Fairmile BBQ May & September
Discussion
For those of you that attended Surrey Region meet on Tuesday you will be aware that the annual Fairmile BBQ is now being organised by a professional company who in their wisdom have organised 2 BBQ events one on Sunday May 6th 2007 and the other Saturday September 1st 2007. They have also upped the price we normally pay to £8 this inc BBQ. Although £8.00 is not a lot of money this event was originally put on free by the Fairmile management as a thank you to the car clubs that give year round support and patronage to them. This has increased to £8.00 and spectators are only charged £1.00 more.
This is taken from their web site;
"Due to popular demand The Fairmile in Cobham, Surrey will be holding it's annual event again on Bank Holiday Sunday May 6th and Bank Holiday Sunday August 26th.
This year we will be making this a really fun day out for all the family and a fabulous evening of music, dancing and BBQ.
You will be able to pre-book your pitch on line to guarantee a place. Pitch Tickets only will include a special pass to the new VIP pavillion with free Tea and coffee during the day.(until 6pm)
* ADVANCE TICKETS - SPECIAL RATES *
(Please note a £1 booking fee applies to all pre-bookings on line)
Shortly we will be displaying the site and available pitches to book. Please book early to avoid disapointment as places are limited.
Times
Set up from 8am (All cars must be in place by 11am latest - unless prior arrangement has been agreed with management)
Gates open 12pm
Gates close Midnight
BBQ starts - 6pm - midnight
Live Band starts 8pm
EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:-
Corvettes, Toyota Supra, Porsche, Aston Martin, Subaru, MG's, Dune Buggies, Landrover, Stags, Austin Healey, Rover, Ferrari, Lambourghini, Maserati, AC Cobra, Mustang, Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Mini, Jaguar, Lotus, Morgan, TVR, Rolls Royce Triumph, Wolsey."
So it has now turned into an all day event where we are expected to have our vehicles in place before 11.00am but the BBQ does not start until 6.00pm, As you can read they have already stated that we are exhibiting without any consulting with us.
You will also note the confusion on their web site states 26th August but the flyers and poster s in Fairmile state 1st September.
Now I have furnished you with the facts can you give me your input so we can decide on the next course of action?
This is taken from their web site;
"Due to popular demand The Fairmile in Cobham, Surrey will be holding it's annual event again on Bank Holiday Sunday May 6th and Bank Holiday Sunday August 26th.
This year we will be making this a really fun day out for all the family and a fabulous evening of music, dancing and BBQ.
You will be able to pre-book your pitch on line to guarantee a place. Pitch Tickets only will include a special pass to the new VIP pavillion with free Tea and coffee during the day.(until 6pm)
* ADVANCE TICKETS - SPECIAL RATES *
(Please note a £1 booking fee applies to all pre-bookings on line)
Shortly we will be displaying the site and available pitches to book. Please book early to avoid disapointment as places are limited.
Times
Set up from 8am (All cars must be in place by 11am latest - unless prior arrangement has been agreed with management)
Gates open 12pm
Gates close Midnight
BBQ starts - 6pm - midnight
Live Band starts 8pm
EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:-
Corvettes, Toyota Supra, Porsche, Aston Martin, Subaru, MG's, Dune Buggies, Landrover, Stags, Austin Healey, Rover, Ferrari, Lambourghini, Maserati, AC Cobra, Mustang, Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Mini, Jaguar, Lotus, Morgan, TVR, Rolls Royce Triumph, Wolsey."
So it has now turned into an all day event where we are expected to have our vehicles in place before 11.00am but the BBQ does not start until 6.00pm, As you can read they have already stated that we are exhibiting without any consulting with us.
You will also note the confusion on their web site states 26th August but the flyers and poster s in Fairmile state 1st September.
Now I have furnished you with the facts can you give me your input so we can decide on the next course of action?
