THE CHIMNEY sweeping industry’s premier annual event is nearly here – the Guild trade show!
Here’s a useful breakdown of what’s happening during the weekend at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire (CV8 2LD). Free prize draw – put your business card in the Top Hat at the door to enter. Don’t forget raffle tickets even if you are not going to be at the dinner. Regular PA announcements will be made to keep you informed about each day’s events. Our resident Guild photographer David Kilburn is present on both days. His mobile number will be displayed at the show entrance so text him if you want to update your profile photo for the Findachimneysweep directory.
Unlimited free coffee and tea will be available throughout the show. Hooray. Free Wi-Fi is also available at the hotel. Guests staying overnight are able to check into the hotel from 3pm each day. If you need to check-out on Saturday morning, you will need to do so by 11am.
All visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite Best Supplier and Best Product at the Guild stand.
If you need assistance, the exhibition contact is Steven Howard (07762 309 526) or speak to anyone from the Guild on duty at the time.
Thursday (28 Feb): Exhibitors will be setting up in the Kenilworth Suite of the hotel from 7pm to 11pm – a busy, buzzing time where everyone will be saying hello, getting everything set-up and having fun together. The exhibition room will be locked/secure when not in use.
Friday (1st March): Early bird alternative exhibitors have from 7am to 9.30am to set-up their stands. And then… drum roll… the Guild trade exhibition 2019 officially opens in the Kenilworth Suite at 9.30am. We can’t WAIT to see everyone there! Take time to browse the stands, talk shop together and catch-up with your fellow sweeps. Remember that the Guild team is also on standby to help in any way. At 10.30am you can enjoy a coffee/tea break in the Grange for 15 mins before getting back to trade talking. Lunch is served from 12.30pm to 2pm in the Grange and it will be a delicious hot fork buffet. You can book lunch / Gala Dinner here. Deadline is 19th February.
At 2pm judging starts on day one of the Van of the Year competition. Do put your entries into the Guild registration stand and make sure you park your vehicle in the designated area in the service car park at the rear of the hotel.
Another coffee/tea break with pastries follows from 3pm to 3.15pm in the Grange and the exhibition closes on day one at approx 4.30pm.
Saturday (2nd March): Day two starts officially at 9.30am in the Kenilworth Suite. Unofficially, for those staying at the hotel, it starts first with a good fry-up for breakfast… No doubt Saturday will have a massive vibe with everyone involved in the chimney sweeping industry coming together in one place – fantastic!
At 10.30am there will be a short coffee/tea break with treats in The Grange. Then we have the seminars! The Chimney Skills Training/NVQ seminar, presented by Phil Cleaver and Chris Geeves, will be held in the Stratford Suite from 10.30am to 11.15am. This will be followed by a presentation on BurnRight in the Stratford Suite from 11.30am to 12.15pm by Guild chairman Lawson Wight and David Sudworth. A hot fork buffet for lunch follows from 12pm to 1.15pm in the Grange (you need to book this).
Judging on day two of the Van of the Year comp happens at 1.15pm in the designated area in the service car park at the rear of the hote. The winner and runner-up will then be announced at 2pm. The main judge this year is David Barrott of Harrogate (last year’s winner).
At 2.15pm, the exhibitors awards will be announced – visitors – please cast your votes at the Guild stand. This is followed by a coffee/tea break at 3pm in the Grange and then a group photo (3.15pm) in the lobby area, which is near the rear service entrance of the hotel for all members and any exhibitors/guests who would like to be part of the pic! Smiley faces please…
The trade exhibition closes at 3.30pm and then Guild members are invited to their AGM in the Stratford Suite. Please note this is for Guild members only. Come and hear about what’s happening at the Guild from the team, who work hard all-year around to ensure the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps goes from strength to strength in representing members and giving support to build successful chimney sweeping businesses.
Evening entertainment, involving the casino and band Grooveology, starts from 7pm to 1am. Book dinner here by 19th Feb. Black tie is optional but smart attire is requested. The gala dinner will be served at 7.30pm. We have a few thank yous to make and then it’s the Charity Raffle. Don’t miss this! Our exhibitors and others are always very generous. This year we have TWO outstanding donations. First is a HAMER HD5 5kw from Stove Industry Supplies and, a beautiful Woodwarm 5kw PHOENIX FIREGEM.Â
- We look forward to seeing you at the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Trade Exhibition 2019!!!
