Hi,
having enjoyed the last meet in Derbyshire, we (Amanda and I) thought of a couple of things which may make the next one better.

Firstly, the drive was a good idea. However, I usually have a camera on me, and it would have been nice to be able to stop at view points for photography. I know that the purpose of the meet/drive is a chance to enjoy the cars. I would have liked to have found a place to stop and take pictures - both of the scenery AND the car(s). I haven’t been to Derbyshire for a long time, and usually on a drive like that, I’m itching to stop and take pictures. Maybe future drives could stop at view points (if there are any)?

Secondly - name badges. I’m rubbish at names, and while I remembered a few people, I feel awkward when I forget. Amanda's model horse brigade usually have badges with their online names and real name, so people know who they are talking to. Badges also make you look more organised and serious. There were ten people this time, what if the numbers go up even more?

Thirdly - why not drop a note to local papers where the meet will be? You never know, they may send a reporter round to talk to us and why we like the cars. If you notify them in time, you may even get a mention in the motoring pages before the event - so other Crossfire owners may appear. This may be something to consider if the meets become popular and regular.

Discuss....

 

Hi All , I think with the name thing we should used Ken's suggestion & go for the sunvisor with names across the windscreen i sure Jane would love that , i'm been trying to think of a place for the next meet that is easy for all . someone will have to sit down with some pins & a map . Are we looking to have about 4 meets a year , if so we could do north ,south ,east & west type of thing , so keeping the milage down for some members each meeting .


Cheers

Andy

 

The New Forest was being mentioned in some quarters, which sounds like a good idea as long as accommodation is available.

Diversifying locations as you suggest is a very good idea.

 

Paul - Yes I agree, these would be the finishing touches which would help to complete the organisation of a larger and more sofisticated event. The 1st meet took place at a cold and windy service area on the A34/M4 junction, the second at a lovely country pub near Wallingford. The 3rd was the first attempt at a weekend event with a cruise on the Sat and we got 10 cars, (6 being first timers). However, we were still 7 cars short of the expected turnout. Though these have been small gatherings, I think we all agree that they have the potential to grow further and we have learned from what we have achieved. To grow further we would no doubt need some planned marketing, but this can be done. In future we can easily get some personalised T Shirts with our 'forum' and 'real' names printed on etc, which would be good fun! Lets take on board these ideas to build on what we have achieved so far and start thinking about the 4th UK Crossfire Meet!

 

Yes - you don’t do everything at once. Amanda is involved with model horse collecting, and they have meets and events throughout the year. There are a lot more of them “in the wild” (ie those who receive newsletters, visit web sites and forums like this) than who show up in person, but that whole hobby has developed and matured over a few decades, so it has a momentum and a history. However, there may be lessons which can be learned from them in getting things organised, getting people enthused etc.. We can always have a think here about what parallels there are.

But this is all something to do in stages and at a pace which matches growth. This forum is clearly not the only place to do online publicity.

 

I agree with the "grow at the right pace" approach. Name badges would be excellent, I am rubbish at names !! Maybe a drive on the Sunday for those that can't stay over ? Anne said she missed not doing that.

I will now get going to plan a next July 2009 "Cars in the Park in Lichfield

http://www.carsinthepark.com/

so if we plan other events around a midlands focussed one at that time of year. I will let everyone know how I get on with the organisors of this event and what a Crossfire meet might look like.

cheers,

Paul

 

Hi Paul, 2009 sounds interesting and is already marked in my diary. Its was a good 3rd meet/locations and a pleasure meeting you and Ann..

Keep well

Ken.