Goodwood Full Membership

Goodwood Full Membership

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Discussion

130iTrack

Original Poster:

74 posts

88 months

Friday 20th October 2023
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Hi all,

I just got the invitation to upgrade to a full GRRC membership, having been on the fellowship for 3 years. I was expecting to have to wait another few years so was somewhat surprised.

I saw something on Instagram the other day about some significant changes to the membership benefits i.e. no longer offering free Thursday FOS tickets. I wonder if me being suddenly offered full membership is in anyway connected to these changes putting people off renewing thiers.

Would love to hear from current members if they think the membership is still worth paying for? I would typically go to the FOS and Revival every year and maybe start doing the members meeting.

Thanks.

jeremyc

23,480 posts

284 months

Friday 20th October 2023
quotequote all
Have a read of this thread

CKY

1,371 posts

15 months

Friday 20th October 2023
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jeremyc said:
Have a read of this thread
Came here to post exactly this - plenty of experience from current- and former members on the benefits and (seemingly, ever-increasing) drawbacks in that thread. Your prompt offer of full-membership would tend to suggest existing members are voting with their feet.

130iTrack

Original Poster:

74 posts

88 months

Friday 20th October 2023
quotequote all
jeremyc said:
Have a read of this thread
Ah what a shame. I'd been looking forward to becoming a member for years. Looks as though it's not what I thought it was at all. I wonder how big the membership churn has been as a result of these changes.

Seems pretty crazy that a 5 year waitlist has become a two year one in the space of a few weeks (I only renewed my 3rd year fellowship a few days ago).


timbo999

1,293 posts

255 months

Friday 20th October 2023
quotequote all
CKY said:
Came here to post exactly this - plenty of experience from current- and former members on the benefits and (seemingly, ever-increasing) drawbacks in that thread. Your prompt offer of full-membership would tend to suggest existing members are voting with their feet.
Given the 2024 membership renewals don't open until 23 October, I'm not sure the GRRC will know at this point who is renewing and who isn't.

No ideas for a name

2,189 posts

86 months

Friday 20th October 2023
quotequote all
timbo999 said:
Given the 2024 membership renewals don't open until 23 October, I'm not sure the GRRC will know at this point who is renewing and who isn't.
That had crossed my mind. So, they either expect a load of Members to not renew and so are getting in early and topping up with double fees.
OR they have increased the number of Members allowed - which would also be another reduction of benefit/exclusivity.
This is all about solving the overcrowding problem, right?

NickUSA

806 posts

167 months

Friday 20th October 2023
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timbo999 said:
Given the 2024 membership renewals don't open until 23 October, I'm not sure the GRRC will know at this point who is renewing and who isn't.
Might be reading between the lines, but perhaps the membership cap has been lifted too. That would go some way to explain (the real truth) why the FOS Thursday ticket benefit has been withdrawn.

ecsrobin

17,123 posts

165 months

Friday 20th October 2023
quotequote all
NickUSA said:
timbo999 said:
Given the 2024 membership renewals don't open until 23 October, I'm not sure the GRRC will know at this point who is renewing and who isn't.
Might be reading between the lines, but perhaps the membership cap has been lifted too. That would go some way to explain (the real truth) why the FOS Thursday ticket benefit has been withdrawn.
When I joined it was 5,000 the last anyone heard is 8,000 although goodwood keep this quite tight lipped whereas the fellowship they proudly say how many members, I wonder why…..

Although I numerous members have said they’re not renewing until the end of December arrives I can’t see goodwood assuming those members will actually leave?

ecsrobin

17,123 posts

165 months

Friday 20th October 2023
quotequote all
130iTrack said:
Hi all,

I just got the invitation to upgrade to a full GRRC membership, having been on the fellowship for 3 years. I was expecting to have to wait another few years so was somewhat surprised.

I saw something on Instagram the other day about some significant changes to the membership benefits i.e. no longer offering free Thursday FOS tickets. I wonder if me being suddenly offered full membership is in anyway connected to these changes putting people off renewing thiers.

Would love to hear from current members if they think the membership is still worth paying for? I would typically go to the FOS and Revival every year and maybe start doing the members meeting.

