Detling - seasons opener
Discussion
Nothing really wrong with this show other than the small numbers in attendance really.. Had the weather been good like it has been for weeks then it's a great place for clubs to go to.
A very smart hall, very swish, just not as big as we're more used to seeing but then it was well filled and was most definitely not a shed.
Stars of the show have to be RTR with their superbly presented craft on display as ever, which is a credit to them and of course Stuart Mills's infectious enthusiasm and never ceasing drive to do something different. Nothing new this time from him other than the excellent way in which the Exocet was presented I'm sure he'll have the new stuff at Stoneleigh though. So this is the first time in years now that he's not had something brand new so that in itself is remarkable for such a prolific guy to have come up with such a great collection of new and different designs.
Yes it was a smaller show but then the country is in a bad recession as is the whole of the Western globe really. Despite the many hundred miles I travelled to go and see this show, fist time to Detling for me, I don't begrudge the £10 entry fee at all. I just wish the sun had stayed out and then maybe more people would have gone and given it that lift it needed in attendance.
A very smart hall, very swish, just not as big as we're more used to seeing but then it was well filled and was most definitely not a shed.
Stars of the show have to be RTR with their superbly presented craft on display as ever, which is a credit to them and of course Stuart Mills's infectious enthusiasm and never ceasing drive to do something different. Nothing new this time from him other than the excellent way in which the Exocet was presented I'm sure he'll have the new stuff at Stoneleigh though. So this is the first time in years now that he's not had something brand new so that in itself is remarkable for such a prolific guy to have come up with such a great collection of new and different designs.
Yes it was a smaller show but then the country is in a bad recession as is the whole of the Western globe really. Despite the many hundred miles I travelled to go and see this show, fist time to Detling for me, I don't begrudge the £10 entry fee at all. I just wish the sun had stayed out and then maybe more people would have gone and given it that lift it needed in attendance.
Good to read something positive - that's we need to see; as one of my old work colleagues used to say, "PMA" [that's positive mental attitude - in case you were wondering]. I have been planning for months on going & am really disappointed, due to family / personal "issues", I have been unable to go & give this 'new' show some support in a dificult climate - economic & weather by the sounds of things.
DEN TANNER said:
Looking at the weather forecast for tomorrow. It was a good thing the organisers changed from the normal Sunday-Monday event to the Saturday-Sunday.
Although the weather for Detling hill can be quite a bit different to that a few miles away.I'm just wondering if you, Den, went either / both days in either your magazine or Pilgrim or Jo Public guise?
rog3k said:
Although the weather for Detling hill can be quite a bit different to that a few miles away.
I'm just wondering if you, Den, went either / both days in either your magazine or Pilgrim or Jo Public guise?
Hi Roger,I'm just wondering if you, Den, went either / both days in either your magazine or Pilgrim or Jo Public guise?
No, I told the previous organiser that I wouldn't do shows over Easter or Christmas.
There are simply too many other things to do at such times of year.
You'll no doubt recall that its move to Easter heralded the start of its free-fall decline.
Seems (for a change) that most other manufacturers agreed with me.
Den
It was OK, not as big as I was expecting or as much there as I'd hoped, but as a day out it was OK. And driving a kitcar, free too. Though as usual with these events the catering was pricey. £8 for a pork baguette and chips.
Complete Kit Car had a good deal, 4 mags, including this month's for a tenner. Apart from that couldn't find anything to spend any money on.
And yes I took my camera but there wasn't really anything worth snapping, so left it in my pocket. I went Saturday and managed the day without getting wet. It started to drizzle just as I arrived on Detling Hill but not enough to make me put the roof up and then was just grey and miserable but no rain all day. Glad I went Saturday and didn't leave it till Sudnay though.
Roll on Stoneleigh, it's got to be better
Complete Kit Car had a good deal, 4 mags, including this month's for a tenner. Apart from that couldn't find anything to spend any money on.
And yes I took my camera but there wasn't really anything worth snapping, so left it in my pocket. I went Saturday and managed the day without getting wet. It started to drizzle just as I arrived on Detling Hill but not enough to make me put the roof up and then was just grey and miserable but no rain all day. Glad I went Saturday and didn't leave it till Sudnay though.
