Reminder of the rules regarding Rally guests.

As I understand them, and I’m quite happy to be corrected, the principle reason for the procedures is to encourage people to join the club, therefore, setting friends aside of bands, trade stands, commercial supporters etc. guests are supposed to be effectively prospective members.

I can understand that exceptions to this can occur, but they are exceptions not the rule.

The procedure when a member wants to bring a guest is: (only current members can invite guests)

1/         The member contacts their centre rep and asks if it ok to bring the guest. (This is because it is the centre rep who takes responsibility for the guest’s behaviour)

2/         The centre rep contacts the centre rep of the hosting centre to advise the guests name and the name of the member who invited them.

3/         The guest pays the guest fee for attendance which may be higher than the members tickets.

When the guest arrives, or indeed anyone turning up without their current membership card, the member and guest lists are checked to ensure they are current paid up members or listed guests. If they are not then further checks have to be made to ensure they are entitled to attend, this takes time and may cause embarrassment. It may even result in the “guest” being refused entry.

It is NOT ok to do any of the following:

For a member to buy member tickets to give to a non member or a guest to pay the reduced member price.

For a guest to turn up without the above procedure being followed.

For any non-member to invite anyone. (This includes non-renewing members)

For anyone, other than the centre rep of the hosting centre, to agree to a guest attending.

Sorry to go on about this, and to leave it so late, but I’ve spent too many hours over the last few days on the phone and replying to emails from all sorts of non-members, most of whom I’ve never heard of, telling me they are coming to our rally.

Family members, partners or family living at the same address as the member, are not considered guests and do not have to follow the above procedure but they would normally be expected to arrive with the member who can vouch for them or at least know who the person they live with is.

The bottom line is that my people will have been instructed that NOBODY gets in unless they are on the list. This is to ensure the security and safety of those members and guests who are entitled to enjoy the rally weekend.

Lastly the advance members price (£15) for our rally is for tickets bought in advance by and for members. If members ask for tickets to be “set aside” for them without paying in advance the price for those tickets will be the “Gate” or Guest price (£18)

Please let your members know and I hope those of you who do attend have a damn good time.