Thanks.
I’m a member of 9-10 years and have been attending goodwood events since the second FOS. I was offered membership a few years before but was working up north.

It’s always been something that is probably about break even if you attend all the events and put a monetary value to the members day in the summer and visit the kennels a few times a year. As soon as you stop any of that then the value isn’t that great.

Kennels is nice but the food has been hit and miss depending on the chefs employed.

Factory visits I’ve applied for nearly all of them over the 9-10 years that I’ve been a member and last year I went on my first one (I do more in a year with Pistonheads for free).

Enclosures at events, the FOS enclosure has never been that great since it was moved but the kinrara on a Thursday was worth the membership. That has now been stopped.

Revival the enclosure is nice and lavant straight enclosure is good but a part from using them for loos and wet weather you rarely visit them. Beer is the same price elsewhere, food is better and cheaper elsewhere and lavant everyone camps out on the chairs for the whole day so anyone popping in can’t get a set outside.

Driving tours are good although the one starting at goodwood is generally very similar roads each year and driving standards vary quite a bit, I like to keep momentum but to the limit many members are 40 everywhere crowd so gets infuriating.

Members day is good in August but the last few years have missed it. It’s better if you have young children as they have free rides for them.

Members meeting there are no perks from fellowship.

And everything else is an additional fee the driving tours are a few £k and things like Monaco and Daytona everything is done on a luxury basis for a lot of money rather than enthusiasts in a 3*.

Seaby

2 posts

7 months

Monday 23rd October 2023
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I also got an invite last week after 3 years of being a Fellowship Member. At £509 (£335 annual fee + £335 joining fee, less any fees already paid), it doesn't look great value if I'm honest. This is the benefits list: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/grrc-membershi...

ecsrobin

17,123 posts

165 months

Monday 23rd October 2023
quotequote all
Seaby said:
I also got an invite last week after 3 years of being a Fellowship Member. At £509 (£335 annual fee + £335 joining fee, less any fees already paid), it doesn't look great value if I'm honest. This is the benefits list: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/grrc-membershi...
I posted elsewhere but from memory I think about 7 of the 50 benefits are of no additional cost.

No ideas for a name

2,189 posts

86 months

Monday 23rd October 2023
quotequote all
ecsrobin said:
Seaby said:
I also got an invite last week after 3 years of being a Fellowship Member. At £509 (£335 annual fee + £335 joining fee, less any fees already paid), it doesn't look great value if I'm honest. This is the benefits list: https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/grrc-membershi...
I posted elsewhere but from memory I think about 7 of the 50 benefits are of no additional cost.
Looking at that comparison, it is a bit depressing.
As you say almost everything has a 'star' by it meaning it is really only an invitation to shell out more cash rather than a benefit itself.
I hadn't checked the list recently, but I notice Associates can go to the Kennels - just a limit of twice a year. I did previously think that was exclusive.

Aeroclub roof is nice, but you can't actually see anything from there other than an overview of the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation.
GRRC 'Garage' good if it is raining - didn't bother this year as the food was ridiculously expensive and last time I tried it, it was inedible muck.
Paddock Access good, but not sure if I would really miss it.
Foreward parking, sort of used to this too, but if you arrive early enough, it doesn't make much difference.


I was pleased to see the email this morning from the club, and see GRRC have listened to our concerns ....
Silly me, just dreaming, ignored totally.


2024 CLUB NEWS

We're excited to share our 2024 plans with you!

Following their very popular introduction in 2023, we're delighted to confirm the return next year of the Pit Stop enclosures, GRRC Mess at Revival, exclusive access to the Aerodrome Roof bar, member-only access to pre-event test days at the Circuit and early entry to the Revival site. We will also be hosting even more of the year-round events we know you enjoy - regional drives, factory tours, track days and more – giving you all the opportunity to make the most of your membership at and away from the Estate. Further information on the club event calendar will be released soon.



OtherBusiness

839 posts

142 months

Monday 23rd October 2023
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Been a member since 2015 but not sure I really see the point in continuing either

No ideas for a name

2,189 posts

86 months

Monday 23rd October 2023
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I have had some good times at Goodwood, things that probably wouldn't happen elsewhere...

