Andy Collins

Hmmm lets see, up north we had Arb Fair North, in the middle we have the AA Show at Cirencester, and for down south there is FR Jones show in Kent. When at Arb Fair North, I heard that a notherner said it was too far to travel to, and he was an hour or so away?!? How can it cost too much to camp at a show, the AA Show was a tenner, Arb Fair North was free and Jones Show is free.

When we used to pitch up i the field on an ad hoc basis there were a lot more people camping. To be fair this is the 1st year that camping is back on the agenda, times seem a lot tighter for many (I believe the gate was down this year), there are now more Arb shows to attend in a year, instead the AA Show being the main one. Many have held back travelling down for the AA Show, as we still have Justins show to come, think all these factors reflect the reason for the small number camping. The fact that many factors and issues were addressed following last years show is appreciated by many of us, and thanks to those who made the effort on our behalf.

janey, you are definitely missing something An army marches on its stomach, engines require fuel. I enjoy food, good food, I begrudge spending money on crappy greasy burgers, but will pay for good food served with a happy face any day

The sausage & mash with gravy was in fact 2 quality, hand-made sausages (flavours of your choice) for 7.50, with a large helping of mash and gravy, a decent meal in a box, and good value. I had a box full of different sausages at the end of the day, very tasty and properly cooked, pukka grub with a side of chutney. I went to another show today, and prices were similar, quality was a lot lower.

I know this seems a really strange idea, but if you went out for the day, you'd get some brekkie into you before you go, make do with a burger/hotdog/pizza whatever during the day, and have a good nosh-up in the evening so I really cannot see the problem here. I dunno, hairy-assed, rufty-tufty tree men whining about a 200meter walk on grass into a show, moaning about waiting for a quality sausage and mash, sort of sums up how good everything really was, as there really wasnt a lot to moan about! Personally I hope the "Sausage Fest" team and the pizzas are back next year, and maybe a grotty burger van to keep the rest of you happy, or bring a pack-up. PS Eddie, got my free nosh from the girls

Kingswood Training, Wagoners, Back Lane, Shipbourne, Kent TN11 9PP

Its 15/16 July mate:biggrin:

Show off!

My point of the pic is not to discredit any particular company, but to highlight a static display that could have created a rather unnecessary risk to members of the public. In this day and age of comp claims, it one I would not personally wish to take, for sake of moving it inside the demo area. I assume the AA Safety Official was happy with it, or it would have been moved.

Perhaps common sense isnt quite so common after all It may have been wiser for the demo company responsible to have had it suspended inside the barrier tape, it could have only taken an error with a handsaw and that lot would have come crashing down!

I really liked the show, and I was getting jaded about this one last year. Following the AA (AA Techie) getting involved on the forum, many issues have been addressed to make the AA Show a better experience for all. There is now a campsite, with shower facilities, plenty of clean toilets, better (IMO) food, a better layout which made a friendlier atmosphere giving a "village" atmosphere. Apparently there was more catering booked, but they pulled at the last minute, so the pizza guys came in to help out. The demos were good and informative, though I voiced my concerns over the safety of one particular display having a loaded speedline suspended outside the barrier tape, and the public (professionals?) standing around beneath it, but perhaps that is just me being picky. It was good, as ever, to meet everyone, put names to faces of newer members, and sit around in the sun chilling out. Good effort to the AA, I liked this one

I spent 2 days at the show, pigged out on the sausages the 1st day, cracking value for money IMO. Handmade sausages in a variety of different flavours and guises, good friendly staff who slogged their guts out all day to feed everyone. The pizza guys did a sterling job too. The criticism other years has been the lack of variety of food, crappy burgers and poor service. Seems whatever is done you cant please all the folk all the time!!

Accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days you are the statue (David Brent)

Yes you can get replacement springs through your local dealer, dont need to replace the whole clutch.

I had a bad feeling about this thread from the outset. Naming/shaming is not tolerated here, neither is having a dig at anyone because of their creed colour, religion or ethnicity. The reason for this should be obvious, but for those who dont get it, its detrimental to the smooth running of the forum, and I have better things to do than suffer fools who cant follow a simple easy-to-follow set of rules. And yes I'm having a bad day.

Yeeeuw

You dont need us to wish you luck, you're already making your own!! Good attitude, take your time, and do a good job

Negativity will get you absolutely nowhere. You have a skill in driving HGVs, as Tommer said this is a valuable asset which will set you apart from many others, so use it to your advantage. I suggested agency driving as an example of a fill in job between jobs, I know a landscaper who does agency driving in his quiet times to top up his income. Lets face it, starting out in this job you are never going to earn top money for a few years. Many of us have been in your shoes at one time or another, and many are at the same stage now. Its how you move forward that dictates your future.

I think I can see both sides of the coin here. Yes you would be the dearest labour he employs, and if he has no work coming in then he has to try and do the right things for his business and the majority of staff. Depending on the terms of your redundancy, you could sit and be aggrieved. OR you could set yourself up s/e, hire your services out around your area, maybe even sub yourself to him when his work picks up. Annoying and inconvenient though it is, I'd guess this is probably the best he could do for you, I'm sure he wouldnt have laid you off if he thought he could afford to keep you. One door closes, another opens, and good luck, use the forum to try and pick up some work.

I wouldnt own up to being in Rotherham

Still not enough!! We had an Ash to take down over at footpath at a health centre. Had a full compliment of signs and solid barriers to "secure" the area. Job done? Oh no, this little old lady climbs through the cordon, pushes a sign out of her way and starts to walk through the area. I very politely ask her what she's doing, and point out there is another footpath to the front of the centre. She comes out with "I cant possibly walk all that way with my arthritis, and my dodgy hip!!" I gave up and escorted her safely through the area

I always thought that Yggdrasil in black/white would make a cool tat

Yer too slow

Wooly aphid

Solo, post your positives, ie you have vast driving experience, to HGV standard, you are qualified to use a saw, you are mature and you are determined to succeed. Your age is immaterial, 44 is neither young or old . It is tough out there for many, even experienced fully ticketed climbers, let alone someone new to the trade. I'd be getting out and about, get on Vistaprint and cop some free business cards made and push for general hedging and gardening, mix it with a bit of maybe agency driving to keep an income coming in while you get going. try and get to the AA Show for a bit of networking too. Dont wait for the work to come to you! Good luck