Sunday Services and the future, your thoughts please

Sunday Services and the future, your thoughts please

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Discussion

arcamalpha

1,073 posts

163 months

Tuesday 17th December 2013
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Fully support the accountability ideas and would be very happy to make a donation to a charity.

As others have said, timing is hard to crack. In my case I try to arrive shortly before the queues. I do this because as on the occasions I've arrived on time, I've queued for 30mins or more just to drive 500 yards (e.g. goodwood).

I'm not sure of the solution other than perhaps to allow for a faster rate of cars coming in - more people checking names in parallel perhaps off of the street. Goodwood has a good space for this but not sure about other venues.

My suggestion would be to make small changes at a time. The format works really well and it's good if people know what to expect.

rix

2,776 posts

189 months

Tuesday 17th December 2013
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All great suggestions... although much to my horror a presumed IT f-up on my part meant that I hadn't removed my name from Goodwood like I thought I had - I didn't realise until I saw Nathan's Saturday sent email until Sunday AM!

1) Merchandise - a variety of smilies is probably all that's needed without being burdensome. I like the idea about event specific runs too but appreciate its another hassle!

2) Accountability - rather than just send reminders to those on the list, send them to the reserves as well - people may assume that they don't make the final list and as such dont bother / remember to take them selves off the list. Agree about 2 strikes etc. If there is a windscreen printy thing then it would be quite nice to make the owners username prominent to aide putting names to faces/motors.

3) Donations - spot on. Venue's choice would be a nice gesture for their hospitality.

4) Locations - the more the merrier, but did notice from the recent Vauxhall event that there may be some subconscious snootiness and the turn out wasn't amazing. Odd!

VinceM

1,888 posts

137 months

Tuesday 17th December 2013
quotequote all
rix said:
All great suggestions... although much to my horror a presumed IT f-up on my part meant that I hadn't removed my name from Goodwood like I thought I had - I didn't realise until I saw Nathan's Saturday sent email until Sunday AM!

1) Merchandise - a variety of smilies is probably all that's needed without being burdensome. I like the idea about event specific runs too but appreciate its another hassle!

2) Accountability - rather than just send reminders to those on the list, send them to the reserves as well - people may assume that they don't make the final list and as such dont bother / remember to take them selves off the list. Agree about 2 strikes etc. If there is a windscreen printy thing then it would be quite nice to make the owners username prominent to aide putting names to faces/motors.

3) Donations - spot on. Venue's choice would be a nice gesture for their hospitality.

4) Locations - the more the merrier, but did notice from the recent Vauxhall event that there may be some subconscious snootiness and the turn out wasn't amazing. Odd!
I have to agree with all of this. However the arrival time is not something that would easily be resolved - unless at meet point is established at a local car park or services for example? Not sure if the number sof early attendees would allow this, as I'm rarely there before the gates open!

72twink

963 posts

241 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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It's interesting that a week before this event the 911-50 meet at Teddington was scheduled to also start at 9am. We arrived shortly after 9 and found it 2/3 full and already busy. There has been a lot of talk about bad traffic when attending Breakfast Clubs and so it's probably safe to assume that the 190 (including me btw) were mindful of this and aimed to arrive early. Also of note is that plenty of those arriving well after 9am were directed into the Tesco/overflow carpark and were overlooked by plenty of attendees.

ps I'm not a polisher either!

RallyRider

1,127 posts

203 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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I hadn't managed to get to any SS this year, having to change plans in the days before the 2 I had my name down for and thus removed myself from the list. If more people were respectful and did the same then it wouldn't be much of an issue. Alas they don't so no-shows need to be addressed - if this is 3 strikes then out or something similar then so be it.

Same goes for driving standards, if you don't respect the hosts then they won't ask you back.

Charitable donations are good but, as has already been said, need to be voluntary or a nominal amount per car and given to a cause nominated by the hosts.

In the same vein as no entry of your name is not on the list, if the venue is unable to cope with the odd early arrivals then this should be mentioned and anyone turning up excessively early should be moved on until the gates open.

