Make the club better!

[cozmeister]

Girls and boys, this thread follows on from a recent (and welcome!) comment on the forum regarding how crap our club appears to have become.  Again.

It's your club.  If you think it's a bit pants (as some of you do at the moment), help us make it better!

Ask yourself the question: What can I do to help?

The answer is: "Tell us what you think would make it better!"

All ideas welcome, none will be turned away.  We don't want our club to disappear do we?  I sure don't!  Stick your 10p in the kitty and help us make it truly awesome, and the best of all the local groups!  Don't be shy, let's hear what you've got to say.

[Gavin E-Cos]

does it say something that no one has replied?

[cozmeister]

I was rather hoping it's just because it's Friday and everyone's down the pub

[rstaaron]

I feel it's a case of the Norfolk attitude towards things. People say something won't work, don't support it, then when it goes wrong just sit there and say 'see told you it wouldn't work'. Unfortunately it's difficult to change peoples attitudes. 

[bil n kel]

Maybe the club needs a shake up. I think there's alot of people who would rather go for a drink at a pub to see there friends than go to a car club meet. The people who go to the meets never seem to go to the shows. Personally I think it's disgraceful that considering the current chairman has one of the best all round escos on the scene we never see it! And when we do it's not on the Norfolk stand but the fast ford one. It seems to that the people who go to the meets have no interest in the club because if they did maybe some of them would turn up at the shows and support the club as every show I've been to over the last few years there's only a hand full of cars there and most of them don't go to meets. eg last year at classic ford show I think there was 4/5 cars on the stand!

Why don't people want to go represent the club at shows?

Rsoc should be people passionate about the cars and club

Gav why not try helping with the situation and give some ideas instead of sarcastic comments a couple of hours after chris starts a thread?

I love the rs marque but it seems to me that not alot of others at the club do! They just love themselves

[RST-Steve]

That's pretty harsh to be honest and quite wide of the mark, i didn't see anything wrong with Gav's comment for starters, it was just an observation and he's a top bloke who's been a member for more years than any of us. Also, when as you say in your own words you hardly ever come to the meets, you can't really comment on how we never see Mike's car as we do and it was at the pub a couple of months ago...... it's mostly never there as it's broken lol I've been to every pub meet for nearly 7 years now and you won't always see my car there as I choose to take my daily runner more times than not if the weather's crap etc and it uses a lot less fuel, that doesn't make me any less a member........ shows? Well my car has been to Ford Fair, Central Day and National Day many times now on the Norfolk stand over the years + i do some of the other shows like FITP this year that the RSOC don't have a stand at. Sure, it would have been nice to have the Norfolk Group represented at that one alongside the Fenland group who had a good stand BUT......... hey ho, i just went on the fiestaturbo stand instead. Classic Ford had a poor stand last year, 100% right there, fair play, but not everyone wants to go to every show, me included. I'm not one to stand on the stand all day, we've driven many miles and been up since silly o'clock to go and see a show and that's what we do, so when we "park up and f**k off", isn't that what most people do? It's each to their own, i have very little interest in watching track action and prefer looking at the cars at the show, some people at the opposite and fair play to that!

It's almost unheard of for me to have a rant but that's my 10p's worth, so thankyou please

[massivewangers]

I definitely understand some of the comments in the other thread. I think it's easy to feel like an outsider at the monthly meet. I always felt that my lack of an RS model never helped, but I do think it's a bit more deep-rooted than that. I think it is partly down to the thing that effects a lot of other clubs. The established members all know each other, so tend to talk to each other at meets, making it more difficult for new people to get involved. I think it can be difficult for someone to come to a meet for the first time and talk to a load of strangers, making it even more important for the old guard to make the effort to talk to new people and make them feel welcome. I feel that when I first started attending meets a few years back, I was lucky to know Steve and Daz, but a lot of people don't have that advantage so can feel left out. I think the only real solution is for the longer standing members to make maximum effort when a newbies comes along; going over and saying hello, asking about their car, that kind of thing. We all share the same interest at the end of the day, so sparking conversation shouldn't be too tricky. The only problem I've noticed with that; is that if you don't own a car with the "C" badge on the bootlid, then you're on the back foot from the off...