This clashes with the Silverstone FIA GT event that the CCCUK are attending and also the Colin's Pub Corvette weekend see here for details:
www.corvetteclub.org.uk/index.php?article=3863
Could those attending the FIA GT not arrive after the racing for the evening BBQ?
www.corvetteclub.org.uk/index.php?article=3863
Could those attending the FIA GT not arrive after the racing for the evening BBQ?
Edited by vetteheadracer on Thursday 1st March 11:45
LMAO @ "* ADVANCE TICKETS - SPECIAL RATES *
(Please note a £1 booking fee applies to all pre-bookings on line) "!
So they charge you £1 extra for the privilege of booking in advance and via the method that requires the least effort on their part?!
As you say, it's not the money, it's the attitude.
If they want all the cars to be there before 11am just to hang around until 6pm for a BBQ, I predict a very small turnout. What is there to do at a pub for 8-10 hours? Of course, get p1ssed, but that might not be that great an idea for a car gathering...
I think they need to do a lot more consulting (with the people who matter the most, i.e. those providing the cars the event hangs around) and a lot less telling.
(Please note a £1 booking fee applies to all pre-bookings on line) "!
So they charge you £1 extra for the privilege of booking in advance and via the method that requires the least effort on their part?!
As you say, it's not the money, it's the attitude.
If they want all the cars to be there before 11am just to hang around until 6pm for a BBQ, I predict a very small turnout. What is there to do at a pub for 8-10 hours? Of course, get p1ssed, but that might not be that great an idea for a car gathering...
I think they need to do a lot more consulting (with the people who matter the most, i.e. those providing the cars the event hangs around) and a lot less telling.
My Views are the same as Godzilla the fact is the Corvette club and other car clubs are the attraction. I use to like the BBQ on a Friday evening tutn about 5pm and it is always a good turnout, But being told what time you have to turn up and not having the BBQ till 6pm seems a bit silly after all the Fairmile BBQ use to be afree thankyou for all the car clubs who use this location for their meets. The price is not the issue its more of the fact its lost the fact of what this event use to be about not a cash cow for some marketing company to earn off the back of the customers.
I would like to hear other clubs members views on this?
I would like to hear other clubs members views on this?
Price is wrong, principle is wrong so I'm going to vote with my wallet and not go. Interesting that you have to arrive by 11am so that you're stuck there for lunch too...
So, what else is happening on the Sundays before the public holidays that might be more interesting to go to ? Certainly the FIA GT event sounds appealing for May, think I fancy the seaside for August though.
So, what else is happening on the Sundays before the public holidays that might be more interesting to go to ? Certainly the FIA GT event sounds appealing for May, think I fancy the seaside for August though.
5 USA said:
godzilla and te51cle said:
A lot of stuff that I agree with.
It's a shame the Fairmile are taking this approach.
The Goodwood breakfast gatherings on the first Sunday of each month look much more attractive.
FIA GT, GIA GT, FIA GT at Silverstone
www.fiagt.com/
www.silverstone.co.uk/html/ra_fiagt_championship.php
get yourself warmed up for Le Mans
then go to the Fairmile for the evening BBQ, definitely not turning up there and sitting around all day waiting for the BBQ. Edited by vetteheadracer on Thursday 1st March 15:53
Those that were at the Fairmile on Tuesday know my feelings and it looks like most on here agree. It was originally a free event with free food for members of the clubs that meet there throughout the year. Then there was a small £5 charge towards the food but you could see a lot of effort went into the evening (extra lighting outside, outside bar etc)
As we know the original landlord left after last years BBQ and some of us thought then that there may not be another - looks like we were right. Lets not forget that the menu prices also went up as the food quality fell when the landlord left, resulting in car clubs leaving to find another venue (TVR). Remembering how packed that pub used to be, you can't help but notice how empty it is now.
I think perhaps its time for a change and we should look around for somewhere else. Anybody know where the other clubs now meet???
As we know the original landlord left after last years BBQ and some of us thought then that there may not be another - looks like we were right. Lets not forget that the menu prices also went up as the food quality fell when the landlord left, resulting in car clubs leaving to find another venue (TVR). Remembering how packed that pub used to be, you can't help but notice how empty it is now.
