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Post by Show Secretary on Jun 13, 2007 12:49:56 GMT
On the subject of entries being refused at the Royal Show, I run A County Show, Its my first year as a county secretary after many years being around local shows. I took entries after the date and postmarked providing i had had telephone calls and also for the delayed schedules posted out due to the fact some requests had gone to the previous secretaries address Had a special form in that had to be sent back so knew they were genuine BUT to MY dismay even though entries closed on 11th May i still had people up to yesterday calling to try and enter or make out that they had sent entries etc. People have to understand a show secretaries job is a hard one and so many things to be done, had i had a normal job there is no way anyone could do this role part time it is very full on .... You have to have a date to send the catalogue to print or you have no catalogue, My main gripes so far are .... Bounced Cheques - Yes you will have your pass and your numbers, but if we do not have cleared funds for you you will be red faced when you get to the ring and have a refer to secretary please do not judge in the judges book !!!!!! 2 have bounced twice Writing and Spelling - If you cant spell your equines name correctly on the form - then dont expect me to correct it !!! Eligibility for classes - if it states afiiliated to certain societies on certain registers - Ensure you are .... I send off a copy of all entries tosocieties i have had alot flagged up that are not correctly registered, spelt or even someone trying to compete the horse under a different name as she didnt like it !!! Come on folks get organised get your schedule request in early we would rather have them in the drawer ready for you in jan/ feb than 2 days before closing. We try and run these shows to keep competitors happy, and belive me it is not easy to do single handedly, so make life easier. Also if you havent received numbers or schedules etc then ring ... we dont bite well maybe occasionlly Come on other show secretaries that come on here Join in tell us your gripes It takes along time to organise bear in mind you process request deal with all phone calls and emails, and then enquiries, book all judges, produce a catalogue ( a mammoth task in itself) return all numbers by post, log all details on databases, cross reference and check all entries, sort out awards fill in all affiliated paperwork, order and box rosettes in correct order, plus qual cards and special rosettes, produce prize money reports, report to the press process results send all result to societies along with any special paperwork and start again booking judges and arranging affiliations for 2008 !!! Job anyone ......
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Post by daffodil on Jun 13, 2007 14:51:37 GMT
Firstly, keepup the good work you do!
I always pre enter shows, whether you have to or not, but I can only think of one that asks for a SAE, county shows send numbers anyway, never seen a request for a sae on any of them, at the area shows i just collect from the sec tent no mention of needing to send out numbers before show or am I being dim?
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Post by Show Secretary on Jun 13, 2007 16:11:03 GMT
Yes the 1.06 thing and also i donot drive and have to go 5 plus miles by bus to fetch them, i have stated in sched for 2008 a5 envelopes as have sent farting (trumping) little envelopes sent for a a 5 booklet,
This year being as first year we have supplied missing SAE next year we will just ignore the entries that are incorrect.
I mean if your going to show do it properley. I dont mind at my other shows giving out numbers on the day but at county i mean i will be busy enough without dishing out letters.
I mean how much clearer can we make it i have had about 10 people forget cheques this year too, i have taken to instead of wasting time telephoning them and being nice, i use their SAE the SHOULD have sent and return it and ask for cheque or at least for correct amount. i mean the amount we have had for incorrect amounts all adds up, by using SAE they sent it irritates them enough to get it right then they have to send another SAE.
One cheeky swine on another showing forum slagged me off for sending her cheque back as was wrong. I mean come on your not the one and only entrant and when dealing with upto 1000 entries next year i will not girl thingy foot around and pander to peoples whims like ohhh can i change this can i do that.
I know of many other societies that if i make a mistake would soon be on the case returning my entry as incorrect. When i enter a county show i check and double check all is correct and aim to have them in a week to 2 weeks prior to closing. I have worked from 4.30am some mornings right through the day to get things done.
(Edited to make it easier to read since there are some valid points.)
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Post by nikki on Jun 13, 2007 20:12:34 GMT
To Show Secretary - have you ever heard of the 'full stop'?
Glad that you are not my secretary as although your rant might have some valid points it doesn't make easy reading.
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Post by Show Secretary on Jun 14, 2007 3:59:40 GMT
Thinks thats a bit cheeky of youreally when there is no edit button to go back and change things if your so good why arnt you doing it ??