As for shows, I do see both sides. Steve is quite right to say that people want to go off and explore, especially at events like Ford Fair and the like. However, it is nice to have a bit of a social side. From my time showing with other clubs, I've found that there are ways round this though. Another club I'm with often organises a BBQ for the people showing on the stand. This gives a focal point, and a chance for people to get together and chat. And, much like the meets, I think the regulars have to just get stuck in and talk to the newbies and make them feel part of it.

Obviously I can't really come along to meets easily these days, but I do try on the odd occassion that it's possible. I'll try and make one over the summer if I can. Just not so easy when I'm 200 miles away! It's also worth noting that it is difficult for some people with the location. Considering it's the Norfolk RSOC, the meet is very far west in the county, making it a long trip for some! It needs to be worth their while going!

I don't want to be negative, and I'm not slating members, as I have met some really friendly people over the years, and been given numerous rides in cars, despite being a relative randomer to most, so there have been some real positives for me, but I do feel there is always room for improvement!

[bil n kel]

Steve I wasn't aiming that at you or any one person in particular and after reading it some was a bit harsh. I wasn't having a go at gav but why not contribute something instead of funny comments. I wasn't on about mike bringing his car to meets but why doesn't he promote the norfolk stand at shows and park on our stand?
I think wangers has summed it up with his post. It would be nice for the longer standing members to speak to the newbies. I've been 6 or 7 times over the last few years and probably 3 or 4 people have spoken to me.
Can you see my point though? Why bother going if no one speaks to you. I'm not the only one either I know of at least another 3 or 4 people who agree. In march I was speaking to a young lad with a mk2 frs at the meet and he asked why nobody was speaking.

I used to bowl in the tenpin bowling league at fakenham on a Tuesday hence why I couldn't attend more meets. I know this is the same for Wayne as we were in the same team. However we no longer bowl on a Tuesday now and will hopefully be attending more meets.

I look forward to having a chat at the next meet 

[Fireball]

Agreed, you summed it up there Jon, make no mistake.

The C word seems a little too important at times; more of a COC then an RSOC.

To expand on the good point from bil n kel too which I've oftern thought about - we need more events. Like SOME events. When the hell are we organising a trip round Lotus? That'd be ACE.

Right, for my two cents:

If that's how people are, then thats how they are - we aint gonna make people start talking! On the times I've spoken to Mike or some of the "others", they've been helpful and talkative in answering whatever question i've had - but i think what the complaint is here is that it is very clicky and it's very difficult for new members, or exisitng ones, to start a conversation without a question or subject to discuss (if that makes sense?)?

Similar with 'wangers - my very first meeting, i rolled up in my black XR2i and Steve/Daz/Chris jumped over and asked me about it unprovoked , and we've been buddies since.

I think people go to the group for their own reasons - a % are just petrol heads that are happy to talk and play with motors all day long - and I think we all know who we are, and I think that's clear from attendance on this forum! 
I think we class in the RS "Geek" category.

If others are only interested by cossies, or renaults or whatever, then fair enough i guess, cant change that, in the same way you will never convince me that Vaxhaull make a nice motor car 

What I think we are all assuming (me too at times) is that everyone at that club gives a crap about the thinning amount of MK1 and Mk2 XR2's around, or wants to discuss whether the S1 ERS is better then the S2. I dont think they do, i think thats just us, and I think once we all *get* that, we can leave them to what they do and we can continue discussing how Chris's extra big mac has affected his weight distrubtion in the cossie, and how that will change his ride home 

Oh, and Yes, the lack of MK1/MK2's saddens me greatly, and er, if i had to choose, it'd be the S1 for classic look

[bil n kel]

Oh, and Yes, the lack of MK1/MK2's saddens me greatly, and er, if i had to choose, it'd be the S1 for classic look

I would love a mk1 xr2 as a run around  I would probably save what the car would cost me in fuel not using the cossie everyday

[rstaaron]

To expand on the good point from bil n kel too which I've oftern thought about - we need more events. Like SOME events. When the hell are we organising a trip round Lotus? That'd be ACE.

