The Future of PHEA
Discussion
Hi Guys
During last weekend's Helmingham Classic Car Show, we (the Mutleysnoops, Simpo2, FastEddy, Hoodedreaper) started a discussion about what happens to PHEA in the event that Darren doesn't come back as the organiser, which he has fulfilled brilliantly over the past 15+ years.
Relying on a single person to organise all events, albeit with some help from others, is a risky approach and selfish on our part.
To this end, we have discussed how PHEA could continue, and if there is sufficient interest in it continuing, in Darren's absence.
So several questions:
1. Do we all want PHEA to continue?
2. If so, are there volunteers to help with the organising of events, runs etc. This would need about 10 people (1 per event) to step forward and undertake the organisation? If no, the answer to question 1 must also be No.
3. Which type of events should we run? Shows, trackdays, meets, meals, runs?
The annual calendar of events would be drawn up by active PHEA members and only added to the schedule if there were a volunteers willing to organise that event. We would base the 2023 schedule on the basis of this year's speculative calendar with the 2019 calendar providing any additional options.
As far as possible, any events attended with admission fees/meals, would be paid for by each attendee in advance, so no organiser would be responsible for funding a speculative attendee list.
This forum would be the sole source of information for PHEA events and the booking of places. Any social media platform must only refer to this forum and not accept bookings outside of the forum. There can only be a single source of the truth. There are those of us who will no longer use social media platforms, life is too short.
The organiser of each event has the sole responsibility for that event, it's their show, their rules. We shouldn't expect every event to be run identically, but there should be a minimum acceptable standard.
All organisers will share their email and mobile numbers with the other organisers. Sharing info can often be better on the phone or email. And some organisers may welcome a little help from the others.
If Darren decides that he would like to return in future, we'd like there to be something for him to return to. Darren opened up the PHEA to all comers, which has been very successful, PHEA is all the better for it.
OK that's my 2p worth for now, let the discussion begin....
During last weekend's Helmingham Classic Car Show, we (the Mutleysnoops, Simpo2, FastEddy, Hoodedreaper) started a discussion about what happens to PHEA in the event that Darren doesn't come back as the organiser, which he has fulfilled brilliantly over the past 15+ years.
Relying on a single person to organise all events, albeit with some help from others, is a risky approach and selfish on our part.
To this end, we have discussed how PHEA could continue, and if there is sufficient interest in it continuing, in Darren's absence.
So several questions:
1. Do we all want PHEA to continue?
2. If so, are there volunteers to help with the organising of events, runs etc. This would need about 10 people (1 per event) to step forward and undertake the organisation? If no, the answer to question 1 must also be No.
3. Which type of events should we run? Shows, trackdays, meets, meals, runs?
The annual calendar of events would be drawn up by active PHEA members and only added to the schedule if there were a volunteers willing to organise that event. We would base the 2023 schedule on the basis of this year's speculative calendar with the 2019 calendar providing any additional options.
As far as possible, any events attended with admission fees/meals, would be paid for by each attendee in advance, so no organiser would be responsible for funding a speculative attendee list.
This forum would be the sole source of information for PHEA events and the booking of places. Any social media platform must only refer to this forum and not accept bookings outside of the forum. There can only be a single source of the truth. There are those of us who will no longer use social media platforms, life is too short.
The organiser of each event has the sole responsibility for that event, it's their show, their rules. We shouldn't expect every event to be run identically, but there should be a minimum acceptable standard.
All organisers will share their email and mobile numbers with the other organisers. Sharing info can often be better on the phone or email. And some organisers may welcome a little help from the others.
If Darren decides that he would like to return in future, we'd like there to be something for him to return to. Darren opened up the PHEA to all comers, which has been very successful, PHEA is all the better for it.
OK that's my 2p worth for now, let the discussion begin....
I would have thought a group of organisers would be a better approach rather than solely relying on a single individual to arrange each event. That way everyone in the organising 'party' can seek help, ask for advice/opinion rather than feel like they're alone.