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Post by show sec on Jun 14, 2007 6:36:20 GMT
my main gripe as a secretary is the number of recorded delivery entries sent - I too, am on first name terms with the gentleman at our sorting office. i know competitors want to ensure their entries are received but as i have to hold a full time job down not always around when the postman comes to call - in fact a couple nearly missed the deadline as I was struggling to find the time to go and pick them up - if you enclose an sae and send them in good time we always acknowledge receipt.
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Post by fmm on Jun 14, 2007 6:36:48 GMT
One of the nice things about being a member, is that you are allowed to go back and edit your posts.
The other nice thing, is that people know who is making the more "unpleasant" posts and can avoid them in the future.
Personally, I put in punctuation when I am writing a post, and check it before pressing the "post reply" button. I find that works quite well!
You have some valid points, but you do seem a little stressed by being a show secretary. I assume you offered to do the job, so perhaps it is time to hand over the reins and have time to enjoy your show instead of having a nervous breakdown!
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Post by paid on Jun 14, 2007 7:05:34 GMT
and do correct me if I'm wrong, BUT, as county show secretaries it is paid employment and yes, whilst you do go beyond the call of duty a large part of what you do you recieve renumeration for as a job??
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Post by Asst secretary on Jun 14, 2007 7:44:18 GMT
I think the above two posts are extremely rude. If you would like to put your name I would ensure that you didnt enter the show i help at and am sure other secretaries will feel the same. You try finding secetaries
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Post by SHow Secretary on Jun 14, 2007 9:26:34 GMT
Being a show sec involves stress which i do not have an issue with JUST WISH PEOPLE WOULD MAKE OUR JOB EASIER !!!!
By just simply reading !!!!! ( <---- There you go punctuation and exclamation mark)
I get paid BUT nothing to what i would be paid in a ordinary office job doing this work
I do it with passion and a love of the end result the show on the day !
Just wish it was simpler by individuals not making silly mistakes.
PS if you think i should stop being a show sec i actually run more than 1 show so think i have an entitlement to be rather stressy when its silly things that people do could make our job so much simpler !
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Post by stressy on Jun 14, 2007 9:35:43 GMT
Oh dear this is getting interesting. OK its not easy to find show secs but there does seem to be a growing trend in stressed out secs who can only bring the show down ultimately. Gone are the days when the prize money covered the entries and the diesel - so showing is expensive you may say, but how many on here will remember a different age when politeness was common and the show secretary was written to and thanked for a lovely day, after the show? Perhaps those were the days when the secretary was polite and didn't complain - life is difficult enough without stroppy secretaries so thanks to the good dedicated ones who put back time and time again and are prepared to do the job devotedly and pleasantly. To the others scrapping by - why are you doing the job if you don't enjoy it and it makes your life miserable? Give up gracefully and maybe people will thank you for your imput in the past before things go downhill. Believe it or not someone else will turn up to do the job, and if they don't.....well maybe a rethink by the society is required, or we can all stay at home and save some money
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Post by Show Sec on Jun 14, 2007 10:18:32 GMT
Hang on a min there ......
Stressy Secretarys, i am far from that, you want to see the flac we take and bite our tongues from competitors when its not our fault they dont read and enter the peoper classes.
I am nothing other than polite to all persons around me, But maybe if competitors got it right, Show Secs that are stressy ( i know of non that are and i know plenty) then we would have no need to.
I never get would up to peoples faces or on the phone, but why when its an open forum shouldnt i come on here for a moan ?
If youhave never done the job you really cannot comment !
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Post by Rockstar on Jun 14, 2007 11:28:58 GMT
As joint sec for a show with RIHS qualifers etc, I have EVERY sympathy with 'Show Sec'. Some competitors are SO rude and un-helpful it does make you wonder why you give up your free time to run a show (Mum and I DONT get paid, in fact we give up a weekend of OUR show season to run the show for everyone else). One producer this year moaned and groaned about the state of the ground, the weather etc (said the show should really have been cancelled, as she did last year). One thing we cant control is the rain and she could have easily not come / turned round and gone home when she saw the showground, but no she put everyone of her ponies into the ring!
