a show of my own

[Spuds Mum]

Well to be honest, I get confused about people taking it all so very seriously as to complain about such things

As a very small exhibitor and novice in a club that also has lots of other novices and intermediates, I think I would have been very downhearted if the HH points and first place cards meant everything to me!

Luckily, I and many of the people I have met at Northern shows think the shows are great to learn more about the standards, to talk to other breeders and judges, and to cheer each other on when one of our guys does well, meaning getting a place, or even just getting a couple of extra points from the last show!

And to my mind, travelling at least 2 hours for most shows (and often longer) is worth it for that social side.

I dont even mind if we have infiltrators (!) although it would be lovely for us to have a chance every now and again

[Bunsey]

the thing is though, that every northern show but Lymm is in Yorkshire and every midland show but willington is south midlands. A show in my area would be nowhere near any other show by either northern or midlands and therefore might allow new members to get to a show where they previously couldn't.

i know The idea of the 3 clubs is so that people in a certain area can go to all of their club's shows, but for me and other people in a similar position, it's impossible to get to all the shows of one club. the very closest Yorkshire ones are 2 hours away and apart from Willington the closest midland ones are 2.5 hours away.

Perhaps the people grumbling that the northern shows are too small should set up a show in their area so it's more accessible to more people. By setting up a show in my area for example, i'd imagine that it'd have similar attendance to Lymm which is the most popular northern show, and therefore that answers the grumble of northern shows being smaller. one in my area would be bigger. :P

anyway, people shouldn't grumble if they aren't trying to do their bit to help, like i am. Shows are lacking in the northwestish area and i'm trying to help
i don't like grumblers who don't try to do anything about anything. the only thing i know to help is find a venue.

and to be honest, i don't understand why it actually matters if it's technically called northern or midlands. it's gonna be in the same place either way! when i talk about staffordshire or cheshire i'm on about like 10 mins difference in distance!



anyway, Pete said all the Midland shows are booked for this year anyway and i can just mention this to Sue to bring up at the AGM....

an AGM discussion about whether lil Bunsey can have a lil show in a lil village. oh my. it seems complex

[Mollz]

Well I sort of understand what you're saying, but maybe it would be better for them to be more central so like 45 minutes away from you? That would make it accessible to people like me (and other midlan/southern members) as well as people like you? I think the key thing is that shows need to be only 5 or 10 minutes off of a motorway or main road, rather than in the middle of a small village.
I just want more shows altogether (that I can get to!!), I'm way to addicted :P

[Bunsey]

my clayton show would be 2 mins off junction 15 down 1 straight road

45 mins further south of me is Stafford, which is still another 45 mins from central b'ham. I don't know any of the halls elsewhere though, so it's just not practical for me to organise a show that far away i'm affraid.

[souffle]

You should put it to the committee at the next AGM. I have a feeling that shows are set at that time for the next year.
It must be up to the individual clubs how many shows they can run so all have an equal opportunity to run the same number if they wish and people must come forward to organise and help out these, from show sec to catering and even sweeping up. It is not hard, it just needs willing people with local knowledge and a good brushing technique . Our first show was not so large but this year we actually had a good turn out and a relaxed and fun day. To be honest, few of the BIS and Harry hamster points go to Northern members if you look at the results as some people are happy to travel North from the more southern areas.
We could never make it as far south as Southern or even Midland Shows and the people in Scotland have no choice as they could seldom travel down here so it is swings and roundabouts really. If you want a show in your area you need to get involved in your club and volunteer. You may need to wait a while but hopefully one will get set up eventually and from there could become a regular event.
The best part of a show in my opinion is the Pet class. To see the sparkle in a child's eye and the pride in their faces when they receive a rosette, even as Highly Commended is a sheer joy. Even adults at their first show positively glow when they get an award. They are our future and I think we should take a step back sometimes and share their joy.
And I'll say this again...my mantra..'You always take the best hamster home'
Mollz - the beauty of having a show near the organiser is that then they can put up posters, plug it locally, leaflet drops, local schools etc which does bring in lots of pets and public and more revenue. If you had to keep driving 45mins it would be a bit more difficult. It is also handy for going the night before to set up and take food down etc so everything is ready for the nest day. Well it was for us when we did Brockholes. Just thought I'd explain that from our point of view having just done one

[Spuds Mum]

Originally Posted by souffle

'You always take the best hamster home'

You are right in everything you said Souffle - loved your show it was really nice and relaxed (even though there were a few moments of panic as show sec!) apart from one thing -

I've never taken Kipton or Bingley home

[internet_nobody]

I'm sure when I first started showing there were more around Birmingham that were fairly well attended. My next task for you Bunsey is to plot all shows on a map, and find which easily-accessible bit of country is missing, then task 2 is for you to put a show there :P

[Spuds Mum]

Originally Posted by internet_nobody

I'm sure when I first started showing there were more around Birmingham that were fairly well attended. My next task for you Bunsey is to plot all shows on a map, and find which easily-accessible bit of country is missing, then task 2 is for you to put a show there :P

your mission should you wish to accept it.....lol

Wow - mission impossible I_N - lets just hope your message doesnt self destruct in 10 seconds

[Bunsey]

Originally Posted by internet_nobody

I'm sure when I first started showing there were more around Birmingham that were fairly well attended. My next task for you Bunsey is to plot all shows on a map, and find which easily-accessible bit of country is missing, then task 2 is for you to put a show there :P

oh you think i won't do that don't you

maps are my thing baby... didn't say they were accurate mind

yeah, there was Great Barr for the midland club and when HAMSOC was alive there was Perry Barr twice a year, Stafford and Liverpool.

[internet_nobody]

No, it was a serious suggestion (the map anyway) to give you something to do til you're back on your feet :P