GRRC 2021 Membership

[ecsrobin]

I think I’ll hold out till the end of December before paying we may have a better idea if events of that size will be going ahead in 2021.

[No ideas for a name]

ecsrobin said:

I think I’ll hold out till the end of December before paying we may have a better idea if events of that size will be going ahead in 2021.

I think I will hold out too - but as mentioned above, I too am sure that any announcements about next year's events will be made after the memberships are in the bank.
It isn't really a dig at Goodwood - what can they do? I would expect a bit more honesty about the plan though, just blindly saying the events will go ahead doesn't actually give that much confidence.

I don't have a crystal ball, but to me, the way things are going I just don't see how any organisation can commit literally millions of pounds to organising an event that has a high probability of being cancelled or delayed.

Again a political or statistical point, but the population hiding from a virus doesn't solve the issue. It just kicks the can and makes the problem happen later.

[AllezWasps]

Goodwood are no different to other businesses that have set their sights on returning to (some sort of) normality in 2021.
I look at it this way- if I don’t renew and everyone else takes the same view then Goodwood will be gone. End of. No more. Yes it will be bitterly disappointing to have everything scrapped again next year but firstly at this moment in time there’s every chance we’ll get a FOS and a Revival (I accept the position with the MM is a bit more precarious- but of course they could re-jig the date) and secondly, if my continued support and membership gives us a shot at going back to the place I love dearly in 2022 then for me, it’s a price worth paying.

[No ideas for a name]

AllezWasps said:

...........
I look at it this way- if I don’t renew and everyone else takes the same view then Goodwood will be gone. End of. No more. Yes it will be bitterly disappointing to have everything scrapped again next year but firstly at this moment in time there’s every chance we’ll get a FOS and a Revival (I accept the position with the MM is a bit more precarious- but of course they could re-jig the date) and secondly, if my continued support and membership gives us a shot at going back to the place I love dearly in 2022 then for me, it’s a price worth paying.

I was going to say that the Club subs are not necessary in order to run the events, but then a quick estimate of the figures was made...

The Membership fees for the Goodwood Road Racing Club must gross around £2M for the Goodwood Road Racing Company (based on an average of say £300 fees for say 7000 members). I can't see the Club being particularly expensive to run.

GRRCo netted something like £5M the previous year, so the Club does seem to be a surprisingly high contributor to the Company profits.

However, assuming 150,000 (over the three days) go to both major events (total 300k tickets) , to get that £2M back would only add £7 to a ticket. Don't forget Members still have to buy their tickets (allowing a small discount).

If my figures are roughly right, then it adds more weight to a bit more value being given back to the Members.

I too am likely to be renewing - I want the events to continue as I enjoy spending my time there - however Goodwood just saying they are planning for all events and no mention of the fall back position isn't good.

[AllezWasps]

Your figures may or may not be right- however given that the club earned nothing from ticket sales this year (or next year depending on your view because those that bought tickets this year will not have to pay again for the pleasure next year as they remain valid) in theory if everything gets cancelled again next year then that money from membership renewals may just keep things afloat. It might not of course but it could be the difference.

[OtherBusiness]

I agree with all of this. I will renew for next year, but am not expecting MM to go ahead in March. The other events are a maybe. Probably be another Speedweek type single event in 2021. If the rules are a bit more relaxed after next summer (or there is a vaccine and we have our "all clear" paperwork!), just members are able to visit to spectate, spread out around the track.

Hopefully the membership and fellowship combined brings in enough money to the GRRC and estate as a whole to keep it ticking over as we move forward.

[No ideas for a name]

OtherBusiness said:

I agree with all of this. I will renew for next year, but am not expecting MM to go ahead in March. The other events are a maybe. Probably be another Speedweek type single event in 2021. If the rules are a bit more relaxed after next summer (or there is a vaccine and we have our "all clear" paperwork!), just members are able to visit to spectate, spread out around the track.

Hopefully the membership and fellowship combined brings in enough money to the GRRC and estate as a whole to keep it ticking over as we move forward.

That is a three line summary of my ramblings!

My issue with Goodwood is the blind belief that there will be the three events as normal next year - a bit of reality when they ask for our fees would be a better plan. An alternative plan for if things don't go as we would like. A further delayed MM78 would be disappointing, as that is really (for me) the best of the events. We don't know the future for next year, but we/they should be open about considering options.

