VW Nationals feedback

Well the 25th VW Nationals has come and gone. What were your thoughts on the day? What did you like or dislike? What suggestions or comments do you have? Any ideas for what we can change, or add, to make the show even better next year?

To start you off, here are some of my thoughts:

* The peer judging worked very well and seemed popular with almost everyone. It greatly speeded up the entry to the show and got rid of the long and frustrating queues to get in.

* Just having First Prize for each category greatly speeded up the presentation. In previous years it seemed to drag on for ages when people were ready to go home. This year it seemed just about right.

* What did you think of having the winners' cars showing on the TV as they were announced? I thought it was fantastic - well done Dave Carter, great job.

* People need to pay the courtesy of NOT starting their VWs and departng until after the trophy presentation is over. It was sometimes hard to hear with engines in the background. Please wait 15 more minutes.

* Amazingly there were no New Beetles entered this year. Nor any Amarok/Tiguan/Touareg. I think these categories should still continue next year.

* I don't know what happened to the Engine Blow - that will have to be fixed for next year.

* It was good having the band play out the back, but the music between their sets was too loud.

* I thought swap meet stalls were down in number - maybe a cheaper price could be offered for swappers prepared to set up outside (ie not under cover)?

* The police siren Beetle was way too loud and intrusive.

* My daughter thought the kids' rides were 'pathetic' this year. Just one little ferris wheel and a jumping castle. Surely the contractors we employ can do better than that.

* Will anyone put their hand up to organise a hubcap toss or similar for next year? Or will someone donate an old junk Beetle for the kids to paint?

* The toilets under the grandstand were filthy and stinky - the grounds need to do better.

Any other comments?

Loved the band

The Band was really good. I brough a good atmosphere, although the strech Kombi was playing its usic very loud too so the competed at times. Personally i didn't find the interlude music to be too loud. Agree with the toilets though - yuk!

Not a huge fan of peer judging, there was a bit you vote for mine i'll vote for yours going on. And if you had anough mates entered then you could sway the voting your way.

Swap meet not as good as last year, maybee due to the forecast of not overly nice waether leading into the event, although it is undercover. Maybe make outside plots cheaper to entice more ppl out.

The trade displays were really good, much better than in years past.

Numbers of cars seemed down a little in the aircooled side but up in water, or that may be my perception.

yeah the band was great !
and the food was great !
and the cars where great!!!!

I thought the day was GREAT! Except that we were literally between the Police Beetle and the Limo Split Window Bus - Not ideal, but definitely a learning experience (I thought that you'd only need the light to be on to capture the photo's whilst in the Police Bug and not the sound, but perhaps I'm wrong 🙂.

Having attended only as a visitor for many years, I thought the numbers of cars seemed less than previous years (perhaps only my preception).

Have heard mixed thoughts about the peer judging - whilst it did wonders for the speed at which cars entered the park (as pointed out above), some people thought that it was flawed (including some people who won). I'm new at this, so can't really say one way is better than the other - That's up for the Club to decide.

I thought the band was great, but the music was very loud at times.

Side thought: as an aircooled entrant, I did think it was odd that I couldn't vote for the watercooled cars and vice versa, as there were some really GREAT watercooled cars.

I thought the day was GREAT, everyone was welcoming and helpful. The only thing missing is for me to sign up next year to help out 🙂.

Wanted to say that the people running the food did an excelent job. They were very efficient, the prices were very reasonable and they were super friendly!!
Was impressed that they had Gluten Free food !

The police siren was a PITA and I didn't miss the engine blow not happening....I must be getting too old 😊

All in all it was another good show, but I do think numbers were down this year in both cars shown and people coming through. No idea why though.

Swap meet was too expensive for the small sellers.
How about $40 inside with 2 entry tickets and $20 outside with one entry ticket.

Seperate entrance line for sellers.

Too much Birchall on the PA.

Band was better being outside so that people could talk.

I'd prefer the old style judging.

How about $25 to display your car and $35 to be judged for a trophy. A lot of people enter their car just park and display which wastes judging time.

Engine blow is getting a bit boring and I worry about the safety aspects. If something goes wrong it could kill the show.

My 6 year old daughter wasn't impressed with the kds rides either. BTW it wasn't a jumping castle, just a blow-up room with about 20 balls in there. One look inside and she just walked away.

That siren was annoying.

Wasn't impressed with toilets. The parents room/toilet was filthy and had a mop and bucket of cleaning chemicals on next to the basin. Real safe 🤪

Otherwise a good day.

I wanted to jamb that siren right up .....
Great day thankS CLUB vw mITCHELL

Looks like the dearest swap meet in Australia is pricing itself out of existence 😢 Looks like the punters are sick of being cash cows.👍 Hope their listening at Valla🥷 My2c

I thought it was a great event and well organised, quick entry to the car show for cars,

Food guys were flat out but It didn't take long to get served, you could see they had done that before. Ice cream van was amazing!!

