As most SMRS members will know, and probably experienced at first-hand, Woodvale occurred recently. Tony did his usual sterling job in organising us into a more-or-less coherent group of operators with their layouts, and a pleasant time was had by all. The weather could have been better at times, but also could have been a lot worse. Outside the tent - sorry marquee - the rest of Woodvale happened.

 

Now I may have missed something in my fairly brief excursions away from coaxing Middleforth into something resembling proficient operation, but it seemed to be all a bit samey and lacking in real interest. Most of the expected elements were there, amusement rides, dancing competitions, craft stalls, veteran vehicles, car boot sales, etc., but it seemed to lack focus, a central theme, even perhaps a reason for existing. I have no idea of how attendance figures are holding up, but just looking around the site did not give the impression of large numbers of visitors from all over, perhaps more of a day out for loyal local families.

 

This is not a criticism of the organisers, who have done well in keeping the event going, after summary ejection from RAF Woodvale left them with not only no showground but also without its mainstay of operation, flying model planes (and occasionally real ones). But perhaps now is the time to reconsider what the event is for, and how it could be refocussed and rejuvenated. At a chance meeting outside the paintball stall I mentioned this to Tony, who agreed it needed repositioning, possibly dropping the Woodvale moniker and reinventing itself as a Southport transport festival.

 

Now that seems a possibility. In the North-West we have a fair bit of transport heritage, and perhaps the various interest groups could be encouraged to participate in an event aimed specifically at showing off the best preserved, veteran and classic vehicles in the region. Some form of competitive element might also stimulate interest. It would attract a wider audience and hopefully be an event which exhibitors would want to come to. The existing attractions could still remain, but more as sideshows rather than the main event.

 

What does the team think? And no, I am definitely not volunteering!

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