[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally posted by Tony Smith
.... Has Corowa grown too much to retain the original flavour of a low-key social gathering where people manage their own activities? Has it now become an Event (with a capital E!) that needs to be choreographed from Go to Whoa? If the centre of attractions is somewhere other than the Ball Park Caravan Park, then where exactly is "Corowa" happening? Has Corowa become the Theme, or is it still the socialising with mates by the river?

Geoff, you say that basing the tracked vehicles at the Airport is intended to be complementary to what is going on at the Caravan Park, but by it's very nature it is quite divisive and literally splitting Corowa into "Two Camps". I KNOW that having the Tracked vehicles away from the Caravan Park is just plain common sense and fully understand that people will want to remain camped close to their tracked vehicles, but many people see this as splitting everyone into the "Ballpark crowd" or the "Airport crowd". And people will resent that.

I personally feel that the "Theme years" and Guinness Record attempts, while entertaining to attend, have been detrimental to the flavour of Corowa Week. They are a great idea, but ought to separated from Corowa both geographically and seasonally (Ganmain 08, Year of the Blitz?), or perhaps reduced to every 3 or 4 years. It has grown to a point that it now exceeds the capacity of the venue. Do we pack it all up and move to a new, larger venue, or do we rein it in to keep it much as it always has been?

Thanks Tony, a very thought-provoking post indeed.

Speaking personally, I'm rather partial to the 'theme' aspect of Corowa, acknowledging at the same time that it has both pros and cons - positive because it focuses special interests every year, negative because of its potential to subtly disenfranchise those who don't own or aren't particularly interested in the 'flavour of the year' (or more likely, simply dissuade them from coming at all, although from what I gather that's not the case).

In any event, we could, if you wish, debate this ad infinitum in a separate thread in this Corowa subforum - I for one would be very interested to hear the opinions of other attendees, perhaps those who might otherwise be intimidated by the simmering and distasteful "us vs them" elements in this particular thread. What do you think? If amenable to the idea, would you care to start this, or shall I?

Regards this year, it seems that barring something dramatic, it's going to happen as tentatively planned now, and it truly will be unique. My perspective is that if it's done correctly, there will be a minimum of friction between the two camps - and that can only be determined by the 'players' themselves. There's no question that having two separate camps will result in some spending more time than others in one of the two zones of activity, but I think we can anticipate a fairly steady traffic between the two, all week.

I do know what you're alluding to regards potentially 'diluting' that traditional atmosphere of 'gathering with your mates', and will readily acknowledge that it's a really tough call. Shall I stay here, or shall I stay there? I want to sit down with so-and-so for a few pints, but then I won't be able to drive back and forth, will I? Given I'm camping at one or another of the locations, in which will I spend the majority of my time?

And so on. I can't honestly answer you right now on where even I would spend the greater portion of my time... it's a tough call without actually being there. There will inevitably be people in both camps I'd like to socialise with, and while since I don't drink driving's not a problem, timing and opportunity may well be awkward. Others will inevitably feel the same.

Equally inevitably, though, I also think that Corowa has been a fixture for long enough that these issues will resolve themselves, find their own equilibrium if you will. Am I way off-base here?

All I do know, right here, right now, is that we have what many consider a unique workable concept to explore and execute if feasible. I think this investigation must be resolved through consensus before we can look to the future; if it cannot, so be it - Corowa continues as it has been, and hopefully with all parties present regardless. If it can, Corowa takes a bold and courageous step forward, perhaps one not to be repeated, but then that's another discussion altogether, is it not?

I don't think anyone will argue the point of my last paragraph.

Over to you sir, with thanks.

Geoff/Jif (SUNRAY can be frightfully confused these days )