2012 National - what type of event do you want?

[lancsSteve]

How does this sound?

And anyone want to volunteer to help out with it? We'd need beer from individuals and clubs, people to set-up, clean up, serve, manage stock, get beer down their fronts....

Brilliant - managaeable, social, varied, changing and free - what's NOT to like?!!!

And I'm thinking about glassware - a 'festival' glass for all who come to put the beer in?

That could be a source of revenue/coverring costs potentially? I'd happily buy a glass... Ideally (though probably unfesibly) a branded tasting one rather than a generic pint glass...

[boingy]

I think you need to keep your eyes on the prize. The primary purpose is to hold a national competition. All the other stuff has to be a lower priority and not be allowed to dilute the primary purpose. There are loads of ideas in this thread but they all need organising and if they are not organised properly then there will be folk after the event complaining that it was a bit half-arsed. I think many people are underestimating how much work there is in organising and running just the competition.

[alikocho]

I think you need to keep your eyes on the prize. The primary purpose is to hold a national competition. All the other stuff has to be a lower priority and not be allowed to dilute the primary purpose. There are loads of ideas in this thread but they all need organising and if they are not organised properly then there will be folk after the event complaining that it was a bit half-arsed. I think many people are underestimating how much work there is in organising and running just the competition.

I believe I have repeatedly stated that the primary factor is the competition, and all other aspects are secondary. I refuse to compromise the integrity of the competition for any purpose.

I know exactly how much work organizing and running just the competition is. I reckon last year was 3-4 weeks full time equivalent, plus the day.

[lancsSteve]

I think you need to keep your eyes on the prize.

After a trip to Norway are we?

[coatesg]

And anyone want to volunteer to help out with it? We'd need beer from individuals and clubs, people to set-up, clean up, serve, manage stock, get beer down their fronts....

As above, I'll do you a corny of something. I'd volunteer to help behind the bar too but I'm guessing I might be needed elsewhere helping with the competition.

[WishboneBrewery]

Got my Hols booked, registered and ticked the 'Yes' to Stewarding... does this mean my wife will be extra-bored?

[alikocho]

Got my Hols booked, registered and ticked the 'Yes' to Stewarding... does this mean my wife will be extra-bored?

Maybe she wants to steward too...

[WishboneBrewery]

Oh it sounds like time to un-tick!!

What exactly would a steward do?

[alikocho]

What exactly would a steward do?

Distributing required materials to the judging tables
Bringing beer from storage area to judging area
Assisting Judge Director and judges as needed
Providing water, cups, bread, and forms for judging tables
Emptying dump buckets as needed

Get given beer to learn from judges.
Generally have an enjoyable, informative time.

Plenty of people on here can tell you what it's actually like.

[alikocho]

And anyone want to volunteer to help out with it? We'd need beer from individuals and clubs, people to set-up, clean up, serve, manage stock, get beer down their fronts....

As above, I'll do you a corny of something. I'd volunteer to help behind the bar too but I'm guessing I might be needed elsewhere helping with the competition.

I think I may need you for other things.

[lancsSteve]

What exactly would a steward do?

does this mean my wife will be extra-bored?

I'm sure there will be another few homebrew widows there... But stewarding is full-on and full-time - barely time for a fag break...

Plenty of people on here can tell you what it's actually like.

Knackering.

If you have what I would consider 'good judges' who are keen to help stewards learn (rather than treat them as beer-gophers/quasi-servants) you will be able to try the beers as well and listen in on their deliberations and feedback and may be asked (once they've finished) about your perceptions too. It's probably the best apprencticehip to judging - short of being a judge partnered with a more experienced judge. (Which is why NGWBJ also say you must have been a steward to a trtained judge.)

Highly recommended, busy, tiring, rewarding... You'll want a drink and a sit down bythe end - so a social afterwards will be welcomed by stewards I'm sure.

[WishboneBrewery]

oh you sell it so well, do I get a Prairie Dog too?

[alikocho]

oh you sell it so well, do I get a Prairie Dog too?

I don't have them to give out.

[lancsSteve]

oh you sell it so well, do I get a Prairie Dog too?

Honest at least - really really worth doing.

A gopher is what you do, not what you get

[WishboneBrewery]

ahh, but I'm selling the whole idea to the wife based on the Furry creature !!!!