Swap meet area was good, lots of good stuff to be had, I thought the swap this year was much better than the last couple.

I had a great day, Thanks Club Vee Dub

The Swap Meet... down on numbers?

I arrived @ 10:20 am, with the car packed and ready to set up for the swap meet, and was informed: I can't enter.

"The Swap Meet is full."

My 10 year son and I were extremely disappointed.

Tips:

1) Better communication, re: Swap Meet numbers.

2) Top 25 - Inviatation only - the cars best in their category can only be displayed.
EG: Concours, Cal-Look,German-Look, Restro--Cal, Rat etc.
The area would be sectioned off, giving cars plenty of room.
The rest of the cars can be displayed outside the Top 25.
How to manage the logistics, egos, politics & tradition on this idea... very difficult

Thanks for putting the Show on.

Bryce

i thought the band was good but a little loud at times. i found it hard to hear people.

yes im deaf and i got it in the service of my country.
every thing else worked well though

the toilets Male n Female were cleaned 4 times during the day and at the end bowls scrubed, floors mopped, hand basins washed down

the "" SMELL "" unfortunatly is the fault of the Council who want to use GREEN ethecis

apparently the urinal does not flush anymore in order to save water ???? So they wash/flush it out every now and then with a bucket of water

would be interesd to know if the ladies smelt as bad



AS for the Kids rides they are always a bone of contention anyone know a reasonable priced Carnival operator let me know

anyone know who owns that anoying Police Sierien

I need to have a set of side cutters in my pocket next time 😁😁😁

My two bobs worth...

The weather was great and we saw some new entrants which was great to see - unfortunately it looked a bit empty up the watercooled end so would recommend spreading the mix of stalls etc across the whole area to generate interest at both ends.
Facilities are always going to be a bit iffy when you have large numbers using them so you kind of expect that.
Food service was good but would really like to see some other vendors - the Waffle Van would have been great!
Peer judging - I don't think it worked. If you are going to have peer judging then it needs to be consistent and often leads to mates voting for mates. Would suggest opening watercooled and aircooled so that they can vote for each other or returning to the old method but introducing an independent body to take the load off the club who are already busy on the day.
Loved the Powerpoint preso - good idea - just get those fat bums out of the way so we can see lol or pop the TV up higher.
With the 25th anniversary next year would suggest no trophies but a commemorative medallion (similar to Motorfest) or something like that for each entrant/exhibitor - make it a really special day and highlight the fact that the club has had such great success over a 25 year period.
Overall its a good day and a lot of work is put in by the club which is appreciated....

What about some work on the PA system it was so loud making it be incomprehensible,the dunnies were disgusting,the food line seemed to be a lot more efficient,the background music was good most of the time. Luftmeister has a point about the cost of the trade/swap meet stalls as by the time you pay the costs you mostly break even or just below and apparently my club membership expired 3 days ago but they forgot to let me know,but I still enjoyed the day.

The show was great.

As has been mentioned, numbers down.

Siren was a pain.

Buggy boys revving their engines and out of tune was also a pain.

Surprised to see cars driving through the crowds for an early exit. I would've thought it was an OH&S issue to have cars unmarshalled driving through crowds. I was under the impression there was a set time for cars to depart from within the show unless being marshalled.

I have to give Ray & Shirley a BIG THANKS for their effort in helping with Bug Off Cancer's fundraising this year. Ray built a couple of great wooden models to be raffled off during the show yesterday and Shirley organised the raffle tickets to be sold. Their efforts helped raise $220 for Australian Cancer Research Foundation. I don't normally use the emoticons, but I'll make an exception in this case. 👍 👍 👍 👍

Menangler wrote:Ice cream van was amazing!!

i will second the vote for the best ice cream van ever!!

As a peer voter and not an expert i found it hard to recognise what category the cars was being entered. Maybe have entrants place the category they are entering onto the sticker.

Maybe a few extra categories for first time entrant? Daily driver?

Agree the police siren was a real pain, also agree entrants should be not allowed to leave until a predetermined time.

I still like the idea of having a part of the car park cordoned off so all vw's can park together sometimes there are real show winners out there.

All in all was an excellent day, thanks to the organisers for all their hard work

buzzbug wrote:

Menangler wrote:Ice cream van was amazing!!

i will second the vote for the best ice cream van ever!!

Lee i here you have a photo of this ice cream ???

zayus wrote:The Swap Meet... down on numbers?

I arrived @ 10:20 am, with the car packed and ready to set up for the swap meet, and was informed: I can't enter.

"The Swap Meet is full."

My 10 year son and I were extremely disappointed.

Tips:

1) Better communication, re: Swap Meet numbers.

