A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Calvin Andrew, 20-Jun-2006, 10:00pm
John,
wow, that sounds great, i really miss the timed autotests of old in the Stafford paddock.
Although we usually came last because my wife can't throw a beanbag at a tennis ball on a cone.
But the idea of runs out into the country is cool too.
COM should take note i believe,
Calvin
wow, that sounds great, i really miss the timed autotests of old in the Stafford paddock.
Although we usually came last because my wife can't throw a beanbag at a tennis ball on a cone.
But the idea of runs out into the country is cool too.
COM should take note i believe,
Calvin
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A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Claire Hill, 20-Jun-2006, 11:23pm
I am sure that there is at least one run out planned for the International this year. Check out your June issue of the Courier (can't check mine at minute - in car which has just failed it's MOT- aarrgghh!)-
A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Chris Mills, 21-Jun-2006, 07:29am
As Claire correctly suggests
There is a Secnic run around the Staffordshire countryside, brief details in June's and July's Courier
Details of the run can be obtained fron the club stand or the gate at the event.
Cheers
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A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Leon Guyot, 21-Jun-2006, 00:12am
John,
The U.S. VTR type events are great fun to participate in, but the cost!
Remember, over her people get about 2 weeks annual leave year if they are lucky, although it has to be said that many of those attending the events are superannuated, so that is less of a problem, also the VTR annual convention moves around the United States each year, and some people travel thousands of miles to attend, often with their 'trailer queens' hauled behind their R.V's, or SUVs.
The registration for the event is around $100 per person, plus about another $70 for the (black tie) presentation dinner.
Accomodation is available at the host hotel, and the least expensive room is about $75-90/night x 4 nights remember.
Triumphest is run on a similar principle, which is why I didn't attend last year.
Yes, they sound great and you get to meet some fantastic Triumph enthusiasts, and there are often ways to save money, like staying locally with Triumph friends, or camping - at an affordable KOA kampground (sic).
I am not saying that they aren't worth the money, yes they are, but you have to have it in the first place!
Any further questions about these events?
Just ask me and I will do my best to advise, or point you at someone else who can do so better than me!
Best Regards
L&195;&169;on
p.s. the concours standards are very high, and I wouldn't get anywhere in a VTR concours, because my car is way too non-standard, but that's OK, I have won a trophy at all five of the last five shows I have entered, although my paint is now 10 years old, so the end of collecting more things to polish must be approaching!
L
The U.S. VTR type events are great fun to participate in, but the cost!
Remember, over her people get about 2 weeks annual leave year if they are lucky, although it has to be said that many of those attending the events are superannuated, so that is less of a problem, also the VTR annual convention moves around the United States each year, and some people travel thousands of miles to attend, often with their 'trailer queens' hauled behind their R.V's, or SUVs.
The registration for the event is around $100 per person, plus about another $70 for the (black tie) presentation dinner.
Accomodation is available at the host hotel, and the least expensive room is about $75-90/night x 4 nights remember.
Triumphest is run on a similar principle, which is why I didn't attend last year.
Yes, they sound great and you get to meet some fantastic Triumph enthusiasts, and there are often ways to save money, like staying locally with Triumph friends, or camping - at an affordable KOA kampground (sic).
I am not saying that they aren't worth the money, yes they are, but you have to have it in the first place!
Any further questions about these events?
Just ask me and I will do my best to advise, or point you at someone else who can do so better than me!
Best Regards
L&195;&169;on
p.s. the concours standards are very high, and I wouldn't get anywhere in a VTR concours, because my car is way too non-standard, but that's OK, I have won a trophy at all five of the last five shows I have entered, although my paint is now 10 years old, so the end of collecting more things to polish must be approaching!
L
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A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Nigel Gibbins, 21-Jun-2006, 07:38am
I was thinking that all those exampes/suggestions were going to have a cost!
Up to $280 I think for the 4 day event... (&163;152 at current rate if you attended the event).
Even running a 2 day event like that at our international would be would command a heafthy price tag I suspect???
But of course we may decide it's worth it !-
A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Philip Willcocks, 21-Jun-2006, 01:34pm
Well yes on the face of it it looks expensive, but also consider that the membership is aging and may not only want more comfort but probably has more disposable income than previous years.
Le Mans may be a case in point; the average spend per head for tickets, camping and regalia is around &163;100. This is in addition to the ferry and petrol.
