Dunkield Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 Having read the comments about the CLA and other fairs on here made me wonder why people actually go to them? I have been to loads over the years but tend not to bother these days unless a few of my mates want to make a day of it. If I ask them if they fancy going the answer is usually "no thanks I don't need anything" So to them, like quite a few others it would seem they are just glorified shopping trips. So is that why most people go along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiss.tony Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 bin to newark and harewood show for last few years this time was joke at newark nothing cheap very busy no fun at all so dont think ill be going again and like you say just a shoping trip . Its easyer to go local gun shop better parking lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justintime Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 (edited) The bargin day is always the last day not the first get them when their packng up Edited July 24, 2011 by Justintime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I just can't stand traffic jams or queues, it's just such a waste of life. Why anyone would actually want to go somewhere where they 'know' they will be in a traffic jam, queuing and parked miles from where they want to go is beyond me. Things like queues, traffic and difficulty to get parked are all predictable organisational issues. It's like going shopping in December and there's massive queues and the manager says "we get really busy at Christmas". All predictable and all easily solved with the right planning. I would have thought that the exhibitors to these fairs would have had more to say about it; from Bazzer's post I can see he backed 1000 carts on special offer because his car was parked 3 miles away. He couldn't have been the only person that day to have walked away from a potential sale because of a logistical problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I've never been to the CLA(maybe someday)and from what I'v eheard from those who have been I'm not in a rush to get there.The only thng that would appeal to me would be gunmakers row to be honest,have seen everything else before at other shows. I tend to stick to fairly local ones like Harewood and Lowther as it's a good day out with the kids,but now they;re outgrowing these type of fairs.I often go to catch up with folk I haven't seen fro some time. Apart from that I think the average working man will be priced out of these events before too long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Mongrel- Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I go because....I've never been to one before. Today may be my first and last! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piebob Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 Went to Scone this year for the first time in years. It was a bit a last minute decision and I don't think I would have gone had it not been such a lovely day weather-wise and the fact that the parents-in-law asked us to go. Like others, I tend only to go if I've arranged to meet mates or if I need stuff. Scone doesn't seem to suffer he logistical nightmare of the CLA but then I guess it's a numbers thing. I didn't have an awful lot of time to see everything, but did meet a mate and we arranged a day on the pheasants at Scone Palace with the keeper! http://sconegamesporting.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I only ever go to the Midland. Its a good site. Going on the last day eases all the normal problems of congestion, hordes of people and coming and goings give reasonably close parking places. There are a few bargains but not many. The people who organise these have managed to lose all regional distinctiveness and just continue to put up prices for simple, commercial, bottom-line reasons. The Midland used to be an exceptional show - now its a bit tedious but like all shows that started as proper country shows, it was about getting out and meeting people of like persuasion. I will still go this year but the price (same both days) will grind and I'll come back saying its not really worth it any more. On the up side I may see a number of shooting chums I have lost contact with over the years-that always makes it worth while. Maybe BASC could put together a group of people who would run one of these properly and we'd all go ? I'd be up for helping organise one just for the fun of it. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markio Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 (edited) We enjoyed the CLA on friday (first time). We often go to the local smaller game fair 15 minutes away. It's a family day out for us, watch a few shows in the arena, see if there are a few bits and bobs i want, pint, bit of lunch. We really enjoy it, not for any specific reason than just a family day out together. Edited July 24, 2011 by Markio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poontang Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 We really enjoy it, not for any specific reason than just a family day out together. And the girls in boots and short tweed skirts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I have to say that I usually need something if I go to any of the bigger shows. I haven't been to the CLA for a few years now, just the Midland as a shopping trip. Went to Newark this year for the first time, again, a shopping trip. Although I did go with a couple of mates which makes it more enjoyable. As has been said, the ticket prices plus the cost of fuel will soon put these days out of my reach financially. If you add these to the cost of buying anything from one of these 'do's' it's almost as cheap to go to a local gunshop. GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88b Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I went to the CLA at Ragley Hall last year for the first time. Gun makers row was very impressive but no bargains, my mate bought a new Berreta 400 with about £50 off list but that was it. big traffic jams getting there ,fortunately tom tom got us in another way. I did consider going this year on the Friday , just jump on the bike and avoid the traffic until I realised how expensive it was to get in, still no doubt Tesco and John Lewis will start charging soon for you to go in and spend money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I go to stand around in my Country Gent outfit, looking cool and interesting to the passing totty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chard Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I go to stand around in my Country Gent outfit, looking cool and interesting to the passing totty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J@mes Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 Just for a mooch around really - or if I need some new