National Rally 2007 - how it went...

[theminorsite]

complaints on here are part of the 9/10, not part of the 1/10.

Think you have this the wrong way around Ray.

We'll have to disagree on that one for now. For those like yourself and others that I know of, (who've contacted the correct people to raise points) then that's the 1 in 10.

I'm confused. What is it you're trying to say here? That members should not post their concerns here? More people complain than dont? What?

Remembering back to the AGM - there were also members voicing their opinions that it would be a waste of club resources to even post meeting minutes online (I think that's what the tut's and grumbling meant)!

Then they were grossly misinformed as to the resources necessary to achieve that. Given that minutes are taken anyway, the extra burden to put them online, say as a pdf, is the work of seconds. No bandwidth implications, compatibility issues, antivirus concerns, nada.

[bigginger]

The feeling seemed to be very much that there was no point doing it, not that there were any particular implications by so doing. I disagreed then, and do now.

[rayofleamington]

I'm confused. What is it you're trying to say here? That members should not post their concerns here?

Hi Mike - that's never been said, so I'm sad to hear such stuff.

The problem arises when people complain on the messageboard, and then complain that 'nothing has been done about their concerns'. I've seen it in the past - and even thought that way myself at times. However, if concernes are made to the right people, they will reach the right people. Currently the messageboard doesn't replace the need to send a letter.
That's what I was trying to say in response to your 1/10 comment. Posting on here doesn't put people into the smaller group of those who do communicate their feedback.

Those that want a messageboard discussion with committee reps (e.g. for the national rally) are certainly welcome to ask for one.

Then they were grossly misinformed as to the resources necessary to achieve that.

Yup - same feelings as yourself and Andrew (and probably all posters). it's not hard to do, and worth doing - (which was why we asked for it).

The general feeling from the AGM was not anti-internet (although some club members present seemed to be). The results speak for themselves - the internet is responsible for a large proportion of new members joining the club - much to the praise of people like Ray Newell who brought this up in his presentation.

[theminorsite]

Hi Mike - that's never been said, so I'm sad to hear such stuff.

I was simply trying to work out what you meant, not trying to put words in your mouth

The problem arises when people complain on the messageboard, and then complain that 'nothing has been done about their concerns'. I've seen it in the past - and even thought that way myself at times. However, if concernes are made to the right people, they will reach the right people. Currently the messageboard doesn't replace the need to send a letter.
That's what I was trying to say in response to your 1/10 comment. Posting on here doesn't put people into the smaller group of those who do communicate their feedback.

Right, I follow you now. I'm not sure I agree though - like I said before, those that speak out [using any medium] are doing so freely and its worth remembering that they are 'giving' just as much in their way as the volunteers do in theirs. Yup, undeniably there are better ways for members to put forward their points, not least of which is the AGM, but that doesn't mean that we can 'write off' whats said here - its still extremely valid and useful feedback. I dont post purely to provoke controversy, and I doubt that any others in this thread do. I think its shortsighted to dismiss whats said here purely because it hasn't come through the 'proper' channels.

Those that want a messageboard discussion with committee reps (e.g. for the national rally) are certainly welcome to ask for one.

I dunno, is that even realistic? Some poor swine would end up on here for pretty much his whole available free time. It would be simple though to simply print off a 'digest' of certain threads and present them as member contributions to the AGM though?

Then they were grossly misinformed as to the resources necessary to achieve that.

Yup - same feelings as yourself and Andrew (and probably all posters). it's not hard to do, and worth doing - (which was why we asked for it).

The general feeling from the AGM was not anti-internet (although some club members present seemed to be). The results speak for themselves - the internet is responsible for a large proportion of new members joining the club - much to the praise of people like Ray Newell who brought this up in his presentation.

All the more reason then to include the board as a conduit to the appropriate people!

[rayofleamington]

that doesn't mean that we can 'write off' whats said here - its still extremely valid and useful feedback.

It's certainly not 'written off' (there are quite a few people who read the board who are active in the club, and word does get around - albeit second hand and under the risk of *Chinese whispers).

* - sadly less tasty that Cadbury's Whispers

Some poor swine would end up on here for pretty much his whole available free time.

That's certainly a problem - many committee members I've spoken with wouldn't have the time to do it. However as the world is changing, something will have to come - sooner would be preferable to later.

[d_harris]

Right, this is a mega long thread and its gotten very political, so I am going to make some points about what I think on all of this and then duck out.

1. The National Rally

I havn't yet been to a national rally, this is for a number of reasons. I've always had good intentions though. The organising commitee (I don't know if that incorporates the full MMOC committee or not) must work incredibly hard to put on the show - its an unenviable and thankless job. OK, so this year there was some issues with loos and showers but considering that everyone thought the site was going to be underwater perhaps some leeway can be given. After all mistakes happen!!!

Lets forgive the organisers for the mistake - from what I've gleaned from this thread it wasn't entirely their fault.

I would be more than happy to volunteer my services as a marshall next year. I will have to sleep in the back of the trav (oh god, I've said it now.... )

2. Attracting Rougher cars.

Don't put cars into a multitude of classes, it confuses people. OK, have the show cars devided into their classes (and a wreck of the rally class for those who want to enter!!) and then have a general minor car park for those who don't want to have their car judged. Have a seperate carpark for moderns.

I'd be proud to turn up in a complete banger "look what I managed to get all the way up here" Sadly not everyone feels like that about even slightly tatty cars.

3. Younger Members

This is a really really difficult one here, and a lot of it stems down to the image of the minor (true or not) as being slow, unreliable and a grannies car. Without somehow changing this (answers on a postcard please) there are going to be problems bringing young uns into the minor fold.

4. This website.

To me, and I suspect many others. This website and forum IS the MMOC. This is why I pay my subs (OK, I know that I don't have to pay the subs to use the site, but they help keep it running!)

There is a lot of stuff that is said here, and I know there have been problems but I have noticed committee members popping in from time to time making the odd post and I think thats great, its not their job to come on here. If we have a problem its our responsibility to take it to them!

A well mainted website is the key to getting younger people to join - this forum is a great starting point. I probabally wouldn't still be minoring if it wasn't for this place.

If you want to discuss any of these points with me I will be happy to have a chat via PM, but I will not be back on this thread

[Chadbrook]

Oh dear.. seems we are falling out about stupid things...

I saw a lovely restored 2 door today in the supermarket car park. really made me feel good to know mine might look like that one day maybe <laffin> if it doesnt it will be my own fault and maybe due to my Mary Shelly style of welding and the use of lightening and igor as an assitant but the car will still be a a moggie and I will still love it...

as for the National... you hire a field and do MMOC things on it you have an MMOC field... you hire a field on an established attraction and do MMOC things on it you have an MMOC attraction...

[theminorsite]

as for the National... you hire a field and do MMOC things on it you have an MMOC field... you hire a field on an established attraction and do MMOC things on it you have an MMOC attraction...

Is that a vote for event sharing, or against?

[aupickup]

well the shower issue is not just for this rally but for quite a few in the last years

places where the rallies are held are a bit sameish now, so i think time for a change, with rallies with other interests on the site

[Judge]

well the shower issue is not just for this rally but for quite a few in the last years

places where the rallies are held are a bit sameish now, so i think time for a change, with rallies with other interests on the site

Do I take it that you, and a few others will be coming to this years Southern Regional at the White Horse Show Uffington then

[aupickup]

i meant the national

i have quite a few local steam engine and transport festivals and rallies much closer to home in the coming months

i am going to try and organise with the organisrers of my local festival of transport rally for next year
it is in late august, and has steam engines, staionary engines, craft stalls, vintage to classic cars, and of course many moggies attend and of course auto jumbles, army vehicles

there is also a fairground
many other attractions and a rally arena

and it is free, and a raslly plaque is sent out to every one attending after the show
iot is very well organised, and not by professionals, plenty of toilets, also camping with shoer blocks, a very nice venue indeed

it is on for 3 days
bar and group every night

[Judge]

Ah but you said,

places where the rallies are held are a bit sameish now, so i think time for a change, with rallies with other interests on the site

.......and you're not really very far away. You will be made very wecome

[aupickup]

when and where is it please, and how long is it on for
thanks au

[Judge]

Any more? I'm not giving up yet

[JimK]

Just posted my application form application, Bill...

[Judge]

Thanks Jim