2) Top 25 - Inviatation only - the cars best in their category can only be displayed.
EG: Concours, Cal-Look,German-Look, Restro--Cal, Rat etc.
The area would be sectioned off, giving cars plenty of room.
The rest of the cars can be displayed outside the Top 25.
How to manage the logistics, egos, politics & tradition on this idea... very difficult

Thanks for putting the Show on.

Bryce

That is bad Bryce... Couldn't they put You somewhere just outside the roofed area...??

I don't like the idea of invitation only as that would be very difficult to organise... If You have just spent heaps on a car.. and not a member of a Vw club.. ??
I believe its better to mix the cars up although many people would say that isn't a good idea.. as I usually stay away from the water cooled cars as I'm not interested in them unless its a subaru engined beetle etc.. type 3 or kombi..
and then I miss out on the trade stalls etc...

Lee

barls wrote:yes im deaf and i got it in the service of my country.

got it,, don't you mean lost it?

Congratulations Club VW on another great show!
A massive thank you to the Siren Bug!!!! He opened his door and allowed the kids to climb in!! My nephew was thrilled with the opportunity to sound the siren. As a spectator I wondered around the cars and traders and only noticed the siren a few times. Perhaps if you stayed in the one spot it may have been annoying but I think the excitement and thrill for the kids was GREAT!!! They even got excited just hearing it from a distance. A big shout out also to VWMA for similarly allowing my nephews into his race car for photos. A junkie beetle for the kids to paint or something else similar where the kids can climb in and sit at the steering wheel would be cool. Anything would be better than that pathetic, ratty old blow up ball pit with its rude, cigarette smoking cannies running the shots 😬. It is fantastic that this is offered free but surely something better could be arranged...!?
I enjoyed the swap meet. I took a list this time and ticked a few things off 🙂 Thinking next year I might have a car to show off and a few extra bits and pieces to sell. See ya there!!!

Agree with most of the sentiments in the first post.

-The band was good, I thought she murdered a couple of songs, but on the whole they were worth having.
-Food queue was great. One of the lions/rotarians had quite a turn and didnt look good at all. The others just soldiered professionally while their friend was being worked on 3 feet away. Not sure if I could have done that. Their service was the best ever. I hope someone from the club calls and enquires about the ladies health as a courtesy.
-Have never been a fan of peer judging since a particular club at Volksday thought it would be fun to all vote for one of their members shitbox car as a joke. (this was long before rat look was cool). The concept is the best idea ever. Who else is best suited to decide what is "best beetle to 1968" than the owners of beetles to 1968? If only we could rely on people to be sensible. Damned if you do, damned if you dont.
-For some reason I never see everything at a car show. Maybe its a case of having too many things to look at or I just have a boy look. I need lessons.
-It would be good if the number of announcements were cut down. (3 of them were looking for me... oops).


And then there is the supersprint.
- There should not be any entries on the day.
- People should make the effort to obtain licences and club memberships before the event.
- When people arrive with fee paid, licence in hand and current member card it takes 15 seconds to process.
- The event secretary had all previous results for competitors and estimated times for those who had not already entered. The secretary SHOULD have indicated what colour group the car should have been in on the scrutineering form.
- The scrutineers guessed where cars should have been. They were way off on a number of occasions. Then the groups on car windows didnt coincide with groups on paper.
- Because of the late entries the doc checking went too long and the event started late. The event actually started before the reconciliation of entries/disclaimers/scrutineering forms had been checked which is very wrong. When I/the grouping sheet arrived on the grid all chaos had broken out and I copped several serves when trying to get things back on track. I just gave up in the end.
- IMO a supersprint cannot just go by calling out colour groups. The cars within each group must run in order of fast to slow. There were cars getting lapped. When a supersprint depends on a single lap time you cant have the quickest car in the group at the back of the group. Be the time he/she gets to the front of the group with a clear lap ahead the run is over. Steve Carters video is case in point. He lost possibly 2 laps behind Birchall, and there were cars queued behind him. It has worked with a running order for the previous 3 years, it should have worked this year.
- Perhaps investigate the option of running under AASA permit instead of CAMS to see if it can be made cheaper event. Though that doesnt necessarily mean that entry fees would be cheaper.
- Complain to Wakefield Park about the absence of heaters/electric blankets in cabin 4. Fekkin freezing! Or else move nationals to October 🙂
- Not having our own clerk of course and stewards means we cant always do what we want to do.

amazeer wrote:And then there is the supersprint.
- IMO a supersprint cannot just go by calling out colour groups. The cars within each group must run in order of fast to slow. There were cars getting lapped. When a supersprint depends on a single lap time you cant have the quickest car in the group at the back of the group. Be the time he/she gets to the front of the group with a clear lap ahead the run is over. Steve Carters video is case in point. He lost possibly 2 laps behind Birchall, and there were cars queued behind him. It has worked with a running order for the previous 3 years, it should have worked this year.