I've ran a local car club for the past 16 years which gives me some experience with it all. But with having a young family, I don't always get the spare time needed. Also working in retail doesn't help with available weekend's off, so I can't commit to attending all events.
I don't think any of us truly know how much effort Darren puts into organising a year's worth of events, but we are all very thankful for all of his efforts none the less. But I think it's unfair to suddenly give up with PHEA if 10 people can't dedicate their spare time to help.
I'm happy to help where I can though.
I've ran a local car club for the past 16 years which gives me some experience with it all. But with having a young family, I don't always get the spare time needed. Also working in retail doesn't help with available weekend's off, so I can't commit to attending all events.
I don't think any of us truly know how much effort Darren puts into organising a year's worth of events, but we are all very thankful for all of his efforts none the less. But I think it's unfair to suddenly give up with PHEA if 10 people can't dedicate their spare time to help.
I'm happy to help where I can though.
Khaki Suit said:
Did you stay behind after Helmingham Hall and help clear litter, pack up ropes or help marshall cars out? If not you don't want it to continue.
What a weird concept that if you're not willing to help then you clearly don't want the group to continue.
As the sole organiser of the H H car show I would like to respond to your points.What a weird concept that if you're not willing to help then you clearly don't want the group to continue.
There was no litter left on the site.
There were no ropes in the large club stand area which hosted 37 clubs to clear away.
As for helping the marshalls direct leaving traffic there was no need for any PHEA member to interfere as H H had a huge army of hi- viz volunteers doing a splendid job. Visitors started leaving steadily around 1400hrs.
When I left at 1600hrs here was barely any traffic to contend with ie just like a normal Sunday afternoon on the surrounding roads.
As for helping.
I travelled an 80 mile round trip to collect our first ever feather flag. I also did 3 recces to find a suitable meeting point and to ascertain journey time from my home to the meet point and meet point to H H.
The afternoon before the event I went to H H to locate the PHEA pitch and to erect the feather flag.
All this was done at my own expense ie fuel.
mike-p said:
I must admit I was slightly puzzled by the rant.
But whatever....
He probably wasn’t there, so has no idea what was involved But whatever....
Nice to meet you Mike ( and others)
The future of PHEA is a difficult one. There is no doubt we have been spoilt by Darrens’ super efficient handling of it over the years. He really did an amazing job. Problem now, Pistonheads is becoming a bit old fashioned and dated (just my opinion) most have moved over to Facebook, Instagram,etc.
The first PHEA event I attended this year had a total of three cars, including mine! The next one at Glenham will have four.
It’s a bit disheartening when someone has gone to a lot of trouble to organise an event, only to find that less than a handful turn out.
I would be happy to help out in anyway I can.
mike-p said:
Darren opened up the PHEA to all comers, which has been very successful, PHEA is all the better for it.
I'm one of them. Helmingham is one of my favourite shows and I was supposed to be there. Gutted that unforeseen circumstances prevented it.
Assuming the answer to Q1 is yes, then I would say that Q3 is: all of them.
In my experience as an organiser (not PH) in my parish, an activity which will appeal to one member will not to another. The broader the church, the better.
mike-p said:
This forum would be the sole source of information for PHEA events and the booking of places. Any social media platform must only refer to this forum and not accept bookings outside of the forum. There can only ;be a single source of the truth.
Seconded, in spades. According to a friend of mine, social media is fine for advertising an event.But for logistical purposes and especially getting commitment from 'likes' it's something else.
mike-p said:
There are those of us who will no longer use social media platforms, life is too short.
As a 'furriner' living well outside EA, I'm not sure how much practical help I can offer.
Is the idea that everything can’t be done by one person (another Darren if you like), because no one has the time?
It’s worth remembering Darren used to have other people help him on the runs (with different meeting points etc).
Personally I’d say it’d be worth one person taking the main role and then others feed that person ideas and suggestions and then take it from there. Everyone can still help out and even take ownership of various runs/events.
