I'll tell you what will kill the forum......

I check the site every morning to acknowledge members birthdays.
I like browsing while the wife watches Bake Off / cooking programs…. so I browse a lot ( and learn stuff on the way.)

 

Is this the annual “everyone is *******ed off because it’s the end of the camping season, so let’s bicker until spring” thread? If so, no need! It’s going to be hot again this weekend, so no need to feel grumpy until at least the week after.

 

Fair enough, I obviously missed something. Same to @Moons.

 

I really like the sound of trying to refrain from first names in the main if you can. I think at least give it a bit of a shot if you can. There’s no need for admonishing peeps if they forget and call me Steve or Stephen even . Refrain from using others names including forum names may have the effect of reducing imagined cliqueness unless you’re actually trying to say “Helen told me so “ or whatever. There seems to be quite a few Steves about and Simons too for that matter
Might indeed be interesting for a little brainstorming into making a ‘How Too’ on making newer peeps feel more welcome, less intimidated, and wanted, plus getting their joining in willingly even when they ask “What Oil” or “Do they all steer like this” or “Why is it so slow’ and general things that we’ve all heard once or twice before.


Ozziedog ,,,,,,,,,,, there’s a bit more camping yet folks.

 

People see things in different ways - no need to apologise - I haven't and won't be on that subject not because of an incredible ego I just return fire with fire - but I also appreciate that I can rub people up the wrong way so am not a victim.

I'm not here to put words in peoples mouths - @rickyrooo1 was in a tough place back then - he is 1000% happier now. I can't comment on Fish motives - a few of us took a lot of stress for what remains a mystery to me.

I miss some of the people that we never saw again, others I dont - we aren't all going to get along, if you try you cease to be your true self and end up as a pawn - no one wants that.

 

I tell you what is funny - far beyond the cyber world is calling people in real life what their profile names are if its something daft, that can't be abbreviated - in a field in Leicestershire, after a hard day laying abo.....er.....spannering.

Its hard to fix the familiarity thing - not sure how it can be done because this forum isn't removed from real life - people do meet up, sometimes big groups meet up and those that don't attend can be left out. No idea how that is fixed.

 

I hadn’t considered the reverse, and now I see that face to face it could be quite hilarious and I know my memory fails me frequently and could indeed end up in laughs at Lutterworth.

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,maybe a trial?

 

I think I've only been maybe 3 times myself - but it is funny.

You also realise some people are quite different in real life to how they are on here - take @Baysearcher, over the years he has softened a fair amount but when I first joined he was pretty to the point.


Meet him in real life and you realise he's a big cuddly bear in a dodgy hat and rigger boots.




Edit: to add, he does actually wear clothes as well - he isn't some form of Bristolian strip o gram wondering around the place in only a hat and boots.

 

I must admit, despite what everyone who attends says, Techenders does come across as a boozy gathering of a select few.
I’m determined to get to one when I’m not on holiday….the September one is often around my wedding anniversary and like @Barry Haynes , I’ve had 3 weddings and don’t want any more.

This isn’t intended as a criticism and I’m certainly not having a go at anyone….it’s probably me being shy/over sensitive…. but I do understand the point of view regarding newbies.
Everyone I’ve met in person have been friendly and welcoming and ( in general) the forum is very supportive.
We all have our off/grumpy days and posts like texts can be misinterpreted.

 

I can see how it reads like that at times - but usually its 30+ vans and often its protagonist and a partner who couldn't find an excuse not to go that week, sometimes its families - what I'm driving at is its a lot of people and a genuinely open invite, not 4 or 5 of the same crew.

I don't drink - years working the doors also makes me abhor boozy gatherings - especially middle aged ones - and I can tell you it really isn't like that.


The only solution is to come along - I've not been for a few years having moved a lot further south - but will be looking to start back next year.

 

Next year is “the year”….. hopefully.

 

It will be good to meet you

For years Mrs para thought it was a group of greasy sweary blokes in a field working on engines and drinking beer.

I convinced her to come to one to see for herself and my youngest daughter came along also.

Both of them haven’t missed one since and have made friends of their own through the event.

In a world that’s quite daunting at the moment and people seemingly being less friendly to each other as time goes on.

Techenders is a calm oasis of chilled vibes and freindly folk.

 

Pretty much what I said…