Stoneleigh 2015 - The feedback thread

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

great organisation as always   well done chaps

 

a few things to consider maybe for next year...

 

the TV showing stuff I thought worked well last year and seamed to draw a little crowd - maybe someone could ornganise that next year? - only requires a modern TV with a usb socket then people can bring in videos of their track time or road trips

 

maybe a few more cars within the marquee would have been good too as it looked a little empty at times

 

what about for next year someone brings along a noise meter so cars can pull up in a designated area to be measured - would bring a bit of added noise, interest and drama

 

It was a shame some of the committe couldnt make both days

 

But once again a rather large tip of the hat to all that made this year a very enjoyable couple of days   You can now have the week off before starting preparation for next years

[Andy Banks]

Thanks Clark.

 

We ditched the TV this year due to popular demand (there's democracy for you). However, your view, having been stood in the marquee all day, warrants greater focus so I think we should think about this again but beef it up a bit with some blue t shirts giving some running commentary or answering questions - feels like something new for 2016 brewing...

 

Sound meter good idea, we have a few dotted around the areas I'm sure. Perhaps a competition for loudest, quietest and spot on per track...? The prizes of course will be in pretzels...

 

And yep, more cars or a wider spread next year.

[Ross (Rosshbar)]

I would just like to say that the weekend was very good and the WSCC stand was by far the most professional club stand and well attended. The organisation of the event was without fault and as I said above well done and thanks to Andy, Ian and Marcus for all their hardwork

My only suggestion for similar events would be some thought for members to socialise after the formal day. For example if perhaps the smaller marque was situated In the camping area then this may become more of a members only area (no yapping dogs for next year). This would provide an area for us that decided to brave camping over the weekend in our westies that we could stand up straight, make a brew or a bacon sandwich in the morning sit and have our takeaway and chat to the like minded. If this was able to be heated then we may even be able to sit up later and talk whilst having a social beer and drying out. This may feel excessive to some and I am sorry about that it is not my intention but if we look after our members, it may also become a family weekend and more of a social event

[Captain Colonial]

It was a shame some of the committe couldnt make both days

 

Agreed and apologies I couldn't make the Monday.  I was there at Stoneleigh on Thursday making sure the marquee was set up correctly, and I put in about 6 hours Saturday making multiple runs to Booker Cash & Carry, Sainsburys and Staples to get all the food, drink and sundries (and again Sunday morning for more food).  Was there all day Sunday and left about 8 PM.  I'm afraid business and a bit of back-breaking digging for SWMBO polished off the weekend (and me) good and proper - typical that it was the best day weather wise.

 

As I stated at the AGM, Nick was unable to come due to a family issue overseas that needed urgent attention, and he sent his apologies.

 

The MemSec did a great job both days for which I thank him.

 

The AO Rep was down on Saturday all the way from Cheshire slaving away and drove home and back on Sunday.  Our Treasurer put in much manual labour on Saturday and Monday moving the show stuff - my thanks to them both.

[Andy Banks]

Thanks Ross.

 

WRT Social. We had just that on Saturday and Sunday and we try to make the social thing part of the marquee as we invite our sponsors and traders too (although it's rare they pitch up TBH). It was advertised as a post AGM thing... It was one of the better evenings this year I think. Breakfast... TBH, although a few more quid out of the upgrade fund, you cant beat the Farm Shop brekkie and no washing up.

 

Yapping dogs will be dealt with... Apologies to those who were put out by this as was I.

 

I believe when heading back to the camp site it is to get some shut eye after-party so having it there would be just as bad as the yapping dog to a degree...?

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Firstly top work by all involved

A big positive for me was the evening BBQ (thanks Ian) and the extra selection of salads and coleslaws we had to go with a burgers this year. It's a shame more members couldn't make it as this has the opportunity to be a great social event, but i fear the numbers may have been largely due to the weather on Sunday. I did notice that Ian looked stretched at times trying to cater for everyone at the same time and wondered wether a second BBQ may be a benefit for next year to help ease the burden.

Personally I'm a fan of the marques current location so close to the Westfield drift as it's only a short walk between the two for visitors which encourages them to be able to see inside without having to first walk across a field to get there.

