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Stafford - The Aftermath!

Posted By : James Fotheringham, 08-Jul-2006, 07:38pm

Just returned from my first Staffy, and last!! (not because I hate it, but it is moving!)
Had a good time, nice to see all the 6's in the hall, got a nice tune up by er.. Tune Up! and Colin Lindsay said nice things about my car, can't be bad!!
Not enough traders for my liking, small auto jumble too!
Not enough time to troil my onions!

Stafford - The Aftermath!

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Stafford - The Aftermath!

Posted By : Ian Preece, 08-Jul-2006, 09:07pm

this show must surely be on it's way out now in it's current format. It's unrecognisable from how it was 10 years ago and over the last 5 years I've noticed a steady decline year upon year. Its a real shame but I guess, a sign of the times.
Traders aren't going to lug loads of gear to Stafford when they can sell it over the internet, the membership is getting older and the cars, fewer in number.
There were some lovely GT6's there today but few Spitfires compared to previous years.
Many traders were missing and the autojumble was sparse.
It''l be interesting to see how the organisers respond to the current decline.
Perhaps combining it with a race day somewhere might be the answer.
I've no particular interest in racing my car or polishing it to within an inch of its life but I reckon if you can bring all the different elements together, you may have an event that will get the crowds returning, together with members of the public who may form an interest in Triumphs.
&163;9.00 for a day ticket for todays event was poor value I think.
Maybe all the clubs need to get together to put on larger events, it seems from todays show that small single club shows will suffer more and more in the future.
It's a shame about Stafford, I'll miss it when it's gone but I fear it is the end of an era.
- Stafford - The Aftermath!
  
  Posted By : Mathew Roberts, 08-Jul-2006, 10:01pm
  
  Well done for saying what needed to be said. I too went today and it looked empty, but i did get a few bargains.
  - Stafford - The Aftermath!
    
    Posted By : Steve Cureton, 08-Jul-2006, 10:32pm
    
    I'd like to say one positive thing about today, I though Steve did a great job in the arena, it can't be easy talking all day about cars and trying to tease information out of SOME of those drivers.
    - Stafford - The Aftermath!
      
      Posted By : Mathew Roberts, 08-Jul-2006, 11:02pm
      
      I have no doubt that everybody put in a lot of effort at stafford the club stand looked very good, it seemed well organised like every year. I don't know the answer, why it was so empty and not many traders or auto jumble. I do know some traders and lots of them have said in previous years they don't make enough money for the effort of going to stafford (ie we don't spend!). The problem could be revolving ie less traders = less people which = less traders! I went to autojumble at coventy this year it took half the time to get there and there was about ten times the amount spares ( it took me 6hours to travel to stafford and back).
- Stafford - The Aftermath!
  
  Posted By : Ron Hare, 09-Jul-2006, 05:20pm
  
  I think the event will still be at Stafford for the forseeable future but agree there needs to be changes to attract more people. A few people who attended the weekend for the first time said they were disappointed at the lack of stands and autojumble and some of those who went today said they thought it was expensive and not real value for money. However I am sure on the other hand that lots of people enjoyed the whole experience, especially those whose tent blew down in the middle of the night!!!!
  
  It has perhaps not helped with Le Mans being the same weekend as 10 cars went from our area alone but hopefully they will be back at Stafford next year.
  
  I agree it is not easy to organise such an event and there will never be one simple answer but I am sure the COM will take any suggestions from members for the future event, after all it is the members club.
  
  Lets stay positive and see what plans begin to unfold for the International 2007!
  
  Sue Hare
  South Yorks Area
Stafford - The Aftermath!

Posted By : Adrian Lee, 09-Jul-2006, 10:34am

The annual debate begins....i don't know the answer either,but let's not be too judgemental on the people who put time and effort into organising this event.
- Stafford - The Aftermath!
  
  Posted By : Ian Preece, 09-Jul-2006, 12:38pm
  
  non of the above messages have appeared to be 'judgemental' of the organisers.
  I feel that they do their best to put on the best show for the membership but that times are changing and the international weekend needs to change too or be lost forever.
  I personally don't believe that a few dinky cars and a scalextric track is going to encourage more visitors or traders to attend.
  The whole show needs a completely new format and maybe a change of venue.
  I would like it to stay at Stafford as it's only a 15 minute drive for me but it really needs to move to a more suitable site if it needs to evolve.
  It's up to us to put forward our ideas of what we want from the international weekend in the future and to help the organisers achieve this.
  Lets take the positives from the existing show and add to them but lets also identify the negatives and try to improve them.
  - Stafford - The Aftermath!
    