Ditto. I don't know why but for the last 15 years that I've been on the track the rule has been if a faster car comes from behind, car in front has to get off the racing line & point what side u want them to overtake.

Now the rule is it's the responsibilty of the faster car to overtake. The just plain dumb. On my second run i had 2 cars from well known vw shops hold up my whole run as they were great in a straight line but all over the shop in the corners, they just wold not let me by. In their defence, they did nothing wrong by the "rules" , by the end of that run there were 5 of us practically all side by side at the end of the straight as cars were trying to dive under each other. The incar footage shows them a little too close for my liking. I backed off in the end & got off the track. I was 6 seconds + a lap quicker than those 2 cars that were holding everyone up. waste of a run.

I still drive by the old rule, admittedly I only had 2 cars overtake me but at least I didn't ruin their lap & I also can go back to concentrating on mine in complete safety.

Also, can we please seriously look at going to Eastern creek raceway next year, even if we only use the new short circuit to save on costs, it would be fantastic not to have to drive to Goulburn ever ever ever again.

Agree with Jak. The starting time was almost one and a half hours late, and NOBODY knew which cars were going onto the track. My solution......change to AASA, and give CAMS the flick, that way you can run things the way THE COMPETITORS want, and not the CONTROLLERS.

He lost possibly 2 laps behind Birchall, and there were cars queued behind him. It has worked with a running order for the previous 3 years, it should have worked this year.

you must have not been looking out the window as there was a car on the infield broken down and the yellow caution lights were flashing thats why they caught me and it was only in the last lap not 2 laps

as a general rule the band was good, but the singer needs to be banned from ever attempting an adele cover, ever ever ever again, even in the shower.

i had a swap meet stall somewhere near the band and was struggling to hear people all day.

if people want to have noisy cars, maybe have a section outside where the noise won't echo/carry so much.

apart from that i had a great day, i just wish i had someone with me so i could have seen more of the show. a big thank you the the people opposite me who kept an eye on my stuff so i could get away a little while.

Being a Nationals virgin and coming from along way to attend thought I would tell it how it was and the word that comes to hand is friendly. From the girl who told me where to park to the girls who took my entry fee ($10.00, very reasonable, including a free booklet) to all the people who answered by sometimes dumb questions about their cars.

Thanks to you all, got to see that Penrose drag car out in the sunshine with it's body off what a machine, some cool street cars, rats, rods, splits will put some pics in the events thread tonight.

Best memory, a Herbie replica drove in, Dad, I guess, was standing there holding the hand of his daughter, I guess,
she was jumping up and down saying look dad it's Herbie, priceless!

[
"Surprised to see cars driving through the crowds for an early exit. I would've thought it was an OH&S issue to have cars unmarshalled driving through crowds. I was under the impression there was a set time for cars to depart from within the show unless being marshalled." quote from above post

I was one who left early and had to drive thru the show in my racecar which was unfortunately unavoidable as I had to load the car on the trailer and then drop my son at the airport before heading home to Brisbane. However, I did have my son and a mate escort me out to ensure no one got in the way etc. I would have loved to have stayed but such is life. Other than that we had a great time and enjoyed every minute once we had thawed out from Wakefield.....

Well done Club VW again.....

Felt for you Amazeer! I think you did a great job given the conditions. To those who gave you a serve, shame on you guys 🙅🙅🙅 Without people like Amazeer and the other officials we would not get a drive at all.

I stood in line for 30 minutes waiting to get proceesed as the guy in front of me didn't have anything filled out or even a clue about how to answer some questions. I had sent my entry weeks ago and even went to my clubs meeting to prepay my CAMS licence so it took all of 30 seconds to process me. Maybe a pre-booked queue for next year and a higher "on-the-day" fee will entice people to prebook.

this was my first track outing with the car and despite some engine management issues and hence only completing 8 laps in all I had a ball! see you there next year, Amazeer send me the 2013 booking form!

Good WORDS Louieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

yeah the super sprint lines will be stream lined next year for sure

if u get to the counter and its a TOO Hard basket then to the BACK of the other que and wait in line to get served i suggest that Chris will be doing the too hard cases

if you have pre entered and have all the correct paperwork then you deserve to be on the track ASAP fotr the others


GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER

badkarmann wrote:My two bobs worth...

Peer judging - I don't think it worked. If you are going to have peer judging then it needs to be consistent and often leads to mates voting for mates. Would suggest opening watercooled and aircooled so that they can vote for each other or returning to the old method but introducing an independent body to take the load off the club who are already busy on the day.

Agree as above plus Music was great, some great cars again, not enough semi dressed girls, ok we will leave that for less family orientated car shows!

And could someone please tell the judges that a set of shiny new Porsche rims don't constitute a modified vehicle!!!!! No I didn't enter a car this year.

