With such a large event and 3 days to cover, there is more preparation; getting passes and maps out and ensuring we have the demo hedges sorted.
The first day, Thursday, dawned fine and sunny, very unlike hedge laying weather. Even though the Thursday is always the quietest of the 3 days, we did have some interest and enquires. Also our neighbouring exhibitors seemed busy with their rescued owls; they allowed the public and even hedge layers to handle their birds, see the photographic evidence.
With Friday being traditionally schools’ day, it was decided that we would miss doing a hedge demo so that the volunteers could focus on explaining what we do.
Saturday, the last day, is always busy with families enjoying a day out. With some additional mini hedges to display, we changed the set up around a bit, and put the awning out in case of the forecast rain. With some extra volunteers we could also do a demo hedge, and with more visitors that day, it gave them something to watch. Not only was there interest in the hedge laying, the society also picked some enquires for hedges to be laid. Mid-afternoon saw the sky getting very dark and you could hear the thunder getting closer. As forecast, along came the heavy showers and so people headed for cover or home.
However, it did stop when we went to pack away the display and caravan, and at the end of 3 long days, it was good to go home for a beer. The society had very good feedback and it seems that people were pleased to see us back, so let’s hope we get invited back in 2017.
Thank you to the volunteers who assisted with the preparation and who attended to help on the stand during the 3 days.
Chris