    Posted By : Stephen Coates, 09-Jul-2006, 07:53pm
    
    Hi, This is the first Stafford myself and my father have not attended since 1990. For me the early to mid 90's were the best years by far, there was a real buzz in the air in those days. I always felt that the general atmosphere started to fade in later years. Year by Year we saw the numbers fall dramatically and to be honest, last years poor attendance and the lack of cars on display in the building was the final straw. A few years back we attended the TR Registers international weekend at Malvern, and it brought home to us just how low attendence figures had become. The amount of cars on show at Malvern reminded how good Stafford used to be. Every year we kept hoping for things to improve, unfortunately it never did. In the early days there wasn't hardly any motor homes, something which has vastly increased in numbers, most people were happy to camp in a tent. Modern cars are now far greater in numbers, possibly outnumbering the Triumphs, which is a crying shame. Possibly changing the venue may help, I really don't know. It has been a sad decline for what was once the best Triumph show in the country, however I will always hold the early internationals with fond memories. Steve
    - Stafford - The Aftermath!
      
      Posted By : Debbie Lewis, 09-Jul-2006, 08:21pm
      
      I also attended my first stafford international this weekend. We camped over from friday night, and I thought the facilities were pretty good, and it is nice and central, I travelled from North Wales.
      
      We were a bit disappointed on the turn out, lack of traders and auto jumble, but well done to the people who did turn up, it cant be easy organising an event like that.. Perhaps some input or ideas from members as to what they would like to see to improve the event.
      
      Despite the poor turnout, we did enjoy the weekend, and our friend won a concours category.
      - Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Claire Hill, 09-Jul-2006, 08:57pm
        
        Can we just put to rest the idea that the event is to change from Stafford - It will remain there for AT LEAST the next two years.
      - Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Mark Lister, 09-Jul-2006, 08:59pm
        
        I went to Stafford last year on the Sunday so this year I went on the Saturday with my 15 year old son. I was disapointed with the entire show and the lack of people in the hall gave the feeling of a flea market. My car is a Spitfire but I enjoy seeing other models and there where very few other cars bar GT6's. My son was underwelmed and found nothing of interest and his comments on the model race track was not complementry, and his generation is the future for classic cars. The only car he liked was the TVR for sale outside.
        The catering was poor and expensive &163;1.20 for a can of coke and when I bought 2 at 2.30pm they where closing.
        I will not be going next year.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Mark Palmer, 09-Jul-2006, 09:33pm
        
        Given that many Triumph owners are now looking to Le Mans each year, perhaps we need to take a leaf from their book! Rather than Stafford, perhaps the venue should be changed to one where there's a race track. This would give extra impetus to the event, even if it's just to watch other cars racing for the weekend, like at Le Mans. And, if it doesn't coincide with with Le Mans, the numbers would be up straight away.
        
        Alos, as Teacher, I am only too aware that having the event just two weeks later in the year, many more families would be interested in attending, since kids are on hols - this is why I didn't attend.
        
        Mark.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Ron Hare, 09-Jul-2006, 10:02pm
        
        I agree that the catering always seems expensive but unfortunately I believe they come with the venue. Having attended other similar venues at has been the same. I think the only way to stop them charging extortionate prices is to boycott them and just do not buy it however, this needs to be done by everyone and of course this would just never happen
        
        As we camped we cooked our own breakfast which basically set us up for the day and we will be doing the same next year.
        
        Sue Hare
        South Yorks Area
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Tim Peacock, 09-Jul-2006, 10:51pm
        
        I agree with what has been said above. To organise an event like Stafford is a HUGE undertaking and the people putting in the hard work to make it happen for us are to be thanked and applauded.
        
        But...... I've been going to Stafford on and off since the early '90's and over the last few years it has declined. With it has the attendance of traders and the traders are the main reason I attend Stafford, and so I'm afraid I'll leave going for a couple of years to see if it picks up.
        
        Tim
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Ian Walker, 09-Jul-2006, 11:51pm
        
        Hi All,
        
        This was the first show my wife and I have attended since acquiring our Spitfire last November. Was very disappointed with what was on offer - &163;9 each for a day ticket was not good value - we both expected a lot more going on. Very few traders inside the main hall and with limited stock of any items you may have wanted. The main thing which made the day for us was meeting up with people from our local area Triumph club (Leicestershire & Rutland) who were camping for the weekend and made us most welcome.
        
        When you've paid &163;18 (plus petrol to get there) you'd expect a bit more for your money. As someone else as pointed out, the cost of sandwiches, drinks etc. from the cafe upstairs was extortionate - &163;2.20 each for a pack of two sandwiches!! - added insult to injury.
        
