Midland Game Fair

[Apache]

Well I went at 2pm to the NGO tent and met Morena. Talked to him for half an hour then had to carry on as I had a bit still to see. No-one else was there by 2.30.

(Nice to meet Morena )

An I left just before 4pm and it was ~40 mins before I got to the M6. The rain hadn't started then.

 

[geordieh]

Hi all
I was there at 2 oclock both days and it is back to the same old problem of recognising who are Stalking directory members perhaps it is time we came out with some SD merchandise like shirts, hats or badges to make identification easier
Geordie

 

[morena]

I was wearing a T shirt with a Stalking Directory motif and held up a large printed notice with Thestalkingdirectory motif at intervals. Both Apache and I kept looking for lost souls but didn't attract any SD members. I had a brilliant show Plenty of new contacts. Lots of jaws for teeth and a new abnormal antler plus a bonus when able to talk to the professional stalker who shot it and the background. Met up with grandhubert as well who had a hilarious tale to tell which regrettably unsuitable for an open forum. Try again next year?

 

[Hornet 6]

I noticed a lack of camo being warn, the wrong'uns are learning how to blend in!!!!

You must have been at a different show to me then
Could be my last visit, started car up to drive home at about 4.50, got out the car park at 6.20 and another 40 minutes to the M6

Neil.

 

[Krico308]

Went to the fair on Saturday with the better half. Arrived at about 07.45, usual entrance, drove straight in. Leaving was not so good as they decided to only allow traffic to leave in one direction on exit, which meant a large number turning around further down and returning to snag up on the lights controlling the exit.

Whilst I managed to get all I wanted, we felt there was a change in atmosphere this year compared to previous times we have been there. Some definite tension in some of the stands with staff needing to watch for theft and not able to help or have a chat. There also seemed to be a lot more alcohol available, with a lot being carried about and judging by some of the behaviour we saw, not to the benefit of an otherwise good event. Also agree with earlier comments about some of the other types there, much more in evidence this year we thought.

On the way home, we thought this may be our last visit to the Midland as it seems to be turning into a different type of event, not for our sort. Shame, as we have been going there for many years.

 

[JDW]

Went to the fair on Saturday with the better half. Arrived at about 07.45, usual entrance, drove straight in. Leaving was not so good as they decided to only allow traffic to leave in one direction on exit, which meant a large number turning around further down and returning to snag up on the lights controlling the exit.

Whilst I managed to get all I wanted, we felt there was a change in atmosphere this year compared to previous times we have been there. Some definite tension in some of the stands with staff needing to watch for theft and not able to help or have a chat. There also seemed to be a lot more alcohol available, with a lot being carried about and judging by some of the behaviour we saw, not to the benefit of an otherwise good event. Also agree with earlier comments about some of the other types there, much more in evidence this year we thought.

On the way home, we thought this may be our last visit to the Midland as it seems to be turning into a different type of event, not for our sort. Shame, as we have been going there for many years.

I wholy agree with you.
The missus and I where witness to one "son of little Egypt" being leapt on by 8 of Staffordshire's finest!!

JD

 

[Jimbo 30 06]

Went to the fair on Saturday with the better half. Arrived at about 07.45, usual entrance, drove straight in. Leaving was not so good as they decided to only allow traffic to leave in one direction on exit, which meant a large number turning around further down and returning to snag up on the lights controlling the exit.

Whilst I managed to get all I wanted, we felt there was a change in atmosphere this year compared to previous times we have been there. Some definite tension in some of the stands with staff needing to watch for theft and not able to help or have a chat. There also seemed to be a lot more alcohol available, with a lot being carried about and judging by some of the behaviour we saw, not to the benefit of an otherwise good event. Also agree with earlier comments about some of the other types there, much more in evidence this year we thought.

On the way home, we thought this may be our last visit to the Midland as it seems to be turning into a different type of event, not for our sort. Shame, as we have been going there for many years.

