47 replies to this topic

[Mal9444]

Anyone know anything about this?

'

72nd Members' Meeting

29th March - 30th March 2014

 

 

 

The Goodwood Members’ Meeting is a brand new style of motor racing event, based at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit, taking place on the 29-30 March 2014.

It is an invitation-only weekend of racing action and entertainment, run exclusively for the members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club and their guests. As a member of the GRRC, you are invited to attend. As well as being a weekend of close-fought action on the track, the Members’ Meeting will celebrate Britishness in Goodwood’s own, unique and inimitable style.

From 16 September, tickets can be purchased in the usual ways, either online at www.goodwood.com, or from the Ticket Office on 01243 755055.

If you are not already a GRRC member, click here to join the GRRC waiting list so you can attend future Members’ Meetings.'

 

A mini-Revival? A son of Festival of Speed? More flat-cappery?

 

A pal who is still a member (I joined in 1998 but withdrew a couple of years ago as the price steadily rose and I realised I was not in their target market) has invited me (on a 'meet-you-inside' basis, for those old enough to remember that cautious dating proceedure). He knows no more about what is intended than the above blurb either.

 

All inside information gratefully received. If it's still secret, I promise not to tell a soul.

 

[RCH]

Yes, I saw mention of this and wondered what it was. I was invited to join the GRRC way back when, an invite I declined and which I only regret when excluded from the inner sanctum of the paddock! I have to say that while I have enormous respect for the events I've always viewed the Goodwood organisation with a healthy dash of cynicism

[Sebastian Tombs]

You can read all about it here http://www.goodwood....rs-meeting.aspx   As an ex-GRRC member I can only comment that this appears to be the March theme taken to its execrable conclusion

 

However, to each his/her own.

 

"All members attending the Members’ Meeting will be assigned to one of four Houses, and they, the drivers and guests can score points over the weekend for their House.

Each house name has been carefully selected for its relevance and importance to Lord March and his family across the generations.

Throughout the event drivers can win points for their House through their triumphs on the circuit, and scores will be recorded on giant blackboards in The Great Hall. Members will be encouraged to get involved and participate in the many competitions and games to help drive tally up.

Members of all ages will be able to join in the lighthearted competitiveness between the houses – there will be traditional school sports day events for the younger members and guests, such as sack racing, egg and spoon and three legged-races. And for the more mature of us there will be a variety of typically English and quirky activities such a croquet, bar billiards, tug-of-war, and even a spot of cake decorating for aspiring bakers.

Each year an honorary House Captain will be selected by Goodwood for each of the four houses." 

 

ST

[opplock]

 

 

"All members attending the Members’ Meeting will be assigned to one of four Houses, and they, the drivers and guests can score points over the weekend for their House.

 

 

ST

 

Basil Fawlty managed to convey the same message with "No riff-raff".

[Vitesse2]

Sounds a bit like the planned La Baule automobile week in 1939. It was to start with a concentration touristique (whatever one of those is when it's at home!), followed by the inevitable concours d'élégance, and then tennis, golf and ballroom dancing competitions ...

 

Given that it was due to start on August 26th you can probably guess why most of it didn't happen

[Mal9444]

Thanks for all the information, especially the link. It took quite a bit of digging to find the cost of a ticket (well, one doesn't wish to be vulgar, does one?) £120 plus £40 per day for a roving grandstand seat. One assurance did encourage me, though: 'Weekend tickets, including the evening festivities, cost £120 per person, and there are no upgrades or VIP enclosures – all public areas of the circuit, including the paddocks, will be open to all Members.' Elsewhere it is stated that this includes the pit roof, and that there are no clubs-within-clubs (e.g Drivers' Club).

 

It certainly sounds a fantastic motor sport weekend.

 

But on the other hand, this House business really puts me off. I come from the wrong end of the British social spectrum (scholarship Grammar school boy - very balanced education: chip on each shoulder) to want to get involved in that. One could just ignore it, I suppose.

 

I am also now retired with no pension other than State (thank you Gordon Bloody Brown!), so £120 + £40 + £40 + getting there is over a week's wages. As I said at the beginning - I am not really in Lord March's target audience.

 

I wonder do they need the windows cleaned that weekend?

Edited by Mal9444, 16 September 2013 - 06:54.

