Seems a bit contradictory .... maybe it's changed .... so Dynamic this Porsche World.
CASTLE HEDINGHAM SUN SEP 7 2014
- Thread starter Melv
- Start date
Was this event ever within the club ? (Before my time !)
If so, why did they let it walk ?
Isn't there a potentially symbiotic relationship for all interested in the origins of Porsche ?
Why should the organiser try to do more than what he does well ? Probably because this is what really "turns him on" ??
Why are the DDK and Impact Bumper sites so strong by comparison to their equivalent Forums on the PCGB site ?
I really can't see how the narrow view expressed helps PCGB at all ... because in the argument, everybody loses.
Unfortunately Jason, in poking fun, you just stoke the temperature, for what ?
pauljmcnulty
Active member
Yes. Porsche instituted three "national" events instead of our traditional one, and we went along with it for some reason. They were the early-years, middle years, and the Boxter and Beyond for the "modern" cars. Part of the COC money was for these events, as I understand it.
It didn't work, as you have, perhaps, 2000 people at most at an annual event. Divide that in to three, confuse the hell out of them by calling it "middle years" or "Boxster and beyond", and you have more marshalls that paying guests. Seriously, it was that bad at the Silverstone middle-years event, as we'd also all just been to Silverstone for the Classic. I'd guess less that 100 cars turned up, which was embarrasing given that we had the entire PEC to fill. [&o]
As it didn't work, we haven't repeated it: one National event is all we need, and everyone is equally welcome from the humblest 924 to the rarest 964 RS. All good friends, in one place, not splitting in to little cliques.
Classics at the Castle has been officially backed by Porsche as an independant "early years only" event, with funding taken away from the Club and given directly to the organisers. Again, that's my understanding, so if I'm wrong I apologise. Reading the recent board minutes it's clear that conflict of interest is a problem they are tackling at the moment. It's a real issue for me personally, as I think the volunteers do an incredible job and they are let down if one person sets up private events outside of the Club. Whatever the reasons, bring it back in as a Club event if we're going to support it financially?
I've never met the person involved, at a single worker's conference or AGM, in ten years, and I don't think he's attended in his Club role. That says it all to me, but I appreciate that most people just turn up, pay their money and enjoy the event at Heddingham. I understand I'm on my own in thinking Club volunteers should put the Club first, or stand aside if they want to go in to a commercial venture. [&o]
I think if my memory serves me corrrectly, he was club chairman before Paul kelley? I would guess he feels he's done his bit for AGM's and workers confrences.
Paul
You are not alone in your thoughts re this event or the organisers. Much has been written (yes some by me) on previous Posts. Just take a look http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=560563&mpage=2&key=hedingham
I do recall writing re the Three events a year. Something along the lines:- What would have happened if following the example of the Organisers of the EARLY YEARS event two Register secretary's think? I'll have some of that for my event. Example:-
- The 996 Register Johnny McGirl organised his own event for the MODERN YEARS cars. He also used the club resources and sold tickets ran the event along the same lines as the EARLY YEARS event had been run.
- Right thought the 993 Register Secretary Maurice Piper. They have let the EARLY YEARS guy do his own thing! Now the MODERN CARS have followed. I'm not towing the line - and off the MIDDLE YEARS event went the same way as the other two.
I'm sure the Club would not have allowed the above to happen. If they had what would have been the point in belonging to the club which let its (at that time) three main events sale out of the window to be run privately?
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Im not sure of the current situation with the Early years event. Has this event been 'reeled back' into line!
MJB
New member
Just to return to the beginning of this thread with the above, perhaps if the 'uninformed' had been informed when they asked questions about this event then the 'negativity' would not still be resounding?
BTW, piecing together the published information PCGB seems to have lost £2650 on its attendance this year.
I think Paul Mc makes a very fair point when he proposes a single annual even which is all inclusive and can by the effort of all, create a real focus for the club as a whole.
My view is that if others choose to organise more focussed events and can do it successfully, power to elbow.
I would hope that this would not exclude them from contributing also to the annual event where they wish to and can.
As I would hope that none of the above would exclude PCGB having a presence at the specialist events.
Nobody can afford to waste money by dividing themselves into too many parts, as it would also be a folly to ask too much of their volunteers.
The 964RS group is uniquely participative and dare I say it, passionate.
