The letter infuriated recipients by suggesting NBS had already made the decision and was going to move the show, principally because it had "a very good deal" on offer from the Docklands venue.

The announcement brought a storm of protest from the trade - we run a few of the letters we received starting on page 22.

We have more letters and emails in the office that the authors would prefer us not to publish, but all are emphatic in their desire not to see the show moved to the Docklands venue - especially under the threat of having to make such an important decision in such a short time frame, and without any alternative venues being offered by NBS.

The word "railroaded" was bandied around by several correspondents.

Now, according to Streeter, as long as he can get the dates, the plan is to keep the show at Windsor for 2004. "In the meantime we'll be talking to as many as we can to get their views, " he said.

Moving the show from Windsor is necessary, says Streeter, because it costs too much to stage, the dates can't be relied upon and the show has outgrown the venue.

Peter Methven, chairman of the Marine Trades Association (MTA) feels the decision not to move the show next year is right. "I think we need to experience a show at ExCeL before we make any decision, " he told BB .This view was backed by David Coleman of Barton Marine Equipment. Coleman is a member of the MTS steering committee. He told BB : "Let's see how we get on with LIBS in January."

"We need to look at all options, " said Streeter. "That could be a show in a different location. It could be two shows a year, it could be the timing of the show, it could be one in the north and one in the south."

Nothing is decided, he emphasised. "And BB can help us here by asking for opinions, not just from the exhibitor's point of view, but also from the visitor's point of view.

"We 're getting more of a response from exhibitors right now and we want to know what the visitors want as well."

Some say the show should be amalgamated with the Seawork show run every year by Mercator Media - BB's parent company - in June in Southampton.

That has the benefit of being in the right place, although the timing may not be right for some sectors of the industry.

According to Methven, the clothing manufacturers would love the show earlier in the year to fit in with their import schedules from manufacturers, while the fittings companies prefer later because that's when their new products are ready for the new year.

Certainly having one UK marine trade show would make life easier for the companies concerned. And the visitors would get to see more of the industry - one persistent criticism of the current show is that there are no electronics or engines companies there.

With one show covering both commercial and leisure industries, all companies would be there.

Give us YOUR opinion on where and when to stage the Marine Trade Show - see panel on right. All correspondence will remain confidential. We will report on progress at the Gala Dinner held on the first night of the Marine Trade Show held at Windsor Race Course on October 22 and 23.