Rally Lincoln Motorhome Show (3 Viewers)

[meanders]

Never mind the show, all variations of Funster Band(s) were great last night. You can't beat live music.

Thanks guys and girls.

 

[DanielFord]

We have been a few times just for the day and have noticed the accessories stalls have decreased. Still think it's worth a look as
I'm after some awning tie downs,has anyone one spotted any
And can point me in the right direction?

One of the stalls did have them, but I can't remember which one, sorry. I was thinking about getting some, but I didn't in the end.
We're off to see the bloke who does the dog guards this morning

 

[tonka]

Big thanks to all in the band and also Suggy . Not forgetting tambourine shaking by canopus..

Another great night....

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[TheTwoOfUs]

First off we would like to thank the marshals for their sterling work getting everyone parked up.
As has been touched on in previous posts, the attendance in the marquee was very disappointing. This is the main place for new members to meet others and feel their feet within Fun. We went into the marquee on Thursday night along with about a dozen others probably about a third of whom were new members. We did our bit to make them feel welcome but the lack of numbers was embarrassing. Friday afternoon was supposed to be another chance to meet and greet, this was even worse, just us two and two other new couples. We had a laugh and a joke but there was no getting away from the fact that the initial impression was of a club that promotes itself on being the friendly club but in reality it seemed no one could be ar**ed to make the effort. I hope that with our reassuring words in their ears they will continue to attend meetings but initial experiences for them weren't good.
Finally, make no mistake about it, Jim works hard to get us these facilities and I'm sure if Warners get wind of the fact that the marquee they are providing is in effect empty then they may take the view that they won't bother. If you don't use it you may lose it.

 

[Langtoftlad]

First off we would like to thank the marshals for their sterling work getting everyone parked up.
As has been touched on in previous posts, the attendance in the marquee was very disappointing. This is the main place for new members to meet others and feel their feet within Fun. We went into the marquee on Thursday night along with about a dozen others probably about a third of whom were new members. We did our bit to make them feel welcome but the lack of numbers was embarrassing. Friday afternoon was supposed to be another chance to meet and greet, this was even worse, just us two and two other new couples. We had a laugh and a joke but there was no getting away from the fact that the initial impression was of a club that promotes itself on being the friendly club but in reality it seemed no one could be ar**ed to make the effort. I hope that with our reassuring words in their ears they will continue to attend meetings but initial experiences for them weren't good.
Finally, make no mistake about it, Jim works hard to get us these facilities and I'm sure if Warners get wind of the fact that the marquee they are providing is in effect empty then they may take the view that they won't bother. If you don't use it you may lose it.

I totally understand this point of view - but I disagree.
MHF is a collection of like minded motorhomers but it is not a "club". Jim and volunteers do their best to provide facilities etc at these events but what actually happens is up to individuals - there is no guarantee of entertainment or activities 'provided'. This is spontaneous, it happens or it doesn't.
I think as MHF gets bigger & bigger that some expect "stuff" to be laid on - that's not my understanding - it's up to individuals to do whatever... MHF might provide the tent to keep off the rain.
If one assumes that the discount and preferential siting is all that is on offer then one won't go far wrong.

Lincoln is a huge event - and dare I say, not the best for first time Funsters.
In fact... I've not yet been to a Funsters meet but was put off attending this one purely because of the high numbers.
Though everyone will try to be sociable, its too much to expect anyone to take a newbie under their wing.
It has been said before - start with the smaller meets.
I hope this is true because my first time is next weekend at Malvern, where I think there'll be thirty vans and it'll be much more chilled.

 

[ciderman]

See ya there next weekend

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[Langtoftlad]

See ya there next weekend

Looking forward to it
But even a small 'show' proves my point
34 vans...
...but there's free entertainment on the Fri night, a shuttle bus into Malvern on the Saturday, a ticket only event on the Saturday evening...
so it's perfectly feasible that some Funsters won't see any other Funsters... there isn't - as far as I know - ever a "Welcome Party" as on a package holiday where the Rep gives everyone a 'free' cocktail & sells excursions.

Maybe that's an idea - to add to the volunteer marshall's tasks & duties - organise a welcome party on the first night, provide free booze & attendance is obligatory .
[ doesn't sound like MHF to me ]

 

[Tanya_and_Mick]

We've had a great weekend and thanks to @toledo amd team for all their hard work and welcome.

Madness tribute band rocked on Friday and the Funster band rocked the Saturday evening.

Sunday morning coffee and cake enjoyed - and now waiting to have a beer and find out who Herman is

Was nice to meet all the Funster's we managed to chat too; and we look forward to meeting again in a field somewhere soon.