Roll on Stoneleigh, it's got to be better
I found a few photos here: http://southernkitcars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5... , &
http://www.dnaoc.co.uk/index.php?topic=3038.msg174...
Hope I've not trod on any ones toes by posting these [apologies if I have]
http://www.dnaoc.co.uk/index.php?topic=3038.msg174...
Hope I've not trod on any ones toes by posting these [apologies if I have]
Heard from a exibitor today who told me personally that the new organiser had set a price for the stands and no deals were to be done to get the exibitors there, basically thats the price then pay it or dont bother coming, which by the turn out of exibitors seems alot didnt.
Being the current financial state of the country you would think they wanted to do deals, I know when Cooke was doing Detling you could haggle for a good price. Also they felt the original building was to much like a tent for them and wouldnt entertain using it. No outside family activities this time either. Seems Kent Kitcar Club had a big pitch inside just to fill the place.
The new organisers definately made it hard work for the exibitors this year, lets hope they sort themselves out for next year, it would be a shame to see Detling disappear.
Being the current financial state of the country you would think they wanted to do deals, I know when Cooke was doing Detling you could haggle for a good price. Also they felt the original building was to much like a tent for them and wouldnt entertain using it. No outside family activities this time either. Seems Kent Kitcar Club had a big pitch inside just to fill the place.
The new organisers definately made it hard work for the exibitors this year, lets hope they sort themselves out for next year, it would be a shame to see Detling disappear.
"would be great to see some variety in terms of the kit manufacturers bringing something new and exciting onto the scene" - well I think the Furore F1 is new & exciting, you presumably didn't see it??? you're perfectly entitled to love it or hate it as you wish, but I have taken an order from the show so at least one person agrees with me, I sold a few Acewells & some of our projector headlights which covered all costs so as far as I'm concerned the show was a success, & I gave away loads of our 10% off on the website leaflets so who knows, may do some extra business during the next couple of weeks too.
I would have to agree that it's a shame more manufacturers didn't attend, but I know at of at least two other manufacturers/exhibitors who took orders at the show so perhaps that was their loss?
Footfall generally was good for such a small show, particularly on the Saturday & the outside exhibits from clubs etc were also good on the Saturday, both footfall & exhibits weren't so good on the Sunday, but considering the weather I'm amazed it wasn't a lot worse - we obviously do have some die hard enthusiasts out there!
I do find it strange that we have Detling so early in the year, swiftly followed by Stoneleigh & Newark - then nothing through the latter part of June, July & August when we actually stand a chance of some decent weather & we have to wait till the latter part of the year (& associated weather!) for Exeter & Donnington - perhaps moving the show to early July b4 everyone goes away on hols during the summer might be a better idea???
If you guys actually want to still have some shows to go to in a year or twos time then you need to stop whingeing & get lobbying the manufacturers to attend the shows, shows with no manufacturers & no public aren't going to last long, Detling is the ONLY show we have in the South East. £10 (or not if you come in a kit)is absolute peanuts for a days interest or entertainment or even a part thereof is an absolute bargain, when it gives you the opportunity to pickup show offers, discounts & loads of bits to finish or improve/update your car even more so.
I would have to agree that it's a shame more manufacturers didn't attend, but I know at of at least two other manufacturers/exhibitors who took orders at the show so perhaps that was their loss?
Footfall generally was good for such a small show, particularly on the Saturday & the outside exhibits from clubs etc were also good on the Saturday, both footfall & exhibits weren't so good on the Sunday, but considering the weather I'm amazed it wasn't a lot worse - we obviously do have some die hard enthusiasts out there!
I do find it strange that we have Detling so early in the year, swiftly followed by Stoneleigh & Newark - then nothing through the latter part of June, July & August when we actually stand a chance of some decent weather & we have to wait till the latter part of the year (& associated weather!) for Exeter & Donnington - perhaps moving the show to early July b4 everyone goes away on hols during the summer might be a better idea???