        Maybe more events going on in the arena or other attractions might help. I understand how much it must cost to hire out the showgrounds and all the efforts which go into organising such an event, but at the end of the day to attract people in, it must have some attractions to do it!! Simply relying on members to drive over in their Triumphs and leave them on show in the field for others to view is not good enough. Having the show clash with Le Mans was another faux pas.
        
        We did enjoy our day, but mainly due to the hospitality of our own group, the show itself was a bit of a letdown.
        
        Ian.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Phil Grimble, 10-Jul-2006, 06:32am
        
        I understand that one contributary factor in the numbers being down this year is that some members were asked NOT to go... why would that be?
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Steve Cureton, 10-Jul-2006, 08:52am
        
        Maybe the answer is to reduce the show to one day, perhaps there just isn't enough for two days anymore? At the same time we need to be mindful that the number of Triumph enthusiasts is finite, there are only so many Triumphs out there and only a percentage of these can make it to Stafford, so I think all considered it's still well supported.
        
        I was also a bit surprised at the lack of advertising, I haven't seen anything in Practical Classics or Classics Monthly which are probably the two most appropriate magazines, other than our own Courier, to let the world know about the event including non-Triumph but classic enthusiasts.
        
        Maybe it's worth putting out an appeal for people to volunteer to run small side shows, eg engine or gearbox strip down and rebuild, it needn't involve expensive parts but just demonstrate the principles involved for those who have never done it, I'm sure there must be plenty of spare engines and gearboxes out there that could be donated. I'd be up for helping with this (despite my amateurish mechanical skills) if someone can donate the units (I wish I'd thought of this suggestion a couple of months ago!).
        
        Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the hard work that goes in to organising this event, I think those involved deserve recognition for their very hard work, but if the event has to change then let's do it so people feel they're getting good value and feel it's worth turning up for, I'm sure the attendance will then look after itself.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Ian Smythe, 10-Jul-2006, 04:10pm
        
        this is not intended to criticise the people who have put there hardwork into orgainising stafford so lets outline that from the start.
        
        i brought my first triumph 3 years ago and it was in need of a full restoration.one visit to the international i had every part i needed to continue (&163;800.00 pounds lighter i must admit)and a list of potenetial suppliers of every thing i might need in the future.
        
        after my visit this year i just dont think this would have been possible had i been in the same situation although only 4 traders were missing it dosent quite outline how small the auto jumble was in the car park(usally a gold mine of good usable second hand parts)
        
        i appreciate this event is called the tssc international but i think it may be time to throw the gates open and have a triumph international where all triumph clubs could attend and hopefully raise an interest in all of our cars. i think this point may have been proved by the triumph show at stoneleigh in febuary you imagine how much interest that would create in the middle of july ive seen how much interest it creates in feb.
        
        i recently attended the mg international at silverstone and if we could bring all our forces together i belive we could create an awesome show that generates some much needed interest in our cars. unfortunatley stafford appears to be in decline based on what i have seen in the last 3 years and i hope we can all endavour to raise the profile of the triumph brand be it a TR spitfire or an acclaim.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Claire Hill, 10-Jul-2006, 05:01pm
        
        An invitation has today gone out to another Triumph Club and been provisonally accepted. I hope this to be the first of many.
Stafford - The Aftermath!

Posted By : Garry Lawless, 10-Jul-2006, 09:44am

Hi,

I no longer own a Triumph, but in the next few years that will change! So to satisfy my love of everything Triumph I come along the the TSSC international.

The show has changed since 1995 when I attended my first show, and I can appreciate that people are getting older and that there may be less cars that are roadworthy. I think there should be more of an effort from the local area groups in arranging mini events within the Stafford County Showground. I remember back in 1995 that there was a lot more going on, the "Mrs Blobby" Triumph Herald was one of them, the car had its steering rack reversed and pedals swapped round, then you had to negotiate a course without spilling water. Just little things like that entertained the crowd and youngsters could laugh at their parents driving skills!.

I know this year there was bad timing with the Classic Le Mans and Goodwood Festival of Speed all occurring over the same weekend, so numbers would be reduced, but I think the way forward is to have more mini events running alongside the main events of the TSSC International.

I would like to praise Steve Redway who ,as always, manages to talk about Triumphs in an entertaining way and always (well for me anyway!) provides some interesting fact that I'd never heard of. Well Done Steve.

Regards

Garry
- Stafford - The Aftermath!
  
  Posted By : Claire Hill, 10-Jul-2006, 10:20am
  
  Many thanks Steve (Cureton) for those suggestions, especially the offers of assistance with displays next year. I am keeping a record of all names and telephone numbers who have volunteered their services/ideas and will be in touch.
  
