GRRC membership renewal, shall I bother?

[DEANO87]

I've been attending Goodwood events for 10 years, spent 4 years on the GRRC waiting list and have now been a member for 3 years but I'm starting to feel like it's passed it's peak and not sure I can justify the renewal.
I didn't attend the Revival this year because I feel like it's become a corporate entertainment event and over crowded and I'm not sure I'm going to bother next year.
The Festival of Speed is a great event and I'll probably go for all 4 days again next year but other than a discount on the tickets and the use of an enclosure I spend very little time in the membership doesn't add any value to the event.
The Members Meet is the event that's got my back up the most, a fantastic event which makes me think it's worth having membership for alone, except from the 31st October I don't need to be a member to get tickets, I just need to be on the waiting list, so that effectively opens it up to everyone, I could save myself £290 (family membership) and join the waiting list and still get my Members Meet tickets for next year.
I was using the Kennels quite frequently but the quality of the food and events (fireworks etc) and service has declined over the last 12 months.
Is it just me or are any of the 6999 other members feeling the same?

[jimboy2]

I'm exactly the same mate. Been a member for 2 years and I don't think I'm gonna bother renewing. Apart from the discounted tickets I haven't used any other benefit to the membership so it's clearly not for me.

[ecsrobin]

DEANO87 said:

I was using the Kennels quite frequently but the quality of the food and events (fireworks etc) and service has declined over the last 12 months.

I also share this view. The food is shocking compared to a year ago at the kennels, I used to eat there (bar menu) on a regular basis during trackdays. I now just stay at the track as the food is better quality and better choice. (The hotdog used to be a firm favourite with all)

[Pistachio]

firstly have you chased your application for membership, email them see where you are on the list?
secondly if you don't like the service have you spoken to the management at the Kennels? if you dont let them know you are not happy then they cannot read minds.
I have renewed my membership as it is still fantastic event whether you go to FOS or Revival or 75th etc...

[Ian Wegg]

DEANO87 said:

Is it just me or are any of the 6999 other members feeling the same?

Last I heard the membership was 6000. Is that a typo or has it been increased again?

[Yex 450]

Ian Wegg said:

DEANO87 said:

Is it just me or are any of the 6999 other members feeling the same?

Last I heard the membership was 6000. Is that a typo or has it been increased again?

I thought it was going to increase by 10% or so each year going forward until they reach whatever new level they believe was appropriate. Driven by the size of the waiting list and the concept that this is effectively a cash cow that can be utilised quite possibly. This is a concern for me as the exclusivity of being a member of the club has dropped off significantly in recent years. The reinvented "Members Meeting" (clue is in the name) is now open to anyone and has caught up the FoS with regard to commerciality in just two years and has received quite a bit of negative feedback on here due to that.

The benefits of GRRC membership are now negligible in my opinion as I can get tickets for any event and am not fussed about the discount as it is not worth worrying about. The GRRC tent at FoS is great but the food offering needs improving significantly and people have been commenting on this for quite a while now. I do see from the website and news letter they plan to do this but it has taken a while to get the message over and understood despite there being tables of people in the tent at any one time not eating or drinking apart from the occasional cup of tea. This is also the case with The Kennels, as has been mentioned above. I for one have commented to staff about food choice being poorer than previous years, portion sizes dropping off and the general level of service being noticeably lower than when I first joined the GRRC. All received politely by the staff member I was talking to but clearly not passed on up the chain of command. The bar is an area that needs particular attention with the younger staff having no idea how to store and serve a decent pint of what is excellent Goodwood bitter........cloudy and nearly warm is not going to cut it in Wetherspoons I'm afraid so why do it in a members club.

I'll be giving some thought to rejoining this year as the benefits offered to members no longer appear worth the fee in my opinion.

[DEANO87]

Ian Wegg said:

DEANO87 said:

Is it just me or are any of the 6999 other members feeling the same?

Last I heard the membership was 6000. Is that a typo or has it been increased again?

