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Yorkshire
I was delighted with the attendance at our 3rd FRA Social on 4th September. The 14 roboteers present had a lively discussion in the well-appointed room above the bar at the Rat and Ratchet in Huddersfield. The new regional link-person, Trevor Wright, was there, as was Jonno, the Roaming Robots organiser. We also attracted a local father and son that were new to the sport, and wanted to start building a robot.
Most of the discussion centred on the future of fighting robots after the cancellation of the FRA World Championships, and the sort of arena that would be needed. Of course everyone was very disappointed at the last-minute cancellation. The following points were agreed:-
1. There needs to be a World (or least UK) Championship in 2005. The dates and location need to be determined quickly, so that advertising preparation can start, and so that roboteers do not abandon the sport. (There were 2 teams in the meeting that were holding back from building a new robot.)
2. The sport would only have a long term future if audiences were attracted to the competitions, and from this new competitors came forwards. Sport for competitors only will not work in the longer term.
3. Some people would be able to go to the Robolympics in the USA, but this would not be sufficient to keep the sport flourishing in the UK.
4. The provision of free hotel accommodation was not essential. It was much more important to give good notice of competition dates, and stick to them.
5. It would be possible to link the World Championship to another different 5+ day event to minimise costs and help to achieve the required audience level.
6. The Championship should be held in a major centre of population.
7. A reasonable entry fee for events is acceptable to most roboteers, provided that there are monetary prizes, or some way of sharing out the profits made on the events.
8. There needs to be four class 2 arena events per year that allow spinners to participate. (There was a preference for a rectangular arena.)
9. The FRA Executive may not wish to become an event organiser, but may have to take this role, if no organiser comes forward.
In response to these points Jonno said that he was determined there will be a suitable arena to ensure that there will be an FRA World Championship next year.
There was also a brief discussion about the Roaming Robots Winter Tour. This would follow the successful format used by Jonno at Newcastle, giving plenty of audience entertainment with encouragement for them to take sides, and even participate, driving destructobots. He needs a minimum of 6 heavyweights at each events - more is a bonus. There might be bus transport arranged for the Edinburgh venue.
It was agreed that the next meeting Yorkshire meeting would be at 7.30pm on Saturday, 6th November. (There would also probably be an FRA Social in the Lincoln area on Saturday 2nd October.) Jonathon Lumb agreed to follow up with the new landlord of the Rat and Ratchet (when in post). Andrew Webster agreed to look at a possible meeting place in Flockton. This would be easier for those travelling from the South of the area.
Jeremy Cuss
I was delighted with the attendance at our 3rd FRA Social on 4th September. The 14 roboteers present had a lively discussion in the well-appointed room above the bar at the Rat and Ratchet in Huddersfield. The new regional link-person, Trevor Wright, was there, as was Jonno, the Roaming Robots organiser. We also attracted a local father and son that were new to the sport, and wanted to start building a robot.
Most of the discussion centred on the future of fighting robots after the cancellation of the FRA World Championships, and the sort of arena that would be needed. Of course everyone was very disappointed at the last-minute cancellation. The following points were agreed:-
1. There needs to be a World (or least UK) Championship in 2005. The dates and location need to be determined quickly, so that advertising preparation can start, and so that roboteers do not abandon the sport. (There were 2 teams in the meeting that were holding back from building a new robot.)
2. The sport would only have a long term future if audiences were attracted to the competitions, and from this new competitors came forwards. Sport for competitors only will not work in the longer term.
3. Some people would be able to go to the Robolympics in the USA, but this would not be sufficient to keep the sport flourishing in the UK.
4. The provision of free hotel accommodation was not essential. It was much more important to give good notice of competition dates, and stick to them.
5. It would be possible to link the World Championship to another different 5+ day event to minimise costs and help to achieve the required audience level.
6. The Championship should be held in a major centre of population.
7. A reasonable entry fee for events is acceptable to most roboteers, provided that there are monetary prizes, or some way of sharing out the profits made on the events.
8. There needs to be four class 2 arena events per year that allow spinners to participate. (There was a preference for a rectangular arena.)
9. The FRA Executive may not wish to become an event organiser, but may have to take this role, if no organiser comes forward.
In response to these points Jonno said that he was determined there will be a suitable arena to ensure that there will be an FRA World Championship next year.
There was also a brief discussion about the Roaming Robots Winter Tour. This would follow the successful format used by Jonno at Newcastle, giving plenty of audience entertainment with encouragement for them to take sides, and even participate, driving destructobots. He needs a minimum of 6 heavyweights at each events - more is a bonus. There might be bus transport arranged for the Edinburgh venue.
It was agreed that the next meeting Yorkshire meeting would be at 7.30pm on Saturday, 6th November. (There would also probably be an FRA Social in the Lincoln area on Saturday 2nd October.) Jonathon Lumb agreed to follow up with the new landlord of the Rat and Ratchet (when in post). Andrew Webster agreed to look at a possible meeting place in Flockton. This would be easier for those travelling from the South of the area.
Jeremy Cuss
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