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To an extent I agree with Lisa. So long as people are properly supervised in
a controlled fashion I have no problem letting them into my vehicles -
however what I object to most strongly is the pervailing attitude of some
members of the public who dont have the courtesy to ask first. A simple
"could I have a closer look at your vehicle, please" is all that's required.
Unfortunately there are many people out there who think they have the God
given right to trample all over the vehicle without a second thought. I have
found from experience that if you declare an open day on your vehicle,
people tend to assume it applies to all the others as well.
I guess what would be a good idea to add to the fence kit would be a big
sign that says something like - "These vehicles are expensive and privately
owned, there are sharp edges and well greased fittings - If you want a
closer look at any of the vehicle PLEASE ASK. Please DO NOT Touch unless you
have permission".
At Bletchley Park museum we try to allow total access to the outside of our
vehicles - unlike many other museums, you can walk around, look into and
touch the displayed vehicles (we have around 65) - if you ASK you can get
into them - under supervision - unfortunately despite signage indicating the
"Vehicles are Privately Owned" and "Do NOT Climb into or onto the Vehicles"
there are those who think it doesnt apply to them. We have frequently had to
fish people out of vehicles they have not asked permission to get into.
Normally they are polite and apologetic... but sometimes they're not.....
On one occasion someone climbed into our Saracen Armoured car - with no
regard to the damage, he climbed over all the equipment displayed inside so
that he could sit in the driver's seat... then he let the handbrake OFF !!!
the vehicle started to roll backwards and to his suprise he found the
handbrake wouldnt work - it's not like a car. The Saracen rolled about 20ft
before stopping. Fortunately the damage to the vehicle it hit (Bedford OX)
wasnt too great... one wing completely destroyed, but otherwise OK. This
person then started proceedings to sue us because he cut his head on a sharp
bit of metal inside the vehicle. His reasoning was that if there was any
danger associated with the vehicle we should have had a sign on the vehicle,
the doors should have been locked (that stops sensible people seeing
inside), and the vehicle should have been chocked to stop it rolling. The
person concerned was a man in his mid fifties - ought to have known better
? - fortunately common sense eventually prevailed when out of the blue he
dropped his action and sent us a cheque to cover repairs for the damage
caused.
There is always a time and a place for total hands on - properly supervised
it is great - but to return to a vehicle after lunch to find some mindless
moron has decided to stand on the jeep's bonet so he can see over the heads
of the crowd at an airshow, or a small child urinated on the driver's seat,
is frankly NOT ON in my books.
I have occasionally off-roaded some of my vehicles - even the 1940's ones -
if I break something, it's down to me.... but it really annoys me if someone
else has taken the liberty of doing it for me.
Regards
Tim
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Mar 02 2000 - 22:30:37 PST