To Renew or, Not Renew.....
- Thread starter Ex Skyline
- Start date
Ex Skyline
New member
Thank you all for your much supportive comments Gentlemen [
]. First of all, I never said anything about leaving the forum, far from it. Someone has to sort out next years "Brighton Bash" [][8D]!!
Paul, I actually said that the 944 part of the forum is EXCELLENT! And, in any case "Drama" is my middle name []!
Tref, you are fortunate to belong to a active, "buzzing" region.....I don't. Mine is BORING []!
Tref, (again), "Sarcastic Bu99er" []!!
Jon', See ya tomorrow [][8D]!
Melv', You're an exception to the rule, obviously [].
Andy'," Great minds think alike" []!
Pete'. [8D]
]. First of all, I never said anything about leaving the forum, far from it. Someone has to sort out next years "Brighton Bash" [][8D]!! Paul, I actually said that the 944 part of the forum is EXCELLENT! And, in any case "Drama" is my middle name [
]!Tref, you are fortunate to belong to a active, "buzzing" region.....I don't. Mine is BORING [
]! Tref, (again), "Sarcastic Bu99er" [
]!!Jon', See ya tomorrow [
][8D]!Melv', You're an exception to the rule, obviously [
].Andy'," Great minds think alike" [
]!Pete'. [8D]
I've decided, I'm rejoining, my local group would be lost without my wit and banter........if only it wasn't always dark and wet on club nights []
Paul
And Tref, well worded post which did help my decision, you will also be pleased to know we have a 15 car pitch at Dinslaken 2014.
]Paul
And Tref, well worded post which did help my decision, you will also be pleased to know we have a 15 car pitch at Dinslaken 2014.
MartinRS2K
Active member
ORIGINAL: PAUL RUDDY
I've decided, I'm rejoining, my local group would be lost without my wit and banter........if only it wasn't always dark and wet on club nights [
Paul
And Tref, well worded post which did help my decision, you will also be pleased to know we have a 15 car pitch at Dinslaken 2014.
If your staying I'll get my coat [
]Logo for the Euro Tour getting closer [
]
A percentage is allocated to Regions. As a rule of thumb it is £2 per member per year with smaller Regions getting more and larger ones being capped.
ORIGINAL: PAUL RUDDY
I've decided, I'm rejoining, my local group would be lost without my wit and banter........if only it wasn't always dark and wet on club nights [
Paul
And Tref, well worded post which did help my decision, you will also be pleased to know we have a 15 car pitch at Dinslaken 2014.
Brilliant, on both counts! I think so far the number of cars from Dorset is two... I'll work on that[
]All we need to do now is convince Pete that I was serious about him standing for RO... you wouldn't have to do it all alone Pete, and Sussex has some fantastic opportunities for events... Of course, I'm saying this, the role might be filled for all I know... in which case, go and see what the new regime is bringing... and influence it;-)
Indi9xx
New member
Yeah Geoff, thats what Tref had said, and I will say again, that is actually really good.. Although, I do wonder, if the club charged an extra £10 on membership, and gave £12 per member to the local region, it might have a positive impact on the membership levels... I don't think anyone has mentioned that the membership price is an issue, but some have said that the local region does not entice them to get involved locally, yet getting involved seems to be the truely way to get something from membership, and that £10 extra per local member, might be enough for the local RO's to have the funds to make that difference... Even if it just gives them the budget to send out a monthly local flyer to members saying whats on, and to invite them to the meeting on their birthday for a drink "on the club".. as once they have come along, they might feel welcomed and involved..... Or.. I could be talking tosh
We don't need the extra £10 Jon... we can't find enough ways to spend what we have! OK, buying drinks is, I think quite reasonably, excluded from legitimate use of club funds![] The other thing that has to be remembered is that all the organising is done by volunteers, so even sending out a monthly reminder is a bit of a faff... we do, however, have a stalwart member that looks after that kind of thing and emails out what is on... Data protection act means that you have to come along to one meeting at least to get on his mailing list though! We already do an annual flier, that sometimes gets updated at some point through the year with a diary of events... trouble with that is it so quickly goes out of date with so much being added all the time...
