Pf-Lee

After past bad experiences with the hosting club i have stayed away from their events but since buying the frs mk3 i thought i would tag along with some long term members and give it another go, tbh wish i had stayed at home was pretty dire my white car looked like it had entered a ralley stage driving over tractor tracks to get to parking area, and the guys who i went with also stated its worst they have seen in many years plus trade was almost dead but at least i can say i tried again after a 3yr absence but after seeing the state of my car i thought i must be mad to pay for this, disappointed is a understatement and needless to say i wont be returning again

STeve

iTrader: (11)

shame that lee as I did hope they stepped up their game for this year since committee shake up and better date not clashing with other shows, few of my mates went up but not heard any feedback from them yet and prob wont until the passionford watford next meet

Turbosystems

iTrader: (5)

Surely you can't blame the club for the bad weather

Pf-Lee

Of course not would not even mention it if the weather was only issue, but our location was very bad even many members are stating this on their website too and that was for group locations not public, there was almost no trade and was not that well attended, if you are into shining your car there was plenty for you but paul swifts show is getting worse year by year now

STeve

iTrader: (11)

not just nd though lee to be fair as ford fair this year was crap unless you were into popping and farting st/rs focus models, seams to be way most shows are heading and I did see pictures that chris put up of the club locations at nd on the rsoc site and it did not look good tbh but its your choice to attend or not as nobody forces you

bigdel

Too many show these days, things are getting spread way to thin and I think people are suffering from show overload. Fewer, better shows would be the way to go.
I agree the RSOC National Day did have some issues and hopefully the committee will take those views on board (a request's already gone out to RSOC local groups asking for feedback) and change things for next year.
I agree with Steve about Ford fair, nowhere near as good as previous year's, little or nothing on the trade stands unless you had a really old Ford, or a brand new RS or ST.
Again, Classic Ford (a show I used to really enjoy) hit a low this year, so I won't be bothering next year. Trying Ford Fest in September, so let's see what that's like.

Cos500

Been 10 years since I attended national day showing my old 500 in concours, thought I'd have a run down with the family this year as due to work only show I could make.
I decided after 1 national day at donnington all those years ago never to show at donnington again, it's a great racing circuit but a poor show venue due to the dusty shitty roads.
This year was poor, hardly any traders unless you wanted a number plate or a car part not sold from previous shows, regional groups spread all over the infield, Melbourne loop is better for regional groups or most of them.
Track action was good though with a good variety of cars, missed the parade lap yawwwwwwn while spending over £30 buying the kids some chips.

bigdel

Agree, the parade lap went on a bit (it was worse as I was on it!!). Thought we were only going to do one or two, but we kept going round and around, stop/start....

steveboyslim

It is requirement of most venues that trade stands amateur or professional have public liability insurance, add that to the internet auction sites and there you have some of the reasons for a low number of trade stands.

Steve

fatboy billy

I went as a spectator didn't take the cos and I enjoyed it

bigdel

Likewise. I was in one of the paddock displays so didn't have any issues with entry or parking, and quite enjoyed the day. Others however, had a more challenging experience...

Rowe

i was on track in the novice session and had a fantastic day. Didn't get much of a chance to walk around, but it did seem very empty.
overall, money well spent for me.

seemed like an organised operation from the outset..... including how they catered for the ticket/wristband problems

AJC

iTrader: (6)

In all fairness people slag the shows saying they're quiet, i'm not going again.

Thing is, with that mindset, they're never going to get any bigger, with more visitors and attendees, there'll be more trade, more cars etc.

I was there, and yeah i did feel it was bit quiet, but it is what ti is, all RS Shows have gone quiet in last 3-4 years, mainly due to the price of the cars to run, drive and maintain, but the actual values of them.

I think we should all rmember that with out the RSOC shows, there'd only be Ford Fair, Classic Ford and Ford Fest (recent addition though) to go to every year.

TommysKeeper

iTrader: (2)

Try some smaller local shows - often admission is free, sometimes with additional perks like a cuppa and a cake. People are pleased to have you there and there are no rows of orange identical cars. Folks stop and tell you about the similar car they used to have or how they always wanted one.

The funds they raise are often used to support a charity or the village hall and at least you are not lining the pockets of some commercial enterprise - Be that the likes of Kelsey or some car club.

