Follow the money [smiley=thumbdown.gif]
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Follow the money [smiley=thumbdown.gif]
Ducatista,Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducatista
This was clearly not a criticism of the organisers of the event (I don’t know enough about it), but a question in response to James’s first post on this thread with the aim of ascertaining the facts behind the decision. Nothing more. 8-)
Have only been to Calne Bikemeet twice and really enjoyed the atmosphere there, the fact that it was in the town really made the event for me.However i do love Bowood and its surrounding countryside and views and feel that it may also be a good alternative 8-)
What about local traders who benefitted by the extra trade & revenue coming into the town. Also, the local community, I got the impression at lot of the local residents actually enjoyed it.
My 1st Calne show some old dear (Bless) ::) had made cakes & making cups of Tea. Not for profit she did because she felt she was part of the community. That's not going to happen at Bowood. :(
I tried to help in answering that.Quote:
a question in response to James’s first post on this thread with the aim of ascertaining the facts behind the decision
They said they advertised 3 times in the press and also asked the local traders for help.
They didn't get any volunteers to attend all the required and boring health and safety meetings.
I agree with Stu that the sense of community will be lost with it being moved, but there are also some upsides - Bowood is a lovely venue and there will be dedicated facilities and it won't bother the people in the town that don't want it.
The whole appeal was that anybody could just turn up. All the members of the public who just liked to mill about won't want to pay to get in, if nothing else as soon as it is a 'show' and in the grounds of somewhere you feel you are stepping into somebody else's teritory and not feel half as inclined to attend. At Calne everyone who wanted could just turn up and see that people that ride bikes are quite normal - not how the press paint them.
My sentiment exactly julie its not just the riders , the general public and residents of calne saw it as a free day out for themselves and families, you wont get that anywhere else with a gate price, which means the whole atmosphere will be changed.
UPDATE
This was taken from the FB page which was posted last night.
After much consideration and debate, the Lions Club of Calne have decided to reconsider attempting to host the Calne Motorcycle Meet at Bowood. In the face of such opposition, we have decided to let those who wish to keep it going in another form a fair go at doing so. It certainly is not viable for us or Rotary to attempt to keep it in the town centre. This is despite our combined experience of hosting large events over a number of years.
It is heartening that so many people have come forward from the town and biking fraternity to take up the helm and can have the input that is required to take on such a daunting task. Councillor Howard Marshall (of Calne Rotary Club) has issued the following statement to the Gazette & Herald:
http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/ne...meet_in_doubt/
It will now be up to the people and businesses of Calne to oversee and manage the bike meet. Despite comments to the contrary, such a huge event does not ‘just happen’ by people turning up. It is a great testament to the organizers that is has appeared so effortless to the public. That it has remained an accident free, safe and happy environment year on year despite such rapid growth is not just luck but laudable.
As a service organisation the Lions seek to raise funds for charity and at the same time support our local town and hopefully stage events which are enjoyed by many. If we went wide of the mark on this one, it was only with the good intention of keeping a much loved local event alive. And still within Calne – as Bowood is. Maybe not town centre, but Calne none the less. We DID consult bikers as to what they might want and it appears that you cannot please all of the people all of the time! This was not turning into a corporate event lining anyone’s pocket other than being a charity fundraiser as it has always been meant to be.
We will continue to do what we strive to do as well as we can in Calne which is to raise as many funds as we can to distribute to those who need a helping hand one way or another. We will soon be taking ourselves out every night in December (unless the weather beats us!) bringing Santa down your street and then with the Duck Race in May. Both raising smiles and funds as we go hopefully. As most of you know, most of that money is distributed to local causes throughout the year.
We feel that we do our best to support our community 365 days a year – not 1. Please do all join in and help with not just this, but ALL of the events that help Calne be a good place to be in year round.
We wish whoever takes on this event the very best of luck and hope you can see it though for many years to come.
[size=12]I have contacted the chap who is possibly going to organise the event to offer our help if necessary.
If anyone is interested in helping out somehow then Im sure it will be much appreciated. (bearing in mind WB will also have its own stand there as well)[/size]
I see it as good news and will be happy to offer help to whoever .
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobGoozee
Great stuff....I shall wait until I hear back from the chap to see what their plans are and then I can pass on any info for everyone. :) :)