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Triumph 2000/2500/2.5 Register Discussion Forum

From: Alan Chatterton
Category: Technical
Date: 31 Jan 2004
Time: 13:26:51

Comments

Dear All, What a little can or worms we seem to have opened. Where to start with an answer? Well, I don't think we have one to be honest. Over the years we have tried everything to increase membership levels. We always knew that the massive increase to over 2500 members in the early '90's a temporary blip that would shrink back to about 1000 core members, and that is exactly what had happened. The efforts of Carol Hathaway, our membership secretary has gone along way to slowing down the slip but we are still losing members. Why? Well, demographics have a lot to do with it. Our cars suit older people. Let's be honest here, I am 31 and probably one of the youngest active members (now I get loads of replies saying, hey I'm 21 so I'm younger than you!!) What I mean is, that I have been on the board of directors since I was 22 (that means this is my 10th year!!!) and in that time all we seem to do is lose members due to old age. OUr cars do not appeal to the younger generation who seem to want modern euroboxes with loud stereo's! Whilst we do have a small minority of younger people coming on board it is not enough. The people out there who do have cars, either don;t always want to join the club. (why should they, as some one said earlier, if you have multiple cars like I have you can;t bleong to every club) Some say they have had the car for years and never needea club. Not everyone is into clubs. Another thing is that we have multuiple clubs for the same car. If you own a 2000 you could join the Regsister, The 2000 Owner club, Club Triumph, The posrting Bears, the sporting owners club, The sports 6 club or any of the generic classic car clubs. We can offer much more than these but it depends what peoplw want, if, at all, they want anything. This is why, as the years have rolled by we (the board) have been coming up with more and more to interest potential members and retain the ones we have. Things like, a HIGH quality magazine, excellent shows, technical support, service notes, insurance valuations, national events, financial stability, Breakdown support, discounted RAC membership, value for money regalia and book shop, press coverage, an excellent web site!! and most importantly enthusiasm. I know this does'nt answer the question but i think what we all ought to be asking ourselves is, what do each of us get out of the club, what would we like to see put into it, and what can WE do to help the club. All of you on here, and there are not that many regular contributors, what can you do to help. Thoughts, anyone? Alan Chatterton