We do enjoy it though (even in the pouring rain this year!) but it really makes it seem so much more worthwhile when a competitor comes to the secretarys tent and says what a lovely day they have had. A little 'Thank you' goes a Looooong way!!
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Post by not logged in on Jun 14, 2007 13:16:15 GMT
I can't believe the way some competitors treat show organisers! I also cannot believe the litter some people think it is ok to leave behind - but thats a whole new post!!!
At a recent county show, a judge had taken ill during the night. This meant the classes scheduled for 8 am start were delayed for 2 hours. This announcement was made 15 mins prior to the scheduled start time. Despite being ready to go in the ring I did not hear 1 competitor complain. In fact - apart from the jokes about how nice it was to have time for a full breakfast before the class etc - the only comments were complimentory towards the show organisers for having found an alternative judge/ring at such short notice. This rescheduling did mean that we had 2 classes that clashed (same pony) but I felt the onus was on me to choose, and it wasn't the shows fault. I didn't feel the need to ask for my second entry fee back......particularly as we won the other class and went reserve champ.
Not all competitors are moaners....and if you feel you have to make a complaint please make sure it is valid and NEVER complain whilst you are angry!!!
Without secrectaries we would have no shows!!
......Trying to put the "angry" one into practise as I am one of the unfortunates who have had Royal Show entries returned!!!
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Post by papahotchie on Jun 14, 2007 13:38:54 GMT
Having been on both sides of the fence, i.e. competitor and show organiser, it all comes down to "respect" or more importantly the "lack of respect".
I cannot understand why people think that it is ok to have shouting match with a show official, and a simple thank you at the end of a class - likewise competitors are only human, and sometimes we all fill in forms incorrectly....generally due to the fact that there doesn't seem to be a entry form template that all shows use.....different forms, seperate entry sheets per pony...it is all very complicated.
In terms of closing dates for entries......2 months and over prior to show date is "ludicrous" and in my opinion un-competitor friendly....
As for bouncing cheques........credit / debit cards are the way forward......using showpay or other online entry is easy and helpful to all.
Finally - secretaries, I know that it is irritating to be asked my loads of competitors "how many people are in class X" - please please please a board up with them on outside the tent....it really helps us all with timings.
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Post by Stevenage on Jun 14, 2007 14:31:26 GMT
Finally - secretaries, I know that it is irritating to be asked my loads of competitors "how many people are in class X" - please please please a board up with them on outside the tent....it really helps us all with timings. At our show I do a pre-printed timetable in the schedule so that people will know roughly what time their classes will be. As we compete ourselves, we know how difficult it can be trying to work out timings. Bit us on the bum this year with the awful weather - we could have got through the classes in double quick time and got home in the dry but had to stick to the timetable!!! Its hard when you take entries on the day to let people know how many entries there are as the numbers are always changing (and annoying when you are trying to write a pile of entries into the book and someone asks you how many there are in 20 different classes!!) but when you have a timetable, at least competitors know a time that their class wont go before, it may be later but most people can cope with that.
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Post by piper on Jun 14, 2007 15:06:37 GMT
Couldn't agree more about the respect thing,after all most show secs are unpaid and do it purely to put something back into a sport they have loved.I too am on first name terms with the sorting office and do feel that the onus should be on the competitor to check their envelope size,after all they only have one entry form to check whereas the show sec has hundreds (if she's lucky) I treat the SAE as my receipt when I enter a show,when my numbers come back I know that my entry has been received saves a phone call .Some shows do close their entries too early,which makes it difficult to decide what to enter,but catalogues are great because they help you work out your times.I can honestly say in 25 years of showing I have never rung a show sec to ask how many are in classes prior to mine and I have only missed classes twice,once due to traffic chaos on the M6 and once due to a lack of entries forward and classes whizzing through.In this nanny state in which we live I think we are all in danger of losing the ability to shift for ourselves and just get on with it (whole new thread !!) So I say thank you show secretarys one and all and if you get a little stressed from time to time well I think you are entitled.