Rajpaul

4 posts

124 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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All good wih me.

dandemoraliser

75 posts

178 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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Not the answers but possible suggestions!

Accountability - Agree with signing up. maybe worth letting those who have signed up a time limit to get in then open to allcomers (although to stop loads of people on road outside waiting may obviously be an issue!)

Should be fairly easy with QR code or similar specific to people or groups of people.

Again no issue with reg numbers (obviously to keep private on lists etc.) and then subsequent enforcement through forum activity limits maybe?

Charity - donation would be no problem for most i would expect, although minimum should be set. Also note some events obviously there are other activities i.e. fast laps etc. maybe work adding a little to price of that to cover also?

Timing - First 100 cars in list to be there and in by 9am, second 100 in between 9.30 and 10am? Might be logistical nightmare but does mean people need to be more specific about turning up or not.


Mark.

11,104 posts

275 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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The SS I have been to have always been over subscribed, but by the time I get my lazy arse going in the morning I'm not usually there til 100-1030 whereby a great deal of cars have gone, and by the 1300 close time the place is pretty much deserted.
So how about the attendee list as it is now with a maximum number, but knowing loads will leave after the first hour or so have it open doors after 1030-1100 for those wishing to hang around til 1300 when Garlick starts pacing and pushing you out?

Garlick

Original Poster:

40,601 posts

239 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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Thanks for all of these chaps, much obliged.

I will digest over Xmas ready for 2014 but please keep them coming if you have more thoughts.

drivin_me_nuts

17,949 posts

210 months

Wednesday 18th December 2013
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I think the three strikes rule is an excellent idea.With the email confirmation you send, include the cancelation 'reminder' and the terms and conditions regarding safe and appropriate driving.


hdrflow

854 posts

137 months

Thursday 19th December 2013
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Only been to two at MBW but SS are fully appreciated as well. To add to the barcode idea, one of those fancy QR codes on a PH smiley sticker, and anyone attending would need to have one, would prolly allow to control who went or not (+plus the donation smile). If you can make the QR code unique to each member then we all know we are in the forum (which may not be good hehe).

I fully agree with the accountability proposals. Same should be applied to anyone doing whatever the hosts assume to be 'bad' behaviour. In this case a single strike would be fine for me.

I don't mind donating to a charity as long as there's no mandatory minimum. The £5 mentioned is way too high. Not even at work the 'forced' monthly donation is that high.

I'd also like to suggest that some of the places (like 100 or some % of the total) be randomly assigned to those on the reserve list. If is the case not everyone is going and some venues are not fully booked then it could help prevent people hoarding places just because.

ilovevolvo

1,832 posts

223 months

Sunday 22nd December 2013
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Love the SS I have been to my only ask is one trip to Mclaren please please. Thanks again to Paul and his team over 2013
.

jimboy2

179 posts

129 months

Tuesday 24th December 2013
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Another thing to add and I guess this is out of your control is being able to add/remove names on a mobile device.

Most people these days will be getting the email on their mobiles. I was unable to see the list or odd to it on anything but a PC. Not sure if this is a problem for anyone else?
Just think if you got the email reminder but can't remove your list when your on the go I bet people forget to do it when they get home.

All the other suggestions are great too. Have always been amazed that this is a free event

Edit- seems to be just my HTC one that has issues. My iPad is fine

jimboy2

179 posts

129 months

Tuesday 24th December 2013
quotequote all
Another thing to add and I guess this is out of your control is being able to add/remove names on a mobile device.

Most people these days will be getting the email on their mobiles. I was unable to see the list or odd to it on anything but a PC. Not sure if this is a problem for anyone else?
Just think if you got the email reminder but can't remove your list when your on the go I bet people forget to do it when they get home.

All the other suggestions are great too. Have always been amazed that this is a free event

Edited by jimboy2 on Thursday 26th December 11:06

Tiger Tim

1,810 posts

221 months

Thursday 26th December 2013
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Paul I agree with all of the ideas you've had..

If you think back to Silverstone early this year, I was the guy in the Elise raising money for Miles for the Many and wandered around with a bucket and quietly and politely asked for donations.