I think perhaps its time for a change and we should look around for somewhere else. Anybody know where the other clubs now meet???
Gixer said:
Those that were at the Fairmile on Tuesday know my feelings and it looks like most on here agree. It was originally a free event with free food for members of the clubs that meet there throughout the year. Then there was a small £5 charge towards the food but you could see a lot of effort went into the evening (extra lighting outside, outside bar etc)
As we know the original landlord left after last years BBQ and some of us thought then that there may not be another - looks like we were right. Lets not forget that the menu prices also went up as the food quality fell when the landlord left, resulting in car clubs leaving to find another venue (TVR). Remembering how packed that pub used to be, you can't help but notice how empty it is now.
I think perhaps its time for a change and we should look around for somewhere else. Anybody know where the other clubs now meet???
As we know the original landlord left after last years BBQ and some of us thought then that there may not be another - looks like we were right. Lets not forget that the menu prices also went up as the food quality fell when the landlord left, resulting in car clubs leaving to find another venue (TVR). Remembering how packed that pub used to be, you can't help but notice how empty it is now.
I think perhaps its time for a change and we should look around for somewhere else. Anybody know where the other clubs now meet???
Evening 'Vette types,
Tis true, we left some time ago in search of another Pub. The quest to find a good home has left us somewhat nomadic. We've most recently moved to the Woolpack Country Inn in Elstead, which is a bit further out past (Guildford on the A3), but the landlord is a TVR owner, we're made welcome and the food is good and reasonably priced. A lack of interest in what must be a few k's worth of business over a year seems strange to me, but it's certainly not unique to any one venue. An experience like this in our home after the Fairmile prompted our recent move. I found it interesting that we received a name check in the marque list, yet we've not been at the FM for a long time, excepting perhaps Jon Ellison and his Chimvette. Seems like someone might be a bit out of touch. I know Les at the Woolpack would be delighted to see you, but obviously the venue has to suit you. If I can help out, let me know via this thread or via profile.
Cheers,
Steve
Surrey RO for the TVRCC
It was originally a "thank you" to those that frequented the pub throughout the year. I can't see any thanks now, just pure commercialism and hype making people panic to book. I would have swung by after the FIA GT but I can't see why anyone would want to be there all day. A real shame.
This has got to be wind up? Get there before 11am and hang around till 6pm?? Well, if I can't just turn up in the evening then stuff it, I'm not going.
I've a good mind to send them a booking form so they can exhibit my car. If they book early it's an extra 30 quid .... bargain !!
£10 per hour exhibition only
£5 for engine runs (5 mins at a time)
But seriously what are these guys thinking? For a professional company they certainly don't understand market research. Someone needs to print this forum off and go hand it in at the Fairmile, maybe they'll wake up !!!
I've a good mind to send them a booking form so they can exhibit my car. If they book early it's an extra 30 quid .... bargain !!
£10 per hour exhibition only
£5 for engine runs (5 mins at a time)
But seriously what are these guys thinking? For a professional company they certainly don't understand market research. Someone needs to print this forum off and go hand it in at the Fairmile, maybe they'll wake up !!!
I thought this may have been a joke when I first read it. I think we should perhaps consider some of the following options (good idea in printing it off Eric).
Anyway:
1) we disappear to another venue perhaps as suggested by the TVR chaps
(note we should probably try and see if that venue will hold lots of cars/is agreeable to the cause/is of sufficient quality) - and contact other car clubs who would have been at the Fairmile who are no doubt having exactly the same debate.
2) we do make contact with the fairmile management (again perhaps considering involving other marque clubs too for a consistent message, and also to avoid one possible reply of 'everyone else thinks it's fine'), and put it too them that all these clubs will withdraw their support for this event if the format goes ahead as is
3) Er, haven't thought of a 3 yet...
I probably shouldn't really comment on this one - since I only attend at the August barbecue once a year.
One of the great things about this event was its informality. Why do they have to try and mess it all up? Grrr.
