Discussion
I agree with JamesP to a large extent. I'd also expand on the cost issue. Once PH had matured a few years, and various friendships and groupings had occurred in real life, rather than just the internet, social functions among those PHers became commonplace. Spunking £500+ on a night at an average hotel and being served a lukewarm pie for £100 a ticket doesn't sit so well on the value front, especially if you're sat around a table of familiar faces whose numbers were already in your phone book and you would see all year round.
A long while back we "exchanged" BTaP for an xmas night out with a PH group and booked a fantastic restaurant, had limos drive us around all night and spent far too long in the casino after dinner in what became an annual alternative event with similar spend.
Ali, I don't think you do the anti-clique brigade too many favours by nickname references to various PHer's, reference to "DDs"/"RwR" and by the continued use of wink smilies across every post. Be that as it may, one clique or another has always been present on PH. I can see why others think that, and I would agree to a large extent. The fact remains, however, that it's simply a close group of mates with shared interests. If folk are intimidated by that, then tough t1ts. Nothing the clique can or should do to change things and it's hardly their fault if they enjoy each other's company and have a laugh together.
I think Tumbler's points are very valid (and 8 years attendance would back that up). PH has also changed a lot over that time, and the demographic certainly has altered significantly.
I know Ted has told me that Pistonfest was not financially viable and hence it was unlikely such an event would ever be restored under Haymarket, but I do wonder if a summer ball style event would have more appeal. Catered BBQ, options on camping/taxi and/or coach service to hotel, black tie, opera on the lawns etc. My own view is that BTaP falls in the run up to the busiest, and most expensive, social stage of the year and it's now a get together of the same faces (whether considered a clique or not...).
A long while back we "exchanged" BTaP for an xmas night out with a PH group and booked a fantastic restaurant, had limos drive us around all night and spent far too long in the casino after dinner in what became an annual alternative event with similar spend.
Ali, I don't think you do the anti-clique brigade too many favours by nickname references to various PHer's, reference to "DDs"/"RwR" and by the continued use of wink smilies across every post. Be that as it may, one clique or another has always been present on PH. I can see why others think that, and I would agree to a large extent. The fact remains, however, that it's simply a close group of mates with shared interests. If folk are intimidated by that, then tough t1ts. Nothing the clique can or should do to change things and it's hardly their fault if they enjoy each other's company and have a laugh together.
I think Tumbler's points are very valid (and 8 years attendance would back that up). PH has also changed a lot over that time, and the demographic certainly has altered significantly.
I know Ted has told me that Pistonfest was not financially viable and hence it was unlikely such an event would ever be restored under Haymarket, but I do wonder if a summer ball style event would have more appeal. Catered BBQ, options on camping/taxi and/or coach service to hotel, black tie, opera on the lawns etc. My own view is that BTaP falls in the run up to the busiest, and most expensive, social stage of the year and it's now a get together of the same faces (whether considered a clique or not...).
Edited by Shnozz on Tuesday 29th October 16:05
For us, its mainly the cost this year, Extending the house etc means I simply have not got the £500 to spunk up the wall.
Also, I've always objected to the Pie aspect, I like the hotel and have been to non BTAP events there, the catering is very good, but I dislike paying £75 a head and being served bloody pie!
Apart from that, I see no reason why we would not come next year
Also, I've always objected to the Pie aspect, I like the hotel and have been to non BTAP events there, the catering is very good, but I dislike paying £75 a head and being served bloody pie!
Apart from that, I see no reason why we would not come next year
Shnozz said:
A long while back we "exchanged" BTaP for an xmas night out with a PH group and booked a fantastic restaurant, had limos drive us around all night and spent far too long in the casino after dinner in what became an annual alternative event with similar spend.
We were never invited to that! 
Vixpy1 said:
Also, I've always objected to the Pie aspect, I like the hotel and have been to non BTAP events there, the catering is very good, but I dislike paying £75 a head and being served bloody pie!
But it never used to be pie, people just complained saying that we should be served pie if it was called BT and PIE. Can't win 
Mrs Fish said:
Vixpy1 said:
Also, I've always objected to the Pie aspect, I like the hotel and have been to non BTAP events there, the catering is very good, but I dislike paying £75 a head and being served bloody pie!
But it never used to be pie, people just complained saying that we should be served pie if it was called BT and PIE. Can't win 
Vixpy1 said:
Mrs Fish said:
Vixpy1 said:
Also, I've always objected to the Pie aspect, I like the hotel and have been to non BTAP events there, the catering is very good, but I dislike paying £75 a head and being served bloody pie!
But it never used to be pie, people just complained saying that we should be served pie if it was called BT and PIE. Can't win 
Mrs Fish said:
Shnozz said:
A long while back we "exchanged" BTaP for an xmas night out with a PH group and booked a fantastic restaurant, had limos drive us around all night and spent far too long in the casino after dinner in what became an annual alternative event with similar spend.
We were never invited to that! Shnozz said:
Ali, I don't think you do the anti-clique brigade too many favours by nickname references to various PHer's, reference to "DDs"/"RwR" and by the continued use of wink smilies across every post.
Sorry Shnozz, but I post as I speak, I'm very expressive & tactile, so I use the smilies to bring that over, I'm Marmite - you can love me or hate me but have to take me as I am 
Baring that, I agree with you
ali_kat said:
Shnozz said:
Ali, I don't think you do the anti-clique brigade too many favours by nickname references to various PHer's, reference to "DDs"/"RwR" and by the continued use of wink smilies across every post.
Sorry Shnozz, but I post as I speak, I'm very expressive & tactile, so I use the smilies to bring that over, I'm Marmite - you can love me or hate me but have to take me as I am My point is simply that it's mildly ironic to deny the presence of a clique whilst at the same time using acronyms others may not know, referencing friendships with various PHers outside of PH, and using smilies denoting subliminal messaging between people that others aren't privy to.
ali_kat said:
James P said:
Given that Tony and Richard have both contributed to this thread since your comment do you still think there are no emails?
Ok James, I give in & will admit that it IS all one big conspiracy 
I should have at least given you someone to talk about disparagingly on Thursday so that is my job done and the important thing of course is that you got to use your favourite smiley again
The idea of a later summer ball is far more appealing. The idea of a marquee, some form of more formal entertainment and such like has an attraction for me at least far greater than a warm pie and dave-doubledecks playing the greasemeddley (well Ok, the last bit is a bit of dramatic license, but i'm sure you get the gist of it).
This event needs a total revamp.
This event needs a total revamp.
James P said:
ali_kat said:
James P said:
Given that Tony and Richard have both contributed to this thread since your comment do you still think there are no emails?
Ok James, I give in & will admit that it IS all one big conspiracy I should have at least given you someone to talk about disparagingly on Thursday so that is my job done and the important thing of course is that you got to use your favourite smiley again
hy as each others and the real world interactions you have. Enough already.It's enough to put anyone off ever attending a PH gathering again. FFS.
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