STeve

iTrader: (11)

Exactly John my fav show of the year is the Uxbridge autoshow and the like, I'm going to classic show at knebworth next week and looking forward to that

Harris.

Ive lost track of cars shows now and not been to any for 2 years since getting the RS4 .


Maybe ill give the shows a go with many different makes and models as ST's a boring , if I want to see them I can just look at my neighbours with a cup of tea


My problem is i'm not a fan of Facebook and seems that's where shows are advertised now

mcst

2 shows near me have gone from strength to strength. One is this Sunday and organised by the local round table. Only get in to view on foot from 2 access points, its in a town centre and you have no fixed entrance fee just a suggested donation.
The other is in June and organised by a village committee and sees over 3500 visitors

Both have a mix of everything from old RS, kit cars, vintage, owners clubs, hot rods etc... Even new car dealers attend.

I've seen a lot of evening shows crop up too, used to just be Ashby Folville but that's all but stopped. There's at least 3 more within a reasonable distance.
Hard not to see the appeal of these shows, less distance to travel, less time committed to the show, no booking in so no commitment if the weather turns or you can't make it.

Tinshaw

I went in my new cos, was a tad concerned with the weather looking so shite
About taking it!!! Paid for infield parking & it was a grate spot I got
Only the second show I've managed to attend this year due to work or holidays (classic) being the other 1, but me the wife & our 8 yr old really enjoyed it some lovely cars, met some nice people & enjoyed the track action to....

Rod-Tarry

Must admit I don't see what you do to bring these Big Ford shows back to life. If you are new to them I suppose you can think they are OK because you have nothing to judge them against. 20 years ago they were in great shape & have gradually fallen by the wayside. Must admit I stopped attending 6 years ago as the Foci fest started & I saw the way it was going. There are good show out there Steve mentioned the one at Uxbridge & anything Classic will still be good viewing. My interest of Ford shows died with the demise of the Cossie & I think many feel the same but everything has its day .

STeve

iTrader: (11)

sadly Rod you are spot on and its not even a age thing, the scene has changed for the worse and clubs and companys simply want your cash and forget about looking after the paying public anymore, at least with these regional shows as John mentioned earlier all proffits go back into community and charitys and they treat you decent offering plenty for little money and even food is price more fair

gcfcos

I used to do as many shows as possible but got very bored with the one make only shows. I like a bit of variety. Went to a small one near us,
Had all types of cars, old bikes and steam engines. Enjoyed it more than any other show. Classic ford at Santa pod was my favourite,
Will hopefully go next year as haven't been for a few years.

Jay,

iTrader: (4)

Then daily in the usual suspects that have just moan about because they can lol

Rob Wiles

I went yeah it's not as big as it was but thought it was well organised and had a good day, easy to be negative Cheers Rob

bigdel

You have to applaud the effort (in the case of the RSOC show mostly unpaid) that goes into putting these shows on, but you're never going to please everyone.
Yes, it's not as big as it was back in the early 90's but as I've said before there are so many shows competing for everyone's attention it's always going to struggle.

Dal_

iTrader: (2)

I got passed by a pair of 3dr cosworths on the A14 Sunday afternoon after visiting the outlaws.
Both drivers looked very miserable - maybe this explains why..

SteveW

iTrader: (2)

I was on track and had a good day, i stopped doing the show and polish thing 6 years ago and started doing trackdays and it's awesome fun

Cragrat

iTrader: (4)

For the past few years I've been more into the classic car shows (booked in again for the weekend at the nec), and doing as other have also said the local smaller shows , it's surprising how many people I've known for years through work and mutual friends I never knew were into cars and you end up seeing them at shows.Makes it a lot less hassle than the commitment to attending big shows but then my personal situation has changed so I guess I could be more able to do the big shows if a fancy

dojj

iTrader: (3)

I didn't go

Now I'm not sure if I should be in the "it sounded shit, glad I didn't go" camp or the "damn, I should have gone out sounded great"

Paul_RS

iTrader: (4)

The concourse/show and shine turnout was very poor. Probably half the car there would have been 4 years ago. There wasn't a big selection of traders either.

I don't think I'll bother with it next year