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Friday 1 March 2013

Woodvale Rally 2013 plans for airfield return dropped

PLANS to bring the Woodvale Rally back to its traditional home have been dealt a fresh blow after the RAF said the airfield base is still unsuitable to use.

Last year the event, which caters for car and bike clubs along with model aircraft and rail enthusiasts, was held at a venue other than RAF Woodvale for the first time in its 40 year history due to safety concerns about asbestos at the site, but despite hope the show would return in its usual format for 2013 it has now been confirmed the venue is unuseable "for the forseeable future".

In an email sent out to car clubs who have previously entered the event, Charles Scott said: "RAF Woodvale has confirmed that we are unable to use the airfield for the foreseeable future due to asbestos contamination in the soil.   This is a Health and Safety decision and we have been unable to challenge this despite our best efforts and help from others.  
 
"Last year we relocated to Victoria Park in Southport for a much reduced event.  There were problems but the Rally Board were determined to continue despite the problems.   The Board are exploring the possibility of running a similar event at Victoria Park in late July 2013 but on a reduced scale.  We are thinking about a show based on classic vehicles with a club section also.  
 
"We envisage a free entry for vehicles, and a Sunday only show, but with the possibility of overnight camping on site (for a small fee).  Public admission prices would be much reduced also (say £5 for adults, children free).  There would be other attractions similar to the rally but no flying and less extensive, eg model marquees, some music and children's entertainment. I would value your reactions and ideas.  Thank you."
 
The Woodvale Rally has been held at RAF Woodvale since the event's inception in 1971, but due to the asbestos concerns the show was held last summer at Victoria Park in nearby Southport.

17 comments:

  1. OTS First for news...or 4 days late...

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  2. to small no flying not enough attractions

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  3. its way to small.we have been coming for years but last year was a big let down so I don't think we will be returning.

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  4. Been going to woodvale for years Went to victoria park august 2012 venue not big enough .not a lot there waste of time and money not again...find a bigger place....

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  5. so sad, loved it at woodvale, try to get back, bluddy h&s gone mad again,,, grrrr

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  6. I complained about the cost of entry to the Woodvale show manager after last years event, we paid £30 for our family to enter, there was very little for them to do. We had to pay more once inside for the kids to go on the inflatables.

    I received a very defensive reply, stating that many others were happy with the show. This year it would cost us £10 to enter (if we were to go), so hopefully the organisers realise it was far too expensive last year.

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  7. Can you not approach the owners of the now dissused Burscough airfield?{Burscough industrial estate}quite close to southport,plenty of space for flying crafts etc etc?the winter car boot sale site would be the best.

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    1. Sounds like a good idea they still have WW2 hangers on that site also, the show in now in June 22/23rd.

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  8. Why is raf woodvale still used by cadets and also why are they still letting the caravan club rallies happen on the site also . Another thing is there are no signs up warning about asbestos . Somthing weird goin on here

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  9. It has not got anything to do with asbestos but the real reason is being kept secret. The first attempt to stop the Rally by the base commander was on the grounds of risk of terrorism, that got pushed aside so they came up with this one and stuck with it.

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  10. Nice try last year at the park, it was too small. We have been camping for many years and did also last year. Not camping this year, but will pay a family visit for a day. Hopefully you can get the Woodvale site back. All the best.

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  11. Burscough is a great idea lots of open fields and a runway still there!
    Very close to southport and a great idea!!

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  12. Leisure Lakes nr Southport, is another location. loads of open fields. and they already have micro lights, flying there,Why Sefton coucil wont allow model planes at victoria park is beyond me, i am sure a raf Typhoon would do a lot more damage if it crashed during southport airshow. i think in the end its all about money,

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  13. i think me and the family might come down on friday but if it is a bi let down again we might only stay there for 1 night
    if anyone else is only going for one night let me know...
    thanks :)

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  14. Please Find An Alternative site, I see Burscough has already had a mention lets all mention it and it may happen if enough interest is shown.

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  15. Burscough Burscough Burscough we want Burscough for woodvale 2014 ....

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