We all have our personal priorities. going to the GTG has to take its own place within those priorities as many of the respondents are rightly saying. Mention has been made of competition from regional woodworking clubs, also a valid point.
Personally. I like what these GTG's are about as it is not just turners or boxmakers or furniture makers talking about their own cloistered interests. It has been about EVERY ASPECT that someone wants to bring up. I have only been able to attend a few of these GTG's myself due to various competing priorities but I have returned home richer in some way from every one I have attended.
As usual, if I can make it on Monday I will be there. If I do not make it, thats because a competing priority won and I will not be disappointed if you start without me.
I would like to put it out there that maybe it is the format of the meeting in an RSL and on a weeknight might not br the best alternative for a lot of people who may well be interested in GTG's. Having said that, no matter what format is suggested some will like it and some will not.
But if the current format was suitable for enough people then we probably would not be having this conversation.
What would people think about a couple of shed visits to different members places on a weekend, either with or without a bbq option? Along with visits to professional woodworking shops on other months? Visits to woodworking retail outlets with demos and a pre-negotiated discount, provided we bring enough members?
What bout a combination of the above, made into monthly events? A bit of variety? Chuck in a dinner or two just for social purposes if you want.
Any other ideas?
Cheers
Doug