Ralph
Been there, done that!
Posts: 376
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Post by Ralph on Jun 25, 2007 16:38:06 GMT
Another contributing factor to the low attendance was all the other events on... Goodwood FOS, BTCC, etc.
Weather stayed remarkedly fine on Saturday until 4pm, when the heavens opened. Luckily I was already in the marquee. Unfortunately, I left the sunroof on my ZS open. Luckily, the seats did not get wet.
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Post by TimM on Jun 25, 2007 16:53:05 GMT
A little damp again this year which I think kept the numbers down - this normally happens on wet weekends for this event - nonetheless there were still plenty of cars and owners that did venture out to support this event from the Vintage to the future.
Things were changed around a bit this year as we couldn't park on the grass and had to "hide" some of the registers - V8s MMM, Vintage etc in different locations.
The usual events were here including the circuit tours which made a welcome return - even if I did do it hood down in the rain ! In addition to the very full racing programme there were autotests, gymkhana, Pride of Ownership and Concours, Rally rides , BBQ and live band in addition to the four rows of traders.
Any event will seem "samey" I think if you go year after year - There is a lot of work goes in to Silverstone and a lot of money spent and I was pleased that despite the weather there was some good support again this year.
There are management changes within the club and this did materalise in the change from the formal dinner in favour of a more informal barbecue and live band.
Personally I think it's a good event and I really enjoy it every year. It's the only one of its kind in the UK now that the MGOC have given up with thier National event. It will be interesing to see what changes people wuould suggest. Richard Jones is very receptive to new ideas so let Kimber House know what you think.
The event was not without drama - the V8 register had their marquee broken into and all the beer for their social evening stolen and, more importantly, I had two dustcaps stolen (again ) Perhaps I can buy them back again on e-bay !
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Post by Mike H on Jun 25, 2007 16:57:12 GMT
and Ralph forgot Glastonbury ;D ;D ;D Another contributing factor to the low attendance was all the other events on... Goodwood FOS, BTCC, etc. Ok - covered by the 'etc' I guess
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Post by lornawills on Jun 25, 2007 19:52:58 GMT
Phil and I had a fantastic time (although a brief visit this year). We go for the people; it's the one event of the year that (just about) everyone goes to. I remember Tim M saying it took him about an hour to walk 40 yards because there were so many people to talk to, which we found too. It's great that around every corner is someone else you haven't seen for months, you can have a chat, go for a cuppa, find out the gossip Phil loves the racing, so we spent a good hour or so watching it in the sun. Lovely. Keep up the good work chaps and chappettes
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Post by Keith Williams on Jun 25, 2007 20:40:04 GMT
Someone must have nearly a full set of dust caps by now then Tim as I 'lost' one over the weekend too. It was a good weekend but 14 hours over two days in the pit lane marshalling was more than enough for me. I think that will be the last Silverstone weekend event I marshall at. Not enough marshalls to go around. It would have been OK but all these spectators turned up to a MGCC race meeting which is so unusal ;D It was a bad weekend though for the event with Donnington, Oulton Park and Goodwood all dipping into the small circle of available marshalls. Did notice though a lack of MGCC 'helpers' this year. So much so, they even had fully trained race track marshals guiding cars into the parking areas. that can't be right. Lets hope more volunteer next year to make my first 'visitor only' weekend in 7 years an enjoyable one. Was great to see full and even over filled race grids - even the weather could not ruin the racing. Was nice to catch up with people and overall the weather was so much better than I imagined seeing the forecasts. Nice to see some of the pictures too on here to see what I missed while in the pit lane.
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Post by Emma Jackman on Jun 25, 2007 20:44:15 GMT
Can I join the nicked valve caps club? Someone really must have been on a mission, as I lost two as well
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Post by colintf on Jun 25, 2007 20:45:41 GMT
Saturday night!!entertaining - especially the last four minutes! Spotted Sharky (by bar), Adrian (by bar) and James (on the dancfloor!) www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjVfbNFHNCYas found over on the XPower Forum!
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Post by James Curgenven on Jun 25, 2007 21:05:34 GMT
You can go right off some people!
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Post by colintf on Jun 25, 2007 21:07:35 GMT
I saw nothing there to be ashamed of James!! Well, not from any of us F Reg peeps anyway!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Neil Sutton on Jun 25, 2007 21:43:03 GMT
Must be honest I'm also getting bored of the Silverstone format, although it was nice that I wasn't "working" this time.
The first couple of times I went from 2001 was to look at the cars and buy stuff. Now I go for a chat to people I haven't seen since last Silverstone.... I got there about 10:30 on Sunday and left just after 15:00 so I could get home and watch the BTCC on TV, even by that time the carpark was getting quite empty.
I do think the MGCC need to move on from the "Village Fete" with cars....
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Post by cannonballbob on Jun 25, 2007 22:50:32 GMT
Must be honest I'm also getting bored of the Silverstone format....I do think the MGCC need to move on from the "Village Fete" with cars.... He's a witch! Burn him!
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Be nice, i'm new!
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Post by on Jun 26, 2007 6:44:13 GMT
I really hope that there are changes to next year's show - going by some of the feedback on here and after talking to friends, an overhaul is definitely required. To be honest, even though I did pre-purchase tickets to go on Saturday, the 'sameness' was one of the main reasons behind my decision not to attend afterall.
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Post by Mike H on Jun 26, 2007 8:33:52 GMT
Whilst I'd have to agree with the general sentiment expressed here, I do think that Stu's point above was well made. The 'old guard' MGCC management were pretty stuck in the mud and the format of the show was very very samey. Richard Jones was really stuck with what he'd been given when he took on the role a month or so back. That said, he got NAC on board and by all accounts the VIP's had a cracking day and really enjoyed themselves (especially out on the track ) on the Saturday. I was also impressed that Richard was very much in evidence during the event, taking time out to talk to the CRB reps and those manning the stands. I would be confident that he will be keen to introduce new ideas. He is certainly a go ahead guy who clearly recognises that the future of the club lies with the F and Zed fraternity and is keen to get a new generation of owners on board. I for one will certainly be at next years event - if only to see what changes have been forthcoming ;D ;D ;D
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Post by stu on Jun 26, 2007 8:56:46 GMT
Yup me too Mike
One idea i have is to try to involve the various registers in a "Have a ride in another model" scheme
How many of you wandered around the those classics admiring them ?
Wouldn't it be nice to have a pax ride in some of those beautiful old gems.
I also wonder how many of their owners have experiences of a F or TF, or one of the Z- range..
There's lots that can be done to improve the yearly Silverstone event but its us the participants who make it work.
Do you have and idea ?
I'll start a new thread to voice these which we can pass on to Richard.
But please keep it positive, if you don't plan to go any more fine, its all personal choice.
For me Silverstone will always be the Number 1 meet of the year in Europe. A chance to catch up with old friends and put faces to the new names who have joined our marque over the last year.
Also by introducing the pax ride scheme it will enable us all to make new friends across the models and years..
Stu
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Post by Dave on Jun 26, 2007 9:08:27 GMT
What a great idea Stu. I too would love to experience some of those older MGs and be happy to return the offer with my F. I've no idea how that could work, but it's ideas like this that would both refresh the event and break down the barriers between F owners and other model owners. The strength and weakness of the MGCC is its vast variety of cars and owners. We need ideas for Richard that will play to that strength and not reinforce the weakeness.
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