Of course, I should point out that Dorset is the best region in the country, so don't expect this kind of stuff from any old region[][]
] The other thing that has to be remembered is that all the organising is done by volunteers, so even sending out a monthly reminder is a bit of a faff... we do, however, have a stalwart member that looks after that kind of thing and emails out what is on... Data protection act means that you have to come along to one meeting at least to get on his mailing list though! We already do an annual flier, that sometimes gets updated at some point through the year with a diary of events... trouble with that is it so quickly goes out of date with so much being added all the time...Of course, I should point out that Dorset is the best region in the country, so don't expect this kind of stuff from any old region[
][]Ex Skyline
New member
Yes Tref, I heard all about region 17 from Jon' this morning []! Sounds like a right Hoot [8D][]!!
]! Sounds like a right Hoot [8D][]!!Ex Skyline
New member
ORIGINAL: tref
ORIGINAL: PAUL RUDDY
I've decided, I'm rejoining, my local group would be lost without my wit and banter........if only it wasn't always dark and wet on club nights [
Paul
And Tref, well worded post which did help my decision, you will also be pleased to know we have a 15 car pitch at Dinslaken 2014.
Brilliant, on both counts! I think so far the number of cars from Dorset is two... I'll work on that[
All we need to do now is convince Pete that I was serious about him standing for RO... you wouldn't have to do it all alone Pete, and Sussex has some fantastic opportunities for events... Of course, I'm saying this, the role might be filled for all I know... in which case, go and see what the new regime is bringing... and influence it;-)
Hmmm.........I'll give it a bit of thought [8|]. Do you get free membership as a RO [
]?
pauljmcnulty
Active member
Not exactly. ROs and RSs get their membership refunded after a year as a contribution towards costs, and can claim some limited expenses so long as they are VERY carefully justified.
Trust me, you will spend an incredible amount of time that's not paid for, and you'll have to be 100% sure you can commit that time or it's not worth starting. Many regions now have a team, and that's a better way to do it: you might have many hundreds of people to deal with.
Are you seriously thinking of it? I was pretty much "volunteered", rather than choosing the role, but it's incredibly rewarding most of the time. I'd say go for it, and at least be part of either a region or register team. [
]On another topic....
I've been thinking about it a lot recently, as it's been nearly ten years now and I don't know if there comes a point where you get "stale", and need to step aside? I think experience counts for a lot with the registers, as car knowledge is half the battle, but I'm no technical expert and perhaps the 944s need that as more of a focus? More technical assistants would be a help, but that's a lot to ask from the indies as it's essentially advice for free. Jon? [&:]
I probably have more "passion" for the model than when I started, as it's beginning to move from cheap ebay-special to real status as a rare Porsche (when in good condition). That's why I tend to get a bit grumpy when people suggest that the average PCGB member is snobby about 944s, when in fact it's usually the opposite.
I suppose I've laid my cards on the table on this thread to some extent. I see the 944 community in some danger of losing what we have and fragmenting, due to the sheer number of places you can now talk to other owners. Personally I think it's worth bringing things more together between us and Tipec, to include all the various new groups such as on FB etc., and to try to create one overall community that might have more benefit for us all. If I'm wrong, and anyone feels they have a better way to move forward, then to be honest I'm not averse to someone else taking it on.
I must admit I'm depressed with any loss of members, rather than them getting involved and changing things. Speaking to other Register Secs at the conference we are losing less than some other Registers by proportion. But, to me every person lost, other than when selling the car, is a real blow as it means the Club has done something wrong, and it was on my watch. The issue is that so few people ever pick up the phone and suggest what they'd like us to do for them, so it's hard to know how to improve things with near-zero feedback.
Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly happy to keep doing what I do if that's what's wanted. My concern is if there is someone out there who has great ideas but hasn't offered them, in which case I'm happy to let you have a turn! [
]Paul, at the risk of this all sounding like mutual back-slapping, I would point out that my "bigging up" of the Dorset region was inspired by the way you made the 944 register what it was back in the tenure of David Newton. I was impressed, at this year's workers conference, by your ability to step back from the club, and see that there might be a different architecture which might be more effective. The fact that your register is hemorrhaging members less than elsewhere suggests you are on the right track surely? I'd like to say you have nothing to be depressed about, but I must admit that every member lost cuts like a knife - I know the feeling only too well, but it doesn't mean you're not at the top of the game. (Jeez, how many cliches and double negatives can I get in a post?).