If you guys actually want to still have some shows to go to in a year or twos time then you need to stop whingeing & get lobbying the manufacturers to attend the shows, shows with no manufacturers & no public aren't going to last long, Detling is the ONLY show we have in the South East. £10 (or not if you come in a kit)is absolute peanuts for a days interest or entertainment or even a part thereof is an absolute bargain, when it gives you the opportunity to pickup show offers, discounts & loads of bits to finish or improve/update your car even more so.
I didn't go in the end - a few too many other things going on and Mrs FTR had a cold too. It's a good point that people will have too much going on over Easter weekend to get to a kit car show, especially as Stoneleigh is only about three weeks off.
(Let's face it, if we had to pick one to go to, it would be Stoneleigh, right?)
TBH, I've never quite understood why Stoneleigh moved to the early May Bank Holiday, rather than being at the end of May. I know this was a while ago now, but it did seem to leave a little more early season room.
As the show that's closest to London, Detling does seem to have a potential advantage ...
(Let's face it, if we had to pick one to go to, it would be Stoneleigh, right?)
TBH, I've never quite understood why Stoneleigh moved to the early May Bank Holiday, rather than being at the end of May. I know this was a while ago now, but it did seem to leave a little more early season room.
As the show that's closest to London, Detling does seem to have a potential advantage ...
I must say, I went on Saturday and was for me the worst show I have been to in the last 10 years bar none.
I know Detling is historically VERY weather dependent , but even so the trade attendance was very low and the fact they all fitted into one hall said a lot. Even Europa Spares did not attend. I managed to buy the few bits and bobs I needed, but it was a struggle!
Highlights were the Southern Kit Car Stand outside, maybe 40 cars, music BBQ and very approachable people happy to give advice and let people sit on the varied models on show. Real enthusiasts who love their kits and a fresh approach to presenting them.
Inside, I was very impressed with the silver MEV Sonic, nice car, and along with the usual car-porn on Gerry's Hawk stand and that Land Rover based off roader , not a lot else grabbed my attention. I did have to bite my lip with one car in particular, and take my mothers advice of "if you can't say anything nice say nothing at all"....
I even had an argument with the bunt on the beer van who tried to give me change in Scottish money. I know it's legal tender but really, feck off, if you are stupid enough to take it at least bank it yourself and not pollute my English pocket. She refused to take it back saying she had NOTHING ELSE (!) and only when I resorted to take the beer back and return my nice English £10 did she suddenly find 5 pound coins.
s.
I remember having a great time at Detling, particularly when they had the run what ya brung 1/8th mile dragstrip. And stunt bike demos etc. I know the economic climate is poor and it showed, but I thinknit is time now that the show takes a new direction and becomes part of a bigger event, like linked to maybe some kitcar racing at Brands Hatch?
There is a lot of wealth and kitcars located in the South East, I just think the Detling concept is obviously not viable for most local companies ( Fury Sportscars anyone??) so I hope it will take a new direction in future.
I know Detling is historically VERY weather dependent , but even so the trade attendance was very low and the fact they all fitted into one hall said a lot. Even Europa Spares did not attend. I managed to buy the few bits and bobs I needed, but it was a struggle!
Highlights were the Southern Kit Car Stand outside, maybe 40 cars, music BBQ and very approachable people happy to give advice and let people sit on the varied models on show. Real enthusiasts who love their kits and a fresh approach to presenting them.
Inside, I was very impressed with the silver MEV Sonic, nice car, and along with the usual car-porn on Gerry's Hawk stand and that Land Rover based off roader , not a lot else grabbed my attention. I did have to bite my lip with one car in particular, and take my mothers advice of "if you can't say anything nice say nothing at all"....
I even had an argument with the bunt on the beer van who tried to give me change in Scottish money. I know it's legal tender but really, feck off, if you are stupid enough to take it at least bank it yourself and not pollute my English pocket. She refused to take it back saying she had NOTHING ELSE (!) and only when I resorted to take the beer back and return my nice English £10 did she suddenly find 5 pound coins.
s. I remember having a great time at Detling, particularly when they had the run what ya brung 1/8th mile dragstrip. And stunt bike demos etc. I know the economic climate is poor and it showed, but I thinknit is time now that the show takes a new direction and becomes part of a bigger event, like linked to maybe some kitcar racing at Brands Hatch?
