Planning for 05

[Timmeh]

:edit:

This thread has been split off from the new members Jan + Feb thread, as discussion for the club future into 2005!

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Ok, well, I know Chris and myself have discussed the Escort issue before, so how does the rest of the club feel about the Escorts?

They are the heritage of the club, along with other European classics like the Capri, and some certainly were made and assembled in Europe, while some were made in Europe but assembled here. I want to hear more opinions, especially from guys who have been in the club for a long time.

Tim

[Timmeh]

Originally Posted by RSgerry

what do you have to do to become a member? i have the RS2000, the Sierra XR4i, two Anglia Estates and an Anglia sedan (in trut, one Estate is going to be built from all the bits, but i do own them).

You don't have to do alot, the club was originally put together by a few Focus owners who wanted to get out and enjoy the cars. Over time, the club expanded into the European Ford Owners Club to include other similar models, who do not have a club of their own. The reason for this is due to the low volumes of cars in enthusiasts hands at the moment, plus variety is the spice of life, it just made sense.

Now we have the scenario where other Euro Fords, like some classics, other than our standard Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, want to join, and that's fine by me. We are not trying to be exclusive and say no to the classics.

The only debate is what constitutes a European Ford. Traditionally, we have been including German, Belgian, and English built cars, but now we have to decide if the Australian assembled Escort fits into this category.

Some may say yes, some may say no, I don't know. I do know that there aren't a great deal of clubs targetting these cars, and extra variety is something I always find interesting. I know there is the RS Owners Club of Victoria that cater for cars like this, but many owners of Escorts are closely related to FordForums.com.au and are friends of EuroFordClub members, and want to be associated with this club.

And that's about where things are at the moment. It's not like it costs anything to join, we are organising bigger and better things for 2005, and will continue to grow from here.

I think we just need a general "Yes, we are happy for Escorts to be a part" or a "No, I don't think it's a good idea" from club members - after all, it's your club!

Feedback?

Tim

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

I think you already know my reply

But if people honestly think "No, I don't think it's a good idea", then they should say so, after all that's what free speech is all about, isn't it?

[Pieoter]

I think we should include the escort. In my opinion a euroford is one that is designed in and/or for the European market. Where the car is built is nothing more than a technicality, the new focus is built in South Africa so should we exclude them because they aren’t build in Europe?

[Teki04]

i think it could be a good idea...... just to have more cars in the club..... IE more cruises.....and longer lines of cars lol
Thanx for the posting of my car. Driver satisfaction: Extremely High. My mate bought a barina, got it last week, and hates it already... thank god i have a Fiesta!
NE WAYS... yea the idea of more cars sounds good to me, although im not a fan of the escort, everyone has their own opinions, and im sure people dont like my car. BUT yea, more members sounds good to me!... sounds like an INVITATION cruise is bound to happen... get all the old and new members, plus people that might want to become a member all meeting up...???

[whippet_zetec]

ok. my input here.

What is a EuroFord? To me I think it should be the origin of the car in a design and creation sense. Consider we would still call the Ford Falcon an Aussie Ford even if they were built in the US for the US, correct? Yes, because we would want the world to know that that car was designed by Australia, for Australia and its soo good others want it too.

So I think this extends to, Escort, Sierra, Capri, Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, etc...etc... even if they are built in South Africa, Brazil, Spain. They have all been created, designed in Europe and that is their origin.

So as for Eski's being part of the Club, all for it. The more the merrier I say.

[whippet_zetec]

ps I love the Ford Capri and would sooo love to buy one, BUT the Mrs would kill me so for life preservation I shall not be getting one anytime soon...:(

[zetec]

As one of the original founding members of the club along with Tim, I believe that the Escort well and truly deserves it's place amongst the Euro Ford Club's cache of little weapons for a number of reasons.

Escort is originally a Euro car and was designed for Europe, it was subsequently so popular that worldwide consumption and construction became a must.

The same can be said for the current Focus, built in Saarlouis (funnily enough the home of the RS2000 Escort I believe 30 years ago!!!!) and spreading out into the world.

And if we rule out non-Euro built Foci then the Mk II Focus is screwed - it's built in South Africa and Taiwan on top of Germany and South Africa with dodgy half-baked variants made in Mexico for the USA.

The concept of the club is to encourage and welcome enthusiasts of European Fords, however we will always welcome other variants of the theme (perhaps with the exception of Lasers and Festivas for their lack of true merit and the demographic that some of them attract!!). If it weren't for the Escort, the Focus wouldn't have the heritage, history or reputation that the little Escort earnt many years ago and passed on from generation to generation.

We don't charge membeship or have any CAMS affiliation given the demographic of our own club, we're all young, not a lot of us have spare cash beyond our mod budgets (if even they exist outside of Tim's taxpayer funded slushpit ;) ) and we are welcomed by the RS Owners club to official events if ever the need for a track day arises.

