|
|
Post by ejparrott on Jun 5, 2015 16:30:10 GMT
About 15 years since I left Swansea now....there's only one name I can connect with it now, that I know of!
|
|
|
|
Post by alanstepney on Jun 7, 2015 18:16:02 GMT
It is interesting in this and the other threads to see the variety of clubs activities and the members opinions.
It does seem that there is something for everyone, always depending upon location, of course.
It may also provide ideas for other clubs where they dont have all the facilities.
|
|
|
|
Post by steamcoal on Jun 7, 2015 23:10:47 GMT
Here are a couple of questions?
What do they expect from a subscription when they initially join a MES?
Are those expectations indifferent or the same after a period with a MES when those expectations are not met? Do they leave for another club of leave the hobby.
What level of subscription would one expect to see as a reasonable level?
Would you pay more if you don't contribute to passanger hauling.
|
|
|
|
Post by alanstepney on Jun 8, 2015 7:42:22 GMT
Interesting questions.
I can only compare my "wants list" to clubs I have belonged to in the past, and the Amateur radio club I am a member of at presnt.
In an ideal world (which we dont live in) I would like a club to:
Hold regular meetings, a mix between formal (perhaps talks et) and informal (gossip nights)
Allow members access to the track at frequent and regular times.
Have a workshop that members can use
I dont enjoy passsenger hauling but believe it should be part of a clubs activities, not just for fund-raising but also because it is good PR.
I am happy to contribute some time and efforts, ( as I believe all members should) and there must always be tasks that one can take on apart from driving round all day.
As for fees, the Radio club I belong to costs me £20 per year.
The charge for refreshnents (£1.50) covers the rent, and regular raffles, members donations, etc, added to the annual fee, mean that the club is in a healthy position.
A Model engineering club would have greater outlays, but the fee should still be kept as low as possible.
|
|
smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,266
|
Post by smallbrother on Jun 8, 2015 10:06:30 GMT
Interesting questions. I can only compare my "wants list" to clubs I have belonged to in the past, and the Amateur radio club I am a member of at presnt. In an ideal world (which we dont live in) I would like a club to: Hold regular meetings, a mix between formal (perhaps talks et) and informal (gossip nights) Allow members access to the track at frequent and regular times. Have a workshop that members can use I dont enjoy passsenger hauling but believe it should be part of a clubs activities, not just for fund-raising but also because it is good PR. I am happy to contribute some time and efforts, ( as I believe all members should) and there must always be tasks that one can take on apart from driving round all day. As for fees, the Radio club I belong to costs me £20 per year. The charge for refreshnents (£1.50) covers the rent, and regular raffles, members donations, etc, added to the annual fee, mean that the club is in a healthy position. A Model engineering club would have greater outlays, but the fee should still be kept as low as possible.I think I said above that there should be an option for members who wish to give more and become say a vice-president. Happens with rugby clubs all the time. Just means you have a no-fuss way to donate a bit more if you wish. Also take monthly payments to spread the cost over 12 months. Clubs seem reluctant to do this for reasons I can't figure out. It is much more practical for me to give a bit more cash than to commit to work. I can do some work, but other things get in the way and I can't give the time that others do. |
|
|
|
Post by terry1956 on Jun 8, 2015 12:08:09 GMT
Hi.i dont think this is about money is it. In the area i travel there are a number of clubs within 45 miles of home. A break down of these clubs sees membership in one at 260 a second with 220 and down to clubs with less then 30 members. One club as a very good turnout on evening club nights with some interesting speakers,but due to the track position private running is a none starter.the second club allows excess to the track all year round and its dead easy to get the locos out of the car and onto the track single handed.a further club allows excess all year round but its hard to get larger locos onto the track. A further club as very poor track excess unless public running.so for me its the club with easy excess that wins here.the downside is that its the one 45 miles away and not the one 1/2 mile down the road.
|
|
|
|
Post by steamcoal on Jun 8, 2015 22:39:01 GMT
Terry.
That is a real conundrum you have to deal with I must say.
I realise that in the UK, like many other regions too, that not just distance that is an issue buy negotiating traffic and parking can be a real headache and usually at weekends when every family and their dog wants to go the park or similar. Infrastructure and lifting equipment is an important issue as you note.
As for the fee, I do not think $0.96 per week is much to pay for at all for one piece and enjoyment and as Julian those fees should cover the club running costs.
How would the choice of gauge influence ones enjoyment? I was at a MES last week and took my two engines, 5" Railmotor and 5" Hunslet and grant you that both were entirely different.,I declined the need for the lifter for my Railmotor, preferring to just man handle it the short distance. That is a big plus and really makes my job easier at both ends of the day.
Even if I had to pay more I also would be more than happy to contribute materials and for a club a real saving can be made if one knows where to get steel and various supplies. Certainly trade prices and discounts are much more favourable than what are the general hardware and over the counter rates for Mr off the street.
Hayden
|
|
|
|
Post by steamcoal on Jun 8, 2015 22:48:29 GMT
It was interesting,,at one of the club meetings we had was on a very wet evening. I counted of all the attendees which numbered eight, only one person out of that eight was a boating person, the rest of us were train members.
This tells me that our club is predominantly just a venue for our boating membership. Of all the meeting nights I cannot remember any boat exhibits shown, except my own related projects and their attendance en mass is during a weekday(Friday) and they are really never seen at weekends now cause parties clash with there pond use. It is a pity we are not all together as a club but that seems the divisions that humans take in reaction to their wants.
We will just confine ourself to frosty morning in winter and late summer evening. A sad , sad state of affairs.
|
|
|
|
Post by kurplunked on May 25, 2016 21:26:24 GMT
Sorry to bring this old thread back up.... Winchester club now has a Facebook page...Hopefully now we are in running season more diverse content will appear!! Please 'like' our page if your that way inclined, otherwise have a look as you need not be a member of Facebook to view the page. If your local please pop along and say hello! We're a friendly bunch and happy to welcome new members! www.facebook.com/Wmes50/ |
|