If we can encourage other groups in any way, why not ? And to be thanked for our involvement where we do bring an extra something by our participation, well that is very nice, thank-you Fred [
]
Nothing wrong with this exchange of views, --- 'but nothing to fall out over.
It should all be for the fun ...
My view is that if others choose to organise more focussed events and can do it successfully, power to elbow.
I would hope that this would not exclude them from contributing also to the annual event where they wish to and can.
As I would hope that none of the above would exclude PCGB having a presence at the specialist events.
Nobody can afford to waste money by dividing themselves into too many parts, as it would also be a folly to ask too much of their volunteers.
The 964RS group is uniquely participative and dare I say it, passionate.
If we can encourage other groups in any way, why not ? And to be thanked for our involvement where we do bring an extra something by our participation, well that is very nice, thank-you Fred [
]Nothing wrong with this exchange of views, --- 'but nothing to fall out over.
It should all be for the fun ...
ORIGINAL: Melv
Guys -I posted a copy of an e-mail THANKING us for our efforts -kinda wished I hadn't fucking bothered......[
So we are welcome back next year .... [
]
jason
New member
Because sometimes someone has to play devils advocate, make people think outside of the box, question the norm and get them passionate enough to say what they really feel and think.
Otherwise you continue to have a dull blinkered group not moving forward and failing to understand or appreciate why.
Not my problem, nor my club, but happy to get you all at least to think about things and develop intelligent debate.
And the 964RS forum on here is the one place people are not scared to say what they believe and are enthusiasts first and foremost.
Which is the one reason I still log on and read it...
If the temperature gets to hot, open a window[
]Merry Xmas everyone!![
]
stultorum calami carbones moenia chartae ......
Just had a wonderful Christmas afternoon nap before starting again so had time to see what the world I'd doing.
To my mind Hedingham is one of the premier events of the calendar and the Club SHOULD suppprt it. I don't see the expense as a loss but an investment.
I don't understand why there is no interest I'm early cars on this forum, we should ask the early owners? The club is a broad church and we should embrace all of it including those bits outside of the club.
To my mind Hedingham is one of the premier events of the calendar and the Club SHOULD suppprt it. I don't see the expense as a loss but an investment.
I don't understand why there is no interest I'm early cars on this forum, we should ask the early owners? The club is a broad church and we should embrace all of it including those bits outside of the club.
There is no doubt this event aimed at the very early cars is a must. Not sure why the club should make a loss, or does the Club underwrite the whole event from, Health and Safety, Trade Stands, Catering,Ticketing? If so maybe a better renumeration package needs to be negotiated.
As far the exclusion of certain models in the Porsche range on the top lawn, as with many other shows, this is era and model specific, cant see what the problem is. I would not dream of gate crashing a non themed showed to my Porsche's, but happily go to the car park as I have done simples .... look forward to displaying again and parading up the hill.
Tantum est ut Hospitabitur vos .....[
]
chrishak
New member
Isn't it remarkable, it doen't matter how successful an club event is, or how many members enjoy it, there are always going to be naysayers complaining on the forum!ORIGINAL: Melv
Guys -I posted a copy of an e-mail THANKING us for our efforts -kinda wished I hadn't fucking bothered......[
Let's hope 2014 brings a more positive attitude.
HAPPY new year!
ORIGINAL: chrishak
Isn't it remarkable, it doen't matter how successful an club event is, or how many members enjoy it, there are always going to be naysayers complaining on the forum!ORIGINAL: Melv
Guys -I posted a copy of an e-mail THANKING us for our efforts -kinda wished I hadn't fucking bothered......[
Let's hope 2014 brings a more positive attitude.
HAPPY new year!
(Paul and John you are not alone)
Sorry Chris CATC is NOT a club event, it's a 3rd party event that the club chooses to promote.
Des, the reason why the club makes a loss is the club has to pay for it's pitch, staff expenses etc in the same way as it does for the Festival of Speed.
Melv your comment re: 944 albeit in jest is not appreciated; we invested a great deal of time trying to encourage new members into the club regardless of the Porsche they drive. It isn't a 911, Classics only club.
Des, (yes I noticed your Waitrose comment and you should also know better); Personally I'd rather have a 1999 Silver "˜Waitrose Visiting' Boxster owning member turn up at event who is passionate about his car in uses it every day than an owner of a Porsche on a limited mileage policy and posts to let everyone know his car has gone up in value since last week.