Also if a car is worthy of top prize again because it's that good, then damn well award it, love does not need to be shared around with a trophy.

Sorry if I offend anyone but feedback was asked for.

For the past 5 years I have not been able to arrive until noon, due to work. There are never any magazines left at the gate at that point. Each year I get an excuse why there are no magazines left. If it happened once or twice I would get it, but to happen for 5 years in a row is poor form.

The band seemed to be a pleasant addition.

Cars seemed to be grouped together much better this year.

As I suggest each year, one carpark exclusively for VWs would be nice and make it easier to see everything out there!

david777 wrote:For the past 5 years I have not been able to arrive until noon, due to work. There are never any magazines left at the gate at that point. Each year I get an excuse why there are no magazines left. If it happened once or twice I would get it, but to happen for 5 years in a row is poor form.

Hi

PM me your address and I will post you one, or join the club and you will get one in the mail a week earlier.

Steve

join the club and you will get one 2 weeks before the event

www.clubvw.org.au

A lot of planning and work gone into a Lame show.
Swap meet should be free or donation towards local charity.
Cars for sale should be admission price.
Show entries should be filtered, no un-categorized, first in, beat up daily drivers there were better cars in the car park.
More activities for both kids and adults.

A lot of planning and work gone into a Lame show.

Ben
Carnt wait to have you on board helping out to FIX the show We need people like you to show us the right direction







more on the toilets n the smell

Apparently they rely on a bacteria to chew away at the bad stuff and this reduces the smell

the Council believes that someone hit them ( the bacteria ) with a strong detergent which killed them off before the show so they didint do there job hence the strong odour

Love the show i have been to each 1 for the last 23 years.
did't go to the first because did'nt live here back then
something that i have noticed .quality of cars improved
people in attendance up.must be doing it right. can't please all of the people all of the time !
Keep up the good work.1 small thing kids not much for them this year .get to stay longer when they are happy !

fish26 wrote:A lot of planning and work gone into a Lame show.

Only one person's complained about the show so far and called it Lame.

Cars for sale should be admission price.

Cars for sale included entry price. Not bad value when compared to other car sales sites. $30 entry and sell your car fee not bad value.

Show entries should be filtered, no un-categorized, first in, beat up daily drivers there were better cars in the car park.

Maybe the owners of the better cars in the car park should have entered their cars as a show entry. Maybe they didn't want to pay the entry fee or have people touching their prized possessions.

If you didn't enjoy this year's show, don't turn up next year, oorr, as Dave suggested, get on the committee and have some valuable input as opposed to poor criticism.

Was at Berry and overheard someone saying to a bunch of his mates
why would you paint your car that colour.
dont mind going to see the show but entering to get your pride and joy slagged off .
not the first time either👎

Maybe it's just me, but if it's MY pride and joy, I couldn't give a toss what anyone says about it. I haven't done up my car for them to praise. They either appreciate what I have done to my own liking, or take a drive off a cliff.

t1 time wrote:

65standard wrote:Maybe it's just me, but if it's MY pride and joy, I couldn't give a toss what anyone says about it. I haven't done up my car for them to praise. They either appreciate what I have done to my own liking, or take a drive off a cliff.

😎 well said , we do our cars for our own enjoyment, people will knock what thay can't do .

yes good way to look at it.

did the work myself to suite my taste. not a big budget rebuild. 👍

L469 wrote:Was at Berry and overheard someone saying to a bunch of his mates
why would you paint your car that colour.

i hope that was a visitor to the show and not one of us.

Lame show!!!!!!!!

For some one to make a comment like that must mean their show of equal size is far better organised, I'm sorry I must have missed the memo what date n address is it on? I'll be their n I'm sure all Club Vee-Dub members can't wait to be shown how its done..........sorry what was his show called again......dam were is that memo?

You don't need to be a top chef to recognise a turd from a truffle
sure his lame comment needed some backing up, but to say that "if he has not got a better one then shut up" is what keeps the car show scene boring predictable and quite "lame"
been to one nationals you have been to them all..... each year seems to be a carbon copy of the previous

been to one nationals you have been to them all..... each year seems to be a carbon copy of the previous

OK. Without getting into a slinging match, what would be a better experience without having the same thing at each show?

A car show will have cars.

No matter how customised cars are, they do all start to look the same (slammed, lowered, chromed, etc).

You will have vendors selling things at shows.

There will be kiddies rides, face painting and BBQ's.

Hell, the Easter Show must be the master of carbon copies, but people still flock to it.

I guess people's expectations exceed what is on offer. I would have thought that an annual event such as the VW Nationals would be a time for the VW community to get together and show off their pride and joys to other VW and non-VW people and get to catch up with one another and share a few yarns. That's my take on it anyway.

Maybe I'm out of touch with what's in "vogue" at shows, but if snobbery and petulance is going to creep into a show of OLD VW's, no matter how shiny they are, then I'll give the game away, as there's enough of that attitude without taking it to a show and then slagging off about it.

