MX-5 OC Forum

Happy New Year to you all!

Well it’s a New Year and I don’t know about you but I am a little disillusioned with the car club meetings at the moment, Don’t get me wrong it’s great to catch up with friends etc but the actual car content is lacking.

If I were a new member coming for the first time then I probably wouldn’t bother coming back.

 So, as it’s no good just winging about these things I would like to make a few suggestions to get the ball rolling and I would appreciate any feedback, Support or other ideas that anyone else may have.

1.       What have you done to your five this month.

A quick round the tables opportunity to tell other members what you have done to your 5, this can be dead simple like……

Changed my wiper blades.

Bought them on Ebay

Details of who from and costs may save some other members some money.

2.       What or where are you going/ doing to next month

An opportunity to share events that may be of interest to other members other than the organised runs etc.

For Example

Autosport Show in January

Drifting at Barkston in February

If you have dates and prices would be useful.

3.       For Sale & Wanted

Have you got any bits in the garage you want to turn into cash or you need to buy second hand to save some cash.

I have a couple of wheels for instance.

I would suggest if you can to note down the details and print them out as a hand out for people, if this is not possible then let me have the details and I will organise this before the meet.

The next meet is on Wednesday 18^th January so please come along and let’s get some value from our meetings.

I hope I haven’t upset anyone with this post as this was not the intention.

Kevin

PS. Autosport show is on 12-15^th January at the NEC in Birmingham and if you enjoy motorsport of any kind it’s an event not to be missed.

kevallen:

 

Happy New Year to you all!

Well it’s a New Year and I don’t know about you but I am a little disillusioned with the car club meetings at the moment, Don’t get me wrong it’s great to catch up with friends etc but the actual car content is lacking.

If I were a new member coming for the first time then I probably wouldn’t bother coming back.

 Well said Kevin.

Difficult to stand up and make the point without someone taking it the wrong way.

I admire the friendly groups that stick together and manage to do most if not all the events, rallies, camping, holidays etc,etc. Must be great but unforunately we don't all manage to have the time to become fully intergrated to that degree.

It is a car club  I must admit at the meetings feeling a bit like an imposter intruding into a private party.

If you back away to give the friends some space you can't help but wonder what's it all about. Less than 5 minutes anouncements on what events are coming up just isn't enough for me.

(Haven't managed to get to the last few meets so I apologise if it's changed) I've been in the club for well over over a year now and met some great people but I am sure there are many new members that come along to the meet and as a result then don't come again either to the meets or the events. 

See you on the 18th

Thanks for your support David.

It's good that you have aired your feelings and lets hope we can change a few things to make this a little more welcoming for any new members that come along.

I look forward to seeing you on the 18th.

Kevin

BLUE1:

It is a car club  I must admit at the meetings feeling a bit like an imposter intruding into a private party.

If you back away to give the friends some space you can't help but wonder what's it all about. Less than 5 minutes anouncements on what events are coming up just isn't enough for me. 

 I've been in the club for well over over a year now and met some great people but I am sure there are many new members that come along to the meet and as a result then don't come again either to the meets or the events. 

See you on the 18th

Looking at what has been said above makes you think, i really enjoy the evenings but have been going since they started at the Countryman and treat them as a social event with people i know well, must be very difficult for someone coming along for the first few times and agree we need more car content/discusion to keep people interested, note to self, talk to others!

Ken

Perhaps we need special new member nights were we concentrate on welcoming new members. I know its difficult as you want to catch up with friends etc.

How about something like a speed dating night where existing members could introduce themselves and their cars to new members and vice versa and then 5 minutes later move to the next person. That would be a great way to break the ice and get the new members introduced to existing members.

Kevin

Hi there 

I also do agree that perhaps things have got a bit stale, we had a similar issue with the Triumph club. Althought I not sure what the answer is. Do we do any local advertising? You use to be able to advertise in the EEN under clubs and events, but not sure if it still runs. Still look forward to the meetings and seeing everyone, but have noticed that not many new members are staying with us.

Paul  

Good Comments Paul, We don't seem to have a problem attracting new members its making sure they are welcomed and giving them something to came back for.

Most of us have made some good friends through the club and are engrossed in catching up with each other and before you know it the evening has gone. I think we first need to get the content right before we even think about a push to get new members along. Lets see how the next couple of meetings go and hopefully some more ideas will come to light.

Kevin

 Based on the above, here are my thoughts:

There are 12 meetings a year so why not make the most of the light evenings during the summer and have say 3 runs out?

For example:

Drive down to Suffolk to meet and greet the southern contingent.

Drive to coast for fish and chips or BBQ.

Drive around Norfolk Broads.

New members can of course come at any time but why not include, say 3 times a year, a special introduction. (As above) Start by existing members saying who they are, forum name, car model and involvement in the club. The newcomers can then respond if they wish and ask any initial questions they have.

As a general agenda:

1.                  Introduction: Welcome and introduce any committee members present.

2.                  Notices: Forthcoming events – feedback from past events. Items for Sale / Wanted – Shop information / clothes and sticker availability. Include names and contact details.

3.                  Questions / Answer session. (Anyone know who / how? And follow up at end of the meeting.)

4.                  Main Theme.

5.                  Show me yours and I’ll show you mine / Tyre kicking and general socialising.  

Depending on the interaction, the first 4 sections could take say hour / hour and a half leaving the rest of the evening for section 5.

The Main Theme could take the subjects similar to the Forum and if weather permits viewing each others examples i.e.

DIY Mechanics: What can be done with basic knowledge and equipment (prior to a Tech day may encourage people to give it a go)

Cleaning and Detailing: What products / tips /methods / preferences.

ICE: What / how and why.

Tuning and Exhausts: What / how / any mistakes / regrets?

Wheels and Tyres: Size / type / recommendations.

Quiz evening.

I personally wouldn’t want the club to become too formal but perhaps the above agenda could provide an increased flow of information and offer the opportunity to interact to whatever degree people are comfortable with.   

Very constructive David, almost sounds like a car club.

I agree that it shouldn't get too formal though.

What do you think about the speed (Dating) meeting theme that I suggested?

I will try and pull some of your ideas into the meeting on the 18th to see how it goes.

Fancy joining us on the run out to Hunstanton tomorrow, it was your New Years day run that inspired me to get the roof down and go for a run.

Kevin

 Only stringing ideas together, yes your speed dating was the (As above) I was refering to. It may seem a bit tedious to some but helps the new people settle in. (Like the familiar questions that pop up on the forum here)

Was planning a run somwhere tomorrow so will join you on the way out but will probably continue round the coast later on.

David. 

I will have some leaflets about the forthcoming wheel alignment day to give out on the evening for those that are interested.

Date for this is now Sunday 12th Febuary.

Kevin

Got an idea for a little Competition on the night.

Prize will be a remote control Lambo in Orange of course.

Watch this space.

Kevin

Here's the prize

 Wow! Now that is orange!

norfolkfives:

Norfolk members, this is your chance to shape your future, explore all options.......

 

Looks like being a lively night.

Not to be missed so come and have your say about our future.