Silverstone Camping update

[jase]

Last week Mike Abbott and John Newman had a meeting with Octagons rep regatding the regular season's camping at Silverstone, some readers here may have already seen this, however for those who havent:

TO: BMMC (SOUTH MIDS) MEMBERS

10th April '02


As some of you will be aware, John Newman and I had a meeting on Monday afternoon with Mike Debono (Group Operations Director of Octagon Motorsports) in an attempt to resolve the present impasse in regard to future arrangements for a marshals' campsite facility. The need for an arrangement on similar lines to that which has prevailed for many years was our primary concern, together with the present need to vacate the "single meeting" facility (adjacent to Woodcote Corner) on the evening of the final day of the meetings in question.

The various problems facing both Octagon and the marshals affected by recent events were discussed fully and frankly. In consequence, John and I are now more aware of the problems facing Octagon (including, not least, the huge operation necessary to prepare for the Grand Prix in three months time) and, more importantly (from our point of view!), we are confident that Mike Debono is now more aware of both the problems facing those personnel who are directly or indirectly affected by the present unsatisfactory situation and the need for an acceptable solution to be found at the earliest possible opportunity.

The intended arrangements for the Grand Prix itself were not discussed in any detail as (a) it would appear that they meet with most people's general approval and (b) clearly this event involves many marshals who do not form the nucleus of Silverstone's marshalling force. Nevertheless, I am confident that Mike D. does appreciate that the provision of an acceptable arrangement for the G P has little bearing on all the other events throughout the season but that, conversely, the need to cater for the season as a whole is essential if manning levels for the G P are not be affected, perhaps seriously.

Without going into detail, it became clear that the terms of Octagon's lease on the Silverstone estate are such that the BRDC itself must be involved in discussions as a pre-requisite to any long-term arrangements. Accordingly, it was agreed that a meeting with Octagon and the Chief Executive (or a director) of the British Racing Drivers' Club would be arranged at the earliest opportunity with a view to resolving the most pressing aspects of the problem.

We are confident that Mike D. now fully appreciates the potentially serious effects - particularly in regard to manning levels - if the present inability to leave caravans in situ throughout the coming season cannot be overcome. I provided Mike with a mass of documentary evidence to support the contention that future meetings (in particular the two/three day variety) would suffer if a solution could not be found in the very near future. The "documentary evidence" comprised, in the main, (extracts of) e-mails received over the past two months; however, since the originators' permission to use them for this purpose was not generally sought, you have my assurance that none of the material provided was attributable to the individual writers thereof.

Though no arrangements can be finalised until the proposed further meeting takes place, we are now rather more hopeful that a solution will be found. In the circumstances, it is recommended that those of you who were resigned to the need to dispose of your caravans should refrain from doing so for a further short period. Equally importantly, we would ask you not to amend (or withdraw) your availability for two-day (or three-day) meetings pending further developments.

Whilst the situation for future years will be considered more fully at a later date, the present intention is to try to arrive at an acceptable compromise for this season before the point of no return (irrevocable disposal of one's caravan) is reached.

Finally, as you will no doubt appreciate, if the question of the season-long parking of caravans can be resolved, this will automatically overcome the problem (which has already become readily apparent to one or two of you) regarding the requirement to vacate the site following "close of play" on the (final) day of a meeting.

As I don't have the names and addresses of all those affected by the present situation, it will be appreciated if you will pass this on to any of your colleagues who may otherwise be unaware of these further developments.

[Marshal]

Thanks for the update Jason, and please keep us informed as to future developments.