| Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines |
| fcrammond |
STIA2010Yes Folks, it's that time of the year again when we start planning STIA
While things are still fresh in the mind I need to jot down any possible changes, improvements etc that we might incorporate in STIA2010...the 20th. If you have any comments, suggestions,complaints, feedback from STIA2009,etc., I would be delighted to hear them either here, via a PM or even directly to fcrammond@hotmail.com It would be helpful if you could include your status at STIA2009 ie visitor, stallholder, member of another forum table, cuckoo in anothers table etc etc. I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers Fred Our policy is continuous improvement, just like HM Government. |
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| Spokesmann |
A 20th anniversary booklet would be nice, maybe in colour?
It would be nice it it could last longer . . . I know thats difficult though! Everything else seems to be honed to a fine degree in my view. |
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| fcrammond |
It's worth a thought. There could be some interesting decisions.
To sell or not to sell would adverts detract from the programme adverts would it be in addition to the programme posh paper colour or even wait till the 21st oh dear you've got me going |
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| MTA |
My sentiments exactly. If the show was longer it would make it all the more worthwhile to go. |
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| fcrammond |
The problem with longer is How.
We already start at 8.30. We really have to finish at 5.00 in February. As it is I'm not off site until after 8. Besides people have to get home. For the first few years we stuck to the official Steam Day times of 2.00 to 5.00 but I managed to wangle an extension and opened at 1.00. This has now been adopted for most of our events. I suppose that we could open to the public at 12.00 but I rather value the hours grace that we get without the irritating visitors 
I very much doubt we could really be set up by 11 rather than 12 so it would be a case of sticking to your table that much earlier and less chance to snap up a bargain from the dealers. The other obvious solution of course would be to make the whole thing smaller
But I don't really want to go down that particular path. Cheers Fred |
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| steamyjim |
I agree that it's not possible to make it longer over a single day but what about the possibility of 2 days? I understand it would involve a lot of extra work on your part Fred but maybe for the 20th one its worth a try for something special? If it is to much you revert to normal the year after?
I think you need a STIA 20th Birthday cake aswell
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| silverfoxsteam |
As a visitor (a first visit too), a few comments:
A two day event would be really good, maybe open at 2pm on Sat and close at 4pm on Sunday? Would a move to coincide with the school half term help? It struck me that there was a little "them 'n us" feel about the segregation of exhibitors and traders - is this necessary? Could they not both be blended together under the same roof, or rather, two roofs? Badges for all exhibitors and traders - just so the visitors know who's who! The Beam Engine house is very atmospheric (dark) - could some form of improved, temporary, lighting be provided for the exhibitors and viewers? Whatever changes may be made for next year, I'm sure the general atmosphere will be just as good! By the way Fred, a big THANK YOU to you and all your assistants for all the hard work, much appreciated. |
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| fcrammond |
Half term: We have deliberately avoided half term because my wife and I both worked in schools and this meant that I was always unavailable. I did feel that I should always be there for STIA
Two Days.We've been here before. We would not get any more visitors in total. We, the volunteers, would be totally destroyed emptying and refilling the shed twice in two days. It's a big No No. EVERYBODY wants to be in the Big Shed. Everybody cannot be in the Big Shed unless they are happy with half a table each. I only manage to keep the dealers happy by treating them all equally. Hence the "Collectors Fair". In economic terms the Marquee is a disaster. The cost far exceeds the return. Also Exhibitors hate being exiled there. We did have badges for exhibitors but the distribution broke down this year. Care to volunteer? You ought to see the Beam Engine House before I install the temporary STIA only lighting! Cheers Fred |
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| silverfoxsteam |
Well you did ask for feedback..............!
I have done voluntary work connected with steam in one form or another most of my life from muck-shifting to management. I'd be happy to help more with STIA and if I can't exhibit next year, I'll make a weekend of it and help you directly, if you like. Thanks again for your hard work - it IS APPRECIATED you know. |
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| John Chapman |
It is indeed Fred, thanks a lot
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| wilescoman |
thanks fred ! i would keep it as it is ! would be nice to see some page 3 girls just a thought !!
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| fcrammond |
I think the point about STIA that can be difficult for exhibitors to come to terms with is that it is run essentially as an attraction for visitors. Originally we were basically concerned with getting bodies through the gates at a very quiet time of the year. As STIA turned gradually into the insatiable monster it has become today the emphasis changed more to getting the visitors to stump up enough to cover our necessary expenses (the Marquee alone costs over 1000 pounds).
The exhibitors are really a vital ingredient of the mix but they are not the reason we put STIA on. I have, over the years, worked on the basis that you look after the exhibitors to the best of your ability as without them you have no event BUT when it comes to the crunch the show is not FOR them but ABOUT them. The tail may be very beautiful but you don't let it wag the dog. I do feel that this rather pragmatic approach may not be very appealing but it has enabled us to put on STIA for nearly twenty years whilst other events have come and gone and each year, he said modestly, the event has got better. Long may it do so. I do value your feedback but please do not be upset if I ignore or dismiss it. Some parts, those I agree with I will take on board. Progress is slow but hopefully forwards. The rest I will consign to the Dustbin of History. Only time will show who is right.
Fred Take the long term view. In the long term we are all dead. |
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| warty |
GrubLooking forward to stia but refreshment Could do with going up a gear any chance you can dump the ice cream van and have a burger van for 2009 . |
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| Spokesmann |
Re: Grub
Grab a McDonalds on the way in.... |
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| fcrammond |
We are hoping to have our coal fired chip van in full function at STIA. We should be running her for the Xmas Steam Day this Sunday so will keep you posted as to the results. Sadly we cannot charge for the chips but the donations tin was well patronised at the last event (A Day at the Seaside) when the weather was blistering so she should do well in the winter
Fred |
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| Spokesmann |
Looking forward to that, steam toys, chips and a great setting... heaven on earth indeed. 
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| steam123 |
I just hope that they do not use steam oil for cooking the chips 
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| silverfoxsteam |
Treacle pudding for afters?
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