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Post by fmm on Jun 14, 2007 17:18:43 GMT
I am concerned that people thought my response to post 3 was rude. It was not intentional. I too, have been involved in running shows. However, I would not do it if I came across as hating every person that bothered to turn up and pay to do a class! Post no. 3 was written by someone who seemed incredibly hacked off with being a show secretary, and if they felt like this now, god help the competitors on show day.
The first couple of posts were well thought out, written CONSTRUCTIVELY and were able to give competitors an idea of some of the problems caused by them not following instructions.
Post no. 3 was just one massive rant!
There are some shows when, even in the most adverse conditions, the show secretary and helpers go beyond the call of duty (Stevenage for example). They took the competitors into account, changed rings around to find better ground for the ridden classes, and managed to keep going even in the most appalling weather I have ever experienced on a show ground.
And to post no. 9 - I will gladly give you my name if you would like to blacklist me - but you will need to PM me which means you will need to join the site. Great attitude!!!
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Post by nikki on Jun 14, 2007 18:14:59 GMT
Oh dear I feel I have started something by commenting on Show Secretary guest's original post. I was not having a 'pop' at the sterling, often unthanked, work that show secretaries do but at the grammar of the message or rather the lack of it. I just feel that if people want to get across some very valid points, then much better to present it in a cohesive and easy to follow manner rather than one long tirade that doesn't do anyone any favours.
And, yes, when I am older, I will happily volunteer for administrative behind-the-scenes work at shows.
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Post by crazymare on Jun 14, 2007 21:16:08 GMT
one cheeky swine on another showing forum slagged me off for sending her cheque back as was wrong Firstly I'm pretty sure I know which show this is, and pretty sure this comment is aimed at me. Secondly in the past cheques have been cashed and the difference returned. I have a disability that does affect my writing and mathmatic skills. I spend a very long time doing show entries. No I don't always have someone around to check. Thirdly and possibly, to me the most irritating point, my comments were written on a private subscription based forum of which YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER, therefore another member broke the written rule of the forums, to which you responded in a very unprofessional manner. If we ran our business this way we would have no customers.
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made a decision for me
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Post by made a decision for me on Jun 14, 2007 22:37:56 GMT
I also think I know who said show secretary in this thread is and the show which she is 'trying' to run. I completly appreciate and am extremly grateful to the individuals whom give up their time voluenteraly to become show secretarys, but in this case it appears this person is being paid so to be honest shut up moaning and get on with the job you are paid to do! In regards to my experience with this show (if I am correct in my guess) I recived a snotty note with my numbers as I forgot to enclose a sae - which fair enough is my fault and I accept this but to tell me I would have to pay for my mum to get in as you only get one exhibitor pass, so how am I as someone whom is not qualified to drive (as to young) meant to gain access to the showground - hack 90 miles to the show ground! In all honestly the sheer unprofessionalism demonstrated by this show this season has meant I shall not attend this year or indeed ever again!
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Post by Lets be reasonable on Jun 15, 2007 1:40:45 GMT
A show sec. goes through absolute... h8ll prior to the day.. but they know that A show sec. can expect?? calls at 2 or 3 in the morning from comps trying to find stabling/ the showground.... but they know that Late entrants who mail much later than is reasonable- we expect that Late entrants being advised they have more to pay- - killing looks- expected!!
No thanks or praise.. sadly - the norm.
All that said, we need and respect the work you do... BUT
you know what it is............. if you cant stand the heat... DONT STAND IN THE TENT. cause you wont ever be praised for something most take for granted.............. think - refuse collection- a necessary - taken for granted job, if its pats on the back you want- BE TIRED, AND DISAPPOINTED.
