Statement from Steven Howard, Guild Exhibition organiser.
It has been my privilege to serve as a Guild board member since 2014.
A large part of my remit has been to organise the annual Guild Exhibition. In that time, I have seen it grow into what is now widely seen as the premier event in the chimney sweeping and solid fuel industry calendar, and I am extremely proud of that.
The hotel owners have made us aware, that a separate event on the same weekend, at the same location, will not be going ahead.
We did think it most strange that the hotel allowed this booking given the size and the nature of our event. Naturally, we raised concerns with the hotel regarding this. However, it is important to note that at no point did the Guild press for or request or encourage any particular course of action! That is clearly a matter for the hotel themselves.
All potential exhibitors have been offered stand space since last September when the Guild took a significant risk, and fully committed to the event. At this time only two stands remain vacant in the main hall.
It is sad to see that my last event as organiser appears to have been turned into a political football by some, after the sterling work by so many over the years. We have always said, everyone is welcome at the Guild Show, and that continues to be the case.
I wish my successor well and I am sure the Exhibition will continue to go from strength to strength.
Steven Howard
On behalf of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps
