15 new members since 20th May.

[Dixie]

Hi Phil.

Continuing our conversation we had today about the club's future etc and the way forward.  I notice on the home page that we have had 15 new member since 20th May up until 2nd June, have any of these converted to actual members which we will see, and have they been relieved of a tenner?

The idea you discussed has mileage and might bring some more active members, certainly worth some more consideration.

Also the other idea of making "area's" such as a Somerset Chapter, a Bristol Chapter etc also has advantages, it may make people who see the "Bristol " banner and live further away more willing to commit to the club.

Just some thoughts to get a dialogue going.  Hope you don't mind, I know you're the "Gaffer" but I didn't think it would hurt opening up this thread.  Happy for you to delete if you feel it is un-helpful.

Mark

['The Gaffer']

I've no problem with the thread Mark.

Edit: But I should stress that the club is still completely free to join and hopefully always will be. The £10 donations are voluntary, and so far 55 members have donated - telling us that that we are doing something right .

That said, I am puzzled like you Mark as to why members do join but never introduce themselves on the forum or participate in any events or meets - some of these have in fact donated and become a club supporters, albeit from a distance.

If anyone is reading this who falls into the 'joined but sat on the fence' category would like to enlighten us on why you joined? Please post up, don't feel bad about it - we are simply interested that's all

Also, anyone reading this post who has not returned my 'What would you like from 2011' email, I would be grateful if you would do so soon you as I intend to write up a generalisation of replies and post them up. Again this is not obligatory just helpful.

Phil.

[Denzle]

Thats great news.......

I always said Its the best club in the UK.  How can anyone not resist joining.   Where can you meet a better bunch of lads and such an active forum. ?

                                           Denzle....

[Dixie]

Denzel.

True what you have just said, but I think that is also some of the problem.

If the physical side of the club was as active as the forum, it would indeed be one of the best in the country.

What I struggle to understand is why we are so successful in attracting "Forum" members, but not "Active" members.  Perhaps it's the way in which the forum is put together and managed, it is one of the best I have ever seen, certainly equal to the Cobra Club site which has 2000 memebers all paying £27 per year.  So what Phil does for a tenner each is remarkable.  Perhaps people like the site and forum more than the club itself??

Mark

[stupott901]

I agree the forum is very good, and the physical meets I have made have also been good and do really wish I could make more.

With my old car ( the MK ) I never felt I couldn't travel too far due to comfort and me doubting my build quality on the car and I all ways expecting it to breakdown which it never really did a few hiccups but to be expected.

But now I have got the cobra I will feel that I'll be able travel further,

It's also due to the working week as sometimes when it comes to the weekend I just feel like cabbaging to be honest, also some weeks me and my wife don't see each other having to spend time away so weekends are time to catch up.

So hopefully once I'm back from my next trip away( USA ) for 3 -4 weeks I'll will try to be more active and it's not due to feeling guilty but I do enjoy meeting up with like minded people.

Hope this makes sense and explains my feeling to the club.

Stu

[andygtm]

Being a member of another car club for many years it soon becomes clear that every club has a set of hardcore members who attend most if not all the meetings and events on a regular basis. These people, not wanting to type cast anyone are either young(no kids) or older(kids grown up) so naturally have no ties and can attend most things that are going on. Everybody else gets to the meets as and when they can so it can be dissapointing if only a few people turn up to club events. We have more members online that donnot attend any events and can honestley we have never met any of them so BKCC is in another league in all areas. One problem we have I think is that it's marque specific so if you only join if you like that car, BKCC has a much wider appeal with all the types of kit cars on the road. I would personally like to attend more and will hopefully do so. This is a brilliant club and Phil along with the help of Dave and Ken(and any others I dont know) well done and thanks for giving up your time for our benifit.   

[Denzle]

I agree the forum is very good, and the physical meets I have made have also been good and do really wish I could make more.

With my old car ( the MK ) I never felt I couldn't travel too far due to comfort and me doubting my build quality on the car and I all ways expecting it to breakdown which it never really did a few hiccups but to be expected.

But now I have got the cobra I will feel that I'll be able travel further,

It's also due to the working week as sometimes when it comes to the weekend I just feel like cabbaging to be honest, also some weeks me and my wife don't see each other having to spend time away so weekends are time to catch up.

So hopefully once I'm back from my next trip away( USA ) for 3 -4 weeks I'll will try to be more active and it's not due to feeling guilty but I do enjoy meeting up with like minded people.

Hope this makes sense and explains my feeling to the club.

Stu

Ohhhhh....Stu,

You almost had me in tears.              But have no fear of breaking down,  its only about £30+ a year for a breakdown service, and I think we all suffer from a pain in the bum after a long distance..lol   

Bring the missus along with you and spend time together at a meet, or is she not interested in this. 
They dont really know what they are missing untill you grab them by the hair and drag them to a meet or show.
I cant stop my missus now, shes always asking me when and where the meets are, or is there a show this weekend.

You never know whats in a womans mind....

         Give it a try......Denzle..... 

[Denzle]

Being a member of another car club for many years it soon becomes clear that every club has a set of hardcore members who attend most if not all the meetings and events on a regular basis. These people, not wanting to type cast anyone are either young(no kids) or older(kids grown up) so naturally have no ties and can attend most things that are going on. Everybody else gets to the meets as and when they can so it can be dissapointing if only a few people turn up to club events. We have more members online that donnot attend any events and can honestley we have never met any of them so BKCC is in another league in all areas. One problem we have I think is that it's marque specific so if you only join if you like that car, BKCC has a much wider appeal with all the types of kit cars on the road. I would personally like to attend more and will hopefully do so. This is a brilliant club and Phil along with the help of Dave and Ken(and any others I dont know) well done and thanks for giving up your time for our benifit.

Well said Andy, 

I couldnt have put that any better myself... Three cheers to you.
Everyone has their problems and can only fit in as and when its convenient for them.

                             Denzle....

[Grin-a-lot]

I'd agree with most of the above.  I often struggle with making meets due to work and/or domestic demands but just looking at the calender shows that there are events almost every weekend that I could attend if I had the time/opportunity.

Perhaps the events in the calendar don't appeal to the masses which is why the club appears a bit less active than many of us would like.  If thats the case then we need to get together (over a pint?) and figure out what we'd all like to do.  I guess that trackdays appear to be so popular because what you get is pretty well established so if you enjoy one you may well show an interest in another so they continually appeal to the same core of people.

I reckon that there is room for the website only members too.  They can add technical advice, guidance and banter as well so can certainly contribute to that side.  If they join in and add to the community then thats no bad thing surely?

I'm curious about the idea of regional chapters, I would worry that this might make the club a bit divisive.  I tend to look at all events and decide whether distance/time/activity appeals to me or not.  I would worry that formally having "chapters" would tempt people into thinking that if they were not locals then they wouldn't be welcome.

Just my sunday evening ramblings like...

[Dixie]

Some great feedback guys.  Thought it would get us talking.

M

['The Gaffer']

Some great feedback guys.  Thought it would get us talking.

M

Agreed.

I would still like a few 'sit on the fence' members to come in and have a say too.

What I struggle to understand is why we are so successful in attracting "Forum" members, but not "Active" members.  Perhaps it's the way in which the forum is put together and managed, it is one of the best I have ever seen, certainly equal to the Cobra Club site which has 2000 memebers all paying £27 per year.  So what Phil does for a tenner each is remarkable.  Perhaps people like the site and forum more than the club itself??

Maybe you have a point, maybe the forum is just a nice place to be? People come and go with a flurry of posts though, but as with outdoor events the same old gasbags are here chatting away day after day

It could be a comfort zone and without getting too psychological a cyber retreat place for inspiration to those thinking of building and a feeling of belonging before taking the plunge. The site may also offer some comfort to those suffering in the present economic climate. No doubt this season many projects have been abandoned or sold due to more pressing commitments.

Yes we have over 200 members, but we don't know how many of them actually have a car on the road.

I also agree that some have many family or work commitments that prevent members attending as many events as they would like. Also some partners may not be as understanding as others.

Perhaps the events in the calendar don't appeal to the masses which is why the club appears a bit less active than many of us would like.  If thats the case then we need to get together (over a pint?) and figure out what we'd all like to do.  I guess that trackdays appear to be so popular because what you get is pretty well established so if you enjoy one you may well show an interest in another so they continually appeal to the same core of people.

I'm up for that, maybe we can make an event out of it It could also give me the opportunity to talk over any website use problems members are having.

I reckon that there is room for the website only members too.  They can add technical advice, guidance and banter as well so can certainly contribute to that side.  If they join in and add to the community then thats no bad thing surely?

The problem here is that some members join but don't even say hello on the forum, let alone participate in it. Last thing I want to do here though is frighten anybody off, so to those members in that category, please come in and say hi - We don't bite honest.

Interestingly when I have culled member's in the past due to inactivity many of them return again, but still not participating. Hey that's fine by me but still slightly puzzling. Without the occasional cull we would now have over 500 members!!

I'm curious about the idea of regional chapters, I would worry that this might make the club a bit divisive.  I tend to look at all events and decide whether distance/time/activity appeals to me or not.  I would worry that formally having "chapters" would tempt people into thinking that if they were not locals then they wouldn't be welcome.

You have a point, but maybe it could entice more to join in by localising events. All events would still be listed under one roof but with sub sections. Food for thought that one.

On a side note, I have decided to include specialist and sports cars within the club. I think this could be an interesting way to attract even more activity.

Keep the posts coming...

[Dixie]

Phil.

Think you can rule out issues with the forum or any upgrades etc.  I am no expert, but from what I see, it is perfect, very user friendly and looks great, certainly as good as any others out there.

M

[Hairy Santa]

I have been following this thread with interest, still not sure why we are having probs attracting more members to participate in the activities

If we have 250 members it would appear that roughly 10% do turn up to one thing or another

I do feel that in the summer months we could have more meets as on the sunday evenings but maybe in the afternoons to give people who find the evening ones awkward a chance to attend
and maybe a few during the week whilst the weather is with us, this would give everyone the chance to join in the fun, at the same time seeing whether the numbers do infact increase

I do see the sense in the specialist and sports cars within the Club but feel over time that we will be swamped by them, I would rather keep it as a Kit Club personally

all the best to the everyone within the Club

Pete
,

['The Gaffer']

I do see the sense in the specialist and sports cars within the Club but feel over time that we will be swamped by them, I would rather keep it as a Kit Club personally

I take your point Pete but will keep a close eye on it. I expect however that many specialist car owners have the same sort of restrictions we have here?

[Richard]

No sure at all about "chapters" and if any of us wish to do a slightly more regional event we can at will and if others wish to come further afield we can do that as well.

For attending events, I would like to attend more but as I suspect for most there are many things to consider in balancing where our own time goes. Always enjoy the chat even in mid-winter when sometimes very few turn up.

For non-kit cars I think it is reasonable to welcome and invite in as basically most can always appreciated each others work or purchases. I personally like the variety and most will be kit cars as that is the heart and foundation of this forum.

[hoobahole]

I guess I could be considered a 'sit on the fence member'

My main reason is that I don't habe a lot of time - what with 2 kids under the age of 3. Even trying to take the car for a drive, or polishing it can be difficult without feeling guilty of leaving my wife to deal with the sprogs when I should be giving her a break.

That said - if I did have the time.....

I am what I would consider a focused owner. I bought the car because it was a high performance car, not because it was a kit. Hence my interest and enthusiam is always directed towards trackdays and high performance motoring. So when I see boules events, they don't really get my juices going.

