Hi Jules,
Have to agree some shows leave a lot to be desired
I don't know in what part of the country you are but one popular venue (for the society's) in the south is Ardingly, I won't touch it with a barge pole, I have never heard any good reports of the venue, and so have never been tempted to go. Its time consuming enough to prepare your cocker for show, to then have it covered in mud/dust/grass is very frustrating. Another type of venue that I also dislike are the riding schools, great for horses, not for a coated breed :-
Having said that I must admit to feeling a slight touch of melancholy that with Richmond Ch Show looming its the last outdoor show (for me at least). Back to being cramped up together inside leisure centres etc. for the next few months.
Hey ho, what we do for fun