group membership

[Admin]

Hi all

We are listening to all your points this topic is great for the group and I promise it will be an agenda point at the next committee meeting.

keep it going

Scotland is a big place and we do appreciate you all.

But for the group to grow we must gain strength in numbers and also increase those who can help run events.

yours
Stuart

[fred2]

can you not get a venue a bit further north for the group show, it is just that glasgow isnt central to scotland if there was something perth even that way it would be better for the northern members, glasgow is fine if you want to get english people to attend but it is a scottish show??

[dante]

Jun 19, 2010 4:39:53 GMT fred2 said:

can you not get a venue a bit further north for the group show, it is just that glasgow isnt central to scotland if there was something perth even that way it would be better for the northern members, glasgow is fine if you want to get english people to attend but it is a scottish show??

The problem is there just arent any venues in that area that could accomodate the Group Show - not any i can think of anyway

But for the group to grow we must gain strength in numbers and also increase those who can help run events

.

But in order for people to re-join the Group, they have to have some sort of incentive - if they know there are going to be changes made and events going on, then that might encourage them more

[fee]

Jun 19, 2010 4:39:53 GMT fred2 said:

can you not get a venue a bit further north for the group show, it is just that glasgow isnt central to scotland if there was something perth even that way it would be better for the northern members, glasgow is fine if you want to get english people to attend but it is a scottish show??

fred2 I asked that very question a few years ago. It seemed bizarre to me that a Scottish Group Show should take place so far south. I was told then that having done a survey the show's catchment covered the highest % of members in that location (Edinburgh at that time) Not sure if that is still the same.

I agree with so much that has been said. Maybe Scotland is just too big for one Group? But can two or three groups survive? Probably not, however, maybe if there were smaller area groups more people would join as it would feel 'local' to them and the events would be nearer. Did the English Groups start with larger areas then reduce? It'd be interesting to know their history, maybe it could help us?

Re the help it's a problem all over and I don't mean to be Mrs Gloom but I think with this cut, that cut and the cost of diesel etc folks are going to be even more thin on the ground. SERC often have big problems getting helpers. We've now introduced a scheme whereby if you don't help at two rides you don't get your awards (you still get your mileage) However, as ever there are pros and cons to that to that system too.

I have recently been asked to help at a ride and tbh the cost of diesel to get there and back and it would be an entire day away from my horses; which having worked full time all week I just really feel I can't afford either . Having been a keen and willing helper at one stage I find myself in the 'dark side' of being a non helper. Things have changed for me, I have 3 horses now and one me, diesel is through the roof etc etc.

Maybe the group has to change and adapt to the changes and difficulties people face? But how and in what? I don't know, just throwing it out there.


Fee

[fred2]

i am assuming that devon leisure is shut?? if not could it go back there??
gleneagles?? dabbs or whatever its called now??

[fiona]

I've been reading this thread with great interest over the last few days, and it is sad to see that the membership has declined. I was a member of the group for a good number of years and made a lot of good friends. But like a number of people have said I didn't rejoin this year. My reason is I no longer have a horse, and there really isn't anything on offer for the non horse owner. The AGM always falls on or around my birthday, so I very rarely make it to that. Maybe there are other people who like me have lost their horse and not got another, so haven't re-joined.

Another reason could be the current economic climate. People don't have the spare cash they used to, so something has to give.

[dante]

Jun 19, 2010 8:51:41 GMT fred2 said:

i am assuming that devon leisure is shut?? if not could it go back there??
gleneagles?? dabbs or whatever its called now??

I'm pretty sure that DL is shut now. Gleneagles, last i heard, werent hiring out their facilities any more. I'm not sure Howe - used to be Dabbs - has the infrastructure for the Group show; i'd actually rather travel further to have better facilities (though i realise this isnt practical for everyone ).

There is Strathallan which is all grass, but a BEAUTIFUL setting, i am pretty sure theres stabling - NPS & BSPS have just had a big two day show there. Its near Gleneagles, so is definately 'central'.

I do think it would be worth the committee investigating venues that are more central for Scotland as a whole, rather than concentrating on Glasgow/Edinburgh/central belt all the time. I think a lot of people were put off travelling to Ingliston from up north (though i love the place, dont get me wrong!)

[vanbro]

I do feel that as the membership is so reasonable that surely all can afford it !!!
For those who don't want to join ,should we then just crank up the entry fees to level with Malvern or the RHS??
That would surely drop the entry numbers and maybe not make the shows viable....

The AHS IS £48 PER YEAR...For that, IF you breed then you have to pay it to reg. your stock.If we did'nt need to do that there would be even less members in the AHS.
You get two glossy mags per year and that's really about it !
Not that good value when you consider that Arabian Mag works out at around £3 per month.....

Now I don't know about you, but what I get out of being a member of the Scottish group , for £16 , is far more value for money and for me, better shows and very amiable company.
The committee are more 'available' and easy to relate to and I feel that anything I have to say will be heard and taken on board.

GOOD VALUE!!!

Ask not what your group can do for you ..........!!

Incidentally I think the new venue is fabulous...I travel from Carlisle to the groups shows...always a trek.
Devon Eq was OK but very 'tatty' , Scotland is a big country and having a north and south show is a great idea. I would have to travel for 6 hrs with my horses to get to Aberdeen.....If I really wanted to do that I would...
My nearest English Arab show is Aintree or Wetherby or Osbaldestone.
This is why I am trying to promote Dumfries and also Cumberland show.....

[Admin]

one of the great pleasures for me in joining the group was meeting you Vanessa (vanbro)

truth be told,I love her .

but I also have met so many more wonderful people that have made being a member so rewarding.

I am going to do a personal follow up post to this one, telling you all what the group means to me and what my hopes for the future are. I will have a wee think on how best to word it.

i used the words "our Arabians need you," Vanessa used the words Ask not what your group can do for you

which should follow by the words

but ask what you can do for the group.

There is a call to arms here folks, once upon a time I was told "Stuart to make this group work, you have got to bring it together" That is why the forum happened.

Have a wee think folks, what have you to offer others

;D

[Admin]

better say to my last post,

as a good Friend that is LOL , don't want rumors flying about ;D

[mamadarcy]

I have read all of the above and agree and disagree with some points. i feel that their is a divide in the north/south - always has been in my opinion - but to have smaller groups throughout the country would not work - financially.
I do not think the membership is expensive - being a member of other groups is more costly. The group has come a long way in the last few years - mostly due to the dedication and hard work of the committee. It would be very sad to divide the country - we are just a wee place and should pull together to make this work! sorry off my soapbox now!

[lindsay]

Stuart have e-mailed you.

[Admin]

Lindsay I did not get your email

[e-mail]

;D

[lindsay]

sent it to your tiscali address as on website if you can't get it I can resend

[Admin]

Hi Lindsay please send to my new email address.

details are now correct on the NEW WEBSITE ;D

;D

[lindsay]

sent