Expo Narrow Gauge 2020 update

Hobby · February 02, 2020, 07:28

Quote from: Tom Haythornthwaite on February 01, 2020, 15:31I cannot resist mentioning that I traveled from Kyiv, Ukraine, to attend last year!

Probably still got there quicker than I would have done if I'd bothered! ;)

We have to accept the truth that Paul made in his last post. A local group will not organise something outside the location of it's members, it would be a logistical nightmare. So we have to accept that the exhibition will stay in the area it is currently based in and make our own decission as to whether it's worth the hassle of getting to it. With so many other, equally good, NG shows around in other parts of the country it's not as if we have to go to every one!

JulienW · February 02, 2020, 09:25

To be honest any of the really good shows would be much better if they were on our doorstep, wherever that doorstep happens to be. The drawback is that what might be convenient for one (member or group) will not be so for the rest, and it seems pretty pointless in arguing about where future ExpoNGs should be as ultimately it will end up being somewhere that is most convenient for the organisers to get to easily to do their organising (as they are not going to want to travel for an hour to get there for planning, etc.) but also has reasonable transport links so us punters can get there, and ultimately it is up to us punters to decide if the venue chosen works of us as individuals and go, or not.

Personally I'll miss the show in 2020 but I will not miss getting up at 05:30 to get the 06:17 train from Erdington to get to Birmingham to get to London to get to Swanley for about 10:30 (and that's easier for me than fighting with the often foggy-in-the-mornings M40 on the way down and a stupidly busy M25 and M40 coming back after a long day on my feet).

Good luck to the G&DNGRS in finding a new venue.

Stephen Rainsbury · February 02, 2020, 11:37

Quote from: JulienW on February 02, 2020, 09:25
Personally I'll miss the show in 2020 but I will not miss getting up at 05:30 to get the 06:17 train from Erdington to get to Birmingham to get to London to get to Swanley for about 10:30 (and that's easier for me than fighting with the often foggy-in-the-mornings M40 on the way down and a stupidly busy M25 and M40 coming back after a long day on my feet).

Absolutely agreed, its like that for us to get to Warley. I have never been but considering booking into a Hotel next year and travelling up the day before so I can get a full day in without being too tired to enjoy it. :-)

Stan Williams · February 02, 2020, 11:41

I am not sure of how many members are in the G&DNG group these days, but they still cover at least four counties.

Bedfordshire, Essex, Kent and Sussex and it may spread further.

On that basis lots of areas to search for a good venue with a competitive price and good transport links.

Stan.

Stan Williams · February 02, 2020, 11:58

Stephen,
If thats what you are planning to do to go to Warley, I would book sooner rather than later.

Warley take up most of the accommodation in that area as they book for hundreds of exhibitors.

The last time I exhibited, which is a few years ago, they put us up in a hotel in Bromsgrove which is over 20 miles away from the venue.
I know they also use Tamworth.

Stan.

Stephen Rainsbury · February 02, 2020, 17:55

Quote from: Stan Williams on February 02, 2020, 11:58
Stephen,
If thats what you are planning to do to go to Warley, I would book sooner rather than later.

Thanks, I started looking earlier on and realised that my Daughter is only 40 minutes away in Banbury, indeed I can get a train for £10 that is quicker than car and no parking to mess about with. It does mean that I will be taking them out for Dinner on the Friday :-)
Is it worth going for two days?
Stephen

EDIT Google shows one in February and one in November.. I am confused are they both good?

JulienW · February 02, 2020, 20:48

The Warley club has an open day in February (Sunday the 16th?) with the big show at the NEC in November.

Stephen Rainsbury · February 02, 2020, 21:29

Quote from: JulienW on February 02, 2020, 20:48
The Warley club has an open day in February (Sunday the 16th?) with the big show at the NEC in November.

Ahh thanks.

Hobby · February 03, 2020, 08:29

Quote from: Stephen Rainsbury on February 02, 2020, 17:55Is it worth going for two days?

If you want to see everything then yes, if you restrict what you want (need?) to see then no! Also depends on how long you spend at the 009 Society stand chatting to us... We can make it last 2 days if you want!

JulienW · February 03, 2020, 09:46

Quote from: Hobby on February 03, 2020, 08:29
Quote from: Stephen Rainsbury on February 02, 2020, 17:55Is it worth going for two days?

If you want to see everything then yes, if you restrict what you want (need?) to see then no! Also depends on how long you spend at the 009 Society stand chatting to us... We can make it last 2 days if you want!

As one of the ones doing the chatting sometimes it feels like a lot more...

Hobby · February 03, 2020, 10:42

Deleted

Stephen Rainsbury · February 03, 2020, 23:02

Quote from: Hobby on February 03, 2020, 08:29
If you want to see everything then yes, if you restrict what you want (need?) to see then no! Also depends on how long you spend at the 009 Society stand chatting to us... We can make it last 2 days if you want!

Thanks, I will need her to run me to the station and back, so I think I will stay with my Daughter on the Friday night, and then go straight home from the NEC on the Saturday evening, otherwise it will disturbing her Sunday morning too. :-\