Region 5, working very closely with MSV, has developed the detailed plans necessary this year under the current Covid-19 restrictions to stage the PCGB display area at the Oulton Park Gold Cup, which will be quite different to previous years.
The significant difference is that we have been allocated fewer tickets by MSV, due to the overall restrictions that MSV are working under, amounting to 100 tickets per day compared to the many more member applications received for the three-day event.
Following detailed committee discussions last week regarding the facilities to be provided by PCGB, the associated measures required and the necessary Risk Assessment we have decided to minimise the Covid-19 risk by not providing any facilities for our members, other than parking in the display area, along with other basic facilities – consisting of identifying the customary display area and access with tape and feather flags, and providing a small gazebo for the benefit of the Club’s marshals. We have publicised previously that this year the Porsche Display Unit will be absent, as will the large marquee and coffee stand usually kindly provided by Clubhouse.
The committee also discussed and decided on the parameters to determine how we could distribute the allocated 100 tickets per day to our members in a fair way, which is expected to result in around 50 cars per day – slightly more if drivers are alone. The parameters to be used include: up to two tickets to be provided for a member and passenger per Porsche; dates of application, supplying all of the requested details, making the requested payment; limiting the number of days and the number of cars requested; and taking account of participants requesting a place on the parade lap. The analysis of these parameters and the publication of the results will be completed soon, and members will be notified accordingly. Hopefully, everyone will understand the need for these decisions, and that we aim to accommodate as many members as possible with tickets.
Arrangements have been made with Cornbury House to distribute the tickets from there as they did last year, but with the limited number of tickets this year they will use the results of the analysis for distribution. Naturally, anyone who we are unable to provide tickets for will receive a full refund of any monies paid.
Other necessary work includes the drawing up of an appropriate Risk Assessment, which will be forwarded to Cornbury House for confirmation, before forwarding to MSV for their approval. Anyone attending the Gold Cup will be expected to comply with the Government’s requirements current at the time and act responsibly for the safety of themselves and with consideration for others. We are particularly conscious that there are applications from members living within the current local lockdown areas, and we ask that those members consider their applications and immediately advise me if they now wish to withdraw those applications please, so that the analysis can take account of this.
So, the next steps are: obtain the tickets from MSV, which I anticipate to be forwarded to Cornbury House this week, so that staffing can be arranged for the distribution by post in good time for members to receive tickets in advance; obtain the necessary approvals for our Risk Assessment; and arrange the detailed timing and logistics of the parade lap with MSV.
Having set out the detailed arrangement above, please let me know as soon as possible if you decide to withdraw your application. Thank you for your understanding of what arrangements we have had to put in place this year, and the extra considerations, planning and work necessary in the circumstances, in order to achieve another successful Gold Cup event.