We Welcome Escort, Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, Sierra, Anglia, Capri and any other Euro Ford that exists and are only too happy to accept one that has been rebuilt or even assembled in Australia or anywhere else. It's all in the spirit and the spirit of the Euro Ford has remained true to this day. Hot Small Fords that look good, handle well and are an absolute hoot to drive. Hence no Barinas.

[zetec]

Tim - how about Timmeh3, the mother of them all?

[The MaDDeSTMaN]

Originally Posted by zetec

Hot Small Fords that look good, handle well and are an absolute hoot to drive.

Sounds like a good description of a Focus, Escort, Capri (not the late 80's/early 90's capris that only shared the badge with the 70's capris) or practically any other Euro Ford to me.

[Timmeh]

Something that I want to take into consideration here is The RS Owners Club of Victoria - they have been very good to us in our infancy, and continue to be very supportive and pro-active in their dealings with us.

It's important to make mention that we are not trying to replace or detract from what they are doing as a club, indeed, it would be impossible for us to do, as their club is an excellent well informed organisation, dealing in areas our club simply does not.

I don't want to lose the good relationship we have with the RSOC, and will continue to advertise their club and direct people to check it out, regardless of the outcome. If people do choose to be a part of this club with a Escort, Capri, whatever, for the social side of things, the enthusiasts at heart, or whatever reason, then the decision is up to them and they are welcome. Being a part of this club does not exclude you from being part of any others too, I will add, nor would we ever try to enforce anything like that.

I hope people understand where I am coming from this, as it is a concern of mine.

Tim

[fordel]

Well i think after reading everyone else's replies that it might just be a good idea to continue to have escorts and of course other euro fords Sierra's Anglia's etc join in.

Some people here certainly provide a good argument for the positive

Chris

[zetec]

We have a sensationally good relationship with the RSOC buys down here, fantastic. I will be coughing up my membership soon enough I reckon, that way I'm a legit member and not a lurker!! That way we have the bonus of being able to officially participate in meetings and events whilst still having our own interests. That also allows us to gain experience in case the EuroFord Club ever does become officially official!!

Interesting thread guys.

I definitely agree - Escorts, Capris, Cortina's etc should all be welcome as the roots of all these vehicles is European. And as for the Escort - Made in UK and Germany - Assembled in Australia, and sometimes not very well.

Now let me put my RSOCV hat on.

Our club is not concerned, worried, or about to get upset due to a possible reduction in member market. Nor would we be worried by loosing a few members to the Euroford club. Go for your life.
We do intend to contuinually assist and encourage the Euroford Club wherever possible, and hope that your club knows that we are willing share our knowledge base that has helped us get to where we are. We hope to be able to build stronger links between the two clubs in the future with shared events etc as well. Think of us as a bunch of really good mates.
I personally would like to sit down over a few beers with your 'committee' and bounce a few ideas of you that may be very tempting for you club in the future.

And if i could make one or two suggestions for your Club right now - i think you need to consider things outside of the web - communication, flyers, a mailbox. There is whole world out there the internet doesn't reach - hard to believe but true.
And i think you need to consider a membership fee, even if its a token amount to begin. This will help build some funds that can then be used to develop the club further.

Anyway i could go on forever and bore you all to death.

Basically i think there is plenty of room for all of us in this big country, and i would rather have a close aliance with a bunch of like minded and pssionate people than loose that privalege squibbling over members.

One day the Euroford Club might event take over RSOCV - you never know.

Cheers, Glenn
ST170, 75 MK1 RS2000(GpC), 70 Twin Cam, 73 Mexico replica, 75 MK1 1300 (grannymobile) and soon possibly a 76 Ghia Automatic.

[Bucknaked]

Whats RSOCV?

[WASACL]

Well i thought i'd throw my 20c in just for the fun of it.

It doesnt matter what brand, design, or make of car makes up a club... As long as the members are good people it will make a good club! And we have a pretty good club going!

Russ's words of wisdom for the day!

Russ

[LuvinmyEB]

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

Whats RSOCV?

Have a look for yourself RSOCV. ;)

[Bucknaked]

Thanks. Having a look now

[Timmeh]

Originally Posted by WASACL

Well i thought i'd throw my 20c in just for the fun of it.

It doesnt matter what brand, design, or make of car makes up a club... As long as the members are good people it will make a good club! And we have a pretty good club going!

Russ's words of wisdom for the day!

Russ

Yeah, what you say is true, the quality of people is what makes the club, and so far, it's been outstanding.

That's one thing that has always impressed me about this club.

Also, thanks to Glenn for your reply, much appreciated.

Tim

[RSgerry]

well, living in perth means that it is a little awkard for me, but i might be coming to melbourne later this year. if there is some club event on, i t would be great catching up with you all.

as for allowing Escorts, i reckon go for it. essentially, a club is a group of people who have a common interest and are keen to meet other likeminded folk. excluding some people for whatever reason if they feel they should be included, only ends breeding ill feeling.

good luk with it :-)

[OZXR4]

let them in, let them in i say! that is where ford in rallying started it is ford heratige. plus some could beat the pants off some the moden cars.

