Well what can I say about our little vw community? Last week I once again witnessed the marvel that is tekenders, I watched people helping each other, giving freely both time and gift's and I watched as the vwbros stripped their engine ( the one that would have to take them home btw) in a field and rebuilt under the watchful eye of Zed, Sarah and other vw knowledgeables. Meanwhile the gathered throng kept a careful eye on proceedings ready to chip in with help advice or spares whatever was needed, in fact you could feel them chomping at the bit to help - They were going to have the vwbros up and running come what may - marvelous stuff. All around items were being passed on and gifts given out, help was being proffered here there and everywhere, under, above or behind nearly every van there were people being helped or advised on jobs big and small. The event basically sums up the general attitude of tlb and tlb events tbh. I have seldom met up with a tlber without receiving some form of gift or advice. The replacement jalousie from Rick, the home made jam and the bottles of scrumpy from others were given in true tlb spirit, no strings no proviso's and the atmosphere at tekenders was very relaxed. But this thread isn't just about tekenders it is about the whole giving thing that goes on on here, just today something dropped through my letter box that made me smile from ear to ear, it came with an apology written across the letter - no need Bob, its blooming great!. I have had stuff sent from across the globe and I am sure lots of others have too, some times people write " just for making me smile!" on the package and no clue as to who they are, I am always overwhelmed, sometimes I even get stuff sent from Yuckshire - I know , I know - incredible but true! ( they are a top bunch really ) and that's just tlb and I thought I might share my feelings with you. It is a cool place this - wanna share your story's of kindness received from tlb?
I've bought and sold stuff, given and been given stuff. Its a generally good bunch on here that's for sure! Remember; this is just a temporary home for Techenders; it started elsewhere and will no doubt move on again in the future. As long as it keeps going though, where it resides isn't an issue!
I've made the mistake of either giving stuff to people or selling it at silly low prices to see it re-sold and profit made..... I now only give stuff away to people who I trust or I know others trust, I've had lots of gifts too off many people and I belive in "what goes around comes around" that's why if it's in my shed and I don't need it I don't sell it I just pass it on, yes malc I know you felt guilty about the window and I could have made a fair few quid on it, but that would cancel out the bits that some people have sent me that I hadn't got, as doug says techenders isn't a latebay event but the lack of other forum visitors is becoming evident, that's their loss though.
As I say - This thread isn't just about tekenders, it's about the whole tlb community, I do know what you mean about people taking though, but that all comes out in the wash -You and I have been sharing spit and giving each other things for ever, that's just mates stuff but looking at the wider picture ( Woodys gift through the post to the Hough's for one - amazing) and reading about how people sort each other out on, here it's amazing- " Come and fetch it mate , It's yours " - is a very often read tlb phrase- what more can I say?
People have posted stuff to me, no asking for postage or payment. It's never anything big or heavy just stickers, plans etc but the thought is there
I think people generally want to get on and it's hard to approach people nowadays as the neighbourhood spirit has fizzled out ( at least where I live anyway). Having a van and the problem they inherit give people a common interest and sometimes encourages empathy. I wish people were the same in all walks of life but that's the idealist in me. Unfortunately life isn't like that and too meet people with the same experiences can only be a good thing. Here's to it I say!!!