There is a lot of wealth and kitcars located in the South East, I just think the Detling concept is obviously not viable for most local companies ( Fury Sportscars anyone??) so I hope it will take a new direction in future.
I must say, I went on Saturday and was for me the worst show I have been to in the last 10 years bar none.
I know Detling is historically VERY weather dependent , but even so the trade attendance was very low and the fact they all fitted into one hall said a lot. Even Europa Spares did not attend. I managed to buy the few bits and bobs I needed, but it was a struggle!
Highlights were the Southern Kit Car Stand outside, maybe 40 cars, music BBQ and very approachable people happy to give advice and let people sit on the varied models on show. Real enthusiasts who love their kits and a fresh approach to presenting them.
Inside, I was very impressed with the silver MEV Sonic, nice car, and along with the usual car-porn on Gerry's Hawk stand and that Land Rover based off roader , not a lot else grabbed my attention. I did have to bite my lip with one car in particular, and take my mothers advice of "if you can't say anything nice say nothing at all"....
I even had an argument with the bunt on the beer van who tried to give me change in Scottish money. I know it's legal tender but really, feck off, if you are stupid enough to take it at least bank it yourself and not pollute my English pocket. She refused to take it back saying she had NOTHING ELSE (!) and only when I resorted to take the beer back and return my nice English £10 did she suddenly find 5 pound coins.s.
I remember having a great time at Detling, particularly when they had the run what ya brung 1/8th mile dragstrip. And stunt bike demos etc. I know the economic climate is poor and it showed, but I thinknit is time now that the show takes a new direction and becomes part of a bigger event, like linked to maybe some kitcar racing at Brands Hatch?
There is a lot of wealth and kitcars located in the South East, I just think the Detling concept is obviously not viable for most local companies ( Fury Sportscars anyone??) so I hope it will take a new direction in future.
I know Detling is historically VERY weather dependent , but even so the trade attendance was very low and the fact they all fitted into one hall said a lot. Even Europa Spares did not attend. I managed to buy the few bits and bobs I needed, but it was a struggle!
Highlights were the Southern Kit Car Stand outside, maybe 40 cars, music BBQ and very approachable people happy to give advice and let people sit on the varied models on show. Real enthusiasts who love their kits and a fresh approach to presenting them.
Inside, I was very impressed with the silver MEV Sonic, nice car, and along with the usual car-porn on Gerry's Hawk stand and that Land Rover based off roader , not a lot else grabbed my attention. I did have to bite my lip with one car in particular, and take my mothers advice of "if you can't say anything nice say nothing at all"....
I even had an argument with the bunt on the beer van who tried to give me change in Scottish money. I know it's legal tender but really, feck off, if you are stupid enough to take it at least bank it yourself and not pollute my English pocket. She refused to take it back saying she had NOTHING ELSE (!) and only when I resorted to take the beer back and return my nice English £10 did she suddenly find 5 pound coins.
s. I remember having a great time at Detling, particularly when they had the run what ya brung 1/8th mile dragstrip. And stunt bike demos etc. I know the economic climate is poor and it showed, but I thinknit is time now that the show takes a new direction and becomes part of a bigger event, like linked to maybe some kitcar racing at Brands Hatch?
There is a lot of wealth and kitcars located in the South East, I just think the Detling concept is obviously not viable for most local companies ( Fury Sportscars anyone??) so I hope it will take a new direction in future.
I must say, I went on Saturday and was for me the worst show I have been to in the last 10 years bar none.
I know Detling is historically VERY weather dependent , but even so the trade attendance was very low and the fact they all fitted into one hall said a lot. Even Europa Spares did not attend. I managed to buy the few bits and bobs I needed, but it was a struggle!
Highlights were the Southern Kit Car Stand outside, maybe 40 cars, music BBQ and very approachable people happy to give advice and let people sit on the varied models on show. Real enthusiasts who love their kits and a fresh approach to presenting them.