[LuvinmyEB]

Originally Posted by ozmondeo

plus some could beat the pants off some the moden cars.

*grins* you better believe it. :hihi:

[whippet_zetec]

Originally Posted by vista75

And if i could make one or two suggestions for your Club right now - i think you need to consider things outside of the web - communication, flyers, a mailbox. There is whole world out there the internet doesn't reach - hard to believe but true.
And i think you need to consider a membership fee, even if its a token amount to begin. This will help build some funds that can then be used to develop the club further.

Anyway i could go on forever and bore you all to death.
.

Funny you should mention these things, while on the last EuroFord Cruise in Sydney we were discussing this very thing at one of our stops.

Items we discussed were;
* flyers to stick on other euroford windscreens when we spot one (everyone to have a bundle in their glove box or we do a target area on a weekend like Westfield Parramatta shopping centre car park)
* a club sticker for our rear windows that stands out and people can read
* maybe getting out to any car days for other clubs/models/makes and try to get some interest going that way. For example at the V8 SuperCar round at Eastern Creek a few Ford Clubs get together in the internal car park and set up a roped off area for their cars.

[Timmeh]

I've just split the original thread into two separate threads for the different subjects now...

One issue that we have brought up with flyers before - they are considered Littering in NSW (and other states) if you just put them under wipers - you actually have to hand them to the person, otherwise you can get a fine for every brochure you leave Unlikely, but it's a possibility, and I wouldn't want to see club members get nailed for it, or the club liable. Handing face to face is ok though.

Club sticker - once again raised, wasn't a subject actioned in 2004, noone submitted any designs. I've been toying with a couple, still want suggestions if ayone has the time.

I want to get a banner made up for car shows for NSW, can look at the possibility of getting two made at once, send one down to Vic also.

Lotsy and Fast Eddie were looking at shirts and stuff, but I am not sure how far we could go as we still didn't have a logo sorted out, same as the club sticker dilemma.

I think for us to move forward, we need to have some people ste up to the challenge and get a logo together for a sticker and / or shirts? Also for the banner. I don't think it needs to be overly complicated, it has to be clear to read if you were in a car behind, from a small distance etc.

I appreciate your advice Glenn (vista75), we have tended to be a (completely) internet focused community.

Unsure on the membership fee yet, it's not something I think will go down too well with people of course, but might be able to do some other fund raising things instead.

Anything said here is entirely my opinion, and everyones comments are more than welcome.

Tim

[whippet_zetec]

I was toying around with a few sticker designs last year while procastinating on study for Uni (thank god I passed last year and graduated). Just couldnt get something I was happy with, and if I wasnt happy with it I wasnt going to show it around.

I was trying to work something with the "focus font" that Chris got me but I couldnt seem to get it to come up on my pc, I installed to the font directory, and it was there but word wouldnt select it as a font for some reason. (was thinking that the ffocus.co.uk sticker looks pretty sweet)

didnt know about the issue with chucking flyers under windscreen wipers on cars, quite interesting and if its illegal better not to do it.

As for member fee, I am all for it, use the money to get things rolling on some club things. Others may not feel the same way here.

[Teki04]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great idea!!!!!!!!!!!!! if we drive around with the euroford stickers, focus and fiesta owners (seenn heappppps of both) will visit the site, meaning possibly a large amount of members. Sounds like a done deal to me, both for members and the club itself....

[Teki04]

Oh, and logos... maybe EFC in a ford logo? or a europe map with fordclub on it? (although too hard to make)... and not sure what else.... ne suggestions people? come on! help here...

[fordel]

The font worked ok for me, took a bit to get it coming up, cant remember if i had to install it or anything other then just putting in the fonts dir tho

I have some thoughts on a sticker design etc, but as i suck at drawing might have to try and describe them at a later stage, will chat to Tim first.

Could really just come up with 1 simple design for stickers and that would look good on caps/shirts as well

Obviously something in blue, with white writing on the cap and just above a pocket or something on a shirt.

Thats about all i can think of atm

Chris

[Timmeh]

Ok, for the potentially blind and otherwise unaware, there is a new thread on club stickers / logo here:
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=4266

The other issues are still very open, I'll list them again for comments from the gallery:

- Flyers to hand out
- Other non internet propoganda?
- Club merchandise?
- Banners to be made for car shows
- Fundraising ideas
- Events with other clubs
- Types of events people want to attend

I, for one, definitely want to do a drag day, maybe at WSID. Boy, you don't need a rocket to have fun there, dial-ins are so much fun, I had a ball last time I went (and you get to see other awesome cars close up). It's a great experience.

Any comments on the issues raised?

Tim

[RichieMK6]

just need to keep it profetional but , we had the same ideas at preludeaustralia.com now that site is getting ppl from overseas joining up , have a look , might get some ideas from it