clothing, it's an ideal place to try on loads of items from different brands and then go and hunt them out on the internet. Only really had one good buy, and that was a seeland shooting vest which was down from £50 to £30. I tend to spend more on local produce or stuff from farms that have stalls there rather than anything else. Or dummies for the dog, as the quality and weight of them seems to vary between makes. Get a chance to have a good feel of them! Not really interested in the scurries, gun dog trials or anything like that as they rarely run very well to be honest. Dog runs off, mic stops working and all the rest of it. But when the next one is on locally, I'll go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 We use to go as it was a good family day out but the prices have creeped up and now we cant really afford it...a friend has got us free tickets a couple of times and I have blagged it in but otherwise cant justify £50 just to get in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ack-ack Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I've only been to four and don't think I'll be doing anymore. The dog wanted to scrap with everything (which is completely out of character), my mate wanted to stop and examine every item of merchandise on display and as per all spring / summer events the refreshments were a rip off. Bumped into a few sound people that I know though and that was the only bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vole Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I do not go any more as I think they are overpriced . From the entrance fee to the kids ' amusements they are simply too expensive . On one hand I would like to show support for country sports and give the family a day out but I feel taken advantage of financially . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markio Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 And the girls in boots and short tweed skirts! We yes, that as well. It's certainly a bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beretta28g Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 We use to go as it was a good family day out but the prices have creeped up and now we cant really afford it...a friend has got us free tickets a couple of times and I have blagged it in but otherwise cant justify £50 just to get in But its never just the neterance fee, theres food, drink and someimes ice cream on top and they knw how to charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I like to get to the welsh show for 1 day as you bump into mates/acquaintances who you may not see from year to year(don't make a weekend of it any more though). To go to the midland it has to be a weekend (shopping) trip which costs a fortune with wife and kids. Hope to get there this year though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clamps Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I have been to several - including the CLA on Saturday. The main gripe I heard from stall holders and punters was that the prices were too high. When I asked why there was no bargains, 3 separate stall holders informed me that they get charged so much for their pitch/stall (over £1000 for a small stall) there was no option but to charge to top dollar just to make a reasonable amount. If this continues - few if any bargains, high entrance fees, high camping charges - i can see that fewer and fewer people will go. The internet has it all and a game fair is getting less appealing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gully Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 I usually go to the Midland or the CLA every year. Went to the CLA today and by the time I'd fought my way through all the stalls selling toot I had precious little time to look at the god stuff. I went out wanting to buy 4 things - some flies (in particular nymphs with a dayglo bead at the head), a reloading kit, some sonic ear plugs as I lost one on the last day of my shoot in January and some PPU Ammo. Couldn't find any of them. Bought some Federal Ammo for about £24 a box (bought 2 boxes) which wasn't particularly cheap but cheaper than my local gun shops. Gave up on the rest. Spent around £200. I've seen enough ferret races, falconry displays etc to last me the rest of my life. I'm wondering why I bothered. I was with my wife, mate, kids and dog. My kids hated every second and I think it will be my last trip as a family outing. Maybe if I can get a few mates together to have a shoot and then a few beers it would be better but I really do wonder who the shows are aimed at nowadays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Mongrel- Posted July 24, 2011 Report Share Posted July 24, 2011 (edited) Well, my first impressions of a Game Show, the CLA today...good day out as far as things for all the family and the arena shows were fun. No real bargains, went looking for a few things (including a shotgun) and didn't really find what I was looking for bar one jacket that I think was a pretty good buy. I had looked at guns in a couple of shops prior to going, and I found them again at the show where thay had been marked up and then 'discounted' back to what I'd seen them for sale at in the shops! It was overall enjoyable...but bloody expensive. It was much the same as any trade show now. A lot of sellers, but no real bargains and steep entrance costs etc....I'll not be hurrying back to be honest. Edited July 25, 2011 by -Mongrel- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted July 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2011 Sort of responses I expected really, I can understand the people going for a nice family day out, I assume people who go just for the bargains haven't heard of the internet or just aren't very good at maths. The entry fee, getting there and eating and drinking while there would wipe out any but the biggest gains on the bargain front. The reason I asked originally, was I went to Blenheim last time is was on, just for a mooch about. I have seen all the displays a dozen times and didn't need to buy anything so I tagged a long with some friends. I must have met half a dozen people I hadn't seen ages and once I had finished catching up with them and had a beer and a bite to eat it was time to go. When I looked back it was was one of the better days out I have had at a Game Fair and it sort of dawned on me that that was originally what they were all about, before they became glorified shopping trips. From what people say the number of exhibitors is going down and assume attendances will follow suit, some of the smaller fairs are going downhill, or packing up all together (Mapledurham for example) but the CLA is so big it will feel it last - but even so it may be time for the organisers to re-assess exactly what they are all about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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