The problem is peoples general lack of enthusiasm! Despite not even owning a Ford I try to get to all the meets and I'm always up for different shows/meets etc. (work permitting  ) however there seems to be a lack of interest from people that I just can't work out. Maybe everyone is always busy so can't go to any events? I don't know. What was shocking is even when we got a FREE stand at Classic Ford there was still a lack of interest! 

I feel the club needs more 'advertising' as it were to promote the club to different people. In the past I've spoken to people with Fords/RSs about the club and they either say 'I didn't know there was an RS club' or 'is that still going?'. If we could encourage more people to come to the meets and they were made to feel more welcome then the ball may start rolling again. I've often seen RSs STs XRs etc parked up that I've not seen at the meets and thought it would be good to leave a card or something saying it would be nice to see their car and them at the pub. We often say that anyone with an interest in the RS marque is welcome even if they don't own one, I think it's time we put that into practice (even though I've always been welcomed in whatever shed I bring and always get asked what car I've turned up in this time lol  ).

Might seem silly but just thought I'd put it out there.

CheeRS, Aaron.

[rstaaron]

Oh and if anyone happens to read this who hasn't been to a meet come and find me and I'll introduce you to the miserable gits  . I'll be the lanky one turning up in some random piece of machinery and I'm always willing to talk to anyone about anything car/pub related!

 

[RST-Steve]

Yeah this Cosworth thing is something i've noticed with some people in the past, defo not everyone of course, but some and it tends to be people on the main forums such as passionford and the main RSOC boards that do it (no-one i know tbh!)............. there's two sides to that however, for example we all know Chris has his blue Cossie yet is probably the most aproachable person in the whole club imo, and yet at shows and stuff, i've spoken to other people in other groups while roaming the show and stands and you can be made to feel an RS Turbo is just the 'lesser model' and their not that interested when you mention what you drive........ funny that, considering the Series 2 is, and always has been the most popular and most common RS model imo........... a chap i know in the main RSOC who isn't in the Norfolk Group even said in responce to me mentioning my new little Fiesta Turbo that at the time i had just bought as being a 'girls car' and that was about all that was said. It was meant in jest i'm sure but didn't get the laugh he was probbaly hoping for as you can imagine! 

Steve I wasn't aiming that at you or any one person in particular and after reading it some was a bit harsh.

It's all good billy  Looking at this thread, a first time reader could be forgiven for thinking we're getting on our high-horses, BUT we're just having a friendly discussion imo (If i took some comments out of context, sorry dude) 

my very first meeting, i rolled up in my black XR2i and Steve/Daz/Chris jumped over and asked me about it unprovoked , and we've been buddies since.

Too right, and your a good friend steve  That's the thing for me personally, didn't matter it was 'just an XR2i' it was still a Ford and worth a thorough inspection when it first arrived lol!

[massivewangers]

Some good points raised. I always consider myself a Ford enthusiast, rather than an RS enthusiast, which is perhaps different to some others. Some members of the group are possibly just Cosworth enthusiasts, or just general petrolheads who like fast cars, so the likes of the RS2000/RS Turbo appeal less. However, I think everyone could make an effort to be welcoming. It doesn't matter if you drive a 1.1 Fiesta or a 500bhp Cossie really, we're all car people, so should all have something to talk about. I personally think a standard RS Turbo is just as interesting as a big power Cosworth. If it's well kept, and has an enthusiastic owner, that's all that matters. I can appreciate a car whatever it's model. Perhaps that's just me, but who knows!

