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TruckNet UK isn't only an online affair, explains Rikki Chequer as he looks back on the annual party.
Page 9
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Internet forums are a virtual world where real names are rarely known, faces not seen, and friendships forged while never hearing the other person's voice. And TruckNet UK's forums are easily the transport industry's busiest and largest, with hundreds of daily users.
Every February we organise an informal party for the forum users. No ticket or black tie is required, we just announce the date and venue on the forums and hope a couple of members show up.
This year's party was held last Saturday night. Despite the recession, members and some partners travelled from all over the UK: some by car, others arranging with their boss to be able to be routed past the area in their trucks.
The highlight of the night was some excellent discussion on the state of the industry. The evening was full of laughter and helped along by a donation to the drinking fund by the owners of TruckNet UK.
But don't get the idea that it was simply a gettogether and an excuse to imbibe intoxicating liquor: the party has another function. Thanks to the generosity of Renault, Scania and Volvo there was also the annual mayhem and chaos that is the charity auction.
The manufacturers kindly provided a multitude of goodies that we stored until everyone was mellow enough to be persuaded to part with large amounts of cash in the auction. We raised in excess of -El ,000, an impressive amount that will be given to the Professional Drivers Foundation in memory of Andy Gormanly, a TruckNet UK forum member who was tragically killed in a road accident earlier this year.
TruckNet UK is more than a networking website. Behind its virtual front is a real community and it is at times like the annual party or at Truckfest that those online friendships are cemented.
To pick out any individuals to thank for a great evening of fun and fundraising would be unfair as everyone contributed. But I must thank Renault, Scania and Volvo for their massive support.