[RCH]

Sorry Malcolm, right crowd and no crowding and all that don't ya know! Have you seen the windows?

[Mal9444]

Sorry Malcolm, right crowd and no crowding and all that don't ya know! Have you seen the windows?

 

I was also rather encouraged by this (my italics): '... [the weekend] is intended to be an informal but smart event, with everyone expected to respect a dress code accordingly.  Gentlemen will be required to wear jackets and either a tie, cravat or polo-necked sweater at the event.  Ladies are also encouraged to wear smart clothing.  Blue jeans, ripped jeans and/or shorts are not permitted for either men or women, and bare chests and fancy dress are discouraged.'

[john aston]

House system -excuse me while I throw up; what next- jolly larks with matron in the dorm ?  I for one am growing ever more tired of the whole faux nostalgia elitism which Goodwood has virtually patented. I have enjoyed the few Revivals I have attended . but with less intensity  each year, coinciding with the higher hooray count  . I found the dressing up thing a ludicrous  pantomime  aimed to recreate a past which never existed in the first place.My Spring racing will start with HSCC at Cadwell , thanks and I will leave Goodwood to the Octane demographic.

[ensign14]

Why would anyone discourage bare breasts?  Just asking.

[nicanary]

Why would anyone discourage bare breasts?  Just asking.

It was totally encouraged by Blackadder's mad Scots cousin Jock McAdder - "ye'll fight the Highland way, bare-breasted and each carrying an 8lb baby...".

[RCH]

It was totally encouraged by Blackadder's mad Scots cousin Jock McAdder - "ye'll fight the Highland way, bare-breasted and each carrying an 8lb baby...".

So can we expect Rowan Atkinson to be one of the house captains?

[Mal9444]

Why would anyone discourage bare breasts?  Just asking.

I guess it all depends on whether you're talking pre-'67, Big Banger or limited cubic capacity...

[opplock]

So can we expect Rowan Atkinson to be one of the house captains?

 

 

Baldrick (Sir Tony Robinson) surely now outranks Rowan Atkinson in the ranks of nobility and gentry so appointing the latter as house captain would I suspect be a major faux pas. I attended an Agricultural High School however and have little knowledge of such important matters other than hearing my grandmother's weekly commentary on errors in Upstairs Downstairs "when I was in service...".

 

On a more serious note are the turbo F1 cars to be driven at speed or merely static displays?   

[RCH]

Baldrick (Sir Tony Robinson) surely now outranks Rowan Atkinson in the ranks of nobility and gentry so appointing the latter as house captain would I suspect be a major faux pas. I attended an Agricultural High School however and have little knowledge of such important matters other than hearing my grandmother's weekly commentary on errors in Upstairs Downstairs "when I was in service...".

But then knighthood or not Baldrick is clearly not the right type at all, trade don't you know...

[Alan Cox]

On a more serious note are the turbo F1 cars to be driven at speed or merely static displays?   

Good question. I seem to recall that, after Sir Jack's accident in the McLaren at an early Revival, it was decided that, thereafter, only cars raced up to the circuit's closure in 1966 would be raced at subsequent race meetings.

Edited by Alan Cox, 16 September 2013 - 11:31.

[Nick Savage]

House system -excuse me while I throw up; what next- jolly larks with matron in the dorm ?  I for one am growing ever more tired of the whole faux nostalgia elitism which Goodwood has virtually patented. I have enjoyed the few Revivals I have attended . but with less intensity  each year, coinciding with the higher hooray count  . I found the dressing up thing a ludicrous  pantomime  aimed to recreate a past which never existed in the first place.My Spring racing will start with HSCC at Cadwell , thanks and I will leave Goodwood to the Octane demographic.

I am with John here. I raced at the first 5 Revivals and the conformity to the dress code was restrained and, well, if not realistic, (we'd have all been wearing duffel coats) then at least doffing a hat to the Fifties. Very few, if any, military uniforms and, whilst I doubt any women wore New Wave c. 1947 to the track in-period, they all looked fabulous.

 

The last three Revivals I have been to have been like a demented fancy-dress party  -  on Saturday, I saw one man dressed as Tommy Cooper and another in a Cardinal's get-up and I am pretty sure he was not part of the St Tinians sideshow. Another gent turned up in US Navy Pacific Fleet admiral's whites. Hawaai ? if only they would.  I could list more offences to be taken into consideration, but those who were there know what I mean.