I think there is a lot to be taken from this though. I think a few summarised points I think are really worth looking at are for everyone to try a bit harder mingling and talking to members, old or new. Perhaps a bit more interation at shows, maybe a focal point; BBQ or some such to bring people together. I like the idea of getting a flyer/card together too. That way, if you see an RS, or even a nice Ford, to just stick it under the wiper, with details of the website and meet. Might drum up a bit of interest.

[Gavin E-Cos]

Some good points raised. I always consider myself a Ford enthusiast, rather than an RS enthusiast, which is perhaps different to some others. Some members of the group are possibly just Cosworth enthusiasts, or just general petrolheads who like fast cars, so the likes of the RS2000/RS Turbo appeal less. However, I think everyone could make an effort to be welcoming. It doesn't matter if you drive a 1.1 Fiesta or a 500bhp Cossie really, we're all car people, so should all have something to talk about. I personally think a standard RS Turbo is just as interesting as a big power Cosworth. If it's well kept, and has an enthusiastic owner, that's all that matters. I can appreciate a car whatever it's model. Perhaps that's just me, but who knows!

I think there is a lot to be taken from this though. I think a few summarised points I think are really worth looking at are for everyone to try a bit harder mingling and talking to members, old or new. Perhaps a bit more interation at shows, maybe a focal point; BBQ or some such to bring people together. I like the idea of getting a flyer/card together too. That way, if you see an RS, or even a nice Ford, to just stick it under the wiper, with details of the website and meet. Might drum up a bit of interest.

Its fair to say I have been a Norfolk group member for a long while now and seen ups and downs of the club.  We did do more within the club, Karting, rolling roads ect and everyone went to the shows.  Its seems there are only a handful of people willing to do these now making it not worth organising, which is a shame.
Take the point above, we go to shows on our own or in small groups, not a convoy as before, we arrive at different times, park up and leave! Then wonder around the show and maybe bump in to some members / maybe not.  I think its a great idea to bring the members back at set time for BBQ, paid for out of our club funds (we all pay in to it).
I am not sure how to bring back some of the enthusiasm at the regular club meets, perhaps we can invite another group along?
It also strange that with facebook for example most people are connected to the club but very few people choose to answer the calls of Chris or Jo or Mike? Look at how hard it is for people to write a bit about there car for the newsletter.
We used to vote for "car of the night" the winner would have their car featured in next months newsletter and have to write an article about it. May be bring this back?
Bowling night could be organised?

any one else?

[RST-Steve]

I personally think a standard RS Turbo is just as interesting as a big power Cosworth.

For me too, that is exactly how it is Jon

[Sanders]

For me too, that is exactly how it is Jon

  With u both there.. i owned a grey escort rs turbo for 4 and half years then brought a saff cossie but as always with cosworth it  blow up  .....so the rs turbo had to go to pay for the engine!!!! and still wish i never got rid of it

[Fireball]

THIs has made some great reading on my morning tube journey!

Gav makes some good points - its interesting to know it used to be like that and has since died off. You must be talking a fair few years tho cause I've never seen any such events or features. I especially like the car of the night idea. Suppose it wouldn't have to be the most buff one either, just a car that people wanted to know more about in the subsequent article.

PS - did my article appear in last months news letter?! The problem with remote submissions is I can't see the end result!

[cozmeister]

Too right, and your a good friend steve  That's the thing for me personally, didn't matter it was 'just an XR2i' it was still a Ford and worth a thorough inspection when it first arrived lol!

It's good to know that despite trying to kill you, Steve is still your friend.

It'd be great to get more input - ideas and criticism welcome.  I'm not going to sit back and let my favourite club dissolve like a Lancia Beta.

[massivewangers]

I'm still gutted I missed the crash 

Some good suggestions so far though!

[cozmeister]

I'm still gutted I missed the crash 

Colin McRae would've been proud of that one.

