Future of the Uk Club
Discussion
Paul who has been rebuilding his Viper for some years is nearing his first drive and has contacted me regarding expanding the club and its base, as President (in name only) I feel its only fair to share his ideas with you all on the board so detailed below are his comments and I really need your opinions and comments.
a) I've been offered a discount of 15% off my insurance from Headleys, if I
can produce proof that I'm a member of a club, and when the car is older
than 15 years, they can then offer an agreed value, based on documents sent
from "a significant person in authority" from the club. Perhaps this could
be of a little financial assistance to the members & club alike whereby:
1) the owner takes advantage of the discount
2) the club could make a small administrative charge to the individual for
providing the service, to help cover overheads for the website running
costs, phone calls etc
b) by forming an effective "committee/ steering group" I can locate possible
sources of funds, that could be attached to projects/events/training etc. As
a voluntary group in it's own right, I can think of 2 right now that we
could apply to, that could possibly bring in approx £15K for club funds, and
this could be used for (examples)
on-track performance driver training (a la Viper Days etc),
exhibition stand materials/ displays,
contributions towards "educational & training" trips, seminars & conferences
(VOI etc),
joint activities with like-minded charities (Sporting Bears etc),
bridging the gaps between European partner organisations ("educational &
networking" visits to Germany, Switzerland, Italy & France etc)
........and there's probably more that other members could suggest if we all
put our thinking caps on.
c) by linking in with Youth Opportunity initiatives (sponsored by central
govt) there are possibly automotive-led workshops that could be run in
parnership with organisations (such as RPM, Prodrive, Brookspeed,
Chamberlain, Oreca etc), whereby the club's profile could be raised via
commercial sponsorship & media coverage (if desired), where the Viper could
be the focal point, and perhaps initiative schemes (rides etc) could be used
as "prizes" for young people incentive schemes to further excellence in
engineering-type projects could br developed, thus bringing new, fresh
talented young people into the world of automotive & engineering industry,
maybe.
There's also some other things that could be worked on & possibly funded,
such as some finacial assistance for Neil's services website hosting & your
costs, maybe a newsletter, club apparel, driving holidays, meetings &
development events, basic mechanical workshops, the list goes on I'm sure.
At this stage, I'd like to point out that I am not seeking financial gain
from any of this. I see these ideas purely to add substance & finincial
assistance to the club, in turn to be beneficial to all registered members.
However, I'd like to see reasonable expenses covered (for all involved in
running the club), which I think is only fair.
Maybe there's a ittle scope for development in these ideas. If you think so,
perhaps we could arrange a meeting between those people that you consider
would be able to dedicate a little extra time to the club, and slowly make
it grow in stature, perhaps.
But then again, maybe you feel it's a crap idea, and if that is the case, I
perfectly understand, and I apologise for taking up a little of your
valuable time.
Please, take some time to think it over, and come back to me with your
initial thoughts.
a) I've been offered a discount of 15% off my insurance from Headleys, if I
can produce proof that I'm a member of a club, and when the car is older
than 15 years, they can then offer an agreed value, based on documents sent
from "a significant person in authority" from the club. Perhaps this could
be of a little financial assistance to the members & club alike whereby:
1) the owner takes advantage of the discount
2) the club could make a small administrative charge to the individual for
providing the service, to help cover overheads for the website running
costs, phone calls etc
b) by forming an effective "committee/ steering group" I can locate possible
sources of funds, that could be attached to projects/events/training etc. As
a voluntary group in it's own right, I can think of 2 right now that we
could apply to, that could possibly bring in approx £15K for club funds, and
this could be used for (examples)
on-track performance driver training (a la Viper Days etc),
exhibition stand materials/ displays,
contributions towards "educational & training" trips, seminars & conferences
(VOI etc),
joint activities with like-minded charities (Sporting Bears etc),
bridging the gaps between European partner organisations ("educational &
networking" visits to Germany, Switzerland, Italy & France etc)
........and there's probably more that other members could suggest if we all
put our thinking caps on.
c) by linking in with Youth Opportunity initiatives (sponsored by central
govt) there are possibly automotive-led workshops that could be run in
parnership with organisations (such as RPM, Prodrive, Brookspeed,
Chamberlain, Oreca etc), whereby the club's profile could be raised via
commercial sponsorship & media coverage (if desired), where the Viper could
be the focal point, and perhaps initiative schemes (rides etc) could be used
as "prizes" for young people incentive schemes to further excellence in
engineering-type projects could br developed, thus bringing new, fresh
talented young people into the world of automotive & engineering industry,
maybe.