Inside, I was very impressed with the silver MEV Sonic, nice car, and along with the usual car-porn on Gerry's Hawk stand and that Land Rover based off roader , not a lot else grabbed my attention. I did have to bite my lip with one car in particular, and take my mothers advice of "if you can't say anything nice say nothing at all"....
I even had an argument with the bunt on the beer van who tried to give me change in Scottish money. I know it's legal tender but really, feck off, if you are stupid enough to take it at least bank it yourself and not pollute my English pocket. She refused to take it back saying she had NOTHING ELSE (!) and only when I resorted to take the beer back and return my nice English £10 did she suddenly find 5 pound coins.s.
I remember having a great time at Detling, particularly when they had the run what ya brung 1/8th mile dragstrip. And stunt bike demos etc. I know the economic climate is poor and it showed, but I thinknit is time now that the show takes a new direction and becomes part of a bigger event, like linked to maybe some kitcar racing at Brands Hatch?
There is a lot of wealth and kitcars located in the South East, I just think the Detling concept is obviously not viable for most local companies ( Fury Sportscars anyone??) so I hope it will take a new direction in future.
I know Detling is historically VERY weather dependent , but even so the trade attendance was very low and the fact they all fitted into one hall said a lot. Even Europa Spares did not attend. I managed to buy the few bits and bobs I needed, but it was a struggle!
Highlights were the Southern Kit Car Stand outside, maybe 40 cars, music BBQ and very approachable people happy to give advice and let people sit on the varied models on show. Real enthusiasts who love their kits and a fresh approach to presenting them.
Inside, I was very impressed with the silver MEV Sonic, nice car, and along with the usual car-porn on Gerry's Hawk stand and that Land Rover based off roader , not a lot else grabbed my attention. I did have to bite my lip with one car in particular, and take my mothers advice of "if you can't say anything nice say nothing at all"....
I even had an argument with the bunt on the beer van who tried to give me change in Scottish money. I know it's legal tender but really, feck off, if you are stupid enough to take it at least bank it yourself and not pollute my English pocket. She refused to take it back saying she had NOTHING ELSE (!) and only when I resorted to take the beer back and return my nice English £10 did she suddenly find 5 pound coins.
s. I remember having a great time at Detling, particularly when they had the run what ya brung 1/8th mile dragstrip. And stunt bike demos etc. I know the economic climate is poor and it showed, but I thinknit is time now that the show takes a new direction and becomes part of a bigger event, like linked to maybe some kitcar racing at Brands Hatch?
There is a lot of wealth and kitcars located in the South East, I just think the Detling concept is obviously not viable for most local companies ( Fury Sportscars anyone??) so I hope it will take a new direction in future.
Sorry, my I-phone threw a wobbly and posted several times, it was not intentional!!!
Russ, I don't think lobbying manufacturers to attend is right, as a business point of view I think if they thought they would sell kits they would attend no question. Breaking even on a stand it not a viable
business strategy, factoring in hotel bills and petrol I doubt all of them even broke even....
I love the industry , and I got in for free, I would have been happy to pay I suppose but just for a day out jolly. As a business proposition to a manufacturer, I think that show is flawed and I would not be surprised if there is NO Detling show in 2013.
Russ, I don't think lobbying manufacturers to attend is right, as a business point of view I think if they thought they would sell kits they would attend no question. Breaking even on a stand it not a viable
business strategy, factoring in hotel bills and petrol I doubt all of them even broke even....
I love the industry , and I got in for free, I would have been happy to pay I suppose but just for a day out jolly. As a business proposition to a manufacturer, I think that show is flawed and I would not be surprised if there is NO Detling show in 2013.
Furyblade_Lee said:
Russ, I don't think lobbying manufacturers to attend is right
Nor do I. The way to get manufacturers interested is for the organisers to make it tempting enough, which I suspect isn't happening. As someone said, Europa weren't there, but if you look on their web page, they are at Stoneleigh, Newark, Donnington, Beaulieu International Autojumble and Exeter. I know that a few people here would have liked the comments to be a bit more positive, but it wasn't good, and to claim that it was even half the show that it used to be is slight unrealistic in my opinion.
I'd hate to see Detling disappear, but I have a feeling that, unless the organisers have a bit of a re-think, it's inevitable.
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