This year the club had no one to run this event, the most important imho. Gerald had done his bit for many years, thanks dude. With north of 500 members it's sad that we can't get a new show organiser. Everyone thinks every other sod will do it.
As luck would have it, Malc Wildeman took up the cause but just for one year and I offered to share the workload. It's been short notice and some quick decisions had to be made. We didn't think tha a mix of well ridden bike and mint restorations would work on a small stand. I apologise to all the guys who were willing to ride long distances to show their bikes and sincerely hope this has not put them off showing these bikes in the future.
At this point in my ramble, I would like to offer an idea up to members to help keep Stafford, and I believe the club, going. I'm afraid age and apathy are creeping up on us all. I've been given a budget to buy a box type trailer. I will be doing a 200 mile round trip soon to collect it and a similar journey to Gerald's place to collect the show stand accessories. I realised that maybe someone would take up this post but not willing to store it all and pack it in car or van to go to Stafford. Or have the room to store it. Sooooo, after the show it goes to a very kind Farmer johns place. Ta mate. That means any number of people can pick it up and tow it to a show. It doesn't have to be the show secretary. Maybe someone else could return after and split up the workload. Once at the show, instead of doing a million trips to a van and carrying it all in whilst the skies try and drown us, we simply wheel the whole covered trailer inside right next to the stand
I am praying that taking over this role might be sounding better to someone. But, I hear him say, I also propose that no one has to take it over for year upon year. What about a new Stafford boss every year. Plenty of time to plan and lots of experienced show organisers in the club to get help and advice. What this old and still slightly enthusiastic pissed up club member is dreaming of is; groups of members who have similar interests get together on forum or phone and do what YOU want for a change. For example, Jp, tartan, Gary (Scouse), can then show a host of regularly ridden triples. This year Kerry and Dan Dare offered specials. So how about a group takeover and have all specials. Maybe an entire show of only 500's etc. I can't think of anyway to making it easier for the future of the Stafford show folks. It's now down to you guys. Off the top of my head I can think of ten or so themes so go for it guys. I will be glad to take the trailer up for you as long as I can still drive and still have a tow bar and in excess of 300 bhp.
I'm hoping Malc Anderson will print this in the next mag for maximum coverage. Good luck with your club. Without it we will only have basefook.
666Rog.