+1 I have gone to the Midland ever since it started only missing last year because i was disappointed but went back this year on Sunday and as said by many there was an atmosphere not to be enjoyed in all other years i would stay till the end but this year was on way home 2-00pm and will not be going again. you can get what you require from the internet cheaper and don't have to pay travelling and entry expences. A friend who is a stick maker had the Pikey's try to nick some of his sticks and he couldn't spare the time to relax and talk for fear of it happening again.

Jimbo

 

[woodmaster]

First time I've been. To be honest was dissapointed to have paid £17 to get in to a shopping event. I expected there to be alot of shops that's the point I know but how many country clothing stores!!
There was also far to many food and drink outlets in the prime areas, while the dogs and events were way off in the fields. TBH I don't think I'll bother to go again as it turned out to be a fairly costly day with fuel and entry just to buy stuff I can get down at my local shop.

 

[Si]

I won't be going again either.... We always look forward to the Midland as a family day out but the wrong'uns had me on edge all day with their foul mouths and big I am attitude, I couldn't relax.

 

[8x57]

I won't be going again either.... We always look forward to the Midland as a family day out but the wrong'uns had me on edge all day with their foul mouths and big I am attitude, I couldn't relax.

Yes I couldn't help but take exception to the amount of foul language I heard, perhaps it's just a sign of the times. I am just glad that I didn't have any children with me.

 

[neil_r]

I must walk around in a stupor, I spent both days there, either in the working dogs pavilion or out and about and except for one rather amusing incident where a rather umpa lumpa coloured woman was tearing a strip out of her miscreant son at a distance of 100 yards I noticed nothing. (other that the fact that there were a lot of whippets about)

 

[BunnyDoom]

Sorry I missed you all - Managed to catch up with Geordie, but stood around in the NGO tent for ages at 2pm before giving up. Couldn't get phone signal there to check the arrangements either

Agreee what you're all saying about the type of people showing up as I was also a bit on edge and my partner was uncomfortable whenever she was on her own. I also felt the tension eminating from the stall staff who were clearly worried about theft.

Lots of junk gun-wise, and no real deals to be had - we drove all the way up from the south coast and stayed in a hotel for 2 nights as we thought this would be a really nice "Game Fair"... turned out to be mostly dodgy folk getting drunk and a load of clothes shops. Was very disappointed by the lack of decent food - the CLA definitely wins hands-down on that front!

 

[limulus]

Did anyone see that piece of scum get collared trying to thieve the taxidermy mount? Made my day that did

 

[mark@mbb]

I didnt know you was going Tony what day did you go mate saturday was a nice day

 

[20-250]

Yes I couldn't help but take exception to the amount of foul language I heard, perhaps it's just a sign of the times. I am just glad that I didn't have any children with me.

I did and warned one cammo clad waste of oxygen to watch his language before we'd even walked away from the truck on the way in.

 

[merlin]

We went on the Saturday (me, son, daughter, and my other and undoubtedly better half.....)

Plus points:
- good weather
- having a pint and a catch-up with 243varmint
- not having to queue to get into the car park, or having to queue to get out again
- managing to find most of what was on my shopping list

Negative points:
- the pompous tw*t in the hi-viz vest in the car park insisting that I try and park my car so close to the car in front that they wouldn't have been able to open their boot..... (I didn't)
- the number of trade stands felt 'sparse' compared to previous years
- lack of traffic management exiting the park meaning joining the main road was a slightly hairy experience
- a number of stallholders seemed more focused on keeping an eye on their stock than talking to punters (understandable it seems from some of the previous posts)
- the rising cost just to get in

I've enjoyed going to the Midland for a number of years now - this year, it felt 'different'.....and not for the better. A long hard think before going next year I reckon......

Merlin

 

[Cyres]

Agree with all the comments, so sad as the MGF was the show to attend. Combined with no mobile signal pretty poor. Might be the last time I go to the Midland.

Pity the organisers don't read and take note of the comments on SD..
D