  I have received several phone calls this morning with other ideas and offers of help. I am easily contactable - my telephone number is in the Courier and my email address is tssc.notts@ntlworld.com.
  - Stafford - The Aftermath!
    
    Posted By : Claire Hill, 10-Jul-2006, 03:44pm
    
    In response to the number of traders at the International, we were four down on the numbers from last year - mainly due to Le Mans.
    - Stafford - The Aftermath!
      
      Posted By : Danial Phoenix, 10-Jul-2006, 04:09pm
      
      been on honymoon in herald, done 80 miles each day. went to a stafford show at end of honymoon. as it was our first, i was suprised at lack of traiders/autojumble too. and club prices compaird to them. but the people made it a nice stay, the ones we did pick up courage to speek to. nice to see all the cars and there proud owners, and the 100% restored cars which havent seen there wheels on a rea road in there life, whith inside wheel arhes impracticaly shinyer than most cars, great to see museum pieces on show like that. and then the loving restored ones that have been used so go for rougher wheelarch paint and cant get to every nook and crany to clean but try, was good fun, wasent expecting entertainment anyway, just cars people ans stuff for sale.
      
      After all them mile all week when i went home from the show it broke down, took of rocker cover and a push rod was not atached and has got nothing to atach to in bottom of engine, so removed spark plug lead and tried to get home on 3cylinders, but after a lot of noise and what sounded like another one come off it grinded to a hault belowing smoke from engine bay, opend bonet blew out flames from excess fuel, and all where id just been acros the m6 had a thick oil trail,
      
      so got recovery to take me home, now iv got to have a better look today at want new damage there is, and where the oil is from.which came out in abundance.
      
      annyone got a nice 2L engine? going verry cheap?
    - Stafford - The Aftermath!
      
      Posted By : Stephen Coates, 10-Jul-2006, 04:44pm
      
      Unfortunately the numbers of traders attending every year is declining, as is member attendance figures, it will not be long before there is a real problem. There will come a time when the international is no longer viable. And I have to say, &163;17.50 per person for a weekend price is very expensive when you look around at what's on offer. While I accept that it takes alot of effort to organise such a major event, I would certainly expect more value for money. Last years entry fee for my father and I was &163;35.00, plus &163;20 for petrol there (one way), food and drink, it quickly all adds up to a very costly weekend. By contrast the entry fee for the TR registers international weekend far cheaper, and in my view, a better show, sorry. Personally I don't think the Stafford international weekend will ever be as popular as it once was, but I could be wrong. As one member rightly says, there was a lot more happening in the early days to amuse people. Everything was also in one compact area, so everyone was together, the outdoor traders, the line up of cars, cars for sale etc. I felt that the show somehow felt flat compared to the old format, but maybe that's just me. Personally, I love the Stafford location, facilities have really improved over the years, but prehaps its time to call it a day. Steve
      - Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Ian Smythe, 10-Jul-2006, 05:29pm
        
        i dont think there should ever be a time when we should feel that we should call it a day.times change and with that we as a club need to change i personally will not criticise the members that have organised stafford because it was still a top day out enjoyed by myself and countless other members we the members are responsible for the direction of the tssc and if we do not offer suggestions or ideas things will unfortunatley go stale.the club has started to try to become more pro active with the new ideas (such as the kids club the very future of our cars and obssesion).i feel it is no longer the time to criticise and that it now the time to move forward and get behind the club.
        
        just excuse me why i get off this soapbox
      - Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Mark Palmer, 10-Jul-2006, 05:42pm
        
        Forgive my ignorance here, but I wasn't even aware that Stafford is a TSSC International weekend only! Are you guys saying that the weekend's just for us lot, or that because we set it up, it's focussed mainly for us, and no other club?? Whichever, I'm astonished! Why is their segregation amongst fellow Triumph owners? Regardless of numbers attending, whether small or big, shouldn't we be all together, supporting a fabulous historical marque, both nationally, and internationally.
        
        I often arrange international events for scout CLUBs, and they all love the national and international jamborees. The anticipation of going abroad, for example, is tantalising for them. Why don't we take a similar stance and utilise the vast skills and experience of the guys who already organise Stafford, and start going to other countries around Europe - afterall, it is supposed to be an 'international' weekend! With all the other members from Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark etc, it would be great to meet up with them, and see what happens! It's also a good excuse to travel far and wide in our cars! How about starting in N.Ireland next year - I've heard there's a guy over there with two fabulous red GT6's, and the beers great there too!
        
        Variety is the spice of life, so they say!
        
