Crap Judges Lunches!!!

[helle]

I have found this most interesting as I am a first time show secretary. I have however had a lot of advice from the previous secretary who insist on a few of the issues raised, like a proper cooffee break, table cloths and proper crockery! Hopefully none of the judges will be on here afterwards moaning

[solitaire]

We always offer coffee/tea and biscuits on arrival. Lunch is prepared by a friend of mine who enjoys cooking in the spring and autumn shows, usually chicken casserole and nice bread and a desert like apple crumble and clotted cream. Always have a table of various biscuits and savories which is available all day. However i also judge and worst i ever had was a equestrian centre show, rubbish brown rosettes, loads of competitors, and at lunch time a carrier bag was dropped at end of ring, asked not too take too long as i was taking too long, on average 15 in each class and in the bag was a very cheap roll with cheap cheese, a bag of crisps and a apple not even a bottle of water or a coffee - as i have a bread reaction i just ate the cheese and the apple. At end of day having judged 16 classes nobody even said goodbye - will i ever go there again no definately not.

[mandmfan]

I think the very least shows can do is water and feed their judges well. I went with a friend who was judging to a show where the facilities were not brilliant and the weather horrendous. The organisers laid out a fabulous lunch in the living quarters of someone's horsebox, brought the food from home and heated it up in the microwave. I know that my friend really appreciated it and the effort they had gone to. Can't remember which show it was now - think it was one of the BSPS area shows. Also throughout the day someone came round to the rings with thermos(plural) of coffee which again was very thoughful.

[handcanter]

I too have found this very interesting. My other half is a judge, I don't often accompany her but I do listen to her comments. The worst hospitalty issues have actually been at the biggest and most prestigious shows. Parking miles away and lugging full rain gear and side saddle habit as well as astride gear, no-where to change and being rudely ejected from somewhere to sit between classes by over anxious officials sheparding royals. From my memory, the best "spreads" are always "oop north".
Real cutlery, the offer of a glass of wine and table cloths really do make a difference. But you should treat your stewards as well as you treat your judges, they are just as important and work just as hard.
Well done to all those who slave away in the background cooking and preparing and baking. On a wet and windy day it is always appreciated.
On one of the one occasions I did accompany to a very large show in the grounds of a castle at the beginning of the season, we were ignored entirely and given not one single piece of refreshment and barely acknowledged by the alledged judges reception team who were far more interested in spotting celebs and royals. By the time my OH was finished there was no lunch left, no hot water for tea and the tent was empty. Long live the local riding club with home made cakes and smiling faces!

[sarahp]

Dressage wrote for one of those on Sat (I'm a member) - two breaks in the class with coffee brought up to the judging box each time - personal order asked for before we started. Bowl of little munchies, choccie brownies and the like, in the box for us to go at ad lib AND home made Victoria sponge cake with fresh cream and strawberries brought up too! Lunch offered afterwards but I wanted to get off as did my judge, show yesterday to get ready for. And I used to write for our old PC too, where there were always fantastic lunches, served inder an awning out of cars, no kitchen or anything, so it can be done. I have been told not as good now with change of committee though.

[Guestless]

Slightly off topic, but I've just turned down an appointment for an agricultural show where I was asked to pay for my own ferry to get there! The letter did say they would pick me up from the pier and feed me, but I decided that taking a day off work (show is mid week) plus having to pay my own fare was a step too far.

[thecremellosociety]

Just a note, due to being in the middle of a field with limited facilities and due to health and safety ( as in washing up on site) we do have to use disposables at the county show, just not practical or hygenic to use anything other as not in a fixed premises, so sorry, if you want a proper knife and fork you would have to bring your own to this one xxx

[aunty]

I had one of the best judges lunches in the middle of a cold and wet field last year! It was in a caravan, but a very nice one, I had the most delicious roast chicken and salad, and potatoes and my friend who drove me there had steak and all the trimmings! We were looked after like royalty, and it made a very cold day , well worth while. Well done N P A Cornwall!

[Deleted]

I did some commentating for BRC at Eland Lodge last year and the lunches were excellent!

Loads of food in a little brown paper bag, and a flask of hot water too with loads of tea bags....coffee sachets, milk etc etc...

It was a fair step to get there, but I'd consider doing it again because I know I'll be well fed and watered!

[EJM]

i have to say i have not had a bad lunch yet but i am up north i tend to have the other end of the problem where they try to over feed me with cakes ect!

[sectiondcrazy]

Mar 9, 2011 22:10:43 GMT ponymum said:

Ribble valley used to do a fabulous buffet for the judges! Yes it is funny how you remember where you've had a lovely lunch!!

We still do a good buffet ;D me and my mum do it At the last show we had sandwiches, sausage rolls, porkpies, crisps, biscuits, cakes and sweets!!! Oh and an unlimited supply of tea and coffee

xx

[boots & saddles]

hayling island local show really look after there judges and stewards, the food is great and made by the local pub, there are so nice and friendly too, they make sure you are looked after. a big well done to them., however there are a few that are dreadful, no drink, no lunch and no hope springs to mind.

[robertparkerjones]

NCPA Derbyshire put on a cracking lunch yesterday at Marchington!! Sort of a luxury picnic in glorious weather!!!