Life is full of choices. Make one and stick by it.

Great day down at the racing and super day in the swap meet and show . Pick up some rare parts . Sold some goodies . Good to see everyone . And we had a ice cream . MAD

Brilliant as always.
Ran into the usual suspects, got some parts, got some toys, got my coffee cup.

As has been said a few times, that siren was getting on my tits.

always enjoy the show and racing the judging was a good idea to get around the 2hr line up , always leave with a bus full of parts and an empty wallet and faces to names 🙂

I guess my comment has got some knickers in a knot, an honest blunt opinion none the less also shared by a number of others which I will let comment on their own if at all.

I really don't need to explain my event organising credentials as I am not questioning anyone else's.

I also don't have any problem with any of the hard working people organising the event who like myself bleed VW blood, I do have a problem with the constant segregation between clubs and other VW forums, but that's another topic all together.

While not as long as some of the organisers and members of this public forum, I have been a quiet part of our broken VW community for a while and have seen my fair share of car shows both in Oz and abroad which is on what I am basing My opinion, lets face it without questioning and critique we have no improvement.

Criticism is hard to take and I also have received my fair share at least I can take it on the chin, analyze and hopefully improve.

Once again, its only my opinion and I don't expect any changes to the show in the near future.

ben

I dont think that criticism is at all hard to take in fact it was asked for. In professional and recreational life I would be one of my own harshest critics. I was first to criticise the sprint which imo was the sloppiest of all 4 years and for the most part is my organisation. Its just your offensive opening line that has peoples knickers knotted.

You are right, feedback was asked and I give it without pussy footing around, my definition of "Lame" is boring, un-adventerous, prone to censoring the expressions of others, nothing personal.

Still spewing I didn't get to Wakefield.

Yes we asked for feedback - that is, we want comments on what you specifically liked and what you didn't, so we know what we can do better or differently next year. Give us something we can work on. Piss weak comments like 'what a lame show' don't help in this regard. At least now you've expanded on your insight - 'boring, unadventurous, prone to censoring the expression of others.' Hmm.

How is the Australia's biggest VW show 'boring'? More show cars, and more show categories, and more traders, than any other VW show. What would you want to see, then, which would make it non-boring? Tappet cover racing? Wet T shirt comp? Hubcap toss? Are you prepared to put your hand up and organise something like that for next year? If so, welcome along.

How is it 'unadventurous'? You polish up your VW and put it on display for other VW fans to admire. You could win a trophy. If there's something else you think should happen, then what? If you want adventure and adrenaline, why not go to the Supersprint?

'Prone to censoring the expressions of others' is a totally baseless statement. Here we have specifically asked you for your suggestions and ideas to make next year's show even better. You are also more than welcome to come along to the next Club meeting (The Greyhound Club, Yagoona, Thursday 21 June, 8pm) and say whatever you want. You can write to the club and I'll print your letter in our magazine. You have never been denied the opportunity to make comments, so don't you dare imply that you have.

As for segregation, Club Veedub has tried harder than anyone to unite the air and water-cooled groups. We have the same number of trophies for water as we do for air. We want old AND new VWs to come to all our events. Our club magazine is split about 50-50 on air and water. I agree with you that there should be no 'us and them' - we are all supposed to be VW fans. What suggestions can you make to improve this further?

Phil, you asked for feedback and I gave you my opinion without being offensive and personal.
I didn't say you did something wrong just recommended what could be improved on as The biggest VW show should also be the best.
The show has adopted the peer judging suggestion put forward on this forum which is a good start toward improvement, I don't expect you to follow my recommendations but allow me to have my opinion as I allow you to have yours.
If it wasnt for catching up with friends and seeing a few new cars, the show would be as exiting as the two "VW Nationals" cardboard notice boards on Smithfield Rd greeting the thousands of motorists.

Ben

Yes but I asked for USEFUL feedback. Just saying it's 'lame' is unhelpful. So what do we do about it? What suggestions for improvement or new activities do you have?

Agreed, the peer judging was an excellent change. The watercoolers had used it for a couple of years and it worked well. Our judges were sick of the work and everyone was sick of the queues and delays it caused. I'm sure we'll stay with peer judging, so thanks to everyone who suggested it. The only improvement I can think of is not to keep air and water separate - entrants should be able to nominate a favourite car in any category they wish.

What do you mean by 'you don't expect us to follow your recommendations'? If you come up with a great idea, we would be silly not to go with it. We are open to all ideas - that's why I started this post. Try us - I am asking for your suggestions - what suggestions for improvement or new activities do you have?

Catching up with VW friends and looking at the new cars (and old ones too) is precisely the point of having the VW Nationals. Plus to have some fun at Wakefield Park if you choose. I'm at a loss to understand what else you expect. Again, what alse do you want the show to have???

