So with preparations that had taken place since Kingsfold 2004, everything was planned at Rally sub-committee meetings and the final month prior to the show saw everything happening rapidly and of course the show date setting even closer. The newspaper advertising has to be ordered, Old Glory contacted, etc,etc. All the services we need to supply have to be confirmed as to their arrival on the right times. Each year as the date looms, traders all want late bookings, but normally we have a waiting list. The closing date for exhibitors goes past and we still get some requests for application forms, anyway with all the safety equipment such as pins, ropes, fire extinguishers etc all loaded into the trailer (no time for an engine this weekend) it is off to Kingsfold on Wednesday evening to set up in readiness for Thursday's early morning.
Thursday dawns warm and dry apart from the fog that lingered till midday, which made it difficult to see each other when marking out the field, thank goodness for two way radios! Eventually the sun shone on us all and good progress was made. Our trade section started filling up nicely with everyone going in their designated places, by the end of Thursday 90% of the setting up was done.
Friday, as promised, started very wet, so on with your coat, set your head down and get on with it. The club tent was erected, up went the flag pole and everything that can be done seemed to get done. Then it's not long before the first of 400 exhibitors start arriving. Mostly before darkness falls, but drive in carefully after dark, especially those that have had long journeys after work. The licensed bar arrives and quickly gets organized and open for those thirsty souls amongst us. Plus the chips and burgers are cooking for whoever wants them.
Saturday 6am and out of bed, breakfast and outside well before 7am. Plenty more exhibits arriving and before long it's 9.30 and time to get the show open. Our scouts are working well, taking money and directing parking. A grand day was had by all with more members of the public than ever before. The arena events kept everyone busy, the show was definitely all happening and looking good. A pleasant time was had listening to Will and visiting Deadwood Town.
Early Sunday started dry, Lynne and i went out on the gator to collect rubbish and by 7am it was getting darker instead of lighter, heavy rain started falling and "Oh dear!" i thought this could be the end of what promised to be a good day. Fortunately by 8am the forecast on BBC Southern Counties Radio stated the band of rain would move easterly, sure enough it did, which left us with perfect sunshine, almost summer like and very warm.
Once again a grand time was had by all, the ladies were out selling raffle tickets, arena events and parades all went ahead, the stock saloons and reliant's were particularly good, mind you i didn't have time to see any more of the vehicles. Thank goodness for Brian Tullett, he does a marvelous job for me. Before long the day was drawing to a close, but what a fantastic day it had been. The stationary engine raffle completed and the exhibitors raffle with countless prizes went ahead and at approx 4.30pm the show was closed. Plaques given out, i have never known so many people so grateful for a super weekend (their words not mine). I am always amazed how quickly fields can empty, our team swung into action and the whole site was virtually cleared by darkness. Signs on the road dismantled and the rubbish skip filling up means the end of what i thought was an extremely good show.
Now we can get on with plans for 2006!!
Report by Alan Cullen
Photographs by Robert Adams
* Click on the image for Rally pictures
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