The (hopefully permanent) "Happy Stuff" thread

Greem · 7 Sep 2011, 09:21 (Ref:2952052)

In the grand tradition of Internet Fora (no, not Forums!), and as a counterpoint to the "Moaning" thread, II bring you:

The (hopefully permanent) "Happy Stuff" thread

As the name suggests, anything you're feeling chuffed about should go in here. Passed an upgrade assessment? Well done, let us all know about it! Had a driver or team bring coffee and cakes or sandwiches out to post in the middle of a long hard day? In here please!

We're very quick to moan (as pointed out elsewhere) but very slow to be outwardly happy about things. This is the place to do that.

Only one condition: if something gets posted in here and you *really* disagree with it, then either don't reply (I know that can be hard!) or post in the "Moaning" thread.

Let's hear about all the good stuff in here

m1fcf · 7 Sep 2011, 10:14 (Ref:2952081)

OK - Sounds fair.

I'll start with a few Good Bits that I really like:
(1) The donuts from the CSCC guys - the gesture is much appreciated, but not by my waistline!!
(2) The genuine thanks and appreciation from the MGCC guys when they came to Thruxton. When walking back through the paddock after the day had finished, everyone took the time to say thank you.
(3) Each and every time that (1) and (2) happens
(4) The cheery wave from Kart 20 at Thruxton at the weekend in the last race. Especially as when he stopped by us, the engine was looking and sounding terminal.
(5) The friendliness and welcome that you get from *everybody* at Gurston - Everybody should try that venue at least once.

socko · 7 Sep 2011, 11:25 (Ref:2952127)

Its my first year so my happy stuff might seem daft to others

Meeting loads if nice helpfull people who have enriched my days
Getting to play with racing cars every weekend
Hog roast and beer at CSCC
Still getting a bit giddy when walking onto a race track even if its just to kick gravel
The smell of proban first thing in the morning
The excitment of sign on
And going home knackered but happy that i made a difference with my Sunday

Bodysnatcher · 7 Sep 2011, 11:33 (Ref:2952135)

Happy Days - when everyone in the team knows what they're meant to do and do it well with the absolute minimum of supervision or persuasion.

SuperDuff · 7 Sep 2011, 11:34 (Ref:2952136)

In my very short experience so far, my "Happy Stuffs" are:

1) Being waved at by the drivers at the end of the race
2) Raffles (particularly ones I win)
3) A smile at sign on (little things at that time of the day!)
4) Castle Combe and Silverstone
5) packing my tent away in the dry!

I also like learning stuff and picking peoples' brains which nearly everyone has been really good with

NewYankee01 · 7 Sep 2011, 11:37 (Ref:2952138)

Quote:

Originally Posted by m1fcf

Gurston - Everybody should try that venue at least once.

i will undoubtably make the 480 mile round trip to get the prestigous g.i.t badge next year, i dont know how many times ill have to go before i qualify for one, looks good on youtube so harewood will have to take a back seat for a bit and they might be glad to see the back of me aswell!...

NewYankee01 · 7 Sep 2011, 11:45 (Ref:2952148)

1) being on post, them helping me/me helping them, i hope
2) being acknowledged by the drivers, esp after a right flag call
3) being ready and doing enough meetings to upgrade race, kart, speed, rally disciplines in my first year, bit more to do specialist wise
4) winning the raffles,
5) being up close to and pushing almost all the cars and drivers (though i havent pushed them!) i have wanted to see all within a year
6) finishing work for the weekend and knowing i get to go marshalling again!
7) getting stuff bought for me from the drivers

HairyDJ · 7 Sep 2011, 11:55 (Ref:2952160)

1/ taking folk around Silverstone on taster days
2/ seeing them go home with a big grin following an afternoon on the bank
3/ meeting them at sign on the next week!
4/ watching folk I've helped as newbies wearing their upgrade badges

White flag man · 7 Sep 2011, 12:13 (Ref:2952172)

Meeting such great people, among the marshaling community, that they are prepared to invite you and drive you hundreds of miles across Eourope to marshal at events (Spa 24hrs, Nordschleife) you've always wanted to.
Paul Buckland and Graham Vince, I will always be in your debt.

AMP Marshal · 7 Sep 2011, 12:23 (Ref:2952178)

1 Getting waves from car guys / girls after the race.
2 Getting waves from bike guys / girls after the race.
3 The ability to still do this mad volunteering after 17 years.
4 The smell of agonized clutches, brake rotors and locked up wheels early in the morning.
5 The huge comradery with my fellow marshals, priceless stuff BTW.
6 Winning stuff.
7 Getting my ears split open on that first pass of Formula 1 cars in Montreal every June.

These are in no particular order, just typed as I thought.

Steve Tarrant · 7 Sep 2011, 12:41 (Ref:2952191)

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewYankee01

i will undoubtably make the 480 mile round trip to get the prestigous g.i.t badge next year, i dont know how many times ill have to go before i qualify for one, looks good on youtube so harewood will have to take a back seat for a bit and they might be glad to see the back of me aswell!...

All I'll say is that I have been working at Gurston for 7 seasons now, and I still don't have a G.I.T. name or badge. Just turning up isn't enough, something has to happen as well.

But the venue is a superb place to visit, especially on one of the bank holidays when the British Nationals are on!