 

This is getting silly  -  each year the track-time seems to be less and the exhibitionist-quotient seems to be higher. The genie is out of the bottle now, so how long befoe the image of Goodwood that attracts people in huge numbers fades ?

 

HSCC Brands Hatch at end of September  ...  the last bastion of old-style club racing. See you there.

[Rant over]

Nick

[ensign14]

You saw someone dressed as Tommy Cooper?  I saw another just like that.

[Mal9444]

I had thought to suggest (for the Revival) a rule that prohibited uniforms without genuine ID from the Paddoc or the stands. Then it occurred to me: I'm not sure I've ever seen any of these dressed-up goons in either the Paddock nor the stands. As Nick says: the genie is out of the bottle now and not even ridicule is likely to put it back. But an effort could be made. Certainly the 'no fancy dress' rule for this new event would indicate that as far as fancy dress at the Revival is concerned, Goodwood appears to have got the message, albeit a little late.

[Vitesse2]

Admittedly a couple of years before Goodwood opened, but at the Elstree Speed Trials in 1946 Motor Sport noted that “while some of the cars were rather queer, it was nothing to the fashions, ladies' siren-suits vying with a certain gentleman's sports coat and Edwardian chauffeur's hat!” John Eason Gibson mentioned "incredible types in moth-eaten sports jackets and everyone wandering about being inquisitive,” although he was concerned about “one possible flaw … some of the beards.” Somebody comes to mind there ...

 

 

Picture © The GP Library

Edited by Vitesse2, 20 September 2013 - 19:00.

[Dutchy]

As the proposed new event is scheduled to take place in March I would suggest that oilskins and a sou'wester be the most apprpriate attire.

[SWD]

From what I could see from the TV coverage the wearing of military dress has been taken far too far. I think it has been discussed here on Revival threads in previous years that, in period, relatively few people could be seen at the races in uniform. Do those who dress up as high-ranking officers, displaying ranks to which they are not entitled, not feel foolish? Clearly not, but I know I would.

I think its all good fun and if it brings support to motor racing that woudl not normally be there all power to them - we are a nation that should encourage individuality.

Which is a worse crime someone dressing up in a uniform that they should not wear or a car wearing BRDC badges when the owner is not a memebr?

[john aston]

It isn't support to motor racing any more than celebs turning up to Grands Prix is;it has become an over promoted parody with far too many people  who want to be seen , most of whom wouldn't know an Alfa from a Borgward.Call me a grumpy old fart but the Silverstone Classic is better in every respect.Apart, sadly ,from the circuit itself. 

[Bloggsworth]

You can read all about it here http://www.goodwood....rs-meeting.aspx   As an ex-GRRC member I can only comment that this appears to be the March theme taken to its execrable conclusion

 

However, to each his/her own.

 

"All members attending the Members’ Meeting will be assigned to one of four Houses, and they, the drivers and guests can score points over the weekend for their House.

Each house name has been carefully selected for its relevance and importance to Lord March and his family across the generations.

Throughout the event drivers can win points for their House through their triumphs on the circuit, and scores will be recorded on giant blackboards in The Great Hall. Members will be encouraged to get involved and participate in the many competitions and games to help drive tally up.

Members of all ages will be able to join in the lighthearted competitiveness between the houses – there will be traditional school sports day events for the younger members and guests, such as sack racing, egg and spoon and three legged-races. And for the more mature of us there will be a variety of typically English and quirky activities such a croquet, bar billiards, tug-of-war, and even a spot of cake decorating for aspiring bakers.

Each year an honorary House Captain will be selected by Goodwood for each of the four houses." 

 

ST

 

Sounds like boarding school to me...

[Peter Morley]

 

 And for the more mature of us there will be a variety of typically English and quirky activities such a croquet, bar billiards, .

 

 

ST

 

So it will include the typically English activities that were invented (and named) by the French then?

 

It all sounds a bit like the silly restaurant where you pay a fortune for 'school meals'.

[SWD]

I have to say the idea of school games and operating in Houses did sound a little contrived - why not just run a members meeting with no frills as would have been seen in period?