        Mark.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Martin Barlow, 10-Jul-2006, 06:38pm
        
        Very good point Mark.Having an interest in old motrbikes as well I attended the classic jap bike show late last year at Stafford and you would not believe its the same place-absolutely packed-parking across the road as the whole ground seemed full.It was however full of traders and I am certain that no singe make of bike would have that type of response.
        In answer to the prople who think &163;9 per day or &194;&163;17.50 for a full weekend is expensive I presume they never attend football.motor racing or any other type of event.The bike show is &163;10 for a very small display in Bingley hall,Newark auto jumble is now about&163;4.Iwould imagine the showground is not particularlt cheap to hire and the group on Saturday night would cost a four figure sum?I was very gratefull for the chance to unload some of my accumulation of valuable spares and thank everyone who purchased from me (silver transit van near the memberspavilion)
        Finally (sorry to go on) the last time I attended Stafford I came with a friend and our sons in an old vw camper van (you can see the end
        of it in the International pic on the opening page of the web site) and inspite of their lack of interest
        in Triumphs they all enjoyed it.This time I attended with my son and my wife who has little interest in Triumphs and very much less in camping but she also enjoyed it.The main part of this enjoyment comes from the people we met (the dutch lads who got as much gear in the back of a skoda estate as I got in a Transit,the welsh lads who
        had a bit
        of a hangover (isnt it) and many others who came and bought or merely came and passed the time of day.Long may Stafford continue and many thanks to all the people who try so hard for what often seems like little thanks.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Ian Preece, 10-Jul-2006, 07:56pm
        
        It's not how much it costs but whether or not people feel that they have had value for money.
        I'd pay double if I could come away thinking that it was worth every penny.
        Likewise, I'd begrudge &163;5 if I came away feeling shortchanged.
        Yes, it is expensive to hire the showground but if it isn't used to it's full potential, visitors will never get value for money.
        A number of members are happy with it as it is and will no doubt continue to attend.
        Others aren't and will stop going. I think everyone accepts that the show is less well attended now than it was say, 5 years ago, both by enthusiasts and traders.
        If it continues to drift along at its current level, it will eventually stop.
        With less cars in existence and less enthusiasts, single club events will never, in my opinion, achieve the levels that they did , say 10 years ago.
        Look at the spares day at Stoneleigh. All triumphs are represented and its a great event, packed out.
        The TSSC now welcome other Triumph models but many owners already belong to other established clubs.
        If we could put on a multi club event , combined with perhaps a race day, at a venue that would allow the best features of the Stafford show to continue, plus a spares day, then we would really have an event.
        It would only benefit the TSSC as owners of other Triumph models, who maybe never considered any herald chassis based cars, (and which, lets face it, still represent the majority of cars owned by members) could see what they are all about.
        As it appears that the decision to remain at Stafford for the next 2 years has already been made, is the show to continue as-is with the same tired format?
        Are we tied to Stafford county showground for some reason?
        I haven't read a single post in this thread where people are criticising the organisors of this event.
        People are just making their views and feelings known, which, as fully paid up members of the club, they have every right to do.
        It's our club and if we don't put forward new ideas and suggestions, and comment when we can see room for improvement, the club will be poorer for it.
        The organisors of this event have now changed for next year and I'm aware that the new ones are actively seeking suggestions,
        so let forget the notion that we're having a pop at all the people who worked hard to put this years show on ( we're not), and come up with some practical and realistic ideas.
        It's our club and annual show, what do we want from it?????
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Claire Hill, 10-Jul-2006, 09:02pm
        
        Many thanks for all the phone calls and emails that have been made today. I am pleased to note that after all Chris and Simon's hard work over the years the enthusiasm for the event is still going strong.
        Regarding the comments about the location I feel that I am taking on a big enough task without trying to start again in a new location as well. Bear with us for a short time and hopefully you may well see some of your suggestions at the showground next year.
        One comment that keeps cropping up is that people want a run out in their cars - there was a run available this year as previously advertised.
        Please keep sending on your ideas. I can guarantee you that they will all be looked at individually.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : James Dennison, 10-Jul-2006, 09:47pm
        
        The trunnion oiling tent was excellent - one of the best bits was actually the queue - probably 10 cars at one point, everyone talking about their cars and the "modifications" (bodges) that they've made.
        
        I wish the guy doing the oiling (actually a complete steering and suspension check / fix) lived a bit nearer to me - definitely a man who knows triumphs inside out.
        
        More of this practical stuff in future years please!
        
        For my two penneth I think static displays are a bit long in the tooth nowadays and are never going to attract the crowds they once did - much more interesting to have a few practical demonstrations going on.
        
        There are some real characters in the club - look at the Courier for regular quality content- could run a series of talks, presentations, stories, Q & A sessions throughout the day - would be great for the folk who were at classic le mans this year to recount their stories?
        
