Thank you, I think I must have mentioned the opening time of 10:30 some 20 times, in posts, as did Iain and Martin, I am sure other AC’s would have told their members as well. As it was we were forced to open the gates at around 10, fortunately my side as well as the judging and colour coded area were fit to go.
That’s about my thoughts Nick, it’s got to be one almighty car park to fit us all in the same area. I can’t remember a rally, and I’m a relatively new rally goer about 4 now where I have parked really close to the main arena/display area. I was up the hill, I expected to be a distance from the main event, I didn’t mind, infact it was nice to get away from the main area for a picnic, it was nice and quiet up there. Each to there own. Keep up the good work I say.
And Nick I would have come and said hello, but twice I could see you were working your socks off, or busy with others. The tyres (Kuhmo) are doing me proud.
A couple of people have mentioned they were in the car park rather than “involved” in the event. I would say a couple of things.
The people on the area stands, spoke to their ACs, got their cars to a standard where they were worth showing and got involved… the moral of the story is don’t sit on the sidelines and wonder why you aren’t scoring any goals… get involved, put yoursef and your car out there and you will be more likely to be part of the event.
I know that even at that, there is not enough space for everyone to be on a stand and the colour code was for Mk1s only… but either way turn up, have fun.
Just my two penneth worth.
I would like to agree and add part of my earlier post…
… of all the national and international rallies of several marques I’ve taken part in over many years, this was the best. The organisation was excellent and I especially felt a great deal of effort had gone into meeting the wide age range of owners. Everyone was so friendly and keen to engage in petrol head related memories and stories which are endemic with any visit to Gaydon. The camaraderie between owners on the drive in was quite astonishing as 5’s funnelling in from side and slip roads. The way home saw 5’s peeling off and couldn’t fail to make you want to drive on past your home and keep on keeping on.
So, thank you for a great all round event and sense of good feeling!
And…on the others rallies I mention, I recall parking in farmyards, quarry bottoms, beaches and bog land but always had a good old chat and made great like minded friends…there !
Fair play, but i arrived a 10:40, with the convoy and was shipped off to the left into the gravel car park, there must have been 100 odd 5s there, this did not seem like a holding area to me.
Anyway besides that, it was a good day in the end after i used my initiative to get in…
may i ask who the scottish guy was on the mic throughout the day? he was class…
Just had a read through some of the comments. I’ve just sent a quick email to one of the organisers congratulating them all on the event.
As a recently new trader I found it hard to commit to doing something on a day which would cost me money however, looking back I really enjoyed myself and it was great to meet everybody! I think I have said this already earlier on in this thread!
Although not a million miles away from me Gaydon isn’t on my door step but it is an ideal event to hold the rally. I’d quite happily travel annually to this event given the size and varity there. It’s also very central for members all around the UK. Let’s face it. Where ever it is held it won’t be ideal for everybody.
Again a huge thanks to everybody and if you want a detailer at a show again I’d be more than happy providing I don’t already have a booking in!
I’ll draw a veil over your entry technique, but and glad you ended up joining on the day.
Dougie Robertson http://www.buenavistaentertainments.com/dougie-robertson.asp
Not sure about holding it every year at Gaydon, but certainly would look forward to going back if the rally was ever held there again - was Roger’s comment at the end of the day a hint by the way?!
I like the idea of a 2 day event - would take more organising in terms of entertainment for the Saturday night etc of course though. Perhaps an autojumble on the Saturday, with the main rally event on the Sunday?
Phil
Hi Guys, first of all WHAT A DAY! Nothing more needs to be said, Well done to all involved.
On the subject of one or two day events the reference I would give would be the difference between the Pitlochry Spring rally and the Brooklands Spring Rally. Both organised brilliantly and the Sunday was magic. However, the Saturday in Scotland I didn’t want to end. The opportunity to meet other drivers in and around the show field, on the routes and in town etc was great, even if due to the distance it was a slightly captive audience.
In comparison the Brooklands event seemed staid on the Saturday. We did many miles that day not least to check our route and destination for the Sunday but only saw three other MX5’s all day. Really disapointing. I think it was mentioned that over 50% of members lived within about 1 hour of the venue, so that was sure to make a difference.
Just a point, and don’t get to bogged down with trying to entertain everyone, just a group of like minded people will entertain themselves.
Well done again for Gaydon, Russ.
As you will have seen from loads of comments I am not alone in asking people to stop complaining. And YES I was involved in setting up the Rally, arriving at the grounds at 0715 hrs to assist in marshaling the parking - only a small role I know - but I feel I did help out in a limited way.
Many Many people really enjoyed the weekend and find people who moan about the organisational skills of the VOLUNTEERS somewhat crass and if that’s all you have to offer - please please keep your thoughts to yourself - or we risk loosing the support and help from those those give their time freely for the enjoyment of the many hundreds who did enjoy it and recognise nothing is ever perfect.