads as can order online more conveniently and get my local saw dealer to almost price match for a 880. The only real reason I went this year was to in person talk about changing the chipper and upgrading the grinders.

This is no way a dig at the aa for putting on a fantastic event and all the stands for making what is a massive effort to attend I just wish it wasn't always such a distance to attend anything decent.

 

Sent from my D5803 using Arbtalk mobile app

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Thanks all for your comments n suggestions, and I will ensure the request for a northern ARB Show type event is heard at the highest level but please understand, whilst I sympathise, I (personally) am not a decision maker and this is a massive decision for the AA to consider.

 

Please do keep them coming as I'm still here and listening

 

Thanks again,

Paul

[hiluxstihl]

You need a more accessable site. On the loop walk at lunchtime Friday there were a handful of people from the show enjoying the trees, far outnumbered by older people and dog walkers! I liked the trees but maybe they were lost on people

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

You need a more accessable site. On the loop walk at lunchtime Friday there were a handful of people from the show enjoying the trees, far outnumbered by older people and dog walkers! I liked the trees but maybe they were lost on people

 

Thanks for your feedback here. No sure how much influence we can have here as the tree / arboretum aspect is down to Westonbirt.

 

I will ensure your feedback is heard.

 

Thanks again

Paul

[Kev Stephenson]

Well laid out and a good set of large kit suppliers on site.

 

The lack of the big names in arb supplies was disappointing although I understand for one supplier at least moving premises was part of the reason for not attending. As it turned out you couldn't have bought a chainsaw or hedge trimmers on site if you tried!!

 

The camp site was heaving and a good night was had by all. It would be even better if the camp site could be right next to the show so the designated drivers could have a drink while walking around the show (like the APF).

 

Is that number of >5000 true? The show in general seemed quieter than last year. This could be a bigger site or poor counting by the entry staff. I know I was in and out half a dozen times through the weekend.