Great Dorset Steam Fair - Camping

So they like to rip their exhibitors off as well do they? One rally I certainly won't be at this year after previous experience; 3+ hours in traffic, high gate price, indifferent engine display, overpriced tat in market area etc etc.

Reply to
Nick H
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It suprises me that a number of people get so vocal about why GDSF is bad in so many ways, particularly when cost is mentioned. If it is that bad why does it attract so many visitors. For me it is the highlight of the vintage calender. I agree Nick that the SE section is weak but there are a few old favourites that go every year and make the effort to drive something which is often lacking at other shows. As an overall spectacle I think Dorset is unbeatable.

Sorry to have drifted away from the original point, no I don't know an alternative. You might try the tourist office in Blandford or post a question on the steam fair website. We have rented a cottage not far away to incoroporate the summer holiday and my parents for a couple of days. I'd offer to let you camp in the garden but the landlord might object!

Regards,

John MS

Reply to
John Macdonald Smith

I have been here before arguing about how good Dorset it. It bemuses me as to why the rally that I consider to be the best in the UK gets a bad press. High gate price ?!! Oh per-lease !! How can anyone say Dorset has a high gate price ?!

For anybody who has never been before, GO, its simply the best rally you will ever attend. If you listen to tails of 'its not worth the money' in my opinion you are missing out on the best show, for the most daft reason. Its worth every single penny, I would personally pay double, where else can you see such an event?

How much do you reckon it costs to get a steam engine to Dorset for five days? It?s a lot of money. Multiply that by over 200 engines and that?s just one section !!!!!

Regards

Chris Bedo Kent UK

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Reply to
Chris Bedo

You are both right of course, the gate price is not a good reason to give it a miss and it does have its good points - the 'Watford Gap' heavy haulage area in particular would be hard to beat. But don't go expecting a superb display of stationary engines to match the other areas of the show.

And now an apology; I have done something I hate in others and hijacked a perfectly reasonable thread to air my own petty prejudices - sorry, put it down to boredom, it is quiet round here :-(

Reply to
Nick H

Hello, Does anybody know of any alternative camp sites for the Fair. The new rules require booking for a minimum of 2 nights - nice little money maker!! I only wish to camp for one night. Any help appreciated. Thanks Colin

Reply to
Colin Spooner

Which night do you want to camp?

John

Reply to
John Manders

I asked about this from GDSF and here is their reply. "Than you for your e-mail

There is a 2 night booking policy on the pre-paid campsites, however, you can stay for just one night by staying in the casual camp sites. When you arrive at the casual camp sites you will need to pay for all the nights as you enter and then get a refund for the nights you do not stay as you leave.

I hope this answers your question.

Thank you"

It looks like that is your answer.

John

Reply to
John Manders

Reply to
Colin Spooner

Colin, Dont be put off I go every year as public, BBQ's I think are banned for insurance reasons i.e. fire risk. As to minimum two nights its always been the policy to pay for the full and you have money returned if you dont stay. This was because of people paying for one night and staying the week. As regards stationary engine display feed back tells me there is going to be a big change this year from previous and hopefully I will be displaying as well.

Martin P

Reply to
Campingstoveman

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