Reading my own post back, I realised one part didn't read as I intended... I was trying to get across that the Membership does in fact contribute a fair bit to the operation. Goodwood should recognise that a bit more. Particularly if the membership end up giving GW several million for them to tread water for the two years. I think most members don't see the annual fees as just buying a service, it is more to belong in some way to GW.
I think there is a general feeling that the Membership benefits have been diluted over the years. Benefits might be better for those who live locally and can take better advantage of things. I don't wish to deny 'Fellows' (AKA Associate Members) their benefits, but there isn't a great step between them and members.
You don't want to alienate the non-members, but Members (and Fellows to some degree) should get a bit more.
Whatever happens, with ticket carry over and/or reduced capacity, GW have lost a year's worth of ticket sales (countered by not having some of the costs of the three events). By my guess that is someting like 300,000 people (tickets) over the 6 days with say an average cost of £100... that is £30M. Ouch.

[Taylor James]

I'll renew (20+ year member). The money is not significant by a typical member's standards and I'm not a fair weather fan. I'm local so benefit more than some but it's in the same category as using the local shops rather than cheaper out of town places for me. If it was £2K a year I might think differently but it's in the region of a fiver a week.

[Taylor James]

No ideas for a name said:

OtherBusiness said:

I agree with all of this. I will renew for next year, but am not expecting MM to go ahead in March. The other events are a maybe. Probably be another Speedweek type single event in 2021. If the rules are a bit more relaxed after next summer (or there is a vaccine and we have our "all clear" paperwork!), just members are able to visit to spectate, spread out around the track.

Hopefully the membership and fellowship combined brings in enough money to the GRRC and estate as a whole to keep it ticking over as we move forward.

That is a three line summary of my ramblings!

My issue with Goodwood is the blind belief that there will be the three events as normal next year - a bit of reality when they ask for our fees would be a better plan. An alternative plan for if things don't go as we would like. A further delayed MM78 would be disappointing, as that is really (for me) the best of the events. We don't know the future for next year, but we/they should be open about considering options.

Reading my own post back, I realised one part didn't read as I intended... I was trying to get across that the Membership does in fact contribute a fair bit to the operation. Goodwood should recognise that a bit more. Particularly if the membership end up giving GW several million for them to tread water for the two years. I think most members don't see the annual fees as just buying a service, it is more to belong in some way to GW.
I think there is a general feeling that the Membership benefits have been diluted over the years. Benefits might be better for those who live locally and can take better advantage of things. I don't wish to deny 'Fellows' (AKA Associate Members) their benefits, but there isn't a great step between them and members.
You don't want to alienate the non-members, but Members (and Fellows to some degree) should get a bit more.
Whatever happens, with ticket carry over and/or reduced capacity, GW have lost a year's worth of ticket sales (countered by not having some of the costs of the three events). By my guess that is someting like 300,000 people (tickets) over the 6 days with say an average cost of £100... that is £30M. Ouch.

Are you leaving out sponsorship and other revenues? I think they'll be down a lot more than £30M.

[Stephanie Plum]

Taylor James said:

I'll renew (20+ year member). The money is not significant by a typical member's standards and I'm not a fair weather fan. I'm local so benefit more than some but it's in the same category as using the local shops rather than cheaper out of town places for me. If it was £2K a year I might think differently but it's in the region of a fiver a week.

Same here. It’s not enough money to get particularly exercised about. We visit the Kennels regularly and if I read their various magazines over a coffee I can save at least the GRRC sub by not subscribing to them all myself

We also pop into the circuit ad hoc and there is usually something interesting happening either on track on or on the airfield. Once the events return, realistically I doubt in 2021, but hopefully in 2022, all will be well again.

[willy wombat]

It never even crossed my mind not to renew for next year but I am another local member and use the Kennels regularly, drop into the aero club cafe etc etc. Given the cost/running costs of the cars many GRRC members run you could argue that the annual subs are pretty much loose change.