There's also some other things that could be worked on & possibly funded,
such as some finacial assistance for Neil's services website hosting & your
costs, maybe a newsletter, club apparel, driving holidays, meetings &
development events, basic mechanical workshops, the list goes on I'm sure.
At this stage, I'd like to point out that I am not seeking financial gain
from any of this. I see these ideas purely to add substance & finincial
assistance to the club, in turn to be beneficial to all registered members.
However, I'd like to see reasonable expenses covered (for all involved in
running the club), which I think is only fair.
Maybe there's a ittle scope for development in these ideas. If you think so,
perhaps we could arrange a meeting between those people that you consider
would be able to dedicate a little extra time to the club, and slowly make
it grow in stature, perhaps.
But then again, maybe you feel it's a crap idea, and if that is the case, I
perfectly understand, and I apologise for taking up a little of your
valuable time.
Please, take some time to think it over, and come back to me with your
initial thoughts.
My initial thoughts are:-
We can already get a discount by belonging to a club by most insurers just by telling them about the VCA which provides membership cards.
If the club makes a small profit out of this, who wants to be treasurer???????
15k for club funds great but see above, audited accounts etc.
Many of us are already 'Sporting Bears'
Youth opportunites is a great idea. tried it myself with my local college, very warm reception and I may need a 'Police Check'
Not quite as big as Prodrive and etc are we???
Expenses for club officials only leads to looks of envy and people constantly asking? were is the money gone.
Dont actually think its a crap idea and some of it could be put to good use but all clubs should live within there means, with less than 50 cars in the UK and the sale of Viper at present slowing to less than walking pace coupled with out of 50 cars we struggle to provide 10 for most events.
I have no problem funding the phone or the postage though my company so I am probably a sponsor already.
We can already get a discount by belonging to a club by most insurers just by telling them about the VCA which provides membership cards.
If the club makes a small profit out of this, who wants to be treasurer???????
15k for club funds great but see above, audited accounts etc.
Many of us are already 'Sporting Bears'
Youth opportunites is a great idea. tried it myself with my local college, very warm reception and I may need a 'Police Check'
Not quite as big as Prodrive and etc are we???
Expenses for club officials only leads to looks of envy and people constantly asking? were is the money gone.
Dont actually think its a crap idea and some of it could be put to good use but all clubs should live within there means, with less than 50 cars in the UK and the sale of Viper at present slowing to less than walking pace coupled with out of 50 cars we struggle to provide 10 for most events.
I have no problem funding the phone or the postage though my company so I am probably a sponsor already.
The idea sounds good in principle, but as you have already said, it will take a certain amount of organisation, which in the first instance may become a bit of a problem considering the distance between most of us.
As you already said, it would also mean having a treasurer etc, which may take some organising, and would also potentially require certain insurances to be put in place for liabilities etc, especially if the 'Club' as a whole was to expand and be involved in certain events as a 'Club'... also, all trust aside, Fidelity Guarantee insurance would probably be required just incase the treasurer decides to misappropriate club funds.
There is alot to think about... I'm just scratching the surface.
If club members are able to gain more support and assistance then I believe that, on the whole, people will be up for it, and will be happy to make a small 'donation to the cause' especially considering comments that I have read in the past (naming no names) along the lines that they refuse to join the VCA as they feel that they gain nothing from it. As a further point does the 'UK Club' gain any funding or assistance from the VCA at all? Is it something which is available as assistance from them? Maybe that could be an avenue for investigation? (Do the individual areas of the States gain any funding from the VCA? I have always assumed that they would? Therefore why should we be any different? We all pay membership regardless of the fact that we are across the pond)
Paul, obviously you are in contact with members of other overseas 'Euro-clubs' maybe it would be worth discussing with them whether they do anything differently to us in the UK and get a few ideas.
If I can be of any help, I will do what I can
As you already said, it would also mean having a treasurer etc, which may take some organising, and would also potentially require certain insurances to be put in place for liabilities etc, especially if the 'Club' as a whole was to expand and be involved in certain events as a 'Club'... also, all trust aside, Fidelity Guarantee insurance would probably be required just incase the treasurer decides to misappropriate club funds.
There is alot to think about... I'm just scratching the surface.