Pete, if you are just a teeny-weeny bit tempted by the idea of becoming an RO, then give me a call and let me convince you! It doesn't have to be that much work, and if you have the same fears as Paul is showing here - the risk he is in place when there could be a better candidate, do what we do in Dorset, a "mini AGM" to ensure that all those in the region get the opportunity to get rid of the incumbent if they are not performing (no, not that kind of AGM, it takes about 5 minutes, and is quite a giggle, but it does keep it democratic)... Ok... I've got to stop waffling and get to bed... 10:30am Breakfast at Compton Abbas airfield tomorrow morning with a bunch of mates from the PCGB! 944s welcome[]
Pete, if you are just a teeny-weeny bit tempted by the idea of becoming an RO, then give me a call and let me convince you! It doesn't have to be that much work, and if you have the same fears as Paul is showing here - the risk he is in place when there could be a better candidate, do what we do in Dorset, a "mini AGM" to ensure that all those in the region get the opportunity to get rid of the incumbent if they are not performing (no, not that kind of AGM, it takes about 5 minutes, and is quite a giggle, but it does keep it democratic)... Ok... I've got to stop waffling and get to bed... 10:30am Breakfast at Compton Abbas airfield tomorrow morning with a bunch of mates from the PCGB! 944s welcome[
]Ex Skyline
New member
Paul, I was only joking about the free membership []. I actually think you do a great job as 944 register top honcho and, I would be very happy to help if you need it []. To be fair and, totally honest, I get very little free time but, wouldn't mind helping the club out if need be, with what little spare time I do have. I think tref's Idea of a small group running thing's as opposed to a single individual is a sound one. Most defo' the way forward (who was it that said "The can is lighter when there's Two to carry it")? It would be good to inject some new enthusiastic blood into R23. Maybe making it more Motorsport based, going to event's and Race meeting's, Le mans, The Nurburgring, Go-Karting, that sort of thing. Something a bit more satisfying than visiting "Stately Homes" (except maybe Beaulieu or one or two other Motorsport based ones). I don't even know how many Porsche owners there are in R23 and, how many of these are Transaxle owners. It could be a good thing to sort out a group within a group or, a sort of register within a register (Locally I mean), It wouldn't have to be a threat to the club or, register as a whole, just to find out who's who locally and, what they drive and, If there happens to be too many 911's then, set fire to them []!! ONLY JOKING []!! In any event, I appear to be waffling so I'll take a breather []. Over and Out []!
]. I actually think you do a great job as 944 register top honcho and, I would be very happy to help if you need it []. To be fair and, totally honest, I get very little free time but, wouldn't mind helping the club out if need be, with what little spare time I do have. I think tref's Idea of a small group running thing's as opposed to a single individual is a sound one. Most defo' the way forward (who was it that said "The can is lighter when there's Two to carry it")? It would be good to inject some new enthusiastic blood into R23. Maybe making it more Motorsport based, going to event's and Race meeting's, Le mans, The Nurburgring, Go-Karting, that sort of thing. Something a bit more satisfying than visiting "Stately Homes" (except maybe Beaulieu or one or two other Motorsport based ones). I don't even know how many Porsche owners there are in R23 and, how many of these are Transaxle owners. It could be a good thing to sort out a group within a group or, a sort of register within a register (Locally I mean), It wouldn't have to be a threat to the club or, register as a whole, just to find out who's who locally and, what they drive and, If there happens to be too many 911's then, set fire to them []!! ONLY JOKING []!! In any event, I appear to be waffling so I'll take a breather []. Over and Out []!
It wouldn't help.
(1) most Regions do not spend their current buget.
(2) Regional meetings are not well attended on the wholeand I say that as an ex R/O and ex Regional Director.
(3) It would encourage the wrong type of members to take on the job as R/O. Those who are tempted by the cash. The current crop of R/O's would be pressued into spending money (your money) on unnecessary items.
(4) What about Registers?
The correct move in these hard times is to keep membership fees down. There is nothing like an increase in fees to cause a drop in numbers.
Geoff Ives
Formally Register Secretary,
Register Director,
Events Director,
Director without portfolio,
Regional Organiser,
Regional Director.
