Great Dorset Steam Fair - Camping

[Colin Spooner]

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

[Nick H]

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.
--
NHH

"Colin Spooner" <ass...@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message
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[John Macdonald Smith]

"Nick H" <n_hig...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2kvjpkF...@uni-berlin.de

> 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.

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

--
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[Chris Bedo]

> "Nick H" <n_hig...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:2kvjpkF...@uni-berlin.de
>
> > 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.
>

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
www.Burrell2551.co.uk
chris.bedo...@tiscali.co.uk

[Nick H]

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 :-(
--
NHH

[Colin Spooner]

Sorry guys, I was only asking!
I visited GDSF last year for the first time,and it was fantastic,the best
show on Earth.
I have purchased 2 tickets,but wonder why I cannot camp for one night.
Last year,I camped for one night,took a disposable barbie and 2 bottles of
Hobgoblin,and had a great time.
This year barbie's are outlawed !!
GDSF is still great value,that is not my gripe.
I am dismayed at the imposing of a minimum 2 night stay.I cannot do this due
to work commitments.
Thanks for the replies.
Cheers
Colin

"Colin Spooner" <ass...@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message
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[John Manders]

Which night do you want to camp?

John

"Colin Spooner" <ass...@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message
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[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

"Colin Spooner" <ass...@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message
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[Campingstoveman]

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