Thanks again

Tanya & Mick

 

[tonka]

The attendance in the marquee was poor. Thursday I can't comment as didn't arrive till Friday.
Friday afternoon I had just arrived and my priority was getting fed and walk around show, I have never been to any fun rally at a show where there is a Friday afternoon meet, poor choice of timing maybe ??
Friday night small turnout bit we enjoyed it.
Saturday, good night but nothing on the scale of past years and events. Sunday morning, no Bacon roll meets and we can all understand why, the 11am cake table had some turnout but again maybe a poor choice to meet and eat cake ? I had only just had my own Bacon butties.
I think large shows are always difficult to get people involved, some older members have all been there and done that so maybe were having a change. There was 2 other entertainment venues in operation. It would be sad to loose the marquee facility but why do the organisers place it so near other campers and then as they have done in the past complain when we have a good time.. The 11pm music off and lights out at midnight I think certainly help set the mood for a no party atmosphere.
Anyway we are still on site and soon heading off to invade the main entertainment and see how Herman and his Hermits are ageing..

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[GJH]

I totally understand this point of view - but I disagree.
MHF is a collection of like minded motorhomers but it is not a "club". Jim and volunteers do their best to provide facilities etc at these events but what actually happens is up to individuals - there is no guarantee of entertainment or activities 'provided'. This is spontaneous, it happens or it doesn't.
I think as MHF gets bigger & bigger that some expect "stuff" to be laid on - that's not my understanding - it's up to individuals to do whatever... MHF might provide the tent to keep off the rain.
If one assumes that the discount and preferential siting is all that is on offer then one won't go far wrong.

Lincoln is a huge event - and dare I say, not the best for first time Funsters.
In fact... I've not yet been to a Funsters meet but was put off attending this one purely because of the high numbers.
Though everyone will try to be sociable, its too much to expect anyone to take a newbie under their wing.
It has been said before - start with the smaller meets.
I hope this is true because my first time is next weekend at Malvern, where I think there'll be thirty vans and it'll be much more chilled.

It is certainly easier to get together and get to know people at smaller events where one can sit and chat. That was facilitated in years gone by the smaller numbers meant that there wasn't the demand for one large "venue", gatherings tended to be outdoors or in event shelters and awnings tied together. There wasn't any music (the notorious several hours of Hey Baby at Newark excepted ) because there wasn't the room or the power available.

Also, larger numbers have meant that some people get together in groups of friends they have met over the years, where they feel comfortable, as it can be a bit daunting (even for those who are not new) trying to include everyone when there are 150+ vans.

Cooler weather and early sunsets don't help as people tend to be less ready to get out and mingle. Walking round during the afternoons, though, there always seemed to be various groups socialising around vans.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Sadly - the success of the 'thing' that made MHF a success in the begining is likely to be lost as it becomes a bigger entity & the intimacy is lost through sheer weight of numbers.

The only certainty is change.
Dare I say , you only get out what you put in - just because one has paid their subs doesn't mean one will be 'provided' with a social circle.
It takes time & effort to slowly get to know fellow funsters - no instant gratification (unless you guarantee unlimited free booze to allcomers )

 

[Langtoftlad]

Perhaps @Jim could come up with a little flag/sign to be displayed when occupants have an 'open door' for a bit of a chat, a glass of wine or a constant flow of running tea & coffee..
"The Funsters Is In"

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[TerryL]

Comments above all point to "newbies" getting together I agree that with the numbers we're now at (and actually still attracting - viz the number of newbie threads appearing daily on the general forum) it can seem to be getting a little impersonal. However what is not always apparent is what is actually happening during the show out in the camping field. I'm sure Funsters are doing their bit meeting and chatting to newbies they are parked up next to, as we certainly try to do, and then enjoy meeting them again at a future "meet". It's not all meeting up in big groups, which can be a bit intimidating.

Like the idea of free welcome drinks though. I'll have some of that.............

 

[GJH]

Perhaps @Jim could come up with a little flag/sign to be displayed when occupants have an 'open door' for a bit of a chat, a glass of wine or a constant flow of running tea & coffee..
"The Funsters Is In"

Better, I suppose, than the prominent "Beware Of The Dog" sign I saw in one van window at Lincoln

 

[ciderman]

All you need to do (aimed at no one directly) is talk to everyone you meet some you may want to talk to again some you may not. As bill and Ted said in their excellent adventure. Be excellent to each other.

