gwrfan
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 456
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Post by gwrfan on Jul 1, 2010 11:25:31 GMT
Hi All, We are only a very small Society, and have an annual subscription of just £15, which covers members' boiler tests. In the past we have had new members join, pay their money, have their boilers tested, get their test certificate(s), and then disappear! My own proposal is that new members wishing to have boilers tested on, or soon after, joining, should pay 2 or 3 years' subscription in advance. After all, it takes our Boiler Inspector more than an hour to get a boiler ready for testing, etc, etc. And sometimes he even visits the member's home to do the test. I'd like to know what your own Clubs or Societies do in these cases? After all, if you get your boiler tested 'professionally', then you'll be paying far more than £30 or £45 for the test, and still have to pay club membership fees too Thanks in advance. Geoff
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Post by mutley on Jul 1, 2010 13:44:15 GMT
I think it is important people realsie that a society boiler ticket is only valid while the holder is member of a society. When a persons membership lapses the boiler ticket is no longer valid.
Andy
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Post by alanstepney on Jul 1, 2010 14:39:54 GMT
One club that I know of used to ONLY test boilers for people who had been members for more than 3 months.
Doesnt solve the problem, but may weed out some who only wish to use the boiler test facility.
( Of course, another approach might be to encourage them to stay and join in club activities, something that some clubs fail to do.)
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Post by peterseager on Jul 2, 2010 7:28:52 GMT
We find it is traction engine people who we only see for the annual test. I guess the track is the incentive for loco people to be active members.
Peter
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Post by havoc on Jul 2, 2010 7:54:10 GMT
Does it matter? Apart from the uneasy feeling that you have a silent member what is the problem? Can you afford to turn down members? Are you sure they won't come later? Have you asked them why they don't come?
Alan has it right, try to convince them that joining in the activities is worthwhile. Other than that look at it as an investment. It may pay out and they might become valuable members later (like when they are pensioned and have more personal time).
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Post by alanstepney on Jul 2, 2010 8:14:41 GMT
We find it is traction engine people who we only see for the annual test. I guess the track is the incentive for loco people to be active members. Peter That was the basis of my comment. Many train-oriented clubs do little to encourage the road steam enthusiasts. Or model steam boat guys. Or those who like stationary engines. Perhaps in some clubs, effort put in to encourage those who arent interested in trains, might pay dividends.
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jul 2, 2010 9:07:27 GMT
My experience is that most if not all clubs have this problem of some people are there only to have their boiler tested and certified . It is a very difficult situation to handle , in my opinion , the first time is easy for them to get away with it but the second time the should be questioned about it .
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Post by rodwilson on Jul 2, 2010 12:33:48 GMT
Sorry Shawki. What are they getting away with? What should they be questioned about? What rule(s) are they breaking?
Every club has it's small percentage of does and takers. It will never change whatever your interest. This forum is painting that bleak picture again.........
What was your club formed for? I guess it was to promote and encourage model engineering. I doubt loco ownership was compulsory or was involvement in the local track and it's maintenance. Make a charge for your boiler inspections if you feel you must; but treat all members as equals. Don't knock those who have interests in other branches of our hobby and those who are currently dormant. Their reasons may be many and ones that we do not understand or would want ourselves.
It's a free world and a hobby. Let's not offend anyone involved.
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jul 3, 2010 13:09:27 GMT
Boiler inspection , testing and certification for club members is free and I think it will stay free , that is clubs commitment to their members , no conditions apply .For any club to survive , members commitment to help in the running of the club within the ability of individual member is vital , so , those who join the club for just to get their boilers certified while they are not breaking any rule are in for the take only . As I said it is a difficult situation , there is not much we can do about it ,it is in my opinion unfair . ( some clubs has started placing new applicants on trial periods before accepting them as members , while I don't back this policy , I understand the reasons for it ) . If a person joins the club just to get his/her boiler certified and disappear until the boiler need rectification , I think the club should be asking the person whether he/she is interested to be a real member of the club and question the suitability to be a member . Yes the clubs need members but not free loaders .
Rod thanks for the PM .
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russell
Statesman
Chain driven
Posts: 762
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Post by russell on Jul 3, 2010 14:03:19 GMT
You don't need a boiler certificate to run your engine at home so, if they do not join in club activities, why do these people need a certificate? To sell the model perhaps? If they have sold it they will not return to the club.
