Honestly? I haven't seen much change in the years i've been coming to meets, the biggest change has been in the people in charge of the club. Not in a bad way, it's all a lot more maturely managed these days, but it's quite funny to see from my perspective. I seem to remember a certain admin and his best mate wandering around with a fire extinguisher powered airhorn a couple of years ago, and we won't talk about how well they handled their drink.... 
I, personally, think it's great the way the club is going, it's a much more inclusive and accepting place to be these days. A couple of years ago many of our newer members probably wouldn't have considered joining up, and if they had they wouldn't have lasted long. Yes, there was some silliness at the show and a very small minority took things too far, but there will always be people like that wherever you go. The important thing is the club's reaction to that behaviour, bizarre as it may seem i see this thread as a positive thing, a sign that the club and community as a whole is maturing.
This shouldn't detract from the seriousness of Niall's post in any way though, those few rogue elements should reconsider their behaviour before attending any more meets. This is especially important at shows where we must remember each and every one of us is a representative of the club and other people will view us as such.
I, personally, think it's great the way the club is going, it's a much more inclusive and accepting place to be these days. A couple of years ago many of our newer members probably wouldn't have considered joining up, and if they had they wouldn't have lasted long. Yes, there was some silliness at the show and a very small minority took things too far, but there will always be people like that wherever you go. The important thing is the club's reaction to that behaviour, bizarre as it may seem i see this thread as a positive thing, a sign that the club and community as a whole is maturing.
This shouldn't detract from the seriousness of Niall's post in any way though, those few rogue elements should reconsider their behaviour before attending any more meets. This is especially important at shows where we must remember each and every one of us is a representative of the club and other people will view us as such.