Only one plot remaining…the ARB Show’s set for a sell-out!
14-15 June 2013: Bathurst Estate, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Two weeks to go before the annual ARB Show, and proving its position as Britain’s biggest annual dedicated arborists’ show, exhibitor bookings are still coming in and only one plot remains on the Bathurst Estate site.
With over 75 exhibitors now attending the ARB Show this June, the organisers are keen to ensure a strong visitor turn-out. As well as the unbeatable number of trade stands they are promising a full programme of arb-focussed attractions and demonstrations for visitors to the event. “We want to give our exhibitors a good number of high quality visitors in return for their support of the Show”, says Karen Martin, Chief Executive of the organising Arboricultural Association. “And in turn we’re offering visitors what I believe is a truly valuable, informative and interesting two days”, she continues.
New exhibitors keep booking
First-time exhibitors at this year’s ARB Show include VW Vans who will show their recently launched new pick-up on a specially created plot next to the main show entrance. More newcomers include arb contractors, GA Butler & Sons who have a hire fleet of specialist arb equipment, and DBM Hire who specialise in the hire of stump grinders, access platforms and wood chippers to the arboricultural industry. PSD Groundscare offer a range of groundcare machinery including Eliet chippers, and another newcomer, AugerTorque will give live demonstrations of their stump excavator. Spiderlift will be exhibiting their compact CMC 15s model spider lift, and Riko UK are returning to the ARB Show with a new plot created for their range of forestry and firewood machinery including firewood processors, log splitters, logging saws and more.
“We’ve had to create additional plots for last-minute booking exhibitors,” comments Mel Sutherland of the Arboricultural Association’s organising team; “and we have just one tented plot left”, she adds. “We’re delighted to have so much interest from new exhibitors this year – ensuring the Show remains dynamic and offers even more value for our visitors. And of course, it’s always great to see so many loyal supporters returning to the Show – I thank all our regular exhibitors for their continuing support and wish them a very good Show”, she concludes.
In addition to the great variety of trade stands and working equipment/machinery at this year’s event, the organisers have set up a busy and interesting programme of workshops and best practice demonstrations, adding even more value to a visit to the ARB Show.
Contractors Workshops promise 30 minutes’ well spent
In the STIHL-sponsored Contractors Workshop, a series of half-hour sessions will cover a variety of topics – all of interest and value to those working in arb. Recently appointed Chief Executive of the Arboricultural Association, Karen Martin will set out her vision for the Association’s future and invites visitors to feedback their views and meet the team; the Association will also present a session on its Approved Contractor Scheme. High on the current agenda of anyone involved in the tree care sector, the issue of Pests & Diseases will be addressed in another workshop session that summarises key messages presented at a recent AA-organised Pests & Diseases roadshow. The Ancient Tree Forum will present two sessions on veteran tree management, whilst the well-known figure of Noddy Knott from Tree Worker will recall his recent exploration of the trees of West Africa. Finally, on the Friday of the Show, Lantra will update visitors on progress towards the launch of the innovative “R2” scheme : a new framework for recognition of the professional skills and experience of arb industry operatives. The scheme has the backing of some major arboricultural businesses and trade associations, and Ros Burnley, Lantra’s Industry Partnership Manager will update visitors on the scheme and show an example of how it will work.
Technical Demonstrations throughout each day
In addition to the Contractors’ Workshop programme, visitors can see interactive practical demonstrations which will be running around the showground. The Tree Climbers’ Forum of Mike Popham from Loler UK and Noddy Knott of Tree Worker will give informal presentations on the evolution of climbing techniques and give general advice and information throughout each day. Treevolution Scotland will be in the woodland demo area, with a series of interactive demo sessions covering topics from assisted tree felling techniques to aerial rescue and visitors will get the opportunity to see new STIHL chain saws in use and get a practical perspective from the team.
Make a stay of it
ARB Show tickets have been held at £8.00 this year – making it truly great value. Entry is free for Arboricultural Association members’ showing their complimentary ticket. Visitors who wish to make a stay of it can buy a two-day ticket (£10) and camp overnight on the Friday (£10 per pitch). Food, a bar and live music will ensure a party atmosphere and the organisers have arranged toilets plus a trailer-mounted shower block for campers’ use.
For full information on tickets, opening times and camping, plus an up to date exhibitor list, visit the AA website: www.trees.org.uk. Don’t miss out!