Russell.
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jul 4, 2010 11:28:53 GMT
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Post by havoc on Jul 4, 2010 12:39:01 GMT
That isn't mine. My impression is that it is a very selfish one full of grumpy, jealous men that would rather quickly make a piece behind you back and then give it to you while telling how simple it is to make than explaining and learning you how it is done. Fun is something they have in their workshop, on their own, chuckling how beginners are struggling and having to find out all the mistakes again.
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Post by peterseager on Jul 4, 2010 19:33:42 GMT
The traction engine people go off to traction engine rallies.
I'm glad to say our club thrives on a spirit of co-operation. Perhaps that's because it is small and maybe explains why nobody gets het up about the traction engine people. They pay their dues after all
Peter
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gwrfan
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 456
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Post by gwrfan on Jul 4, 2010 21:31:33 GMT
Well Gentlemen, I seem to have stirred up a bit of a hornet's nest here, but that was not my intention of course However, it's good to see such a number of different opinions, and it seems that many of us are in a similar situation, and the end result appears to be that we must just accept things the way they are, whatever that might be We too have members who are traction engine owners, probably 4 or 5 in fact, and there's never a problem with their boiler testing. I just wish we had more locos in steam!
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steam4ian
Elder Statesman
One good turn deserves another
Posts: 2,069
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Post by steam4ian on Jul 4, 2010 21:36:56 GMT
G'day Havoc and Shawki Unfortunately I have found you are both right. Some of the most prolific builders are not particularly sociable, I guess they would rather spend time in the shed. I know of two blokes who are fantastic builders but don't like driving, least of all hauling the public. This no judgement of them it is what floats their boat. One problem is, I think, that many who are quite skilled are self taught in areas and shy of how they do things. Most of us spend some time working at the edge of our skills set are not certain how to pass things on. A scrap box is a very humbling place. There is always somebody who knows how to do it better, and then there is the "professional". Havoc, give a club a chance. I would suggest you give it 2 years of active participation before you pass judgement. Regards Ian
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Post by havoc on Jul 5, 2010 7:52:29 GMT
Sorry for taking you post that far. But you (and others) shouldn't fret too much about the issue. What would you do if someone became member and then didn't show up for years on end but just paid his membership? Think twice... And then he pops up with a beast of a loc he has been building, start giving talks about technical subjects and more. Still wish you kicked him out? Point is you cannot judge from a single snapshot in time.
Ian, I have given it already 5 years now but I don't see much change. You could have a point, not every master is a good teacher. But when you just ask what brand of coupling someone uses on the brake connection of their passenger cars so you can make yours compatible or what shop they buy their material then surely that isn't asked too much? Forget it, you can just as well ask Coca-Cola their recipie. It is that bad.
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gwrfan
Part of the e-furniture
Posts: 456
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Post by gwrfan on Jul 5, 2010 8:40:28 GMT
What would you do if someone became member and then didn't show up for years on end but just paid his membership? Ahh, but that is my point really. Some just join, pay a one year membership, get their boiler(s) tested, and are never seen again! Geoff
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Post by drjohn on Jul 5, 2010 11:39:02 GMT
What would you do if someone became member and then didn't show up for years on end but just paid his membership? Ahh, but that is my point really. Some just join, pay a one year membership, get their boiler(s) tested, and are never seen again! Geoff The point has already been made, Geoff. The boiler cert issued to the transient members is only valid in your club's environment - maybe a wee notice somewhere in your club house might make the point for the parasitic members. DJ
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tcase
Involved Member
Posts: 52
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Post by tcase on Jul 5, 2010 16:27:06 GMT
Another small point, the boiler tester should not have to prepare boilers for testing. if the member is unable to or can't be bothered they shouldn't be let loose with a boiler ! It's reasonable for a tester to assist and advise an inexperienced member with preparation but not as a regular duty
TC
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Post by Boadicea on Jul 5, 2010 19:07:48 GMT
I think it is important people realsie that a society boiler ticket is only valid while the holder is member of a society. When a persons membership lapses the boiler ticket is no longer valid.Andy Sorry mate, I do not think this statement is true.
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