Happy bits???
Meeting good friends each time I arrive at a venue.
Appreciation from drivers, teams and my fellow colleagues, whether by waves, doughnuts (bribery is always welcome!) or a simple "Thank You".
Going home with good memories.
Amazing new friends with what I do!!!!!! And beating the British H&SE whenever possible!

nate93 · 7 Sep 2011, 13:30 (Ref:2952212)

The warm welcome from everyone at sign! (especially being a relative newbie)
The "warm, fuzzy" feeling when a driver or team come to thank you at the end of the day.
Getting the "Spirit of the rally" at the S&HMC Bickerton skoda stages
Being able to go pretty much where I want and attend which events I want to.

NewYankee01 · 7 Sep 2011, 13:41 (Ref:2952218)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Tarrant

All I'll say is that I have been working at Gurston for 7 seasons now, and I still don't have a G.I.T. name or badge. Just turning up isn't enough, something has to happen as well.

i think if you "work" there perhaps that could be the basis of your git name!

i know exactly what you mean though...

Cerberus · 7 Sep 2011, 13:47 (Ref:2952221)

Getting to meet lots of people in my first full year Marshalling who have been so helpful passing on thier knowledge, advice and experience.

The noise and anticipation when standing by the side of the grid during the countdown/race start at the Masters at Donington last weekend with the old F1 and Sports Cars.

Looking forward to the alarm clock going off at 6am on a Saturday and Sunday morning.

Getting upgraded from Trainee to Track - really must get round to purchasing the green badge to sew onto my overalls.

The feeling of being involved in Motorsport again after too many years away.

A thankyou from the I/O, Post Chief, Race Control, Driver.

The feeling of camaraderie, team work and a job well done.

Cerberus · 7 Sep 2011, 19:15 (Ref:2952351)

And at this time of night my glass is most certainly half full.

Raising my glass to thank everyone who has helped me this year. Already looking forward to 2012 were, hopefully, I can continue to gain knowledge & experience while also passing on my very limited knowledge to others.

Jacko · 7 Sep 2011, 19:22 (Ref:2952353)

On the bank at Goodwood Revival. Bliss!!

White flag man · 7 Sep 2011, 20:57 (Ref:2952390)

Blue flagging Silverstone LMS 1000kms, more bliss.

NewYankee01 · 7 Sep 2011, 21:16 (Ref:2952401)

i certainly would like to give a mention all the people who ive been on post and at the campsites with all year, its been an incredible 8 months of marshalling, what ive seen, done, gained, in that time would have taken years and years as a spectator if id have ever got round to spectating anyway.

ive never regretted doing an event, some have been boring at times, some have made me very nervous, and some ive done some silly things in, and that's just the rallying! circuit/kart and speed wise im usually the chod with the rags and sticks, im so grateful that i got to flag after my second event by myself with 5 minutes talk through of how to use each flag effectively, a very hands on approach! thankfully the pc on that day guided me to not making a complete has on that day and since then i use all the flags quite a lot without any drivers displaying the bird yet...!

im hoping 2012 will be the start of going international marshalling, big time, ive got a big list just for next year. i might have to bump this thread next year and tell you all about it, if you want to read my ramblings...

NewYankee01 · 7 Sep 2011, 21:19 (Ref:2952405)

Quote:

Originally Posted by White flag man

Blue flagging Silverstone LMS 1000kms, more bliss.

blue flag, lms, stop it. thats my idea of marshalling paradise!

chezza · 8 Sep 2011, 09:01 (Ref:2952554)

Hopefully you won't need to bump it up to talk about your happiness as it'll still be going all on its own because we'll be happy

Steven Humphrey · 8 Sep 2011, 16:55 (Ref:2952805)

40 odd LMS cars thundering by a few feet away for a rolling start

Piglet · 8 Sep 2011, 16:59 (Ref:2952809)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Humphrey

40 odd LMS cars thundering by a few feet away for a rolling start

You should try Le Mans - 50 cars and 24 hours now that is bliss

Steven Humphrey · 8 Sep 2011, 18:24 (Ref:2952854)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piglet

You should try Le Mans - 50 cars and 24 hours now that is bliss

Been twice as a speccie & it's top of my marshalling to-do list. Just waiting for the right time financially!

Lrawlings · 8 Sep 2011, 18:34 (Ref:2952860)

Quote:

Originally Posted by m1fcf

OK - Sounds fair.

I'll start with a few Good Bits that I really like:
(1) The donuts from the CSCC guys - the gesture is much appreciated, but not by my waistline!!
(2) The genuine thanks and appreciation from the MGCC guys when they came to Thruxton. When walking back through the paddock after the day had finished, everyone took the time to say thank you.
(3) Each and every time that (1) and (2) happens
(4) The cheery wave from Kart 20 at Thruxton at the weekend in the last race. Especially as when he stopped by us, the engine was looking and sounding terminal.
(5) The friendliness and welcome that you get from *everybody* at Gurston - Everybody should try that venue at least once.

Was at those events too. Couldn't agree more! As for the hill climb..... Will be there on Sunday. First time ! ;-)

The Flagman · 8 Sep 2011, 18:36 (Ref:2952863)

Having my Volunteering Slip for Goodwood Revival accepted for the fourteenth year in a row - flagging at 2F
.
Happiest moment - the very first Revival just as the track was opening Ray Hanna flying his Spitfire along the start/finish straight about 10m off the ground. Unbelieveable. And every air display at the event since especially the early evening flying intended for Lord March's guests that catches the campsite full chat.

See you next week for some more.

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