If club members are able to gain more support and assistance then I believe that, on the whole, people will be up for it, and will be happy to make a small 'donation to the cause' especially considering comments that I have read in the past (naming no names) along the lines that they refuse to join the VCA as they feel that they gain nothing from it. As a further point does the 'UK Club' gain any funding or assistance from the VCA at all? Is it something which is available as assistance from them? Maybe that could be an avenue for investigation? (Do the individual areas of the States gain any funding from the VCA? I have always assumed that they would? Therefore why should we be any different? We all pay membership regardless of the fact that we are across the pond)
Paul, obviously you are in contact with members of other overseas 'Euro-clubs' maybe it would be worth discussing with them whether they do anything differently to us in the UK and get a few ideas.
If I can be of any help, I will do what I can
Thanks Dave I appreciate your remarks, the VCA should be our voice it provides a forum and magazines that help us to stay in touch so the question must be, why do most not join the VCA??
To be honest most owners don't mind free or cheap entrance but very few are prepared to put there hand in there pocket for even 45 dollars
To be honest most owners don't mind free or cheap entrance but very few are prepared to put there hand in there pocket for even 45 dollars
Our club is a registered club. According to the Civil Laws of Germany.
That´s the "e.V." in our name - Viperclub Deutschland e.V.
The club is a legal entity.
A treasurer? Of course!
We have to show to our members every year how much money the club got and how the club spent the money. Cent for cent.
The officers have to be elected every year by the members being present at the annual meeting (main assembly).
It works and the club as a legal entity gives both sides - the members and the officers - certain rights and duties. All in all a good thing.
That´s the "e.V." in our name - Viperclub Deutschland e.V.
The club is a legal entity.
A treasurer? Of course!
We have to show to our members every year how much money the club got and how the club spent the money. Cent for cent.
The officers have to be elected every year by the members being present at the annual meeting (main assembly).
It works and the club as a legal entity gives both sides - the members and the officers - certain rights and duties. All in all a good thing.
viper paul said:
why do most not join the VCA??
i think the lousy service they used to provide put a few off, though things have improved slightly since the revampat the end of the day, im there for the viper mag, the VCA forum and the occasional chance for a raffle ticket and trip to a US meet
I can see where some are coming from regarding the VCA, I see it as the VCA sends me the magazine and that is what I am paying for with a few added bonuses of the web site draw and the raffle cars, everything else I can get without joining so if one either never receives their mag or doesn’t value the other parts then there would seem little point in the $45.
I wouldn’t object to a local contribution for stamps, stationary etc but can see that doing so would involve a lot of accountability and the increased complication that that entails, I am slightly confused by the claim that we could net ourselves £15k if we form a club as that just seems too good to be true, the chances are if there is any money there would need to something given back in return from the club and I have my doubts that there are enough members to support much. As has been said there are only a small number of core members and as such we just can not economically do big events like hiring out Millbrook etc. I can not see a time when we can host something like the corvette nationals or even the Shoreham BBQ as there are just not enough of us. We are better off just gate crashing the vette boys party.
As Paul has said most of the benefits listed in the original post we can get now if we really want them and the PAYG events seem to work fairly,
In short if there was an official UK club with a nominal membership to cover the web site and postage then I would join but if it ends up with the membership fee having to cover the administration of the membership fees then it seems a bit pointless and we would be better off just splitting the cost of Luton or xmas lunch for any that have spent out of pocket on website and postage costs.
On the other hand it is possible that many on here and the core membership are happy with how the club is run (ie as a group of friends) but there may be other paper members that would be happier and attend more events if we had a full blown club with committee, I doubt it, but it is a thought.
I wouldn’t object to a local contribution for stamps, stationary etc but can see that doing so would involve a lot of accountability and the increased complication that that entails, I am slightly confused by the claim that we could net ourselves £15k if we form a club as that just seems too good to be true, the chances are if there is any money there would need to something given back in return from the club and I have my doubts that there are enough members to support much. As has been said there are only a small number of core members and as such we just can not economically do big events like hiring out Millbrook etc. I can not see a time when we can host something like the corvette nationals or even the Shoreham BBQ as there are just not enough of us. We are better off just gate crashing the vette boys party.
As Paul has said most of the benefits listed in the original post we can get now if we really want them and the PAYG events seem to work fairly,
In short if there was an official UK club with a nominal membership to cover the web site and postage then I would join but if it ends up with the membership fee having to cover the administration of the membership fees then it seems a bit pointless and we would be better off just splitting the cost of Luton or xmas lunch for any that have spent out of pocket on website and postage costs.