But yes, good ideas, and it's good to finally get what people think down on 'paper' - as I'm fond of saying in my profession "we can't help if we don't know what the problems are".

[bil n kel]

  With u both there.. i owned a grey escort rs turbo for 4 and half years then brought a saff cossie but as always with cosworth it  blow up  .....so the rs turbo had to go to pay for the engine!!!! and still wish i never got rid of it

That's exactly why I has to sell my rst cab still wish I never sold it.

[Mike Rainbird]

Some interesting comments, so here's my few cents worth - I apologise in advance if this comes across as picking on certain people, but that is not the intention, these are just my views and how things appear to me.

Firstly, for a LONG time I have been commenting on how the club has been going downhill through a total lack of enthusiasm from the current members, I have even mentioned several times within the newsletter regarding standing down from the role as chairman due to the fact of feeling like I do everything alone within the club with absolutely zero support (and for no financial reward - in fact I personally supply all the stationary and photo-copying for the newsletter etc).  It was only when my apparant despair with the way things were going was taken seriously that I finally got the assistance I was looking for from Jo and Chris (who I must confess now do an absolutely fantastic job (even if they are late in submitting their articles ) and if it wasn't for them I would have given up a long time ago).  However, despite this, there is no passion within the group (as they are now seeing first hand when attempting to organise any shows) and hardly anyone wants to do ANYTHING anymore, hence why I feel that I am wasting my time and more often than not, and therefore chose to display my car on the Escort RS stand (if it is working LOL), where the enthusiasm is at a level we had several years ago.

At the last meeting, the Vauxhall boys turned up and our meeting was so poorly attended, that I was actually embarrassed compared to how a normal June evening should be - they almost out numbered us (this was despite it being mentioned they would be coming on here).

As to the comments from the wallflowers - how the hell do you expect to get to know people within the group if you only attend a few meetings within several years LOL (we record people coming to the meets )?  If you only come that often, then each time it is as if you are new and people won't really know who you are.  The only reason that the other people are "clicky" is because they know each other and the main reason they know each other is because they come to the club on a regular basis .  Basically you get what you put in - if you sit in a corner not daring to talk to people, then unfortunately that is what will happen - people will assume you don't want to be talked to .  However, if you come along and make an effort to join in, then you will quickly be welcomed into the fold.  If you don't think that is the case - how do you think that people currently in the group got to know each other in the first place - you don't think they were magically born with that friendship already established do you?  No, it's all about communication .  Also you have to appreciate when the pub is busy, unless people have seen you actually turn up in your RS, we won't even necessarily know you are there for the RS club or just at the pub, unless you take the time to mingle - we don't bite (well Chris does, but he's gentle with it ).

Steve, now this might seem a bit personal, but I am just saying it how it seemed to me - you KNOW how desperate we always are for articles, so you can't believe how disappointing it was for me personally to see your several articles over the last couple of years appear within the Rallye News, yet I had to twist your arm to send ONE article for the club newsletter .  It's not like you even had to write anything, all you had to do was copy the same thing that you submitted to RN to us.  So it was deeply depressing that you couldn't even send over a copy of the things you sent in to Rallye News....  I would also like to say that your current RS is something very special, but standard cars are for homosexuals .

The other Steve, yes your article was in last month's newsletter - will there be an update this month?

So to sum up, the club is what you put into it - or to paraphrase a certain American president - ask not what your club can do for you, but what you can do for your club .

PS.  Bill and Kell, please don't forget that you still owe for your tickets for Central Day .

[bil n kel]

I paid Matt for the tickets at the march meet. I can see your reasons for displaying your car on the fast ford stand (when it's working ) and I would do the same in that position (if my car was good enough for the fast ford stand ). I look forward to having a chat at the next meet    We can discuss the colour of wheels

[Fireball]

Ace thanks - update arriving tomorrow, I'll chuck in some pictures too