So maybe its time to look at more comfortable alternatives with discernable features?
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A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Nigel Gibbins, 21-Jun-2006, 01:44pm
Like this?
A model for the Future of Stafford -
A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Colin Wake, 21-Jun-2006, 01:46pm
A hot tent in a dusty old field in the middle of France a more Comfortable alternative????
Of course it is!!!
And we still have plenty of camping spaces available so come on down!!!!!
Colin-
A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Kevin Rochfort, 21-Jun-2006, 01:54pm
After a few too many cold beers, that hot tent in dusty field in France will feel just the same as a 5 star hotel
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A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Claire Hill, 21-Jun-2006, 02:03pm
too many beers - hot tent - dusty field
sounds just like Stafford last year!
ROLL ON 8-9th JULY!!!!
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A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Garth Jupp, 21-Jun-2006, 02:46pm
I think there are a lot of good ideas in John's original posting, however as pointed out by Nigel these ideas and facilities cost money that most of the attendees of the International can't afford or will be willing to pay.
Having spent 6 months working in New England in 1997 and attending a few club meetings while I was there ( New England VTR) it was enlightening to see how different our cousins do everything. Even down to the meeting being a very formal affair with the speaker getting attention with a gavel! From my observations the Americans work hard and play hard, and are also willing to pay more for their play time.
I am sure however we can learn from the ideas and possibly embrace some of them in a suitably form ( to comply with any rules and regulations in the UK) Unfortunately some of the things that were available in the past at the International are now no longert possible due to current H&S rules and regulations.
When I organised the Isle of Wight camping weekends, we held an autogymkhana one year at the steam railway. This went down well with all of those that took part, however there are several issues with holding these fun activities. Firstly they are strictly controlled by the RAC MSA and as such not only do they cost the organisers money for the licenses but there is no guarantee that they will be granted. Secondly the equipment needed is considerable with traffic cones, fencing etc, lastly finding a willing landowner who does not mind hif grass being chewed up by the passage of the cars.-
A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Bill Goodwin, 22-Jun-2006, 04:03pm
First let me say: Their is no Cheap Hobby. Each of us know how much we can spend and what we will spend it for. The more events and attractions you add to any show will cost more. What's important here is what do the members want to be included. What will make them come and enjoy and be willing to pay extra for. The more you incluce the more people you will need to run them. That takes volenteers who will show up and do the work. Stafford is like any show here or overthier the final outcome is what the members make it. While I like rally's it takes the people to lay out the course, check point workers and the computer with clocks. These items are not cheap to buy. Then their is the ugley item, insurance. My local club has a autocross event each month. Again it takes equitpment and a large free paved space and the people to run it. While I can't speek for those of you overtheir I can say Leon is basic'ly correct about the time we have and our income levels. Remember most over here have Triumphs as a hobby and not daily dirvers. The distance to most shows are just too great for some of us to make. Like you some events we never miss and plan for them each year. Now is the time to let the club know what you want and how you want it done. If the members don't partake you can assume the outcome. Bill-
A model for the Future of Stafford
Posted By : Leon Guyot, 23-Jun-2006, 00:28am
Further to earlier postings on this subject, the TSSC International is much the way it is because it is the result of many years of evolution...
Donington Park, just a couple of fields beside an airport,
MOTEC in Shropshire - Government test facility,
Peterborough - a pretty nasty agricultural showground,
Cranfield - an airfield!
Stafford - pretty poor facilities in early years - much better now! (really)
It is held under cover due to some appaling weather in earlier years, the number of suitable venues in the UK is pretty dismal, with agricultural showgrounds booked up several years in advance.
That is the main problem for the organisers.
I used to camp, but discovered bed and breakfasting was much more civilised.
Camping is better when you are just attending, but when you are volunteering and working all day, or seriously entering the concours, then the comfort of a b&b gets way more attractive.
There are plenty of affordable b&b's in the numerous villages surrounding Stafford.
The idea of importing extra attractions like you find at VTR rallys is certainly a good idea, but in practice what is likely to happen is that the older, more affluent membership will be able to afford it, and the younger, more impercunious members will simply be driven away, which is precisely the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.
A dilemma, which I am sure will be pondered at length on these pages.
What does everyone else think?
I do not notice many contributors to this thread compared with the rather vocal critics of Stafford year on year?
Regards,
L&195;&169;on
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