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Post by Show Sec on Jun 15, 2007 4:21:26 GMT
With Regard is paying for your mum, if you had called or red the information that was posted on here you will see the pass admits the box and competitor up to the number of the seats in the vehicle with no persons in the lorry or trailer compartments !! With Regards the cheques if not the correct amount we don not cash them, i am not a treasurer these go off to a different person so to send the difference backwould be a complete pain in the bottom, Everyone who forgot SAE had a note, not my desision but the society, we have relitivly cheap entry fees in comparison tosome shows, but it will hike up if we have to provide extra stationary. Think what you like about my abilities and my "trying" to run a show, obviously a few sour grapes somewhere along the lines - maybe as i am trying to run a nice fun show based on honesty - Maybe thats upset you i dont know. I am fully aware of the calls i get its no problem and everyone gets treated the same with manners and courtesy, Just because i am a person who speaks my mind etc i know that makes alot of people Not like me but who cares im there to do a job and a job i will do, i also show and i manage to get my entries right why cant anybody else i mean come on for christ sake have a pop at the secretary because you cant add up and can put correct things in an envelope - i mean hardly my fault is it, at least we have the decency if you over pay to give you the chance to recitfy it, i could have just cashed it and then you wouldnt have known a thing. This Topic was started out as a mini moan for all secretarys to put their point of view across not as a slagging match between disgruntled competitors that got it wrong, This wasnt aimed at anyone in particular, and with regards the closed forum tht you all go on and moan surley if your monaing about us we have the right to reply Id that not the benefit of a forum ? its ok for you to moan and slag off a society behind closed doors, I think you will find my reply to the issues that were brought to my attention elsewhere were answered fully.
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Post by SHow Sec on Jun 15, 2007 4:23:29 GMT
Sorry for the spelling errors but it is 5.25 am ( before anyone moans again) !!!
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Post by daffodil on Jun 15, 2007 8:55:37 GMT
Just to enlarge on my previous post! I always send an A5 envelope for return of the schedule, I would have thought with out sending a SAE you cannot expect to receive a schedule back? However, I do not send an envelope for the return of my number with my entry, unless it is requested. I have always assumed it is OK to collectnumber from sec tent, a county show is different, they do send numbers to you . Are people now saying a sae shoudl be sent with entries for return of numbers for EVERY show entered?
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Post by How unprofesional on Jun 15, 2007 10:04:21 GMT
Oh dear, this is not the first time you have let your mouth run away with you on a public forum is it? My advice 'show sec' is that you REALLY think about what you are saying before you press that 'post reply' button.
Considering you have only actually run 1 show up until this point and you are considerably stressed already, I dread to think what state you will be in by the end of your 3rd show this year! I for one know how stressful being a secretary is but if you find it that un-enjoyable then I really would consider handing in your notice, as with it being a popular show you are doing more harm than good to the state of the showing world and the show's reputation. I know of at least half a dozen complaints being lodged already regarding your professionalism and have also decided to make a copy of the thread, print it off and send it to your superiors.
I really thought you would have learned your lesson following the thread you started RE: Your experiences judging at a local RC, when you went on a similar rant declaring yourself far superior to their showing standards. You are however, not that intelligent. Perhaps this thread will provide some food for thought for you, but yet again I doubt it since you are not one for taking criticism.
Edited - please do not make assumptions about who is who on this site, particularly when you are not brave enough to put your own name to your posts. The name of the show you have referred to has been deleted.
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Post by Show Sec on Jun 15, 2007 10:15:29 GMT
I am not even going to rise to your petty behaviour, this post was aimed at the problems secretarys have,
And i do enjoy my job and people like you who obviously are so far up your own bottom you can see your own tonsils make life all the more Interesting.
It seems you appear youactually think you know me, well if you did you would know my capabilities and with my dedicated team behind me i have no concerns over the work i do.
Sure gives you a good smile when you see how pathetic and green eyed certain folk are - definatly severe sour grapes from certain folk, whats wrong with some people think its about time you got a life and maybe a job !
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Post by Guestless on Jun 15, 2007 10:23:47 GMT
Please keep problems from other forums off this one. It is discourteous and will not be permitted. Any more personal comments from either side will be deleted!
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Post by To Guestless on Jun 15, 2007 10:28:01 GMT
It would be appreciated if you can remove the names people have brought into this post please as they are assumptions no one has mention any names of societies,
This is getting to a point that is personal now, and in the case of professionalism i will happily supply an address for you to write to to air your views.
This was a relvelant post about a secretarys role, and not to air greviences and individuals
- I ask to moderators to delete the unrelevant parts as it could be taken as liable if people start naming societies that they DONT ACTUALLY know are involved
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Post by Guestless on Jun 15, 2007 10:44:11 GMT
The name of the show referred to has been deleted. I have scanned the other posts and can't see anything else that pinpoints anyone in particular but if I missed anything please let me know.
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