I am also a WSCC member, and before child number 2 arrived did join their monthly get togethers. So why? I think it was because I could relate almost every converation to my experiance and interest do to the common factor - a Westfield. That is not really possible with the variation of motors in the BKCC. For some people this is the attraction.

So why did I join? Sense of belonging. Willingness to see the club do well and thrive.

Hope this helps.

Roger

['The Gaffer']

You make some valid points Rog.

Some I'm sure many will relate too.

[stevel]

Well I am new member, why did I join?  I have owned my Tiger for over two years now and have only met other owners at Stoneleigh or at Llandow.  I wanted to share my interest with others so decided to join the most local & vocal group near to me.  To be honest the club meets being over an hour away (Gloucester based) and on a Sunday will never tick my box but I am looking forward to my first meeting at the corner weight clinic if numbers allow.  I would be up for more runs and hopefully some may venture north of Bristol.  Hopefully profiles can be amended to include location so we can make contact with "locals" without the need for any chapters.

Just my ten penneth from a recently fallen off the fence member who was willing to part with some cash for a chance to share an interest with like minded people.

[RMW50]

Well I am not sure that I can be classed as a sit on the fence member, I am so bloody far away I can't even see the fence!

As a relatively new member, I thought that I would let you know my thoughts, particularly as I am all the way up in the Midlands - so many of my freinds have said "Bristol Kit Car Club, why have you joined a club in Bristol?!"

When I found the club on t'internet it seemed to have great feedback and after joining I can confirm that was correct.

Whether you want to attend social gatherings, track days, ask advice or just see what people are talking about it works for all. I met a few of you at Stoneleigh and Curborough this year and I feel that the diversity of cars is a real possitive thing. So many clubs had rows and rows of the same cars - not a bad thing I guess, but the BKCC was such a refreshing change!

As others have said, each to their own, the amount of involvement really depends on your particular interest, personal or work commitments, location and so on.

I am not sure if chapters are a good thing, that may seem to alienate some. The general notifications to all seem to be a great way of informing everyone what is going on so that they can make their own choice.

Having said all this, I think that sometimes we should try and drum up some more support for some of the meets, the more the merrier.

All I can say to those who have not attended a gatheing yet, take it from me, my daughter, mate, his son and I can all confirm that newcomers are made more than welcome as we were at Stoneleigh (even if there is still a language barrier!!!).

Keep up the good work, lets hope to meet up soon now that the days are getting longer and drier!

Rich

[Furore Phil]

Hand up - yup i'm a website only member.

Lack of time prevents me from going to events (young family and kit car build come first sorry). I do love reading about other members cars though (while er-in-doors watches her naff telly programs). It's also a good place to pick up and pass on useful info.

I think "chapters" might work. if a bunch of members live near each other and away from the main group, why not have a little group meeting ? I'm a bit out of the way over here in Calne, it takes me almost an hour to get to bristol.

I do plan on attending meetings, contributing to funds etc when I finish my car and have some spare cash.

[peterw]

Been reading with interest, as I at the moment am a website member. Not having the car finished yet does put a somewhat damper on the excitement of meetings and runouts when turning up in a company diesel, I know it doesn't really matter but it's not just the same. When the hood is finished I will be playing a more active role albeit fitting it in to 12hr day and night shifts at work. I wonder how many members actually started building after the club was up and running and are yet to finish their pride and joy. As for the way the club is at the moment, Ithink it is fine.

Pete

['The Gaffer']

Thanks for the input guys, keep it coming - everything is being noted.

[peetee]

Well I joined the club after I bought my MAC1, on the recommendation of my brother, Marlboro car. I also live a fair distance from Bristol and struggle to make a lot of the meets due to family, time, work, cycling and a whole load of other things! This means I have pick my events and track days are my preference. I like the club as it is, and think there is a good balance of events, track days, socials, others and web based discussions and banter! My view, don't change wot ain't broken!