MartinRS2K
Active member
Geoff, I am in R18 which is split into 2 due to the size of our Region (Cumbria and Lancashire) we have our meetings at different locations in the North of Cumbria around Penrith, Keswick etc. and in general they are well attended (included Mr Parker from OPC Kendal). The South hold their meetings in Carnforth and these are also well supported.
But I don't see any money being spent on our North Members as it is controlled by the South. I am not suggesting anything untoward, but it does feel like a them and us financially. We organised a small concours at our Show in Dalmain in the Summer and around 10 of us put money in to buy a trophy and some prizes out of our own pocket. We are also looking at getting some banners made at our own cost!!
Is there any information regarding membership numbers in Cumbria for R18 so we know how many we have and what contribution we should receive?
But I don't see any money being spent on our North Members as it is controlled by the South. I am not suggesting anything untoward, but it does feel like a them and us financially. We organised a small concours at our Show in Dalmain in the Summer and around 10 of us put money in to buy a trophy and some prizes out of our own pocket. We are also looking at getting some banners made at our own cost!!
Is there any information regarding membership numbers in Cumbria for R18 so we know how many we have and what contribution we should receive?
Indi9xx
New member
So the real problem is to A: How to get members to turn up to meetings and events, so they get the most from membership, and B: Poll those members who turn up, even if only once, on what interests them and what would make them more likely to turn up.
I think the same problem is apparent with tipec members I talk to, so it is not a unique problem, and I do not have the answers.. But I think that in any club, the members who do not turn up to meetings should be actively encorraged to turn up, be made welcome, as those are the members that are most likely to not renew.
Ex Skyline
New member
Ah, I've been sussed out by Geoff Ives []. I'd defo' be the wrong type of person to apply for the R/O post. I would only be doing it for the money (Your money no less). I don't think i'd be able to keep my fingers out of the till. Probably rob the club blind. I'd best not bother [8|].
]. I'd defo' be the wrong type of person to apply for the R/O post. I would only be doing it for the money (Your money no less). I don't think i'd be able to keep my fingers out of the till. Probably rob the club blind. I'd best not bother [8|].
That wasn't my point.
I do not suggest that anyone would want to line their pockets After all if that was the case a person of that ilk could do better elswhere.
My suggestion is that the 'power' that comes with control of funds could attract the wrong people.
My other point was that it would be unfair to Registers to put large funds at the control of Regions while a R/S has to go 'cap in hand' to get anything.
Remember, I have been in both camps as Register Director (2000 to 2004) the R/S's had to come to me for funding whereas during my (short) time as Regional Director the R/S's didn't.
We have had occaisions of un apropriate use of funds and a larger pot of cash would make things worse.
I do not suggest that anyone would want to line their pockets After all if that was the case a person of that ilk could do better elswhere.
My suggestion is that the 'power' that comes with control of funds could attract the wrong people.
My other point was that it would be unfair to Registers to put large funds at the control of Regions while a R/S has to go 'cap in hand' to get anything.
Remember, I have been in both camps as Register Director (2000 to 2004) the R/S's had to come to me for funding whereas during my (short) time as Regional Director the R/S's didn't.
We have had occaisions of un apropriate use of funds and a larger pot of cash would make things worse.
pauljmcnulty
Active member
Hi Martin,
As the regions all get the same money allocated per member they have, it can't possibly be biased to the South? If anything, the benefit is to the Northern regions where costs are so much less!
It seems a very fair system. If I choose to move to another region as they do the job better, the money follows me. In reality, the money makes prety much zero difference to regions, as the volunteers are just so bloody good at making local events pay for themselves, or even turn a profit. The only time the Club really has to invest massive amounts of money is in the National events that seem fantastic when you speak to people who were there, but in reality cost hundreds of thousands to stage. Brands Hatch, the 50th at the RAC, those sort of events.
Why are you buying your own trophies and banners? Who spoke to the Region Director about it, as we've often been told there is money available for things like that? It's also a perfect opportunity for a local business to get VERY cheap advertising by sponsoring the odd trophy. No region needs to be worrying about money, there is plenty available if the request is put forward with a decent plan.
I'm confused why you ask about numbers in the Region. The RO will have all that info updated monthly. [8|]
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