[dwh43scale]

Like the Revival, I'll be going for the racing, which seems to be a good line up. Watching the Saloons and TT at the left hander at St Mary's - the latter even in the rain - was wonderful.

 

Far better circuit than Silverstone for the 'umble amateur snapper.

[Option1]

I have to say the idea of school games and operating in Houses did sound a little contrived - why not just run a members meeting with no frills as would have been seen in period?

A "little contrived"?!?  Even reading it, I could here the braying tones of adolescent hoorays in my head.

 

Neil

[Belmondo]

HSCC Brands Hatch at end of September  ...  the last bastion of old-style club racing. See you there.

[Rant over]

Nick

 

Yes quite – after Goodwood I too require a dose of club racing to restore sanity.

[SWD]

A "little contrived"?!?  Even reading it, I could here the braying tones of adolescent hoorays in my head.

 

Neil

actually I thought it all sounded a bit wannabe hooray.... more Croydon than Chelsea

[opplock]

Perhaps we should inject some real period atmosphere by adopting the DSJ look at next year's Revival. To recreate the image (Post 20) I have a beard and glasses and no shortage of scruffy clothes.  

 

No disrespect to DSJ intended.  

[nicanary]

actually I thought it all sounded a bit wannabe hooray.... more Croydon than Chelsea

I get the impression from the non-motoring press, that the Revival is now considered part of "the season" - somewhere to "be seen", and this could be the reason for the fancy dress charade.

[SWD]

The real Revival is clearly more than a historic motor racing meeting. However I dont have a problem with that as it is done so well that it is a unique event and has the wow factor in spades. This year's Great Train Robbery/St Trinian's was pure genuis.

 

However this club meeting for memebers I would hope will be a no frills experience. The house aspect with other games during the weekend does not IMHO sound very enticing,. however each to his own

[Allan Lupton]

Perhaps we should inject some real period atmosphere by adopting the DSJ look at next year's Revival. To recreate the image (Post 20) I have a beard and glasses and no shortage of scruffy clothes.  

 

No disrespect to DSJ intended.  

and for those over 5ft tall perhaps the Leonard Setright look. . .

[nicanary]

and for those over 5ft tall perhaps the Leonard Setright look. . .

Which reminds us all, once again, of DSJ's infamous "dig" concerning the monocle and it's potential usage.....

[Allan Lupton]

Which reminds us all, once again, of DSJ's infamous "dig" concerning the monocle and it's potential usage.....

 quite so.

[Racer.Demon]

I must say, as an egalitarian Dutchman very foreign to the intricacies of British class society it's very amusing to see all the Brits here get all socially wound up by the plans for the new meeting.

 

I will be there, and will join the fun, since that's all it is to me. It's just fun. To you, it's all sorts of stuff, evoking many awkward memories and complicated feelings about your place in society.

 

And still I love Britain, and will happily cross the Channel at least five times a year.

[doc knutsen]

I must say, as an egalitarian Dutchman very foreign to the intricacies of British class society it's very amusing to see all the Brits here get all socially wound up by the plans for the new meeting.

 

I will be there, and will join the fun, since that's all it is to me. It's just fun. To you, it's all sorts of stuff, evoking many awkward memories and complicated feelings about your place in society.

 

And still I love Britain, and will happily cross the Channel at least five times a year.

Well said.  I have come to Goodwood every year since 1998, to enjoy a brilliant circuit, brilliant racing cars and some oustanding motor racing. The "film set" atmosphere, to me, is just good fun in an uncomplicated way.

But I have to say that the number of sargeants in the RAF is staggering, what with all of them getting leave to attend Goodwood, while the Flying Officers, the Squadron Leaders and the Wing Commanders presumably have to stay  behind and mind the shop at the UK air bases. And my, how RAF haircuts have become liberal over the years

[BRG]

I get the impression from the non-motoring press, that the Revival is now considered part of "the season" - somewhere to "be seen", and this could be the reason for the fancy dress charade.

Very much so, it is nowadays in there alongside Henley, Ascot, Wimbledon etc.  I saw a small vintage clothing shop in Dorking which had a large poster saying 'Get your outfit for Goodwood here'.  This was of course aimed at the gentler sex who clearly thoroughly enjoy the chance to dress up and will even tolerate a motor race meeting if allowed this chance.

