The Guildhall is a popular venue on the live touring circuit and one with which the touring fraternity is well familiar. The use of the venue was negotiated between GLS's Ian Turner and the Guildhall's head technician, Simon Williams.
Turner explains, "Live Nation and GLS both had technicians, engineers and freelancers, who were interested in doing the Motor School, and it also provided a chance for some of the new people we know who are just getting into the business to get close-up to one of the basic industry standard pieces of kit." The Guildhall was in a similar position, with lots of hoists in their house rig and a crop of new technicians.
The course was presented by LTM's Dave Ward and John Jones and was attended by 15 knowledge-hungry people. This is an ideal number for the two-person presentation format honed by Jones and Ward, and allows everyone to receive sufficient individual attention. People came from other rental companies in the area including Stagecraft from Salisbury and video specialists Fonix from Bournemouth, and also from the ML Group from Crayford.
John Jones comments, "There's a stronger demand than ever for Motor Schools, and we are responding directly to that. We have always encouraged good product awareness for Lodestar owners and users, and are now getting asked increasingly if we will do on-site Schools both in the UK and abroad. There is a real recognition of its value."
(Jim Evans)
