what did you buy at Arb show today then thanks

[Treemoose]

Will be playing with this tomorrow.

 

If my wife dosent have a baby as she is due tomorrow as well.

[Kev Stephenson]

Hi Kev, at least next year you won't have to pay to get into the show (as your purchased AA membership) n all things being even will still get the 50% discount on the Arboretum access. The FC Westonbirt is a commercial venture essentially and we were quite pleased they offered the discount.

 

Cheers,

Paul

 

I can see where they are coming from Paul but I can't believe you didn't have to pay them a decent sum for use of the fields already.

 

For me I only decided to come for both days and camp as I thought we could have a decent wander around the trees to sober up on Saturday morning before the 200 mile drive home, there isn't enough to fill 2 days within the actual show ground. Paying for 5 adds yet another £20+ to the bill to attend the show. Next time it could be a drive down after work on the Friday for the camping and just one day in the show.

 

Granted if I had joined the AA on the first day and not bought weekend tickets then the cash would have been there, for one of us at least (or I could have not joined the AA!!). The shows are definitely more of a social than anything else now. The show deal is a thing of the past due to the cut throat nature of internet business and the cost to the suppliers to attend the shows. The food as with just about any show (country show, trade show, local agricultural show) is poor and expensive and nothing happens north of Birmingham meaning a decent fuel bill to attend.

 

Don't get me wrong, I will be back, however probably not next year as the APF offers the same and a lot more on the demo circuit. Rough guess it costs a grand for the team to come for the weekend away with the missed earnings and wages paid before anything is purchased.

 

Camping at the actual event would be a real bonus as we can all have a beer or 2 through the day instead of needing a designated driver. The Holford arms was good however they were not prepared for 300ish campers with basics such as operational toilet facilities.

 

Please don't take offence at any of the above, I know organising a show isn't easy as I am involved with one of the local ones.

 

Kev

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

I can see where they are coming from Paul but I can't believe you didn't have to pay them a decent sum for use of the fields already.

 

For me I only decided to come for both days and camp as I thought we could have a decent wander around the trees to sober up on Saturday morning before the 200 mile drive home, there isn't enough to fill 2 days within the actual show ground. Paying for 5 adds yet another £20+ to the bill to attend the show. Next time it could be a drive down after work on the Friday for the camping and just one day in the show.

 

Granted if I had joined the AA on the first day and not bought weekend tickets then the cash would have been there, for one of us at least (or I could have not joined the AA!!). The shows are definitely more of a social than anything else now. The show deal is a thing of the past due to the cut throat nature of internet business and the cost to the suppliers to attend the shows. The food as with just about any show (country show, trade show, local agricultural show) is poor and expensive and nothing happens north of Birmingham meaning a decent fuel bill to attend.

 

Don't get me wrong, I will be back, however probably not next year as the APF offers the same and a lot more on the demo circuit. Rough guess it costs a grand for the team to come for the weekend away with the missed earnings and wages paid before anything is purchased.

 

Camping at the actual event would be a real bonus as we can all have a beer or 2 through the day instead of needing a designated driver. The Holford arms was good however they were not prepared for 300ish campers with basics such as operational toilet facilities.

 

Please don't take offence at any of the above, I know organising a show isn't easy as I am involved with one of the local ones.

 

Kev

 

Hi Kev, no offence at all, constructive criticisms n concerns are really valuable. Did hear about the (very) limited 'toilet facilities' , sorry n hope you didn't have to stand cross legged for too long.

 

Yep we did have to pay to hire the field but again a commercial venture. The Arboretum have dedicated staff these days for shows n concerts etc. as they've had to diversify to survive.

 

Do take on board your comments Kev n I hope we can offer something 'up north' in the future.

 

Cheers..

Paul

[GA Groundcare]

I got sunburn free of charge! Was helping to man the Jensen stand both days.

[mendiplogs]

I got sunburn free of charge! Was helping to man the Jensen stand both days.

 

Hi mate I know some there that had snakebite mixing cider with 😀😀lager😀😀😀😀😀🍺🍺🍺🍺 well thanks Jon