May I make a suggestion re. the 'judging'? The form could say something like:-

"The car I would like to take home with me is....................................."

There is no need to give reasons, have categories, or any effort.....just good-old 'feelings'.

My 1c worth.

fish26 wrote:If it wasnt for catching up with friends and seeing a few new cars, the show would be as exiting as the two "VW Nationals" cardboard notice boards on Smithfield Rd greeting the thousands of motorists.

Ben

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

a well established show for how many years and this is how sydney is notified..

I was thinkign the same thing upon entry, Ben. 🙂

I've seen much better years at the show.

All in all, i had fun catching up with my friends but this year seemed to lack its usual excitement. no engine blowup, music was all over the place. lots of ' hey mate, remember me? vote for my car' stuff going on..

ALSO, there should be some incentive for 1st place winners.. im sure alot more cars would be presented at their best with a prize.
Instead of charging the big sponsors (cvdub, vollks, wolfsburg melb etc ) they should chip in for a store credit prize or something of the likes.. $2000.00 voucher to use instore maybe.

just my opinion, don't take it personal anyone.

Definatly not as many cars from previous years.
If we are going to have trophies for the best cars,then the best cars deserve to get the trophies.
Independant judges,or no judging at all.

Your all welcome to come along and do the judging next year

Its hard work and time consuming,thats why club reps shouldnt have to do it,when they want to be enjoying the show.
Why not get Street Machine judges like you did years back,or invite interstate club members to judge your show.

Ok here is one "BIG" tip to make it better next year

hold it in Melbourne or Brisbane......

"Lame" idea.

Mike I see you got my memo, its the word of the week glad you're not afraid to use it.

I agree maybe there should be one grand prize winner judged by the participants and public for their "Take Home Ride" some good ideas here hopefully the VW gods are listening.

mike64 wrote:"Lame" idea.

no that was Raw

Benito, I see you got my memo re. the "Take Home Ride".

Hey Greg, my dad saw you @ Wakefield last year asking who the crazy guy was driving the black beetle, I told him it was the youngest guy @ heart, respect to you good sir.

feedback.. was good from where i stood, plenty to check out, and lots of people attending... the food was great and too cheap... Yeah, that bloody siren, that was annoying..

hold it in Melbourne or Brisbane......

totally extreamly LAME

,or invite interstate club members to judge your show.

yes good idea have ask on several occasions but no one interested they want to come along and enjoy theirselfs like we would do at there shows

This kind of feedback will ensure that fewer people put their hands up to help organise an event because listening to the 'style' of criticism when you have voluntarily given your time is just a PITA.
I used to organise events (not VW ones) and was happy to move on and wave tata to all the b^!!$h!t.
I hope that positive responses and helpful criticism will inspire the volunteers to do it all again to the best of their ability.
My 0.5c

i didn't get there this year😢 but on the toilet issue, hire port a loo's, i dont know what the costs are, an idea maybe, how do you all want the toilets to be, like home i bet.
Raffles, did you have raffles? A raffle drawn every hour, (only one ticket per person per raffle). decent prizes for the following, possibly $20 $10, $5, and $2 raffles, prizes to fit accordingly.
and we must know what kids want to see, how about a vee dub ride, plenty available, lucky dips.
you guys n girls must know what you want, put your ideas forward.
if you can drop prices just a smidge to get more in, do it. more sellers, more buyers, more of the better feedback.
And when you ask for feedback, some of the guys here just need to grin and bear it, and you have to be arrogant not to think that it was going to go all so smoothly on this subject.
so there are some of my suggestions and 5 cents worth.
Paul

Jak Rizzo wrote:Also, can we please seriously look at going to Eastern creek raceway next year, even if we only use the new short circuit to save on costs, it would be fantastic not to have to drive to Goulburn .

X2........the cost of entry (and any exrtra with a move to Eastern creek) is miniscule compared to the rest of the "journey" to make a weekend assult to compete in any motorsport.

More spectators surely would turn up to Eastern creek as well potentially more entrants?

hellbugged wrote:More spectators surely would turn up to Eastern creek as well potentially more entrants?

Using part of Eastern Creek (wont be full circuit) will be looked at as an option, but we need to realise that even at Wakefield there is no money in the event for the club. But then we may get more entries from the non-VW crowd if it is held in Sydney. And then there will be negative response to next years feedback thread. The money competitors save in fuel may be used up with more accomodation cost. Swings and roundabouts everywhere. I'll be voting for Eastern Creek if for no other reason than climatic reasons!!! 🙂 Not just a track hire cost comparison but ambulance, crash rescue and timing cost differences need to be looked at.

The entry fee refund offer for pre entrants worked very well this year in getting most entrants in a week before so I assume it will carry over. Late entry fee was enforced rigidly this year for the first time. I will preempt quite a hefty late entry fee next year regardless of venue to further encourage no entries on the day.

