NatMeet 2006 (after) Thoughts

[JBT]

Well, one week since it was over and there really hasn’t been much comment on the whole NatMeet 2006 event. These are some of the team JBT perspectives.

Track Day

Great idea having it on the Thursday so that the locals could come and make it a separate event in time and cost. It also allowed time for those remaining to prep cars for concourse on the Saturday. It was a totally full day and, considering the numbers, went exceptionally well. I was kept busy waving flags at anyone who cared and the background organizers didn’t stop all day. Everyone had a big smile on his/her face all that day – even the less fortunate that had mechanical woes . It certainly involved extra travel time and expense for those competing from interstate but I never heard one single complaint or moan.

The Rest

It just never seemed to stop from the time we arrived at Kooralbyn on Good Friday. It started with the welcome packages on the bed (an excellent surprise) through to breakfast on Tuesday. I suppose a good indication of how much fun you’re having is asking (and being asked) “what day is it today?”. I doubt that anyone will ever forget the jungle theme night with the mystery location that turned out to be Dreamworld . It was complete with tiger show during aperitif’s and hors d’oeuvres, animal displays, rides on the buffer cars and the Tower of Terror (five goes was enough) followed by a buffet dinner and dancing to music by a DJ that read the crowd exactly. Day 1 (or was that 2?) finished at 1:00 am the next day.

It just kept going with drives, social things, food, drives, entertainment, food, drives and then the presentation dinner. The next thing it was Tuesday lunchtime and we were home again feeling like we’d been “transported” from OZ back to reality .

Overall

We went to NatMeet 2006 with mixed feelings on cost, program and some doubts about whether we would really enjoy it. Yes, the venue could do with a freshen up but never the less, it was the most enjoyable holiday that Mrs JBT (who, she says, is not really a “car” person) and I have ever had………..and we’ve had some doozies all over the world. Value for money was absolutely fantastic/unbeatable and the people we met and socialised with made it complete. We are still coming down from it one week later.

To The Organisers

You did a superb job from the birth of this event to keeping it on track and on schedule. We cannot think of one thing that would have made it better - except for days longer than 24 hours. A huge thank you for creating this highlight in our lives. It will be a very hard act to follow .

John and Marian

[Craig]

I didn't need to read all that JBT, I couldn't afford to go!

[JBT]

Start saving now for 2008

[Charlie Brown]

Couldn't agree more with you JBT, my first Natmeet and what a great time we had.

Trackday will remain memorable for more than one reason. My almost now standard “off” set back the NC’s Concours preparation about two weeks, which we didn’t have but it didn’t matter in the scheme of things.

I would have loved another track day to see what times were really possible around the track.

We had four days at Broadbeach and two at Woopie to try and recover from the hectic Natmeet schedule.

It was good to put faces to those who come on this site, though there were quite a few I missed at track day, I was thinking of other things at the time.

Thanks to Wendy, David, Peter and Ruth who unselfishly put in so much time and effort to provide those who attended with an unforgettable event.

For those who didn’t attend, I can only say to start putting $10 away each week so you don’t miss the next one in Victoria.

[Natmeet2006]

Thanks JBT and CB for the Natmeet wrap! We got a real buzz out of seeing it all come together and everyone enjoying the events we had planned.

What was great was how everyone threw themselves into all the activities! Thanks for being such a terrific group.

We're starting to save already for Natmeet 2008 in Victoria. Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Christopher (aka \"David\") & Wendy

[jncook]

I echo all that has been said. I am one of the lucky people who has been able to attend them all. They have all been different and ALL have been really good. The people are what makes it so good.
I know there have always been lots of comments about letting people attend on a daily basis. Actually staying there and meeting for the evening entertainment, whatever it might be, and then again at breakfast is part of the \"bonding\" process. George, aka Benny, says it it like going away for the weekend with 60 or 80 of your best friends! He is right! You are never alone, there is always someone to go and sit with and get to know!
Start saving now!
See you all in Vic in 2008!
PS. I hate all the names on this forum! I wish I had known who all of you were when I met you!

[JBT]

A collection of photos is now posted here

[miata]

NATMEET is a great event and just seems to get better every time it's held. From what I saw of this one, it was up to the usual standard. I really enjoyed the chance to come out and say hello to lots of old friends.