Hampton Roads Club Mini

So, why did I buy a Mini?  I bought my first Mini, a 1972 Austin, back when I was stationed in England.  I bought it because it was an icon in the motoring world and the enthusiasts are mental about them.  My family and I got involved with the scene across the pond and absolutely loved it.  So in 2005 it was time to come back to the states and our little Mini came with us.  I didn’t expect the motoring scene to be as big here as it was there, but then I found this little Yahoo group called Hampton Roads Club MINI and joined them for what turned out to be our first of many events, the Pungo Strawberry Festival.  We met a lot of great people and were instantly welcomed in with open arms.

So in 2006 we bought our second MINI, for my wife, and continued to hit as many events as we had time too.  We participated in the Guinness Ferry Run, the Mini Pride Run, 1 and 2, several spirited runs through Smithfield, dinners and our successful Guinness Mini Parade.  I planned all the ice cream group meets until early 09 when I deployed.  There were times when we had 30 cars and times when we had 5.  We even had 264 once.  Does the amount really matter?  Do we have to be like “other” clubs?  I didn’t think we did.   

Since I’ve been back from Iraq things have moved at a lightning pace and we haven’t had a lot of time to get back involved in the Mini scene.   So last month we decided to go out to The Pub for the Wednesday meet.  It was great to see a lot of our friends that we have known for years.  But there was an air there that was a bit unsettling.  We did our best to be social considering the cramped seating and made our way around the table.  But it seemed almost like we got some “who are they and why are they coming to “our” meet” looks.  We both felt a little uncomfortable.  So we ate, said our goodbyes and left. 

So have we been relegated to the “owners of a MINI group”?  The ones who aren’t good Mini people because we don’t make it to very many events because life has changed and taken on some new priorities?  Instead of being a “Mini owner”, the ones that always wave, love their little cars, quirks and all, and still enjoys being able to show up to events and it seem like we never left?  I know people come and go and that nothing stays the same, but it seems lately that there is almost an elitist attitude, and that is nothing like what this or any Mini community is supposed to be. 

So there it is, the way that this one Mini family feels about their cars and community.  I love this group because it is the way it is.  I wish we could be at more events but things aren’t always so simple.  I truly enjoy seeing the friends we’ve made over the years and always look forward to making new ones.  Talking Minis and hanging out for no other reason than just to do it.  Please don’t lose your soul HRMINI, be the social motoring group you are with dinners and spirited runs, 1 car or 200 doesn’t matter, just be you.

Shawn     

Well said, Shawn!

Thanks guys and believe me when I say that I am not pointing out any one event or person.  The Pub night was just the event that sticks out since it was the most recent.  We felt out of place and not because of the people we knew, you all welcomed us back with open arms, but we felt a bit uncomfortable with some of the reaction we did get.

Kathy, we need someone to continue to plan events, before you Angela did most of the dinner planning and Ben before her.  I don't think of it as running the show. 

My only concern is that there seems to be a loss in what is most important to the Mini community, and that is fun and enjoyment of our cars and each other.  I have planned events where the only two Minis there were mine.  It happens, but it didn't bother me.  People have lives and I get that.  So the next one I planned had 15 or so.  The amount doesn't matter, the end result is, did I have fun?  And I always do. 

I know it's impossible to meet everyone everytime, but getting inquisitive looks instead of "hi, I'm so and so and our MINI is such and such, nice to meet you." is a bit disconcerting.  I also know not everyone is going to become best friends but atleast give it a chance. 

In the end, like I said before, HRMINI is a living breathing entity with a soul of its own.  Why try to change what works?  If you come to an event come friendly and with an open mind.  We all go for the same reason.  Forget about numbers and focus on the reason.

Shawn

It's kind of funny, because last night I got home from work and softball practice was cancelled, sweet I thought!  So I say to Mandy, hey, I know where we can go for dinner tonight.  She said she didn't really want to go out but after some aggressive "convincing" she yeilded, got ready and we left.  So we drove to our designated spot, parked next to a nice blue Clubby S with a black roof and the heli pad roof graphic and proceed to walk into The Pub to find our MINI friends.  But guess what, and I know you know what's coming next, I couldn't find anyone.  So we sat down by the entrance for a minute when "DING", it hits me.  "Hey Mandy, what day is it?"  I ask.  "It's Tuesday." she says.  "So do you want to stay here and eat or go somewhere else?" I ask.  When I get the inquisitive look I drop the bomb on her, "Um, it's not tonight, it's Wednesday night."  So needless to say I had to listen to her jabs and prods about needing a calender and about my someheimers all the way out to the car.

So as much as I would like to make it out tonight I have a softball game, but hey, I tried!

Shawn   

Shawn, that is pretty funny.  It is even better than the people that arrive on the Wednesday we are not there.