Plus if we have a pre event scrutiineering/doc checking session on the Friday it will be another enhancement.

If it is not at Wakefield I will miss the Paragon 🙁

I like the vw show every year but the only thing that shits me is the entry through the gates,their not speed humps their small fences!

why cant they have the lowered cars enter through the exit nice and smooth oh and maybe free beers or icecream 👍

What eats me is the dust at the entry gates.

yep we have ask the Coucil to look at paving thoses areas and also errecting a secruity fence down the back

there on the drawing board but dont hold yr breath

amazeer wrote:If it is not at Wakefield I will miss the Paragon 🙁

Rose's Cafe is MUCH better than The Paragon.👍

Now I'm not saying there is anything wrong with Fairfield or Wakefield it's organization, judging or content , I had an enjoyable weekend

On the Sunday after the Sydney drags, we went to a car show/ rally / protest held behind the grand stand at eastern creek. Plenty of room and good facilities

Im guessing if the creek is looked at for a racing option, the facility for a static show would also be researched whilst on the job...... That would be quite an event with racing and display happening together

Hi

In regard to the speed humps, I had great idea while I was standing at the gate.

Next year I will score some carpet off cuts to lay each side speed humps to smooth them out.

Eastern Creek would be good for a combined race & car show but we would be at the mercy of the weather, the Nationals doesn't have good record with weather.

To hire the venue and staff it would be another hurdle, to have access to the hard stand behind the pits would involve full track hire I think X$.

Love reading the constructive comments, we will take them on board

Steve

That would be quite an event with racing and display happening together

no that will not happen its too open to the elements

I thought it was great! I would not change a thing, the organisers did a wonderful job and should be honoured with a street parade in convertible beetles

Good job for people donating their time no doubt about it. Would like to see something like a VW engine builder on the day doing a full rebuild and near end of day firing it up. That way all us non mechanical people would get to see something quite interesting. Maybe you have a race with different builders or just one. Sort of like "The Block"
Or a mobile dyno at the show would be great to see and keep punters engaged ? (If there is such a thing) Even though wasn't able to make it the events on the Sat night cruise. Think this is the way to go - especially cruising & supporting local VW business.
Linz

No! it was great the way it was, your idea is not good, the only ideas that are acceptable are the club vw ones they are the best!

jolly roger wrote:No! it was great the way it was, your idea is not good, the only ideas that are acceptable are the club vw ones they are the best!

Don't get out much ay !! They asked for constructive input...douche

I like the mobile dyno idea. They do exist, though I dont know how mobile they are and how much hassle it is to set them up, or who has one. There could be more trophies on offer for top hp in different categories. It would only work if the company who owns the dyno thinks it would be worth their time bringing it out and whether they could make money out of it.

jolly roger wrote:No! it was great the way it was, your idea is not good, the only ideas that are acceptable are the club vw ones they are the best!

Sounds like a spin doctor employed by the wonderfully,beautiful,dedicated,can do no wrong people at club vee dub!!!! 😂😂 Ok Thay did a great job lets leave it at that.

t1 time wrote:

jolly roger wrote:No! it was great the way it was, your idea is not good, the only ideas that are acceptable are the club vw ones they are the best!

Sounds like a spin doctor employed by the wonderfully,beautiful,dedicated,can do no wrong people at club vee dub!!!! 😂😂 Ok Thay did a great job lets leave it at that.

No not a spin doctor ...a Revolution Professor just cheerfully and freely giving my support to those people who put in all that effort to organising the best VW show in Australia .....

jolly roger wrote:

t1 time wrote:

jolly roger wrote:No! it was great the way it was, your idea is not good, the only ideas that are acceptable are the club vw ones they are the best!

Sounds like a spin doctor employed by the wonderfully,beautiful,dedicated,can do no wrong people at club vee dub!!!! 😂😂 Ok Thay did a great job lets leave it at that.

No not a spin doctor ...a Revolution Professor just cheerfully and freely giving my support to those people who put in all that effort to organising the best VW show in Australia .....

Your PM has confirmed my intial thoughts. Hardly your feedback is constructive. Poor form

spl65t wrote:

jolly roger wrote:

t1 time wrote:

jolly roger wrote:No! it was great the way it was, your idea is not good, the only ideas that are acceptable are the club vw ones they are the best!

Sounds like a spin doctor employed by the wonderfully,beautiful,dedicated,can do no wrong people at club vee dub!!!! 😂😂 Ok Thay did a great job lets leave it at that.

No not a spin doctor ...a Revolution Professor just cheerfully and freely giving my support to those people who put in all that effort to organising the best VW show in Australia .....

Your PM has confirmed my intial thoughts. Hardly your feedback is constructive. Poor form

be nice huh! all feedback is good