[Vitesse2]

Entirely coincidentally, I came across a newsreel film of Elstree on the British Pathe site. Small chap with beard and peculiar 'at ...

 

[SWD]

It seems I was hasty in my criticism of this meeting... house games are purely optional and racing is varied and everything we come to expect from the Goodwood team but at club level.

 

I am now looking forward to it

[Roy C]

I'm not a fan of all this dressing-up parody nonsense. I like motor sport.

[Jack-the-Lad]

I must say, as an egalitarian Dutchman very foreign to the intricacies of British class society it's very amusing to see all the Brits here get all socially wound up by the plans for the new meeting.

 

I will be there, and will join the fun, since that's all it is to me. It's just fun. To you, it's all sorts of stuff, evoking many awkward memories and complicated feelings about your place in society.

 

And still I love Britain, and will happily cross the Channel at least five times a year.

As a Yank I fully agree, although I can't afford to cross the Atlantic more than once a year!

 

We've been to seven Revivals so I'm tempted to do a change of pace and scupper Revival for the Members' Meeting next year.  Plus, it'll give us a chance to  experience a different time of year in England.

 

We shall see....

[Giraffe]

  Plus, it'll give us a chance to  experience a different time of year in England.

 

 

Indeed Jack, my diaries tell me that the same weekend this year delivered a temperature of minus 5C, and last year gave us snow!  

[Jack-the-Lad]

Indeed Jack, my diaries tell me that the same weekend this year delivered a temperature of minus 5C, and last year gave us snow!  

Exactly as I feared!  (show FROSTBITTEN emoticon here)

[Paulleek]

... at the first 5 Revivals and the conformity to the dress code was restrained and, well, if not realistic, (we'd have all been wearing duffel coats) then at least doffing a hat to the Fifties. Very few, if any, military uniforms and, whilst I doubt any women wore New Wave c. 1947 to the track in-period, they all looked fabulous.

 

The last three Revivals I have been to have been like a demented fancy-dress party  -  on Saturday, I saw one man dressed as Tommy Cooper and another in a Cardinal's get-up and I am pretty sure he was not part of the St Tinians sideshow. Another gent turned up in US Navy Pacific Fleet admiral's whites. Hawaai ? if only they would.  I could list more offences to be taken into consideration, but those who were there know what I mean.

 

I know exactly what you mean Nick, I saw Sherlock Holmes! and I've often wondered why on earth Goodwood provide the pretend Laurel and Hardy. You won't be surprised to learn that I was indeed wearing a duffle coat. 

[bill p]

Exactly as I feared!  (show FROSTBITTEN emoticon here)

 

16 C when I called in on Friday 14 March and 22 C on Sunday 16 March - gloves and coats on standby though.

 

Entry list

 

http://www.goodwood....,AS675F,85UJ5,1

Edited by bill p, 17 March 2014 - 11:21.

[Tombstone]

A brilliant couple of days. And the weather? The clouds always* seem to disappear for the good Lord! Indeed I suffered very mild sunburn on Saturday, countered on Sunday by liberal application of factor 55.

 

One hopes the event isn't opened up to the general public in the future, the crowds were just right: it was busy, not crowded. One could easily select a prime spot from which to view the race or rove about for a variety of vistas. A shame not all attendees adhered to the not exactly onerous dress code, flaunting as they were some garish motor sport branded jackets, but they were in the minority. As the commentators noted at the start of the grid walk, it was "like the river tweed passing down the pit straight"! Doug Nye provided many amusing annecdotes and much insightful information as the weekend passed. 

 

The lack of coorporate presence was a joy too, a modern McLaren truck providing the only note of incongruity, albeit it was there in support of one of their historic (MP4/2) cars.

 

The pace of the racing program was just right too, enough time to wander around the paddocks between events and not miss any of the action. And to see such a plethora of Bugattis racing on track, worth what, >£1M each depending on provenance? Simply amazing.

 

Roll on the 73rd Member's Meeting.

 

 

*apart from a couple of really soggy FoS I've been to.

 

 

 

 

p.s., CH4 will be broadcasting a show in a few weeks time that was filmed over the weekend.

Edited by Tombstone, 01 April 2014 - 11:17.