I thought the amount of cars in the marque was about right. When the rain came, it became quite crowded in there and in places difficult to move about particularly down the end near the drift. Given that the cars on display are members car I wouldn't want to see them crowded in there too much as there would be a proportional increased risk of damage occurring to them if it becomes busy with visitors.

Inside the halls somebody (sorry my memory has gone) mentioned about the visibility of our stand and suggested a large (think massive) banner on the back wall would be useful to raise our profile and visibility.

Apologies I couldn't volunteer my time for 3 days this year as I had done in the past. With Dawn (SHMBO) joining me for the first time and plans elsewhere for Monday afternoon I only had the Sunday and a bit of time monday morning to be able to mingle and talk to people. Next year I may try and arrange some comfortable hotel accommodation up the road so we can stay for longer rather than roughing it in a tent.

[Young Pretender]

Was the yapping dog Scott's? Those little terriers can be a roight nuisance

[tolf]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I think name badges are a key requirement, so these will be on the list of improvements for 2016. Not sure about moving the gazebo to the camping area, just moves the noise to where us organisers are trying to get some sleep!

Security of camping area will be addressed and I think we will say no dogs in the immediate camping area next year. If you have a dog then you go in the public area- this is fair for those who are helping and who need to be up early for their shift..

A notice board with shift times and names will be in the marquee, this is a good idea.

We don't want to move the marquee too far away from the drift area, otherwise we will be in the middle of the field and people will not bither to walk over and see us. Yes the drift cars can be a bit annoying, however the event is a car show so they are not going to go away. Maybe a free drift if you sign up as a new member on the day for next year?

MORE members cars in the marquee for 2016 - either for both days or just the one day..

It would help if ALL volunteer turned up for their shifts, we had some who did volunteer and we confirmed their shifts back to them, but they did not turn up. This is selfish and puts more work on everyone else. Not sure how we deal with this yet.

The Stoneleigh team will review your comments and reviews so next year we are even better , keep 'em coming

[Andy Banks]

Inside the halls somebody (sorry my memory has gone) mentioned about the visibility of our stand and suggested a large (think massive) banner on the back wall would be useful to raise our profile and visibility.

 

We were missing all the Speed Series stuff. I think it might now be located. Normally that goes up on the wall so as differentiate from WSCC and the Sponsors and Traders that pitch there too and has in the past been reasonably visible from across the Hall. Maybe a couple of the big whip flag with floor standers...?

[Trevor Little (Trevturtle) - Treasurer]

Well organised event,  well done guys. 

Great positioning of the marquee and parking.  Next to the westfield drift guys is a good idea, I'm sure lots of people looked in the WSCC area  after the drift visit.

 

My first trip out in torrential rain (it had to happen some time so this was a good reason) , but a great day after it cleared up at midday

 

Don't think twice about volunteering next year,  its a great way to meet people and put faces to names. Snack bar in the morning a good opportunity to talk to members and non members.

[TableLeg]

With regards to my earlier post about the position of the marquee, I feel like the entrance way from the drift experience feels like 'walking in through a back door' with the grand entrance on the side of the marquee. When I arrived early on Sunday morning this is the layout at that time.

 

However I think that a slight movement of the marquee with a different positioning of cars would make for a more 'Grand entrance' from the Drift experience side and the area where many non Westfield/Kitcar owners may be walking from (the halls).

[Captain Colonial]

Was the yapping dog Scott's? Those little terriers can be a right nuisance

 

Nope, my two West Highland White (not black) Terrierorists were left at home for exactly that reason!

[Captain Colonial]

Bring back Pretzels!!!

 

With all due respect, kindly go forth and multiply   I had 2 kgs left over last time and was heartily sick of them by the time they had been consumed a long time later.  Pretzels are dead (insert Dead Parrot Sketch text here).

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

There are some limitations as to where the marquee can go, as there are services towards the centre of the plot. (We have to effectively get a ground penetration survey done to give us permission to drive the "tent pegs" in from the Show ground management.

 

I know where we are currently is a safe spot, not sure how far that extends...

[Andy Banks]

It would be difficult to move the marquee. We did move it good 20ft back for this year to give more room for cars between us and the drift, think that might be the limit as there are as Dave says electric and water services dotted about.

 

A few more cars up front for next year (like Mnday but more) plus we could do some A3 for sale signs to attach to cars and do away with the area being designated as cars for sale for next year?