The future of rallies in the North East
The future of rallies in the North East
Some more very good points. I'll try and cover a few of them.
So from my personal view, what attracts me to a rally is the hope of seeing a variety in vehicles along with vehicles I've not had the opportunity to photograph before. This in my opinion doesn't happen, but I won't suggest that this is down to preservationists, but I'll instead reiterate my comments about poor organisation and attitudes.
Andreos, I take your point about glossy guides etc, but I really don't think that people are expecting that. Even a small A5 booklet with the info, timetables, and a bit of promotion for the trust, would be a start. I'd also respectively point out that there's preserved vehicles all over the country. Not just in the North East. The Metrocentre attracts the odd guest, but why aren't more coming across? Do they even know our rallies exist, or would they be able to contact the organisers for a exhibitors pack? I'd suggest not.
We're lucky to have some fantastic preservationists in the North East, and they work ridiculously hard throughout the winter, in their own time and with own resources. The end result is we see a lot of North East preserved buses. It's these preservationists that keep these events running in my opinion. However, I do get the opinion that they turn up to the rallies, and are just left to get on with it. There's no real allocation as to how and where vehicles should be parked, or indeed where they need to come in, in the case of Howlands. Whilst I do feel that enthusiasts could perhaps be a bit more generous in donations if affordable to them, I do feel that the event organisers need to be a bit more respectful to those that have went to the effort to attend the event.
Social Media could be such a valuable tool, if used correctly. The posts generally don't give any useful information or not even a link to a website for further information. The first Howlands post went out the day before, and the second was at the event. Why not use boosted or sponsored posts? It'll cost, but in turn, it will perhaps increase footfall. Target people who like pages of other rallies etc. On a side note, this website has started using its own social media pages to promote events in advance, and it's generally a lot more than he organisers put out. We also created the event forums last year. But there's been limited willingness to engage with us, and make use of the userbase NEB has. A shame really.
I want to use Tyneside Heritage Vehicles (THV) as an example here. Although they don't organise events, just look for yourself how fresh their website and social media pages look. They really engage with their followers, and they've put a massive amount of information on their website. More of this from elsewhere would be most welcome.