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[ciderman]

Better, I suppose, than the prominent "Beware Of The Dog" sign I saw in one van window at Lincoln

If I'd put that on our van my wife would have made my ball bag into a swimming cap for me

 

[Raybreck]

Well I must say I'm glad to see a few responses to my slight rant on Friday. As I posted later,I did not realise that the band where scheduled for Saturday but there was a printout with all the activities arranged which I should have taken more notice of. As to some of the above comments, this is our first year of Fun and have thoroughly enjoyed it. No longer Virgins as announced by megaphone on our arrival at Jaws excellent meet at Thetford. We where made welcome at all the following meets including this one. My point of the original posting was we both thought Friday was such a let down for the club which,by the way,I've joined not for any preferentially treatment as to parking up,discounts freebies or the like,just to be involved with likeminded people. We had a great night Saturday in the Marquee with many thanks to the band members,those wonderful backing singers and all marshals for the arrangements .
Ray&Joy

 

[ciderman]

Ray I'm glad you enjoyed in the end and who knows perhaps one we will meet and drink some firewater and discuss life and the meaning of the universe. Just one thing motorhome fun is not a club it is a happening for like minded people

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[Raybreck]

Ray I'm glad you enjoyed in the end and who knows perhaps one we will meet and drink some firewater and discuss life and the meaning of the universe. Just one thing motorhome fun is not a club it is a happening for like minded people

Thanks for pointing that out that's it's not a club, can't recall actually mentioning that but now I at least know the status of Fun in your opinion. Am sure we will meet up at some point, not sure of the firewater but a nice glass of well chilled wine will be all I'll require.
Ray

 

[ciderman]

No problem anytime I'll keep an eye out
White or red?

 

[Raybreck]

No

No problem anytime I'll keep an eye out
White or red?

now now, only white!
Ray

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[ciderman]

Rose?

 

[johnp10]

Better, I suppose, than the prominent "Beware Of The Dog" sign I saw in one van window at Lincoln

Does a dangerous dog belong at a meet?
Just wondering.

 

[The Dotties]

Our own funsters @jezport have a stand Parrotsol that do tie downs... and funsters discount I believe.

Bugger. Bought a few useful bits and pieces from him yesterday, didn't realise he was a funster. Seemed to be busy though.

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[DanielFord]

Better, I suppose, than the prominent "Beware Of The Dog" sign I saw in one van window at Lincoln

I saw that sign, however, I did not see the dog however, maybe it was one of those false security things, like an empty alarm box on a house?

Just thought I'd add, we arrived on Friday, and we had intended to pop over to the marquee, but arriving a whole two hours later than planned (most of which was spent parked in traffic on the M25) and then having to cook tea and walk the dog etc. we simply ran out of time.

Our little girls loved Saturday nights antics in the marquee though, although she was terribly disappointed that she didn't win the teddy in the raffle. We're still trying to teach her that you don't always win in competitions!

 

[DavidG58]

Better, I suppose, than the prominent "Beware Of The Dog" sign I saw in one van window at Lincoln

you of all people Graham should surely be grateful for that sign

sometimes dog owners just cant be right

but I suspect it is as suggested above a deterrent, like a big bowl, big chain and big bone, quite likely not got a dog

 

[GJH]

I saw that sign, however, I did not see the dog however, maybe it was one of those false security things, like an empty alarm box on a house?

you of all people Graham should surely be grateful for that sign

It was a joke fellas - hence the

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[Geo]

When Graham popped in to me, I set my dog on him, he still stayed for a chinwag though
nice to see some Old and I mean really old faces at Lincoln
Geo

 

[Brian and Jo]

Well for me and Jo,we really enjoyed our weekend.thank very much to the marshals for the warm welcome and for parking everyone up .As for how we feel about MHF well we expect nothing really we just like to be parked up with other people with the same interests.we don't do the marquee because the loud music and lots of people together and talking just amplifies my tinnitus ,but what we do like to do is have a walk around in the daytime and have a good old chinwag.the evening we usually spend sitting in side or outside our van.Jo will read and I can tinkle about on my guitar and that keeps us happy.In my opinion people should not expect anything of you ,it should be 100%. your decision what you do while you are away whether you are an long standing member or a newbie.We have met some lovely people this weekend Clayton9, John(Jaws),Martin & Jen(funflair)to name a few and have really enjoyed ourselves.So thank you MHF
Brian & Jo

 

[Clayton9]

Hi Brian & jo

Was a pleasure being parked next to you!!

You kept us entertained with your singing and guitar could have listened to you all night.

Love your van as well

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