Anyway:
1) we disappear to another venue perhaps as suggested by the TVR chaps
(note we should probably try and see if that venue will hold lots of cars/is agreeable to the cause/is of sufficient quality) - and contact other car clubs who would have been at the Fairmile who are no doubt having exactly the same debate.
2) we do make contact with the fairmile management (again perhaps considering involving other marque clubs too for a consistent message, and also to avoid one possible reply of 'everyone else thinks it's fine'), and put it too them that all these clubs will withdraw their support for this event if the format goes ahead as is
3) Er, haven't thought of a 3 yet...
I probably shouldn't really comment on this one - since I only attend at the August barbecue once a year.
One of the great things about this event was its informality. Why do they have to try and mess it all up? Grrr.
Edited by franv8 on Thursday 1st March 22:46
This is the text of my reply to TEKWIZ when asked for an opinion...
Tell them to F*** Off!
As Brett said, "Without the cars there is no show" - They are trying to make money from us getting together and showing our cars. There are at least 30 shows this year where you can show your car without any difficulty if this is your bag.
We could go to Virginia Water or somewhere, take our own tents and BBQ's and have a great time.
Whoever decided to do this has lost the plot completely and cannot see that the BBQ is there for our benefit not theirs so that they can make money out of it. If they alienate us and others, there will be no cars there and no BBQ. I suggest that they think long and hard.
I for one will not attend...
Tell them to F*** Off!
As Brett said, "Without the cars there is no show" - They are trying to make money from us getting together and showing our cars. There are at least 30 shows this year where you can show your car without any difficulty if this is your bag.
We could go to Virginia Water or somewhere, take our own tents and BBQ's and have a great time.
Whoever decided to do this has lost the plot completely and cannot see that the BBQ is there for our benefit not theirs so that they can make money out of it. If they alienate us and others, there will be no cars there and no BBQ. I suggest that they think long and hard.
I for one will not attend...
Just did a quick Google for reviews of the Woolpack Inn and they are very mixed. Plus it is quite a long way out for most people I imagine.
But I've just remembered my pet hate about the Fairmile: seating for about 300 people. 1 Gents loo and no urinal!
I'm sure that contravenes some sort of planning regulation...
But I've just remembered my pet hate about the Fairmile: seating for about 300 people. 1 Gents loo and no urinal!
I'm sure that contravenes some sort of planning regulation...
Gixer said:
Our first meal at the Fairmile after all the changes and we were asked if our meals were ok - I just replied 'has the cook gone' the waitress nodded yes and has since gone as well.
When do you meet there Steve???
When do you meet there Steve???
Edited by Gixer on Thursday 1st March 17:49
4th Thursday of every month, so the next on is on the 22nd. Out biggest problem is car parking space, which will only get worse as the weather improves, so the Landlord has had a word with the local builders merchants to get us extra parking space. If anyone does fancy dropping in to see us at our meet and to suss out if the venue suits you, you'd be very welcome. The previous Landlord didn't do the pub any favours and pretty much drove away business and of course the reviews reflect this. The current Landlord has not been in long and does seem to be steadily sorting things out.
Cheers,
Steve.
Steve_T said:
Gixer said:
Our first meal at the Fairmile after all the changes and we were asked if our meals were ok - I just replied 'has the cook gone' the waitress nodded yes and has since gone as well.
When do you meet there Steve???
When do you meet there Steve???
Edited by Gixer on Thursday 1st March 17:49
4th Thursday of every month, so the next on is on the 22nd. Out biggest problem is car parking space, which will only get worse as the weather improves, so the Landlord has had a word with the local builders merchants to get us extra parking space. If anyone does fancy dropping in to see us at our meet and to suss out if the venue suits you, you'd be very welcome. The previous Landlord didn't do the pub any favours and pretty much drove away business and of course the reviews reflect this. The current Landlord has not been in long and does seem to be steadily sorting things out.
Cheers,
Steve.
Previous landlord didn't move to the Fairmile by any chance
Edited by Gixer on Friday 2nd March 17:05
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