Central Region, does it exist? continued.

Well, as it appears that there have been no posts, or new topics for A G E S, it would appear - despite a comment to the contrary - that the answer is a resounding NO!

As I KNOW that there are lots (for example) of E30 drivers in Cheltenham alone (according to the council "The Centre of the Cotswolds") which is certainly in the Centre of England, I think this is very odd.

Anyone interested in livening things up in this area, please feel free to comment on this topic, or PM me, or email me, or just do SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!

If it makes you feel better I can be central. Theres not much action going on North East either (Strange how they've mapped them out anyway LEEDS NORTH EAST???).

You have got to delve deep into the depths of club history to discover how the regions were mapped out.. don't forget that back then BMW's were somewhat rarer than they are today and to enable you to get a good 'catch' of members you had to spread your net wide,very wide!

The central region has always been a little slow and never got round to doing anything much, But you must not judge a region activies from the forums on this site.. my region (North East) is the biggest and we hold lots of events.. but you would not think so by looking at our page on this forum.. it gets very little traffic.

The grand old days of club weekends and over-subscribed activities with lots of members have now gone forever.
A few years ago, we could have filled any pub car park with members cars on a Sunday meeting.. and if it was a big event like a concours or a show you would have had to book your place.. sadly those times are behind us.
My opinion is that the enthusiasm for the marque is in decline.. to the older generation of members, owning any car was an achievement.. a BMW was something special. A run out somewhere over the weekend was looked forward to.

The enthusiasm I have mentioned still exists in a some specialist sports car clubs.. the monthly Westfield/Caterham meetings I attend remind me a lot of how our own club used to be.. maybe BMW's are just too common these days.. maybe life is too hectic to bother with club stuff.. maybe there is way too much other stuff happening on Sundays for our events to get the support they need to survive.

If like me you enjoy 'club stuff' then you must do something about it and maybe start your own little meetings or activities somewhere.. it will grow. Look at the Scottish Region.. a once very active region nearly died and had nothing happening for several years. Some guys resurected the old committee and now things are happening again.

It only needs a few of you to do something together.. just do it under the banner of the club and let the other members know it is happening.. if you only get one member turn up it is a result.. like I said it will grow.

When I used to 'chair' the NE region I planned events that me and the kids would enjoy.. so if no one came at all, at least we would have enjoyed our day.. Howard has now had the reins for the last three years and has had a successful season this year and has been pleased with the attendance.

Our trackday in July seems to get better and better.. we are now always fully subscribed and actually ended up with a surplus of funds this time.

You could start with the simple stuff.. like a noggin and natter in a nice pub somewhere.. or have a Playstation evening using computer generated BMW's around Croft (it is good practice) and give a little trophy for the winner.. it's all good fun and makes interesting reading in the club mag which then promotes your next event..

Good luck
Nick Wright

 Nick makes some good points.I think the main problem is time, or lack of it.So many demands on everyones time, that R & R gets pushed low down the list.Its so easy to complain about the lack of events, when very few bother to pick the phone up or mail, to suggest an event idea.So, who is going to be the first ????.OK-- Southern Central has the best real GoCart track, its in MK.Who is interested in our region challenge Cup, over 6 Rounds, spread over 3/6/12 months.What about a Ladies cup and remember the Juniors.How about a Visit to one of our Racing teams, OR Car manufacturers , all on our doorstep!!!!.Driving test championship Rounds spread over all of Central region and a Scatter rally.Indoor Ski slope contest.Narrow boat trip on Grand Union inc lunch.Steam rail trips.Visit to Hendon or Duxford Aircraft living History.and !!!!! Now its your turn.Who is the first ??????

 

 

If you are going to arrange any kart racing, let me know. I've arranged several of these events on a national basis for the club over the past couple of years and the teams I put together, more often than not, win the event.

So come on if you think you're fast enough!!!

Nigel

 Thanks Nigel, Will put you down as centrals GOKart guy , when we get some Teams organised .How many drivers to a Team ??. Its possible to try a variety of meets, from the pub lunch to the theme park family day out , to a driving skill contest.Centrals got a lot of good locations going for it, something for everyone in the family.What is needed is imput.

 

Teams usually have 3 or 4 drivers depending on the type of race and venue.

Nigel

Thanks for the welcome and offer of advice. I am looking forward to getting to some of the meets in the near future.

Hi all! Hopefully catch up with you all at the next meet. Just registered after searching for something local to me. Pick my M3 up on 1st December and counting the days!

Will post a pic of my last BMW soon...

 

The last was an Avus Blue 525i Sport, if you live in MK you may have seen it over the past year or so. It had 18 AC Schnitzers, privacy glass, and sported a P/Plate of M5 BOP.  I just used to cruise at 65 everywhere and annoy all the cossie owners of MK. (It was badged as an M5 too.) I would post the pics if I could!!! Any help would be welcome.........

Cheers, Neil