From today, I retire as Cliosport Events Manager / Admin. As one of the co-founders of Cliosport, I can bow out happy in the knowledge that we built a great club, made a lot of people happy, ran brilliant and unforgettable holidays every year, organised some wicked events and raised the profile of Clios in the eyes of modders and enthusiasts from nothing.
I can honestly say that there really was no proper Clio scene before we started up, so whatever happens in the future, thats something that the hard-working admin staff, loyal members and countless forum users can be proud of.
As most of you already know, Im having to sell my Clio Turbo to finance a house move, I live miles from anywhere and anyone, and now Im in my 30s I just dont seem to have the time, the money or the burning desire to keep at my job as Events Manager. My wife Amanda (who some of you know) and I just have other priorities now. From now on Events will be taken over by the other admin staff and they have my very best wishes. I will always be there in the background if they need any help in sorting out club events or driving holidays abroad - you make a lot of contacts in 4 years of slowly building up club events...
Enough about me. A few parting comments that everyone can take how they want, my opinions on a few things I suppose.
1. Please support the club by turning out for our big events. 120-130 Clios at FCS was an incredible sight, when compared to our first meets where we were lucky to see half a dozen Clios on a wintry Southend seafront!
2. We are very cheap to join compared to almost all other proper clubs and do much much more for our members than many others who charge £20-£30 a year. Bear that in mind before you decide to complain about some aspect of the Cliosport.
3. Our admin staff need support from our rank and file members. Ive never been at the frontline of forum moderating or admin luckily; I concentrated on other stuff. But it really is a chore running this forum and processing memberships and I know for a fact that just a few supportive messages and more importantly, strong back-up for admin in public when one particular forum user or member is ragging on them...that really helps and keeps admin going when they feel like they are getting abused for just trying to make things run smooth. They might make mistakes, but so does everyone. CS admin staff dont owe anyone anything and if you think you can do a better job, then start your own club and forum.
4. Carry on the good work with reaching out to other clubs and their members. Interclub events and meets are where its at. Show goodwill to other enthusiasts. As long as they drive Renaults that is!
5. Remember this is a car club - everything should be on topic IMHO. But what do I know?
6. Respect to clubs like RSC and RTOC. Keep doing your thing. Good luck to Williams Clio, you look to be making a great start.
Cant think of anything else, but thanks to all the people over the years whove made CS what it is and helped out by just turning up for meets, going on RR days, showing up at Santa Pod or York, come on the CS Easter holidays, given me advice on something techical, or anything else Ive forgotten. I cant say how much thats all been appreciated, and extra special thanks to all the founding members, admin staff, and any of the old school crowd - you know who you are.
All the best,
Nick Read
Cliosport Events Manager (retired)
[Edited by specialK on 26 June 2005 at 6:24pm]
