XMX wrote:I don't possess one (Handbag)
Nothing wrong with handbags, my one isn't quite in view in my avatar
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If there's a prize for the shortest visit to the show then I must be able to claim it as I was on site for no more than 3-5 minutes including the time to drive to the rear of the ground and out again
Having driven through monsoon rains all the way there I had a quick chat with Jim and Vince then quickly came to the conclusion that standing in a sodden field in pouring rain isn't what I'd call fun so I decided to go home straight away rather than continue the misery. Nothing to do with the people there but those conditions are not pleasant, shame the pub next door has closed down as that would have been a good place to settle for a natter, it shut down a week too early.
As every CCC show this year has been a washout it makes me wonder whether venue locations need looking at to offer an alternative such as the show being undercover or at least a decent clubhouse or bar nearby to offer shelter, the small, no atmosphere clubhouse at Little Horwood is not sufficient to cater for days like this.
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An observation I made when I went there yesterday was that the Xantia drivers or more realistically FCF members were far more active and chatty than the rest of the CCC members, very few CX or Xm's took part in the convoy drive (well done for the route Jim) then when we returned the FCF boys got stuck into their cars either pulling them apart or chatting to whoever was standing nearby making it appear that we were having a rally within a rally so to speak, a real party atmosphere. By contrast the rest of the attendee's just gathered in groups of two or three individuals who for the main appeared little interested in opening up to others as whenever I (or others from what I saw) passed such groups not one of them looked up as if they wanted to make contact or invite conversation.
I've been a member of the CCC for quite a few years now and have been quite active within it, writing a monthly column for five years and helping plan a couple of DSM Rallys but I can honestly say that I feel as if its still hard work finding friends there as if I'm some upstart trying to elbow my way into an exclusive club, presumably I'm not old enough or haven't owned my DS for long enough
Just recently I posted questions on the CCC forum about the lack of availability of day tickets to the ICCCR (still to this day unavailable) and why it's being held in the last week of the Olympics when many people do not have a choice of not working, not to mention the obvious clash as that's when all the premier events occur. In response two members labelled me a "moaning old coffin dodger", the chairman of the club posted immediately after such a rude/inappropriate comment but made no reference to it, I suppose I was getting above my station for daring to ask a question in open forum and deserved the abuse
Even to this day if you wish to place a "for sale" or wanted advert on the CCC forum you have to submit the advert to a committee member to decide whether its is suitable or acceptable, I ask you how stupid is that or do the committee think that the members require a level of supervision you'd only expect to see in a junior school. This matter has been raised several times on the CCC forum yet the practice still continues,,,,,,,,
Clearly not all CCC members are snooty or rude but unless the general attitude changes it makes me wonder whether the days of the CCC are becoming numbered to the point of will it survive for very much longer when there is a far more active/friendly alternative sitting here, I for one am seriously considering terminating my membership.