        Throw in an organised run through Staffs countryside and perhaps some type of motoring demonstration - those chaps with the cut down minis handbrake turning around cones in the car park perhaps? and the event would become a lot more fun again.
        
        Stafford is a great venue, I think a motorsport venue will put off as many people as it would attract, and you'll never get back into Stafford.
        
        Staffs 2006 was a well organised event, perhaps a bit more advertising and cheaper entrance would help - but it's catch 22.
        
        Does the club make money out of the event ?
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Jason Chinn, 10-Jul-2006, 09:51pm
        
        I wasn't at Stafford this year, it clashed with some family commitments I couldn't influence - I wasn't 100% sure I'd have gone anyway but I really did feel like I was missing something all weekend
        
        I think people under estimate the availability of venues, I have a theory that the venue actually doens't matter a jot - it's the people, the event, the cars that make it, not the bricks and mortar. A change would be good, something new and fresh - interesting but ultimately it's the content not the wrapper. The International has become "Stafford" and so that will always be the root of the problem for some people. I would really love to see other Triumph Clubs invited for the weekend, there are loads of clubs, whether they'd come or not is another thing, there are some politics BUT open invitations, to the members and the management could be sent. No strings attached, you can have an area of your own to preserve your identity but otherwise come along, swell the numbers and be part of the Triumph movement again.
        
        It does need something to stir up interest. It's become samey for some people - it's not a criticism just an observation. Anyone who organises something like this has my deep respect, doesn't mean I agree with everything they do but I still respect them. For I know I couldn't do it.
        
        I'm committed to an event in July for the next 7 years at least, I have no influence over it so I really hope it doesn't clash again
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Clive Steele, 10-Jul-2006, 09:59pm
        
        I have really enjoyed the last 4 shows and this year took my son who was very impressed the the GT6 display. That seemed a step in the right direction, what always seems to be missing is the smell of petrol and the roar of an engine. I tend to look up when someone goes past to get their trunions oiled more than to see something being 'unaturally' polished in the arena. I have read the past posts re H&S concerns and mucking up the field but could we use the road by the edge of the arena as a parade lap and have us safely segregated inside the arena. With a few hay bales for dramatic effect and Steves excellent commentry ( Thanks Steve even my lad was interested in how a Stags hood folds away) that may make for a good display and is no worse or risky than normal use of the road? perhaps culminating in a few minutes for each member parked in Bingley hall. I tend to walk around for a few hours feeling a bit of an outsider ( please don't weep!), I know I could join in but am essentially one of possibly the bulk of membership who may be a bit of silent majority (??) who are not very very committed, attend only Stafford and perhaps Stonleigh, could get along very nicley without the club, could happily buy an MG, don't leave a post on the message board very often and tend to leave feeling more like an observer than a member. If a time to display was given or you went in that way, then everyone looks at everones car and it gets put inside with the shiny ones then inclusion would follow....perhaps
        
        Also you (we) need to move on, the Internet has killed off the need to see the traders in the flesh to buy bits appart from the second hand stuff. The main benifit for the trader must be the advertising element and business across the year rather than the profit on my 3 hood poppers. More display of how to do things of interest perhaps with a car up on stage having its bits tweaked would work. I think I once saw a hood display being done but could not get close to see so wondered off.
        
        Members who complain about value for money are missing the point I feel. There is an element of support for Triumph, if you want absolute value save you money and sit outside the gates in your car. &163;9 seemed okay taking into account the venue cost and you have only yourself to blame if you don't take your own food.
        
        Quite liked the idea of a single day.
        
        Thanks to Chris and his team good luck Claire.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Andrew Dann, 10-Jul-2006, 10:20pm
        
        it needs to stay a weekend event as half the fun is the mixing with other people on the fri/sat night. the run out was not advertised enough did not hear it mentioned once. also what happened to the sticker this year. and yes more displays of how to do things would be great.
        cheers andy
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Ellie Jupp, 10-Jul-2006, 11:02pm
        
        Well it was my 7th Stafford this year and if the weather had played up less, it would possibly have helped with attendance. I was helping 'behind the scenes' a bit more this year and seeing how Claire was valiantly shadowing Chris Mills to know what to do next year - I was worn out watching them both! I want Stafford to continue and will do all I can personally to assist Claire and Nigel and their team to achieve this.
        It was acknowledged last year that there needs to be more for families, especially Kids and I was originally meant to start up the Kids Club but due to a change of job could not give the project the time it rightly demands. Claire then took on the job of sorting out the logo competition and the caps and tshirts available and has other ideas for expanding this and having other stuff for kids to do.
        