On the other hand it is possible that many on here and the core membership are happy with how the club is run (ie as a group of friends) but there may be other paper members that would be happier and attend more events if we had a full blown club with committee, I doubt it, but it is a thought.
As a newer member of the VCA and therefore the UK club my input would be:
So far nothing but good service from the VCA, the mag is worth the $45, so no complaints.
As to the UK club, difficult to answer, there are not many of us and we are spread all over the UK plus we all have very different levels of interest in the events that are organised that we can attend. I am certainly one of the worst in terms of attending club type events, why is that? For me the pleasure is in driving the car on normal roads, I have no interest in tracking the car and little interest in attending motor racing events. I desperately want to make some of the shows that many of us attend, hopefully I will finally get to Kimbolton or Santapod. So I guess I sit at one end of the owners club and at the other end there are folks who race or like Viper Paul travel all over the place.
I guess thats my point, there are not many of us and we have widely differing interests but are bonded together by our cars. Unless Viper ownership in the UK increases 10 fold I think the opportunites to change what we do now is very limited. At the present time I think this forum is excellent packed with info and great people, there is always the opportunity to go somewhere and meet up, its just down to the individual to choose.
So far nothing but good service from the VCA, the mag is worth the $45, so no complaints.
As to the UK club, difficult to answer, there are not many of us and we are spread all over the UK plus we all have very different levels of interest in the events that are organised that we can attend. I am certainly one of the worst in terms of attending club type events, why is that? For me the pleasure is in driving the car on normal roads, I have no interest in tracking the car and little interest in attending motor racing events. I desperately want to make some of the shows that many of us attend, hopefully I will finally get to Kimbolton or Santapod. So I guess I sit at one end of the owners club and at the other end there are folks who race or like Viper Paul travel all over the place.
I guess thats my point, there are not many of us and we have widely differing interests but are bonded together by our cars. Unless Viper ownership in the UK increases 10 fold I think the opportunites to change what we do now is very limited. At the present time I think this forum is excellent packed with info and great people, there is always the opportunity to go somewhere and meet up, its just down to the individual to choose.
Some good reading there
But i dont think there is enough full time members here to get a full independent UK club running with mags letters and such..
Get a great deal on my Insurance through Headly with an agreed value already and i have put at least 5 members/Viper owners on to them as well with great quotes..
The $45 for the mag,rafles,VCA forum is great let alone the discounts from the US vendors like TATORS DODGE,PARTSRACK ect ect....
It is hard to get all the vipers together although i have managed 18 at an April meet and Steve K has the record of 24..
How many full VCA Members do we have at the moment????
Not many so how many do you think would Pay into a UK club???
I tried to get a track event sorted at Millbrook Via my Dad (GM employee) so i could get it at a good price if i had 25+ cars and i had 4 vipers reply...
Its prety much a voluntary club with the members sorting out different events and we tag along for the enjoyment of the cars and company of the owners...
But i dont think there is enough full time members here to get a full independent UK club running with mags letters and such..
Get a great deal on my Insurance through Headly with an agreed value already and i have put at least 5 members/Viper owners on to them as well with great quotes..
The $45 for the mag,rafles,VCA forum is great let alone the discounts from the US vendors like TATORS DODGE,PARTSRACK ect ect....
It is hard to get all the vipers together although i have managed 18 at an April meet and Steve K has the record of 24..
How many full VCA Members do we have at the moment????
Not many so how many do you think would Pay into a UK club???
I tried to get a track event sorted at Millbrook Via my Dad (GM employee) so i could get it at a good price if i had 25+ cars and i had 4 vipers reply...
Its prety much a voluntary club with the members sorting out different events and we tag along for the enjoyment of the cars and company of the owners...
Paul- on the VCA site it says that new memberships cost $80 (effective from April 2007). The form that you've sent me says $45. Can you clarify which is the correct amount that UK-based members get deducted from their credit card, given the fact that we're now in the back-end of June? Many thanks.
Chesta thats 45 dollars there is no pro rata payment scheme the form I sent should have been amended to show a charge of 45 dollars.
Reason because there are a huge number of members in the USA they pay 90 and 45 dollars of that goes back to each region, but not in the UK.
See the problem now interesting questions asked by you and only 6 people can be bothered to reply and they are 60% of the hard core.
Reason because there are a huge number of members in the USA they pay 90 and 45 dollars of that goes back to each region, but not in the UK.
See the problem now interesting questions asked by you and only 6 people can be bothered to reply and they are 60% of the hard core.
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