Just a quick round-up
(I am going to use the term stood by/listened to - as I don't like annoying people who probably have no real desire to chat to me since I will be the100th person to ask them the same question - so I will just listen to what they are saying most of the time, unless I have a specific question)

I listened to what Jackie Stewart had to say whilst being stood opposite him.
Listened to Alain Prost (no disrespect but he seemed to be a 3/4 scale Alain Prost) at the Stables
I spent a short while having a sit down chat with Norman Dewis - a really lovely person.
Because I wasn't quick enough, I stood about 50m away from a guy who had also been stood 250,000 miles away from me (Buzz Aldrin) - great arrival in a UH-1
Listened and had a quick chat with John Surtees
Had a guy fly past me with a jet pack on his back.
Watched Sir Sterling Moss announce the new Member's Meetings
Stood at the fence and watched the racing with Derek Bell
Chatted with Ernie owner/driver of Old Yeller II - (I 'knew him' from Chateau Impney)
Also got an invite to the Battle of Brittain 75th aniversary 'scramble', and saw 20 odd Spits and Hurricane's take off.

BUT, bar John Surtees who was in the Paddock - none of those were related to being in the GRRC.
All available to an interested 'ordinary' punter.

SarahGoodwood

65 posts

25 months

Tuesday 24th October 2023
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Dear all,
I will try to answer your points - apologies if I miss any!
Firstly, we know roughly how many full GRRC members will not renew in a typical year, and we go out to a first batch of Fellowship members to offer them the chance to upgrade before 2024 FOS & Rev tickets go on sale, so that those who, for example, deferred from last year or for another reason are assured of an upgrade invitation can upgrade in time to book their 2024 tickets with the membership discount of 25%. Otherwise, those who upgrade after they have bought 2024 tickets with the Fellowship discount (10%) have to be refunded and the tickets re-issued, which is just administratively inconvenient.
Secondly, the waiting time for invitation to full membership has reduced. We think this is due, in large part, to the increase in Fellowship benefits which mean that more people are happy to remain in the Fellowship and decide not to upgrade to full membership. For those who may live some way from Goodwood, or for people who only come to one headline event, for example, it might be that Fellowship offers better value. But this is always a personal decision. Many benefits apply to both levels - for example, access to Members' Meeting tickets (although Fellowship are restricted to buying four tickets each), the new GRRC Pit Stop Enclosures at FOS and Revival, access to the GRRC Breakfast Club and ticket discount (25% for members, 10% for Fellows). The membership then receive benefits such as Revival Paddock passes, access to more complimentary GRRC enclosures at FOS and Rev, the option to upgrade to premium enclosures, and many more events throughout the year, such as factory tours, driving tours, regional drives, social events etc.
Lastly, the GRRC team are always happy to chat through the two levels of GRRC membership with anyone who is unsure which level suits them, whether they are full members considering moving to Fellowship, or vice versa.
I hope that might answer a few questions!
Best wishes,
Sarah

ecsrobin

17,123 posts

165 months

Tuesday 24th October 2023
quotequote all
SarahGoodwood said:
Dear all,
I will try to answer your points - apologies if I miss any!
Firstly, we know roughly how many full GRRC members will not renew in a typical year, and we go out to a first batch of Fellowship members to offer them the chance to upgrade before 2024 FOS & Rev tickets go on sale, so that those who, for example, deferred from last year or for another reason are assured of an upgrade invitation can upgrade in time to book their 2024 tickets with the membership discount of 25%. Otherwise, those who upgrade after they have bought 2024 tickets with the Fellowship discount (10%) have to be refunded and the tickets re-issued, which is just administratively inconvenient.
Secondly, the waiting time for invitation to full membership has reduced. We think this is due, in large part, to the increase in Fellowship benefits which mean that more people are happy to remain in the Fellowship and decide not to upgrade to full membership. For those who may live some way from Goodwood, or for people who only come to one headline event, for example, it might be that Fellowship offers better value. But this is always a personal decision. Many benefits apply to both levels - for example, access to Members' Meeting tickets (although Fellowship are restricted to buying four tickets each), the new GRRC Pit Stop Enclosures at FOS and Revival, access to the GRRC Breakfast Club and ticket discount (25% for members, 10% for Fellows). The membership then receive benefits such as Revival Paddock passes, access to more complimentary GRRC enclosures at FOS and Rev, the option to upgrade to premium enclosures, and many more events throughout the year, such as factory tours, driving tours, regional drives, social events etc.
Lastly, the GRRC team are always happy to chat through the two levels of GRRC membership with anyone who is unsure which level suits them, whether they are full members considering moving to Fellowship, or vice versa.
I hope that might answer a few questions!
Best wishes,
Sarah
Sarah I know you are know doubt just doing as told but it really is infuriating that the only times you’ve really been replying on here and mainly on the Facebook page is when there’s a potential sale of a fellowship to membership and vice versa.