But there is still one person who makes the announcement. Almost like a chairman/woman of PHEA.
Think of it like when PHEA went to Eddys dyno event at Clive Atthowes. Darren announced it and I imagine helped out too, but it was Eddy who did the rest.
I guess what I’m saying is Darren, yes did a lot, but also very appreciative to have help & input from others.
Just my 2P.
It’s worth remembering Darren used to have other people help him on the runs (with different meeting points etc).
Personally I’d say it’d be worth one person taking the main role and then others feed that person ideas and suggestions and then take it from there. Everyone can still help out and even take ownership of various runs/events.
But there is still one person who makes the announcement. Almost like a chairman/woman of PHEA.
Think of it like when PHEA went to Eddys dyno event at Clive Atthowes. Darren announced it and I imagine helped out too, but it was Eddy who did the rest.
I guess what I’m saying is Darren, yes did a lot, but also very appreciative to have help & input from others.
Just my 2P.
Hello Folks,
I'm booked in to the Glemham Hall show - R5GTT only back on the road from 1st Sept.
I'll make enquiries about joining the PHEA stand when I get there...
Also, bit of a late notice job, but on Saturday 24th Sept I'll be holding another
LowiePete Detailing Day. This will be held at mine, rather than at a unit as in
previous meets. Gather at the Fighting Cocks car park from 9.30am for a 10am start.
You'll need to bring along a packed-lunch - I'll provide tea / coffee. I'm not sure
if there will be "goodie-bags" this time.
As for the "leadership" debate - delegating to kinda sub-committees does not work!
When stuff goes awry, it just becomes a devastating game of pass the blame.
Having a single point of reference has always worked well with Darren and he has
really proven my point. It isn't too onerous a task, provided that we as group
members support what's going on. Once a basic "annual programme" is devised,
which should only be overseen by a single person, there's nothing to stop anyone
from coming forward to assist on an as-needed basis. JM2pW.
Regards,
Steve
I'm booked in to the Glemham Hall show - R5GTT only back on the road from 1st Sept.
I'll make enquiries about joining the PHEA stand when I get there...
Also, bit of a late notice job, but on Saturday 24th Sept I'll be holding another
LowiePete Detailing Day. This will be held at mine, rather than at a unit as in
previous meets. Gather at the Fighting Cocks car park from 9.30am for a 10am start.
You'll need to bring along a packed-lunch - I'll provide tea / coffee. I'm not sure
if there will be "goodie-bags" this time.
As for the "leadership" debate - delegating to kinda sub-committees does not work!
When stuff goes awry, it just becomes a devastating game of pass the blame.
Having a single point of reference has always worked well with Darren and he has
really proven my point. It isn't too onerous a task, provided that we as group
members support what's going on. Once a basic "annual programme" is devised,
which should only be overseen by a single person, there's nothing to stop anyone
from coming forward to assist on an as-needed basis. JM2pW.
Regards,
Steve
mike-p said:
Thanks for the responses, very positive.
I'll try and move this forward over the next few weeks, probably at the Cars and Coffee event on 25th Sept.
I assume this is as advertised on the 2022 calender, from what time? These sort of discussions I feel are better done face to face and not from behind a keyboard as sometimes they can be misleading or misinterpreted. I'll try and move this forward over the next few weeks, probably at the Cars and Coffee event on 25th Sept.
I mentioned it a while back when Darren first made the announcement that he was stepping back, but I would be happy to coordinate/be the contact point for the annual Snetterton trackday alone or working with others?
What this would look like logistically, I don't know, as I've only ever been an attendee in years past. Sure others were involved in the organisation other than Darren that could point me in the right direction though?
What this would look like logistically, I don't know, as I've only ever been an attendee in years past. Sure others were involved in the organisation other than Darren that could point me in the right direction though?
, happy to help out in any way possible Gassing Station | East Anglia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff