Sunday Services and the future, your thoughts please

[Garlick]

Morning all

In the spirit of open thinking I wanted to get your opinion on a few things, who better to ask how we improve than the people who turn up to the events.

It's clear the Sunday Service meets are now more popular than ever and with that increased popularity comes increased risk and more logistical issues. To keep these meets attractive to land owners, and safe to attend for PHers, I'd like to make some changes moving forwards, no firm plans at the moment but here are some of my thoughts

• Accountability

We fully expect some folk won't be able to turn up on the day due to unforeseen family and work commitments, we can't do a lot about that, but what we need to stop is those that sign up as soon as we announce an event then forget to take their name off the list. At Goodwood we had 800 sign up and 450 arrive on the day (as of 11.30AM) as an example.

How would people feel about an electronic checking off system at the gate, one no show means you get an email from us, two is a warning and three is an ban from signing up for the rest of the year (as an example)

• Accountability - part two

We are seeing more bad driving at these events. A brisk departure is fine, intentionally leaving half of your tyres on our hosts tarmac is less so...much less. It's embarrassing for us to have to explain away.

We could impose a similar structure to the above where reg numbers are needed at sign up (which can be changed right up to the night before) and if you are seen to be an idiot we'll be able to contact you directly to discuss. Would that work? Would it be welcomed?

• Sunday Service Charity

Over the course of a year we see approximately 6-8,000 cars at these meets (well, if they all turn up anyway!) how would you feel about making a donation to a chosen annual charity (an amount of your choice) as you arrive? We could raise a lot for a good cause (raising our profile as nice people) and removing the free element may encourage more responsibility from attendees.

Would you be willing to make a donation?

• Timing

More and more we see early arrivals, again it's to be expected as many leave in good time to get to us and empty roads mean you arrive earlier than planned. Such is life, no big deal.

However, at Goodwood we allowed 190 cars in before 09.00 as we had to keep the road outside clear despite the event not being officially open. It's a bit like turning up to your friends dinner party just as they start the preparation...and it happens at every meet we arrange.

What could we do to tighten up the arrival time? We always say 09.00, and expect a few early arrivals, but 100+ cars starts to be an issue!





To be clear, the events will continue and we LOVE hosting them! But, times have changed since we paid and displayed at Virginia Waters and we need to change logistics accordingly.

Your thoughts, as those who make them happen, are welcome

[Garlick]

I'm going to try and let this run rather than answer individually, will be easier overall.

However, a few quick notes

• Charity will be chosen together (poll) and donation is your choice - throw in loose change, a wedge of notes or nothing

• Taking your name from the list will be acceptable up to 24 hours ahead of the event (as a suggestion) Emergencies happen so we can expect some will fall outside of that but as we'll email you to mention it you'll have a chance to tell us.

• Opening earlier isn't likely to be possible. The manufacturers already provide volunteer staff who agree to start setting up at 07.00 (in most cases) for an 09.00 start. To expect them (and to some extent my team who do it very regularly) to arrive at 05.00 to open at 07.30 might be a step too far for a free event!

[Garlick]

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.