Why was Stanford hall show cancelled ?

[Dingy]

Does anyone know ?

Costs ?

place ?

etc....

[Tim]

there are a few thread on the rsoc about this but nothing offical yet i believe,think cost had a part to play in it all

[RSBOREHAM]

Dingy,
Phill told us all it was cancelled last Monday night, he explained that the venue wanted to hike the entry fee plus the cost of hiring the marquee etc.. had risen sharply which based on previous years would make the event a negative revenue for the group.
I also believe he had a very negative response from the usual traders which attend the event, again to do with charges and past sales.

I cannot give any more info than this, it is proably best if you ring Phil or Hemant for a full explanation, as one of the local group it is dissapointing but there was obviously a need to cancel the day at such a late stage.

[Hemant Patel]

There are many reasons why we cancelled the Leicestershire RSOC Group's Regional Day at Stanford Hall. Over the last few years the attendance has been declining dramatically. Although last year's turnout was adversely effected by bad weather, in 2005 when we had a gloriously sunny day, the attendence was still very poor. Additionally, we get a very poor deal from the owners of Stanford Hall, and our entrance income has been falling significantly. They also charge us for all sorts of other stuff eg First Aid; Skips; etc, etc. Stanford Hall has also (in my view) always understated the attendence numbers so that way they have to pay us less money.

One of the attractions of our day has been the numerous and varied traders that attended, but sadly this has now also declined. Up to a few years ago we used to have to turn traders aways due to lack of space. Last year we only had a handful of traders. I understand that this is due to Ebay. Even the RSOC Regalia Tent didnt attend our day last year. This has also led to a decline in our income.

Also the numbers of concours entrants have been falling. The concours field used to be major part of the success of the day. The same has happened to visiting car clubs. Once there was a time when we had 20 visiting car clubs. Now we struggle to get 5 there.

We have compensated for declining income by cutting out costs. This in itself then effects the day eg no children's entertainment etc. But we have now got to a stage where we cannot cut out any more costs.

To summarise, it is the falling attendences and the risk of making a loss from the event that has led to us calling it a day. Some of the fixed costs we have to incur for the day cannot be covered with low attendence.

This decision was not made lightly. Me and Phil are very saddened that it has come to this. Over the last 20 years we have given our very best to hold regional days that the true members really wanted. The longstanding members will know the types of days we've had in the past - everything from: Helicopter rides; rally simulator; rally stage in ex works cars; bash a concours car; the bikini clad models washing cars in 2005; etc etc.

[Dave1800BDA]

thanks Hemant for that, it is a real shame as ive always attended this venue, great setting,

hope something can be sorted out for next year,

[RS2000&MEXICO]

i was looking forward to this one...

[RUDDY]

I for one would like to thank Hemant and Phil for holding this show over the many years. It is a show that has good memories for long term RSOC members when you could guarantee to meet the 'old skool' people.

I think Hemants comments ring true for many shows now, traders can earn their money sitting at home on the PC, ever increasing venue costs and overheads, membership being more choosy about shows and not willing to travel, track day interest etc. I used to set off at 04.30 to get to Stanford Hall in my original MK2 RS and travel home the same day (must've been mad ), but that was all part of the enjoyment.

I think the shows will have to be limited and spread around the country to ensure attendance , 6 shows a year plus National Day and 'The Works' Outing.

cheers, Paul

[Frosticles]

Was very sad to hear this but as stated by Hemant and Martyn was unavoidable. I have over the past countless years looked forward to this show as it was always a great show for both the old and new cars alike. The only "Bad" one I can remember was last years due to the awful weather which was the fault of no one.

This show along with others which are cancelled this year will be sadly missed by many. At the end of the day though, we have to look to the future and maybe the Leic group show could return in 2008 at maybe a different venue.

[ian parker]

i was looking forward to this one...

Me too Paul, as its only an hour or so for Worthers and I

[RS2000&MEXICO]

Me too Paul, as its only an hour or so for Worthers and I

still m8 you have santa to look forward to

[emily]

a great shame this is. i have been to stanford hall for many rs gatherings over the last 20 years.
the last time i went i took the whole family and we had a great day out.

[GAZ W]

its a sad day when a once great show like stanford has to be cancelled , this was certainly one of my favorite static shows of the year

[paul spence]

mine to gaz

[Dingy]

its a really big loss to the RS community

[76mex]

sad news that not missed it for last 15 years