I've been searching this evening for a letter sent out by GRRC but cannot find it anywhere that I recall said they had improved the membership facilities that meant they could cope with expanding the membership numbers to 7000, I hoping someone else may remember or have that letter and confirm.

I have expressed my disappointment in The Kennels to the staff before but I think it fell on deaf ears.

I have been frustrated this evening at recieving another email advising me to book my Members Meet tickets before the 31st October but the website will not let me do it.

I'm putting some thought into wether I'm going to renew or not at the moment and I think what I am going to do is write to Alan Brewer and make my decision based on his response.

[RichB]

DEANO87 said:

I'm putting some thought into whether I'm going to renew or not at the moment and I think what I am going to do is write to Alan Brewer and make my decision based on his response.

I would be interested to know what your key issues will be that you put to him. Personally I will renew, I accept it for what it is and enjoy Chicane grandstand, the members' marquee, forward parking, the kennels and the annual display and of course the Members' Meeting. However I never bother to buy my Members' Meeting tickets until later in the year and I think that's the issue. Why would I buy tickets so far in advance other than to help Goodwood with their forward planning.

[7/11]

Save your £290 and spend it going to other motorsport events for the enthusiast.
OK you will not get the Goodwood "theatre" but you will get to see far more motor racing and a much wider selection of cars.
The money will buy you access to top events at Brands, Silverstone, Castle Combe and Thruxton.
Look out for HSCC, Masters, CSCC, Silverstone Classic and more.
So you will miss out on Glam Cabs, holes in the road gang, Dads Army, L and H but maybe you have seen them so many times, its time for a change?

[ash reynolds]

These days this looks appealing, seems to be what FOS was a few years back. http://www.cpop.co.uk/
Having said that I understand and appreciate that in this world of spiraling costs the Goodwood Estate needs to earn it's keep and I'm also sure that the three main events more than cover this.

I also appreciate that anybody can generally turn up to the circuit when there's track activity and enjoy whatever is going on free of charge. It's a great place to spend some time on a weekend.

A trivial gripe I had was with regard to forward parking at the FOS. It takes an age to get out of the car park. I contacted somebody about this and suggested that the biggest benefit to a member would be an 'express' exit rather than parking 50 yards closer and being left to fend for yourself under the marginal assistance provided by the marshals when you leave. She said simply that this wasn't possible, no discussion or consideration.

This membership is more about prestige I believe. For this alone and the other 'benefits' (ticket discounts were very marginal) it will no doubt continue to generate revenue.

Edited by ash reynolds on Monday 31st October 12:09

[ecsrobin]

ash reynolds said:

These days this looks appealing, seems to be what FOS was a few years back. http://www.cpop.co.uk/
Having said that I understand and appreciate that in this world of spiraling costs the Goodwood Estate needs to earn it's keep and I'm also sure that the three main events more than cover this.

I also appreciate that anybody can generally turn up to the circuit when there's track activity and enjoy whatever is going on free of charge. It's a great place to spend some time on a weekend.

A trivial gripe I had was with regard to forward parking at the FOS. It takes an age to get out of the car park. I contacted somebody about this and suggested that the biggest benefit to a member would be an 'express' exit rather than parking 50 yards closer and being left to fend for yourself under the marginal assistance provided by the marshals when you leave. She said simply that this wasn't possible, no discussion or consideration.

This membership is more about prestige I believe. For this alone and the other 'benefits' (ticket discounts were very marginal) it will no doubt continue to generate revenue.

Edited by ash reynolds on Monday 31st October 12:09

For me I still think I get value for money, I attend both reciprocal days at the race course, view goodwood house on members day and the moving motorshow the value of that alone if I was a non member is over £160. Myself and my family and friends attend the members day, I get enclosures at both events and of course paddock passes at the revival, I also make good use of the kennels visiting twice a month if not more.

However I'm within 30min of the circuit for people who can't make all the events or are far afield then I can see it not being good value.