.... and even you accept that the likes of Alznen and RUF aren't strictly true to the Porsche brand yet we welcome them all them same event, even into the same car park. (I know Jason, Classics and Moderns and Modified all playing nicely together in the same field shocking)
Paul rightly states where this all this 'Club fragmentation' came from and until the club stands on it's own feet and doesn't accept the big check from Porsche the club will always do what it is told.
Is it not surprising why so many non-911 owners have left the club this year. The clubs half hearted apology at the workers conference about the lack anything substantial for non-911 owners (about 30% of the club and 25% of our region) may explain why. Yes a birthday year but the club isn't a 911 club and it's the 30% who keep the lights switched on.
Oh, almost forgot, Jason 'Guest of the Club' yes I know you were a member, you have your own reasons for leaving our 'Happy Club' and it would appear your own agenda. However, your continued sniping at the club and the way it's run actually breaks the forum rules (Material that is offensive or rude or overly critical of the Club, its officers, its members, suppliers or partners should be dealt with; material that is irrelevant to the Porsche Club GB should be dealt with; material that is unsuitable should be dealt with).
I am not knocking the CATC event, FH saw a business opportunity and took it and as it's his event he gets to choose who is invited and where they park. Not surprising the more models he invites the more money he makes. (not talking about parking here). Should this event be run by the club, debatable but not without making it an inclusive event (Even Waitirose visiting Boxster owners like nice parking).
Of note regarding rarity, as FH seems to make exceptions, my Limited Edition Boxster S (Orange Edition), (For those model number spotters 987 340) is the only one of it's type in Europe (250 worldwide) and LHD so a proper Porsche [8D]. Obviously it's going to have some of the CATC attendees frowning but don't knock it until you've seen it [
]Finally (ish) is there a conflict of interest between FH and the club ...... ouch makes my head hurt. Jury's out on this one.
chrishak
New member
I understand that CATC isn't a PCGB event per se, but it is an event that our current board has decided (quite rightly, in my opinion) that the club should support. It is undoubtedly the highest regarded UK Porsche event internationally and FH should be applauded for his efforts. Yes, it is an event aimed at pre '73 Porsches (but NOT exclusively 911's) and as such owners of later cars (including my '88 911) tend to be parked in the adjoining field, which is all of five minutes away from the main arena, but in my mind, that merely adds to the appeal of the cars at the show - they are not 'diluted' by having a mind-boggling array of cars on display.
The fact is that without a presence at events such as CATC and to a lesser extent, the Festival of Speed (which is even closer to my heart) PCGB would just be another 'car club', with bearded members mumbling into their beer following the latest treasure hunt. Plus, they bring a great deal of pleasure to a large number of members. Unfortunately there is a cost to the club, but what are the funds for...?
Lastly, there has been mention of the failed attempts to hold events specifically aimed at post '73 and water-cooled models. Maybe rather than criticising Fred and the clubs presence at his event, the organisers should be asking him for advice on holding a period or model specific event...
jason
New member
No agenda while I was a member Nick, still no agenda now.
Just passionate about Porsche and Porsche events.
I do like to stoke the fire to get some good ol debate going on what works, what doesn't and why though. Seems to have worked here again. []
Don't take it personally. I wind everyone up. Always have, always will. But its just tongue in cheek clowning banter.
I may sing the praises of DDK these days as Im more into the older cars nowadays but over there I wind them up just as much lol[]
PCGB will never please everyone. It's not possible. Too many members and too diverse an ownership and models.
I hope going forward it just focuses on when it does something it does it right.
With an enthusiastic strong driven committee it has the potential through its size and financial viability to be an amazing club....
Just passionate about Porsche and Porsche events.
I do like to stoke the fire to get some good ol debate going on what works, what doesn't and why though. Seems to have worked here again. [
]Don't take it personally. I wind everyone up. Always have, always will. But its just tongue in cheek clowning banter.
I may sing the praises of DDK these days as Im more into the older cars nowadays but over there I wind them up just as much lol[
]PCGB will never please everyone. It's not possible. Too many members and too diverse an ownership and models.
I hope going forward it just focuses on when it does something it does it right.
With an enthusiastic strong driven committee it has the potential through its size and financial viability to be an amazing club....
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