        I was dissapointed that the traders were not in abundance but hope to see them back next year.
        
        We do need more stalls/facilities to help keep families amused - I struggled to maintain my interest for the first couple of years and would have welcomed other diversions and do not want necessairily to go to Stafford Town Centre to meet them. I have now been with Garth for 7 years now and I have now learned enough from him to keep my interest in the cars well and truly of the anorak variety!
        
        I would have appreciated the band on Sat night being less noisy - I had to sit outside by the burger van so my ears would not hurt but the band sounded really good when my ears had recovered enough to hear!!!
        
        It is always a pleasure to see friends and their cars at events and catch up at various points throughout the season and Stafford is no exception to this.
        
        It was nice to see a good turnout for the 40th anniversary of the GT6 - well done all those who made it.
        
        Ellie Jupp
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Chris Mills, 11-Jul-2006, 08:11am
        
        The thread on this topic has generally been positive and I am pleased that Claire has agreed to take the event on,
        
        I am pleased to have been able to pass the event to someone who has plenty of enthusiasm, both Simon & I were getting stale and we realised that last year, It would not have been right for the club to have pulled out then, so we promised to organise 2006 and to seek a new organiser.
        
        From an Ex Organisers point of view,
        
        I totally agree the event must change, the venue is great, centrally located, good facilities all-round. Its the bits within that need change and that also means the participants. The clash with Le-Mans was unfortunate but both Phillip and I did everything possible to avoid the clash.
        
        The event needs the members support and that includes the trade, the fundamental thing is were not using the cars enough, look how many mobile homes and caravans were on site, compare that to 5 years ago.
        
        Consider how many Euro boxes were on site this year, at times we were considering having to park them at the bottom of the Triumph line-ups.
        
        Its us, the overall membership that needs to change, the organisers can only work with whatever is available the autojumble is free to members, we have no control who turns up and in what volume, the traders dont commit until the week prior to the event, some pull out, some decide to try outside, weve tried offering discounts for early booking. The trade also could help themselves, many stands have very little stock available, WHY ? because were not using and breaking the cars, the internet, and the interest is falling, because we dont support the event !
        
        I was thanked by one particular trader this year, he commented how friendly the visitors were, how easy the setup and breakdown and overall access was, he had a really good show turnover wise as well, because he was new to the event and also they made a good effort to display their product.
        
        The arena takes 6 members of the events team to keep running, trying to persuade visitors to be interviewed is very difficult, particularly on Sunday morning when youve party-ied well the night before, then pack away early and leave for home.
        
        It was only after the AOs seminar on Saturday that we were able to ask Area organisers to gather a couple of cars each to be able to keep it running past 3pm on Sunday. Not all visitors want to be interviewed we do understand that, but when theres so many modern vehicles on site youve no choice to be a bit more persuasive.
        
        From my point of view, Id like everyone to bear one thing in mind, a club is about giving as well as getting, we all pay our membership and that includes the organising team, for all of us to get more out of the club and particularly the event, weve ALL got to give MORE, that may just be turning up and paying your &163;17:50 or &194;&163;9, and supporting the trade, more bodies on site, the more the trade do in business , the more busy it is, the more display cars for the arena or Bingley hall, its a vicious circle.
        
        Obviously that means increased revenue to the club, the event does make a small profit, what happens to this profit ? it is spent on supporting many other shows including local events which dont break even or is used on some of the sponsorship requests we receive. A quick look in the events budget on the accounts you all receive will show the events budget is always in the &163;negative.
        
        Claire has taken a lot on, particularly as the team has lost 3 members, she will add to that team but she can only manage the event with the resources she has , the bigger the team, the more she can do.
        
        Its great that many contributors have made suggestions regarding the event on this thread, dont just do that, COMMIT your idea to her and organise it.
        
        May I take this opportunity of thanking Claire for accepting this challenge, to Simon Roberts for his support over the years, to Alison Mills for being so understanding and running the Cr&195;&168;che and to all the team who has been committed to the event over the past 15 years
        
        THANK YOU
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Clive Speaks, 11-Jul-2006, 12:38pm
        
        Autotests/auto gymnkana? I know that I have mentioned this before and been told about H&S issues. I've also seen other people mention similar ideas above in this thread so it appears to be a popular one. In our area, Ross and District Motor Sports Club run a summer series of grass autotests together with non damaging Production Car Trials on various grassy /not so garry banks. I was wondering if maybe we could tie into an event put on by a motor sports club local to Stafford and persuade them to run it the same weekend? That way the Health a Safety Issues could be covered and members would be able to smoke around a bit?
        Not sure if practical but maybe worth a look?
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Stephen Coates, 11-Jul-2006, 08:51pm
        