[dadofbud]

Perhaps you kind folk could help me, after waiting for many years membership offer become a reality last Friday, however the cost is £400.00 per adult inclusive one off joining fee of £180.00, so my confusion and request for help is that I read mention of family membership at £290.00 and there's no such option on my application form?

[RichB]

dadofbud said:

Perhaps you kind folk could help me, after waiting for many years membership offer become a reality last Friday, however the cost is £400.00 per adult inclusive one off joining fee of £180.00, so my confusion and request for help is that I read mention of family membership at £290.00 and there's no such option on my application form?

Many of us joined years ago so it's all changed but have you phoned the office, they're very helpful and do not bite.

[pggroves]

Goodwood has the best offering. Only rival is Silverstone Classic. I live in the NW but go down to Goodwood as often as possible. Sadly I live 1 mile from CPOP and its nothing like Speed nor will it ever will be. Goodwood is a unique offering and Members and Revival are simply amazing. Given up on Speed as too many people and I'm too old to put up with huge crowds.
LM needs the estate to pay its way. He isn't running charity but a commercial business. Yes it's not cheap but it's good value. I met Tony Brooks and Fittipaldi and stood talking to both. Where else could you do that.

[Tattooboy]

dadofbud said:

Perhaps you kind folk could help me, after waiting for many years membership offer become a reality last Friday, however the cost is £400.00 per adult inclusive one off joining fee of £180.00, so my confusion and request for help is that I read mention of family membership at £290.00 and there's no such option on my application form?

In the same boat myself, joining this year.

The family upgrade option is not available to new members, only for renewal.

[ecsrobin]

Tattooboy said:

dadofbud said:

Perhaps you kind folk could help me, after waiting for many years membership offer become a reality last Friday, however the cost is £400.00 per adult inclusive one off joining fee of £180.00, so my confusion and request for help is that I read mention of family membership at £290.00 and there's no such option on my application form?

In the same boat myself, joining this year.

The family upgrade option is not available to new members, only for renewal.

As above ring the office. Very helpful.

Just don't say "hi it's Tattooboy from PH" on the phone. They may bar you from Goodwood....

[Tattooboy]

ecsrobin said:

Tattooboy said:

dadofbud said:

Perhaps you kind folk could help me, after waiting for many years membership offer become a reality last Friday, however the cost is £400.00 per adult inclusive one off joining fee of £180.00, so my confusion and request for help is that I read mention of family membership at £290.00 and there's no such option on my application form?

In the same boat myself, joining this year.

The family upgrade option is not available to new members, only for renewal.

As above ring the office. Very helpful.

Just don't say "hi it's Tattooboy from PH" on the phone. They may bar you from Goodwood....

shock horror, someone called Tattooboy has joined the GRRC, quick chaps, burn all your tweed in disgust !!

I've already called the office and spoke to someone, their response was as per my post above, and yes, they were very helpful, unlike you.

[RichB]

Tattooboy said:

shock horror, someone called Tattooboy has joined the GRRC, quick chaps, burn all your tweed in disgust !!

I've already called the office and spoke to someone, their response was as per my post above, and yes, they were very helpful, unlike you.

It's called a sense of humour, something I'd have thought you'd have in spades with a handle like that.

[ecsrobin]

Tattooboy said:

shock horror, someone called Tattooboy has joined the GRRC, quick chaps, burn all your tweed in disgust !!

I've already called the office and spoke to someone, their response was as per my post above, and yes, they were very helpful, unlike you.

It was meant in jest but sorry if you didn't find it funny like Rich.

I also stated ring the office which is helpful.

[Tattooboy]

ecsrobin said:

It was meant in jest but sorry if you didn't find it funny like Rich.

I also stated ring the office which is helpful.

If in jest, most follow up with a smilie etc to ensure the correct tone comes across when writing a response.

Maybe I'm not as easily amused as Rich?

Why is saying to ring the office helpful when I've already answered the question with regards to the family upgrade option?

Anyhow, lets just leave it here, before your boyfriend leaps to your defence again wildy swinging his handbag!