Who's at the Weal Woodfair?

[Mark Bolam]

No, big ask logistically after the APF.

 

 

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[Steve Bullman]

Fair enough

[Jonesie]

Just couldn't do it, not with the APF last week. I've been in work today still sorting out from last week. I think they need to move the date by at least a few weeks on the APF years as they must have been short of a few stands.

[defenderjack]

Just couldn't do it, not with the APF last week. I've been in work today still sorting out from last week. I think they need to move the date by at least a few weeks on the APF years as they must have been short of a few stands.

 

yeh ive gota say i just presumed you would be there and went armed with cash to spend on new boots and shiny toys ! was gutted that no arb dealer was there ! fully understand and all that so will place an order this week:thumbup1:

[Welshwoodsman]

I am going with the family on the saturday. Always a great show.

 

 

After the change of management-- and huge increase in trade stand fees? Lots of traders deliberately fave it a miss. No childrens climbing, the dugout canoe guys will never come again (end of an era for them), plus lots of stands moved to different places. It seems that the majority of attractions for the kids, that were free, or subsidised by the organisers, have gone. Entry fees are high enough- and it seems you get very little back - every activity except canoes had to be paid for.

Noticeably absent were the puppet show, climbing, frankie woodgate with her heavy horses.

Many stands not going to return after chatting today- that is very sad.

Always been an absolutely cracking show- very dissapointed this year.

Plus- wanted lots of shiny bits from Jonesie- but everyone said trade was bad, but, Godfreys did well from me as they were the only ones with any climbing stuff- my little girl is gonna love her PINK marlow climbing rope - what every 8 year old wants surely?

[GrahamW]

Yes, there were lots of rumblings and grumblings heard whilst walking around the Weald Woodfair this year and the rumour mill was in over-drive. However, separating fact from fiction will be important in the wash-up. It's true that the organisers have tried to increase revenue from stall holders in order to help prop up the show financially and that will always put people's noses out of joint. I was demonstrating as part of the Sussex and Surrey Coppice Group, and I know that our rep will be giving considered and constructive feedback to the event organisers in the near future.

 

There were certainly a few gaps as you walked around the show and a number of notable absentees. But there were also a number of new stands as well. Btw, Frankie was there part-time and she had a display but she didn't have the horses with her as her personal circumstances have changed somewhat recently (though she is continuing with her horse-logging business).

 

There were certainly plenty of punters there this year (especially on Sunday), most of the foodstalls sold out, and the Woodsman's Arms ran out of beer mid-afternoon Sunday, so that's great for them at least. But if some stall holders aren't coming back next year that's a real shame especially as 2015 will be the 20th anniversary of the show (if I'm not mistaken). Hopefully the organisers will take the feedback on board and pull out all the stops to make next year's show better than ever. It would be a crying shame if the show died out as Bentley is a perfect venue for the woodfair and the atmosphere has always been great.

[Welshwoodsman]

Yes, there were lots of rumblings and grumblings heard whilst walking around the Weald Woodfair this year and the rumour mill was in over-drive. However, separating fact from fiction will be important in the wash-up. It's true that the organisers have tried to increase revenue from stall holders in order to help prop up the show financially and that will always put people's noses out of joint. I was demonstrating as part of the Sussex and Surrey Coppice Group, and I know that our rep will be giving considered and constructive feedback to the event organisers in the near future.

 

There were certainly a few gaps as you walked around the show and a number of notable absentees. But there were also a number of new stands as well. Btw, Frankie was there part-time and she had a display but she didn't have the horses with her as her personal circumstances have changed somewhat recently (though she is continuing with her horse-logging business).

 

There were certainly plenty of punters there this year (especially on Sunday), most of the foodstalls sold out, and the Woodsman's Arms ran out of beer mid-afternoon Sunday, so that's great for them at least. But if some stall holders aren't coming back next year that's a real shame especially as 2015 will be the 20th anniversary of the show (if I'm not mistaken). Hopefully the organisers will take the feedback on board and pull out all the stops to make next year's show better than ever. It would be a crying shame if the show died out as Bentley is a perfect venue for the woodfair and the atmosphere has always been great.

 

 

Yes lovely show- hopefully

Constructive criticism will be taken on board- and things will go on as they were. Would be such a shame to see it fail, as it is such a lovely setting.

[Andrew Gale]

I've been going to the show for years and was saddened by the lack of regular stands and somewhat concerned by the many stands selling old hand tools; my real concern is that it will lose the 'wood' feel and become just another country fair.

 

Here's hoping that the criticism is acted upon and next year is much better.

[Welshwoodsman]

I've been going to the show for years and was saddened by the lack of regular stands and somewhat concerned by the many stands selling old hand tools; my real concern is that it will lose the 'wood' feel and become just another country fair.

 

Here's hoping that the criticism is acted upon and next year is much better.

 

 

Yes- the show is supposed to be primarily 'educational' and to showcase how absolutely fantastic wood is. Children everywhere need to get that- and our sons/daughters probably see wood, touch logs, get outdoors every day (know mine does) but so many children never experience nature or get out to see what the real world has to offer (without the H&S bull)- they are cocooned in a permanent state of 'cotton wool'.

 

This show has been of interest to thousands of kids over the years- and hopefully the organisers will realise the error of their new 'regime'.

I personally wont spend £50 odd quid to get in next year.

Yeah, i know- tight wad i am!