We missed out the Euston Rural PasTimes event to spend the whole weekend at Doddington, which was probably just as well, as most of Sunday was a washout, the event being abandoned halfway through Sunday afternoon. However, Trevor assures us the event will be on next year despite a probable loss this year. Exhibits wise, I think the levels were about the same as we saw last year on the Saturday but stalls do seem to be thin on the ground this year at the smaller events.

Layout wise, the stationary engines moved across to the side of the field furthest from the road, which was ok as we faced a continuous line of classic caravans, bygones, models and horticultural, but the Macmillan Nurses charity gazebo in the middle of this latter line did seem to be in the wrong place to me, surely better amongst the stalls?

However, the classic camper vans and tractors did seem to fight for space in an area between the bygones, caravans, etc and the stalls alongside the ring, which wasn’t really big enough for both. Maybe the tractors could be lined up down the side of the field closest to the road, where their section camp, and there is more room? The motorcycle section was well supported with several ad-hoc marquees and party tents providing shelter for both machines and riders alike. Likewise, the commercial section was reasonably well supported by a number of relatively local owners and drivers, as was the car contingent.

The steam contingent grew by one this year with three rollers and one tractor, which doesn’t include another local roller not on the road this year, or the showman’s engine and organ that sometimes attends. However, based on precedent these are always parked alongside the roadway fence with the public car park between them and the show proper, which I can understand given the wet conditions on Sunday but it would be nice of all of the exhibits were within the actual show area. That way the public haven’t seen what some think to be the best exhibits before they enter the field.

One thing that has been a feature of the show since it started is the “Steam-Up” beer tent/marquee being placed across the field with its back to the gate, and again it has been suggested by the man himself that maybe that could be placed facing the opposite way towards the bottom of the field at the opposite end of the ring. This may make the show more open and inviting to the public as they enter from the car park.

Engine problems on Sunday meant I didn’t get out before the rains came to see if there was any difference to the level of attendance but several different classic cars were seen to exit stage left shortly after the rain started, so I assume there was initially some additional support. This report is not a moan but a collection of views taken since the rally at the request of the main organiser so he can improve the show for both exhibitors and public alike, and ultimately make some money to support whatever charitable causes are deemed to (hopefully) be beneficiaries from the event.

In his own words, “Next year the beer tent is going down the other end of the field so it is facing the entrance. I think this will make it a lot easier to plan the field out including putting in a proper area for camping. As you know I do not like turning away any exhibitor even if they are not booked in, and this has caused a problem with overcrowding in placing some exhibits. As you can see last year and this year we have improved the public car parking as it is in a set area. I also think the stationary engines are situated in a better area. I have sat down and thought about this show and where I can make improvements and I have had a lot of suggestions from other exhibitors on all sorts of different things, some of them have got possibilities. I have sat and made at least ten plans on paper so I can see improvements that can be made. As an organiser of a show it’s very hard to get it right and it may take several shows to get it half right.

You can’t please everybody but I still think with a bit more practise I can get it nearly right, so if the exhibitors will support the show, I will keep trying to improve it. As I have said many times praise is good but constructive criticism is also good as it give food for thought. Thanks for your comments they do help in their own way to help me make the show better. Just one more thing - I would like to say a big thank-you to all the exhibitors and the general public who turned out to support the show.”