I received this copy email from Sion Jones today and pass it on to my dahlia friends.
Hello all.
Happy New Year.
If you aren't aware already, the National Show at Shepton Mallet has been cancelled due to the closure of the Show with which it was held in conjunction.
At the moment there are two potential alternatives on the table. Both will involve the NDS with a similar amount of additional expense, namely the space in which to hold the show and the set up of tabling etc.
The alternatives are Wisley RHS gardens in Surrey just off the M25 on the A3 or a Garden Centre near Atherstone in Warwickshire.just off the M42 and A5..
I think that most of you will understand where I'm coming from with this e-mail, namely that the EC need to get this right, otherwise our already flagging 'National' willl die a death altogether. I know of several exhibitors who have said that last year's Shepton was to be their last, and have subsequently stated that their feelings are just as strong about not attending if the Show goes to Wisley.
As I am not fully informed as to the ins and outs of the two venues, I cannot offer any sway other than to the Geographical advantages that Atherstone holds over Wisley.
I write this e-mail to you, to try to circulate it amongst your Dahlia contacts, as many will have no idea of the events of the past few weeks, and will have no opportunity to comment on them until the AGM in March.
The problem with this is that the decision meeting has been set for the 13th February, so basically if you don't know someone in the know, you don't have a say. (what ever happened to the sporadic newsletters ?)
The more of you who can respond to this, and air your views one way or another, the better as far as I'm concerned, given the lack of information afforded to you all by the Society.
I hope you can find time please to pass this round as much as possible, and dare I ask you send me your opinions so I can forward a file to the meeting in February.
I'm sorry to lump all the e-mail addresses together, but if you know someone not on the list, that's our target.
Once again please help with this, otherwise moaning afterwards is no use.
I look forward with trepidation to the 'flood' in my inbox.
Best Regards
Carl Hamnett NDS Harrogate Show Secretary
