Well, went to Falkirk yesterday to the All Rover Rally and I have to say it was a disappointment. I defended this event before on the forum on the strength of the previous year at Thirleston Castle which was an excellent location.
I approached the Falkirk Wheel from the roundabout just after the turn off for Gemm at Larbert. No signage at the roundabout, nothing to suggest to anyone that an event was taking place at the Wheel. Continued to the car park, still nothing except a few good samaritans having a BBQ in aid of The Beatson Institute. On the way from the car to the Wheel a couple stopped me to ask if there was a classic car event on there, they too had seen no evidence. Up to the canal and over the bridge, past the visitor centre, still nothing. Walked up the hill towards the upper car parks and lo and behold there in an upper car park was the rally. I walked past the SARR tent and had a look around the cars, last year I paid my tenner and parked up with the other Landrovers as an exhibit, but since there was no guidance at the entrance this time, I parked in the free car park and walked the rest. A simple sign at the lower car park would have earned the rally at least another tenner. No SLROC presence except old faithfull Peter from Paisley and his Disco. He did say that at least one more club member was there though. The military boys were there and had made a real effort as they did at Thirleston. What a difference a bit of a display makes.
But for the saloon cars, a real shame and a wasted opportunity I suspect. Perhaps it was the rather un-inspiring location, previous years at Thirleston and Kelbourne seemed to suit the rally better. The Wheel may be ok for canal enthusiasts but to park up a fine selection of vehicles in a visitor car park just didn't work. And many people visiting the Wheel would have had no idea that anything was happening at the upper car park if they like me had used the lower entrance.
The lack of trade stands, auto jumble, etc also seems a pity. People like to buy things and you have a captive audience (us old car enthusiasts don't get out much). At Kelbourne, I remember quite a few traders and it really made more of the day. Would like to see this event continue and flourish but it needs a bit more imagination and promotion I'm afraid.