[squirdan]

the other aspect to this is that no refunds were given for tickets purchased, just the annoying statement "your tickets will be valid for next year"

unlike lets say flights I paid for that were cancelled - not the airlines fault - or hotels etc ...full refund

so its not just the GRRC membership fee

I feel Goodwood lay it on a bit thick about being a club when the reality is its a multi million £ business

I love the events but lets be honest we all pay handsomely to attend and they I dont believe this they lay them on for any reason other than to make a profit ! Its a business case study of how to pay for a stately home

[AllezWasps]

Just renewed this morning. I also ‘joined’ the Paddock Club.
Spoke to a very nice lady on the phone who said it had been pretty much non stop with people renewing (this is the first day forGRRC renewals). Apparently there will be a ‘bumper’ members pack coming though this year. Not sure what that will actually entail but I suppose with no events (except for Speedweek) and therefore presumably no book they have got to do something else?

[ghgunning]

How do we feel about membership now post news of vaccines seeming more positive? I'm a member of the Horse Racing Club and am umming and arring whether to renew or not given my doubt there will be too many events next year.

[ecsrobin]

I’m still renewing but I’m expecting a reduced year for events.

[johnoz]

If you don't renew I guess you then go to the back of the queue?

[Ed Moses]

johnoz said:

If you don't renew I guess you then go to the back of the queue?

If you do not renew and then do not join the Fellowship, you are not even in the queue any more!

[mk1coopers]

I did it, my thinking was to support Goodwood now so it's there for the future, looks like they have some government funding as well now, which will only strengthen things, I can see the MM moving, April will be too soon, even with mass vaccinations it's going to take months not weeks to get everyone done, the infection rates are going to have to be monitored to make sure it's working then there still has to be some sort of CV-19 protocol worked out for large events (for next year and who knows how much longer), plus people that still don't want to attend / the opposite end of the scale where they don't think of others, that will have an impact on the recovery times. .

As an example in a mask area at work I've had 2 people come in during the last week and say they are exempt, only to double check with thier employer (as I just wanted a list of who was exempt so it could be passed onto the staff who work there) only to find that neither of them had any sort of exemption and they had lied to us, people who are prepared to do this will extend the current situation and have an effect on us all

[tonymor]

I imagine with the prospect of a vaccine getting closer 2021 will see a lot of interest in motorsport events and although I’m not a member I’m sure anyone who does renew will be glad they did as the general public are desperate to see happenings so access to tickets in advance etc must be a bonus.

[No ideas for a name]

mk1coopers said:

I did it, my thinking was to support Goodwood now so it's there for the future, looks like they have some government funding as well now, which will only strengthen things, I can see the MM moving, April will be too soon, even with mass vaccinations it's going to take months not weeks to get everyone done, the infection rates are going to have to be monitored to make sure it's working then there still has to be some sort of CV-19 protocol worked out for large events (for next year and who knows how much longer), plus people that still don't want to attend / the opposite end of the scale where they don't think of others, that will have an impact on the recovery times. .

I will be renewing, but as others have said, I am also expecting a reduced set of events.
I also fully expect the MM to move from the start of April. No way will the situation with vacinations, health passports etc. be in place by then. I can't see how Goodwood can 'bet' on being allowed to run the event when surely they need to be planning and booking already. I guess tent hire and such like will be glad of the business, so may allow cancellable, or movable bookings, but it all seems to make it next to impossible. I think I heard that Goodwood lost £1M on the aborted build-up for last year's postponed event.

I have said it before, but I think this would be a good opportunity for Goodwood to do a bit of a 'reset' with the GRRC members. I think there has been a general feeling that benefits have been erroded over the years. Members that have stuck with Goodwood through this should in someway be rewarded (and more so than a brass plaque and a tree). Not sure exactly what I am asking for, but something exclusive at at least one of the events. I can see a GSA stand - but of course Goodwood would then milk that by charging extra too.

mk1coopers said:

As an example in a mask area at work I've had 2 people come in during the last week and say they are exempt, only to double check with thier employer (as I just wanted a list of who was exempt so it could be passed onto the staff who work there) only to find that neither of them had any sort of exemption and they had lied to us, people who are prepared to do this will extend the current situation and have an effect on us all

Probably more for another thread but, be very careful with this... as far as I understand the legislation, 'exemptions' are self-declared and it can be as simple as 'mask anxiety' . A person's employer wouldn't know about any exemption. I believe attempting to check up on people falls foul of discrimination and disability laws. Arguably not what was intended - but the law was badly drafted and rushed through without parlimentary inspection.