        I agree with Chris Mills that if the paying members do not bring their Triumph's, there is not an awful lot the organiser's can do about it. It is a shame that so many members seem to think they can depend on others to make up the numbers of Triumphs in attendance. Prehaps I have misread this, but I don't see how Traders breaking more cars is going to help matters, this can only damage the future of the club in later years. The less cars on the road, the less revenue the club will receive. Like Chris Mills, I think Stafford is a very good location, I would not nessitate going to another Stafford if only the numbers of Triumph's attending rose greatly. Although I do still think that Stafford is expensive for what's on offer. Steve
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Henri + Robert Newton-Allen, 11-Jul-2006, 09:36pm
        
        I can only agree with both Chris and Stephens previous comments. In our circle down at the noisey end, we had a GT6, a 1500 spit, 2 13/60's, a Toledo and a courier van. Along with these were a Saab, a golf,a vauxhall van and a Rover estate. I make that 40% of or group that came in non club cars. Multiply this by the entire attendance and its no wonder the organisers are facing flack. Who's fault is it that the club car attendance was low? Strangely enough..... its the club car drivers..
        Yes there are issues with traders and there lack of attendance.. I was disappointed with the autojumble this year...though the prices some of them were charging its not suprising the on-line ordering from traders has risen. Why buy 2nd hand when for a little more you can get brand new or fully recon.
        Good luck to Claire and the Notts Area, they have a tuff act to follow, Chris has done a great job over the years and I can only see that its the members appathy that has taken over.
        Enough for now
        Rob
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Henri + Robert Newton-Allen, 11-Jul-2006, 09:59pm
        
        and just one more thing I have noticed.......
        How many of the triumph traders in the top 15 of the members poll of top traders were not at Stafford??
        Why are they not supporting the people who have put cash in their tills??
        Some of them were there... many of them were not.
        Is it problem with the fee's the club charge ?? I dont know...... maybe its something the new organisers should look into
        
        Rob
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : James Beaumont, 11-Jul-2006, 10:40pm
        
        The club does need to change to a new location like an race track to keep members entered and to get new younger members hooked on the cars. You could have a few racers going on and track time for club members to try they cars out etc. The club needs to change the hole thing, like gtting younger member by changing the mag more like the ones they read now eg max power fast ford etc. our cars are slow and poor looking conpared to new ones so they need moding to get younger people into them, other wise they will be no club in time, you might not like it but its the truth. Just come back from lemans best place i'v been for years with 10 club cars from south yorks area, cost more but its way better then the club show. I hope this clubs wakes up soon and the rest of the classic cars club too. Just look at mini mags and vw mags and clubs to see hoe to start. Good look
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Jonathan Reed, 11-Jul-2006, 10:49pm
        
        Slow, yes (although George Ralph might argue) but 'poor looking' - did you mean that or are you just in the wrong club !?!
        
        Some do mod their cars, Vin for one, but all said and done this is a classic car club.
        
        Stafford is no LeMans however.
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : Claire Hill, 11-Jul-2006, 11:10pm
        
        Can we have a few suggestions on what sort of traders you would like to see at Stafford next year?
        
        All selling parts/spares?
        
        Some car related/ some a bit off the car track (excuse the pun)?
        
        The more ideas we have from you guys (as well as the ones we already have) the more chance there is of you getting the show you say you want!
        
        Also, AO's..any of you want to organise activities? Northants and Leics have already offered to run events through the weekend. Maybe some of your members can do some of the displays asked for earlier in this thread?
        
        Stafford - The Aftermath!
        
        Posted By : George Ralph, 11-Jul-2006, 11:37pm
        
        And the 150mph terminal speed Dolomite Sprint at the Retro Cars Santa Pod show made a few spotty chavmobile bods pee their pants when it went up the strip. Not to mention (as i do again & again) the pure look of surprise on the face of the 205 GTI driver when my "little green devil" passed him half way up the quarter mile, or maybe he was just stunned by the noise!
        
        Seriously, it is each to his own. Some like to mod their Triumphs, some like standard. Some like to spend two days polishing them for concours others hate that. It's the whole mix that makes a car club. I still enjoy Stafford, mainly 'cos of the social thing of seeing old friends from UK & abroad etc. Yes it is now stale, but the whole classic car movement is changing as more and more young people get involved and just lining up shiny cars with a picnic doesn't do it any more. It is simple demographics, later generations like to be entertained.
        
        There have been many, thankfully constructive, comments been made on this site and the new team need time to take it all on board. I'm sure it will all work out in the end. But change is inevitable I'm afraid.