New Layout (re mud at Gate 4!) for 2015

westons
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Posts: 11

New Layout (re mud at Gate 4!) for 2015 Mar 23, 2015 12:45:45 GMT

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Post by westons on Mar 23, 2015 12:45:45 GMT

There is a new 2015 Showground Map up on GDSF website with the accompanying text....

Following the very wet and difficult weather conditions experienced at the 2014 Great Dorset Steam Fair, we are taking measures to alter and improve the layout and infrastructure at our Tarrant Hinton Showground. This will be two-fold and follows lengthy debrief meetings with the emergency services and local authorities following last year's show.
Firstly, with the construction of a new permanent internal road system which will be a three year project involving the laying of over 5000 metres of new hard roads, some of which will be in place for the 2015 show (subject to planning permission being granted). Secondly, there will be a major change to the layout of the public campsites and public car parks. Please see below for the 2015 site plan or CLICK HERE to view the full size version, showing the new locations of the public campsites and public car parks.
It is envisaged that these measures will greatly improve access times on arrival, ease traffic congestion on site and generally enhance both exhibitor, camper and visitor experiences, especially if the weather is adverse. Thanks must go to our land owners who have been very supportive and proactive these past few months in enabling these measures to be undertaken, being a direct result of the severe weather conditions experienced in 2014.

lazyferret
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Posts: 21

New Layout (re mud at Gate 4!) for 2015 Mar 24, 2015 0:55:58 GMT

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Post by lazyferret on Mar 24, 2015 0:55:58 GMT

They have moved the public camping as far away as it gets now... One of our first times at the GDSF, we only came for 4 days, and were up by the concrete road in that field. It took nearly an hour to walk to the show by the time you had followed the rows. It was worse on the way back as it was all up hill. The other thing is, it has no level bits, and we had to dig a hole for the draw bar just to get the trailer tent level front to rear, with one wheel up on 2 ramps.

I have to say I am glad we haven't bought our tickets yet, as it looks like now we would be better off going for only a few days rather than the week, as we will be put in a better, closer campsite, and save money.

pastymuncher
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Posts: 17

New Layout (re mud at Gate 4!) for 2015 Jul 14, 2015 7:54:09 GMT

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Post by pastymuncher on Jul 14, 2015 7:54:09 GMT

I too have camped in the field (now labelled F) a couple of times, once quite near the front, and once almost up by the war memorial. That is a long way to walk, as once you get in through the pay gates there is still the length of the ploughing field to go through before reaching the main showground.
I also notice the showers are moved further up into the middle of the camping fields - not ideal for anybody camping in the main showground and having to go out to the camping fields to have a shower.
I do think the roads will be beneficial, and is a positive step (now permission is granted).

A founder member of the Circle Of Friends - Welland 2007

pastymuncher Full Member Posts: 17	New Layout (re mud at Gate 4!) for 2015 Jul 16, 2015 14:41:10 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by pastymuncher on Jul 16, 2015 14:41:10 GMT Link to an article and some photos: www.blackmorevale.co.uk/Great-Dorset-Steam-Fair-major-site-improvements/story-26913386-detail/story.html#1
	A founder member of the Circle Of Friends - Welland 2007

westons
Full Member

Posts: 11

New Layout (re mud at Gate 4!) for 2015 Jul 28, 2015 15:08:46 GMT

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Post by westons on Jul 28, 2015 15:08:46 GMT

(28th July 2015) Message from Martin Oliver, GDSF Managing Director: "Since we announced the installation of new hard roads on the GDSF site, there have been a few comments on Facebook that I would like to address. The announcement explained that we have earmarked the key access/vehicle movement areas on site which were most affected by the weather conditions last year, and the new roads which have been permitted for this year’s show address these key problem areas as far as we have been allowed to do so by the Planning Authority.

Whilst these measures will make huge improvements to traffic management and operations in adverse weather conditions, I feel I must point out that the new roads will not resolve all wet weather issues across the showground. The vastness of the GDSF showground simply makes this impossible and the Planning Authority will only allow us to do a certain amount - particularly as the showground is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We also have to remember that the showground is still a working farm. The new roads this year (and hopefully more to be installed next year subject to further planning permission being approved) will help us enormously but we have to be mindful that any event held on large areas of agricultural land will experience difficulties in wet weather, even with a network of hard roads in place.

Therefore, the need for appropriate footwear and clothing remains. The new roads are not a reason to 'leave your wellies at home', so please dress appropriately and be prepared for all weathers. To all those who have posted comments and messages on our Facebook Page, thank you so much. We may not be able to reply to you all individually but we do read them and they are very much appreciated. Your feedback and ongoing support means a lot to us. I look forward to seeing you all in September, come rain or shine!"

Post by westons on Mar 23, 2015 12:45:45 GMT

Post by lazyferret on Mar 24, 2015 0:55:58 GMT

Post by pastymuncher on Jul 14, 2015 7:54:09 GMT

Post by pastymuncher on Jul 16, 2015 14:41:10 GMT

Post by westons on Jul 28, 2015 15:08:46 GMT

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