Dear All,
I didn't write this, but as I'm a member of the group (and theoretically a Claymore "helper") then I said I'd post a cool and groovy response. Its real author is Jack Glanville, the Claymore organiser, who therefore should know what the score is!
For my part, I feel (if anyone cares), Claymore has been looking a little shabby for a few years now, and Carronade has swooped in and reached parity or better very quickly. I really take my hat off to the Falkirk guys - well done fellas! The truth is, BOTH shows are excellent for Scottish wargaming, as they're both AS big as other regional shows like York and Leeds, and between them they give us an anorak boost which other parts of Britain don't get. The more the merrier I say! Certainly, Claymore should use the boost of a new venue from 2009 on (wherever that might be) to give itself a bit of a makeover. In fact, we may well have scored ourselves a great new Edinburgh venue, but Jack will tell you all about if or when the whole thing is signed an' sealed. We should be delighted we now have two great shows, as well as several smaller ones - a fuller calendar than most...
Angus Konstam
Anyway, here's what Jack has to say:
While there is some truth in the above comments, these should be viewed with a bit of background knowledge.
1) Yes a lot of the traders at Claymore are in the same spot year after year. But taken in light of the space they book, their power needs and rack systems then there is sometimes little alternative. Plus and most importantly many of the traders don't want to be moved about. As the people who pay for the venue hire their wishes have to be respected if possible. Claymore has moved traders about as reqirements change. Falkirk were no different and put their traders in the same spots for their first 2 shows. This year will be different because they have a new venue but I bet if they use Graeme High again you will see traders in the same place. Partizan is the same.
2) The Bring and Buy is placed in that spot because there is no power source for traders and there is a huge sand pit which although covered will not take the weight of traders cabinets. Health and Safety issue. I noticed that for the previous 2 years the Falkirk "flea market" was also placed in a poorer lit area up on the stage.
3) Variety: We've had at least 13 new traders over the last 5 years.
4) Funding is an issue for all events. I dont know how Carronade is funded but SESWC use trader revenue to fund Claymore and have in the past given
all the door receipts to charity. This practice will probably have to change in the future. Even so Claymore costs traders nearly twice as much per table as Carronade. Traders accept that SESWC keep table cost to a minimum and this has been offset by the numbers through the door 600+ last year, at least double the number going to Carronade.
5) Cafe facilities. Edinburgh Coucil paid off the cafe staff 2 years ago as part of a cost cutting exercise. It is an issue that SESWC are concerned about but can't afford to hire in caterers. However, we've arranged food vans to be parked outside, providing a healthy Scottish diet of burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, soft drinks etc.
6) The future of Claymore. There are several venues that would be suitable. However these cost more than twice as much as Meadowbank. A major rethink of the way Claymore is funded started at the club AGM last November and the search for a new venue which began 2 years ago
continues.
Jack Glanville
Claymore 2008
E-mail posted by:
Angus Konstam
www.edinburghwargames.com