As has been mentioned on here, the GRRC forum and Facebook and even at a car event at the weekend it was being discussed, when is someone going to acknowledge the frustration that many members feel about how recent decisions have been made and the lack of benefits now received (that don’t require an upsell).

SarahGoodwood

65 posts

25 months

Tuesday 24th October 2023
quotequote all
ecsrobin said:
Sarah I know you are know doubt just doing as told but it really is infuriating that the only times you’ve really been replying on here and mainly on the Facebook page is when there’s a potential sale of a fellowship to membership and vice versa.

As has been mentioned on here, the GRRC forum and Facebook and even at a car event at the weekend it was being discussed, when is someone going to acknowledge the frustration that many members feel about how recent decisions have been made and the lack of benefits now received (that don’t require an upsell).
Dear Robin,
I don't have any further information or comment other than what was in the original letter and email, therefore I don't think it would be tremendously helpful to anyone to keep repeating that. Your comment about me only replying when there is a "potential sale" is unfair - I have been trying my best to provide accurate information to those who specifically ask whether it is possible to move from membership to Fellowship - would you rather I ignored such questions in the hope that people remain in the membership due to lack of information about how to move?
I have often said that I do appreciate how disappointed and frustrated many members are at the decision to remove the Thursday Festival of Speed tickets from the GRRC benefits. It is not within my gift to change this decision, so therefore I have not commented further.
I would strongly encourage you to email GRRC team directly, if you have not already done so, with your feedback - whilst comments on the GRRC members' Facebook group are read, there have been many, and a direct email to the Club is the best way to directly ask any questions or provide feedback.
With best wishes,
Sarah

ecsrobin

17,123 posts

165 months

Tuesday 24th October 2023
quotequote all
SarahGoodwood said:
Dear Robin,
I don't have any further information or comment other than what was in the original letter and email, therefore I don't think it would be tremendously helpful to anyone to keep repeating that. Your comment about me only replying when there is a "potential sale" is unfair - I have been trying my best to provide accurate information to those who specifically ask whether it is possible to move from membership to Fellowship - would you rather I ignored such questions in the hope that people remain in the membership due to lack of information about how to move?
I have often said that I do appreciate how disappointed and frustrated many members are at the decision to remove the Thursday Festival of Speed tickets from the GRRC benefits. It is not within my gift to change this decision, so therefore I have not commented further.
I would strongly encourage you to email GRRC team directly, if you have not already done so, with your feedback - whilst comments on the GRRC members' Facebook group are read, there have been many, and a direct email to the Club is the best way to directly ask any questions or provide feedback.
With best wishes,
Sarah
The last time we all provided feedback a benefit was removed and blamed for doing so. Therefore not sure how helpful that really is!!!

hotpowner

154 posts

170 months

Tuesday 24th October 2023
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Amazing how Sarah replies here
But doesn’t or no one from Goodwood / GRRC replies to the many unhappy members on the GRRC forum

No ideas for a name

2,189 posts

86 months

Wednesday 25th October 2023
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hotpowner said:
Amazing how Sarah replies here
But doesn’t or no one from Goodwood / GRRC replies to the many unhappy members on the GRRC forum
To be fair to Sarah, she did make some posts on the GRRC forums yesterday.
She won't (can't?) deal with any of the points raised, but suggests we email in to grrc@goodwood.com