Somerset Steam and Country Show 2015

[International Steam]

Pictures taken at Langport on Saturday 18th July:

http://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/...kindexlp15.htm

I think that the 'Show Reports' section of this forum should be a members honest thoughts about an event that he has attended rather than just a selection of photos. So, at the risk of upsetting another TT member, here are my thoughts.
We originally planned to go to Masham last weekend but decided, instead, to go to the Langport rally, one which we have supported for more than 10 years, during which time the rally has had some very difficult times.
To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement. The steam section was very small; in the past we have had a decent fairground with two or three significant showmans engines in attendance. This year one or two fairground rides and the only showmans was a pretend one.
Lots of classic cars and tractors and, of course, loads of trade stands. After 2 hours I phoned my wife to come and pick me up.
Of course, I should have expected this. After all, what used to be the Somerset Steam Spectacular is now the Somerset Steam and Country Show.
But please, don't think this is just me; check out the comments made by the only other TTer who has commented, International Steam.
As said, we have supported this event for more than 10 years. But in 2016, Masham here we come.
Stef.

[4040]

Steph, I don't know what the financial health of the Somerset club is, but I would imagine that it hasn't had enough good years of late for it to be to good

What I do know is that it costs serious money in expenses to put on a show with a larger number of engines

The fairs also seem to want paying to attend as well as they want to keep all the take on the rides

If a club or society has taken big losses in the past they need to cut the cloth to suit, better that than no event at all the following year

Originally Posted by 4040

Steph, I don't know what the financial health of the Somerset club is, but I would imagine that it hasn't had enough good years of late for it to be to good

What I do know is that it costs serious money in expenses to put on a show with a larger number of engines

The fairs also seem to want paying to attend as well as they want to keep all the take on the rides

If a club or society has taken big losses in the past they need to cut the cloth to suit, better that than no event at all the following year

Yes Adrian,
Having attended this event for the last 10 years I am well aware that this Club has probably suffered financially more than any other in the South West. And we all know that if receipts fall one year there will be less to pay in attendance money the next year.
But my rally programmes show that in that whole period the decline in steam exhibits has been quite dramatic.
Like many others on here I spend a good deal of time and money travelling back and forth across the country supporting our steam clubs and the steam movement in general. All I expect in return is to be entertained and to come away feeling that I've had value for my investment.
If what I saw on Saturday is the best that a steam club can offer to celebrate a major anniversary I fear for the future of this event.
I'm sure you'll pull out all the stops for WESES 60th in a couple of weeks time.
Stef.

[Madore]

I was at the Somerset rally over the weekend. I found the place had a lovely family atmosphere. A huge effort was put in to the rally by so few willing helpers. The Somerset Traction Engine Club have a beautiful site and I'm sure as time, finances and weather allow the event will continue to improve. Coming from Southern Ireland, I will be putting this one on my list for the future.

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

I must admit, as an exhibitor I pick and choose, I've not been to a recognised steam rally yet this year with my engine. But am booked into two later in the year.

Nevertheless we have had loads of fun, and done loads of road miles as usual.

I like shows with little hassle and the opportunity to have fun. A show for me is a means to an end, a reason so that I can drive my engine somewhere. Personally speaking being on 'show' when I get there is a negative. Aggravation with passes, little men with clipboards checking this and that, and being shouted at to do this and not do that by nazis in hi vis are big turn offs.

I am beginning to believe that the future of some society run steam rallies may be numbered in their current format, and they may have to morph into something else to remain viable. We are seeing the beginning of this the last couple of years with the return to 'Country Fairs'

The larger shows, really do put on a good 'show' for the punters, and I can see why punters may complain about lesser shows. This is difficult but I can see both sides. The trouble is there are economies of scale, so the larger shows can offer better value for money.

What does the future hold?, in my opinion probably the opposite of what Stefan would hope for. For the last couple of years, perhaps longer, I have heard murmurings that ''the best part of show'' was what the engine owners and their friends did off their own back, off site on the Saturday evening. i.e they went to the pub/chinese blah blah.

With this in mind I can see more 'private' events, that is a couple of local engines (or more) meeting up at a mutually convenient location, likely a public location (usually a pub) for a good time. Then they go home, or perhaps a private location nearby for the evening. If you know about it/invited you get to join in, if you don't you cant. I went to such an event a fortnight ago, going to another this weekend.

[fireman dan]

Originally Posted by stefan mlynek

I think that the 'Show Reports' section of this forum should be a members honest thoughts about an event that he has attended rather than just a selection of photos. So, at the risk of upsetting another TT member, here are my thoughts.
We originally planned to go to Masham last weekend but decided, instead, to go to the Langport rally, one which we have supported for more than 10 years, during which time the rally has had some very difficult times.
To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement. The steam section was very small; in the past we have had a decent fairground with two or three significant showmans engines in attendance. This year one or two fairground rides and the only showmans was a pretend one.
Lots of classic cars and tractors and, of course, loads of trade stands. After 2 hours I phoned my wife to come and pick me up.
Of course, I should have expected this. After all, what used to be the Somerset Steam Spectacular is now the Somerset Steam and Country Show.
But please, don't think this is just me; check out the comments made by the only other TTer who has commented, International Steam.
As said, we have supported this event for more than 10 years. But in 2016, Masham here we come.
Stef.

I think you find there were 2 showmans engines there! We were on the "pretend one" as you called it and the gilby family with the gold medal showmans engine. There were 5 showmans engines booked in but only 2 could make it which isnt the organisers fault. We roaded the "pretend one" out on wednesday (9 miles) and roaded the sentinel standard out friday morning (15 miles) which to me is the best part of any rally. In my eyes a rally is what you make it.

Regards
Dan

[MG]

Looking at it from both sides I did find the event not to be what is was years ago, but I wouldn't want to be organization trying to deal with all the red tape, coatings etc involved with an event of the size, I'm just glad its still going.

[UJ2225]

The problem is with lots of the country show type events now is that you sit on your peg and boil water all day and you get bollocked if you even think about moving. Whilst all this is going on there are monster trucks etc. in the main ring.... or if you are lucky enough to go to Barleylands Peppa Pig.. or some dolly bird from Frozen.... To be honest a steam up and a trundle round the local roads combined with a local smaller village fair events are much more fun.

Jim

Jim

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

Originally Posted by UJ2225

The problem is with lots of the country show type events now is that you sit on your peg and boil water all day and you get bollocked if you even think about moving. Whilst all this is going on there are monster trucks etc. in the main ring.... or if you are lucky enough to go to Barleylands Peppa Pig.. or some dolly bird from Frozen.... To be honest a steam up and a trundle round the local roads combined with a local smaller village fair events are much more fun.

Jim

Jim

Two of the most fun things I have done with the engine since I had it off father have been:-

Going to fetch the boiler off my Fowler from Basils and delivering an Aveling rear roll at the same time with the trailer, a 40odd mile round trip.

And pulling the hedge out of the back garden at home with the winding drum.