To all Vic triallers and interstaters who have / do travel to the GSP trial at Shepparton, your feedback would be appreciated.
Should the January trial be moved to a different location?
Should the January trial be moved to a different date?
Should the January trial be moved to a different date and location?
Should the January trial be scrapped?
Background - The Shepparton trial was always very popular due to a number of factors. It was held over a long weekend, there are toilets, showers, kitchen and coolroom, there is a river to swim and fish in, it is close to a mjor country city. Due to these factors it was common for whole families to attend the trial and entry numbers were often very high.
Things have changed, we no longer have a long weekend for Australia day, sadly young familes no longer attend trials - although we do get the odd grandchild now, most triallers now have caravans and good camping set ups and do not care so much about the facilities.
In addition the trees have grown and the water in the lagoons has dried up. This makes the setting of runs difficult, especially for Novice and Beginners.
My thoughts - I like going to Shepparton and I am one of the weird ones who does not mind the heat - because you and your dog can jump in the river whenever you get too hot. I can't think of another trial location in Vic where you can go for a swim whenever you want. I do understand the problems with declining facilities and poor run setting ability though.
I believe that if we are to move the trial then we also have to move the date because (as mentioned above) the heat is only bearable because of the river.
Late March was one date put forward. As a club we need to avoid duck opening, quail opening, the field trial season, and peak retrieving months when we already have more than enough trials.
OK, enough from me - looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Diane