I raised a few hundred from that and everyone I spoke to was very polite even if they chose not to donate (which I respected their choice). Ultimately I think it demonstrated that not only are PH'ers a friendly and generous bunch, but that charity if done with some tact is fantastic all round.


A windy way of saying thanks and that I think a charity donation is a great idea with a bit of proof already.

notax

2,091 posts

238 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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I agree with all of Paul's ideas. I think charity collecting is a particularly good idea and think that many nominated charities would be happy to arrange for volunteers to collect on their behalf - on the exit would help avoid queues.

I think by allowing cars into some venues early you are exacerbating the problem of an early start - although I can understand you can't allow local roads to jam up. Many of us organise convoys to these events and perhaps we should agree on a couple of local meeting points near the venue (superstore, industrial estate etc) and have all convoys meet there whenever we arrive, before heading off en masse to arrive at 9am..? Could add another element to the day.

I agree with the idea of selling PH merchandise, you don't have to go overboard, but it cant cost much to print the stickers (in a few colours please) and would encourage many more to buy them - especially as the postage is as much as the stickers...

Final suggestion, if venues have the space and appropriate permission can be obtained, it would certainly add to the day if there were some sort of live action (as there is at Brooklands). An idea would be an autotest/slalom. These are brilliant fun, a great way into motorsport at very low cost and can be entered in just about any car (at ones I've entered we've had everything from MOT failures to shopping cars (often very quick!) to supercars. Very little space is required and they are very safe and cause little damage. If this idea is of interest I would be very happy to discuss what is involved and potentially help arrange such an event.

Thanks very much for arranging the Sunday Services - all your work is appreciated smile

billzeebub

3,862 posts

198 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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I'm a huge fan of the existing Sunday Service format and implementation. However, there is always room for improvement and expansion.

Sometimes a Sunday Service only has 200/300 spaces, maybe even less. I know there are some great venues that cannot accommodate everyone, but in the spirit of inclusiveness I would like to see venues chosen for their ability to accommodate EVERY Pistonheader who wished to attend. That would also help alleviate the rush to get there early (or risk your P&J being shunted into a dark corner of an outlining Carpark by a marshal). For me it is mainly about the diversity and brilliance of the Cars. It is very nice being at a flash Marque Funfair, but the essence is e members and cars. If a small, select meet is in the offing maybe organise that in edition to a monthly meet, as you know it will get fully subscribed many times over.

I would also like to see more outside partners being used at the events. This would help keep people/ cars around longer. Off the top of my head Pistonheads Merchandise (without postage costs), Car Detailers for the wealthy (also Car Washers for the dirty plebs) and occasionally some kind of Theme or Entertainment.


turbo-ww

1,766 posts

215 months

Friday 27th December 2013
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Garlick said:
At Goodwood we had 800 sign up and 450 arrive on the day (as of 11.30AM)
Gob-smacked by those figures. That is just rude....


I agree with most of the points but for Paul and the PH Team's sake it has to remain simple administer and not time consuming. i.e. We the attendees need to tow the line if they are to continue.

(And I hope they do)

Mr Tidy

22,065 posts

126 months

Saturday 28th December 2013
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I only joined this year - the visit to the Rolls Royce factory was the motivation. I also went the the MB world one, and thoroughly enjoyed both so many thanks to PH for making these visits possible.

If there is another Vauxhall one I will make sure I do that. Is there any chance of going to the Ford heritage centre?

Like most people who have posted I am broadly in agreement with all of Garlick's proposals, but with the charity contribution being voluntary (and not collected as people are trying to get in) and the availability of whatever PH merchandise is practical.

Amazed that people arrive before 09.00 on a Sunday morning, but if they do just don't let them in!
If you don't like queues do what I did, have a bit of a lie-in and arrive after 10.00!

Keep it up!

jas xjr

11,309 posts

238 months

Saturday 28th December 2013
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Could we have something organised for us northerners ?

I did mention the lack of merchandise to Mr garlic at a as over five years ago :-) you could ask your supplier to underwrite the merchandise . Some stickers would be a start