OK, it was not all bad, there were some very good bits but in general it was a disappointment and I feel sad for the organisers because they had done such an excellent job as usual.
Our weekend started well. We had a great Thai meal in a restaurant in Shrewsbury then went to the Travel Lodge that we have used before. We got to bed around 9.30pm looking forward to our day at the show.
At 2am we were woken by shouting, slamming of doors and hammering on adjacent doors. The local cricket team had arrived!! I thought for a moment it might be the Holland team celebrating their land mark victory over England
but no it was just some of the locals who proceeded to party, running up and down the corridor outside our room until nearly 5am. Very threatening!We got to the Show in slightly damp weather just before 10am. The staff on the gate and the stewards were all dress for wet weather but happy and smiling. One of the ladies on the gate joked that she had her bikini on under the waterproofs and I could not wait for the sun to come out!
But by the time we had parked, the rain had increased.We put on our wet weather gear and walked across to the show. It was muddy and wet underfoot but we have seen worse. By the time we had reached the stalls, the rain had increased and most of the spares stalls were under cover. We did manage to get some key rings and a tow ball but some of the prices were too hot for me. (£20 for a Live grill badge?) The man I had come to see about metalwork and P6 water pump seals was not there. He had been rained off on Saturday.
We wandered over to the tractors. There was a great lineup of David Browns but we quickly passed through the lines. Rain was starting to find the gaps in our waterproofs and the temperature was dropping. There is nothing worse than being wet and cold so we went off to find a hot chocolate and a dry (?) area to drink it.
Then it was back through the tractor lines and searching the caravan park for Mark, Edward and Brian who were camped there for the two days of the show with their families. They too were disappointed in the weather and as we watched and talked, a number of exhibitors were leaving and who could blame them. But it was only mid day.
After a good crack with our friends Ann and I decided we too would call it a day and as we made our way shivering, back to Rover, we were passed by an ever increasing line of stall holders and exhibitors heading for the exit gate.
What a disappointment for all involved. It was the first time in 10 years that the weather had spoilt the show but there is always next year!
Like Arnie, "We'll be back"!!!
Some of the David Brown display.
Mark, Edward and Brians tractors including the Allis B.
This might be a bit over the top!! A P6 TE-20.
An illusive Diesel badge!
And something for Oscar!
But I think it would be a tight fit in the garage. Perhaps the neighbors won't mind if you park it in the space opposite your house?
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