I have just read a post about February 2025 (I suppose) announcements in Italy saying that from now on at Assemblies they need a pass, given by elders, to put on cars.
Is that possible/true?
Thanks!
Pass on cars to attend Assemblies?
by psyco 10 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
-
-
St George of England
Here in the UK we need a pass to display on the car when we attend Circuit Assemblies at Hayes Bridge. It is obtained from a nominated elder and it is a requirement that you have a full complement of passengers.
As regards the Regional Convention at AMEX in Brighton there is very little on site parking. Disabled drivers can get a pass and so can essential workers but once again you must have a full compliment of passengers. The preferred method of travel is a hire coach or public transport. Getting out of the car park at the end of the day is a nightmare apparently.
George
-
Journeyman
Yes, it's perfectly normal these days in the UK to display a parking pass or permit when parking at a venue, and that includes JW-owned assembly halls. It makes sense, in terms of monitoring numbers, ensuring safe arrival and departure of whoever is there, and of course in the event of a fire or other incident where emergency services may need to know who is there, how many, what vehicles, etc.
Getting out of the car park at the end of the day is a nightmare apparently.
I don't bother driving to these venues because yes, from everything I've seen, leaving the car parks after assemblies and conventions is a nightmare. Not so bad if you're on a coach or minibus as they are usually given priority, but for families who've gone to the effort of packing their lunches, wearing their best outfits and coming all the way in their own little hatchback or saloon, it adds insult to injury at the end of another borefest of being talked down to and having trite video clips assault your senses, to then have to queue for an hour while some pimply teenaged boy in an oversized hi-vis vest 'directs' you to the car park exit so you can get out onto the motorway or A-road back home!
I know some bros who are always assigned parking attendant duties during assemblies and seem to love it. I suppose it gets them far away from hearing what's going on at the platform, but the downside is standing out there in a hi-vis vest in all weathers watching rows of cars (occasionally opening the gates for a late arrival or early leaver) while the programme goes on! And they have to arrive crazily early for the first arrivals (usually the speakers, the prominent elders and their wives) and be among the last to leave, to lock up the gates.
-
blondie
St. George
Here in the UK we need a pass to display on the car when we attend Circuit Assemblies at Hayes Bridge. It is obtained from a nominated elder and it is a requirement that you have a full complement of passengers
Is a charge associated with this pass? How many people per vehicle? How are more people assigned to vehicle if you have vehicle that holds 6 and only 4 people in your family? Is it first come first served when it comes to the parking spots nearest the building or do disabled people have preference, marked spots for disabled only? How are non-jws handled, same requirement, pass, "full" vehicle?
-
hoser
The issue I would have is being stuck driving someone you might not like to the convention because you need a full vehicle.
-
blondie
Yah, I hear you. Especially if its your children. :) Maybe, I would expect the extra people outside your family should help pay for gas, or look elsewhere for a ride, unless they really don't have the funds.
-
FedUpJW
Is it first come first served when it comes to the parking spots nearest the building or do disabled people have preference, marked spots for disabled only?
There should be. The last CONvention I went to was 11 years ago in order to take my aged disabled parents who pleaded with me to take them. Every. Single. Last. handicap/disabled designated parking spot was "reserved" for the governing body and New York heavies who were there. I was grudgingly allowed by the parking "nazis" to pull up to the front of the venue and drop them off. Then I had to leave as they struggled to get into the venue, and by the numbers on my odometer drive over one-half mile to park, then walk back to the venue in order to assist them. To top it off we had to put up with towel "nazis" who kept yapping about, "Only one paper towel square per person."
I never took my parents to another one, and I refuse to put up with that s--t from anyone, especially the moron jw's that get a little power over others. -
Sea Breeze
Sounds like they are trying to weed out protesters to me.
-
joe134cd
Getting out of the car park at the end of the day is a nightmare apparently.
Then my advice is don't go at all.
-
Ron.W.
Assemblies in my youth were roll up in your car. Park your car were you liked right next to the ground/stadium in a field -- then set up a comfy camp with your deckchairs/tarp etc
Then after midmorning the smell of the bacon baps used give us the incentive to hang in till the generous lunch break -
It's all changed now - i don't miss assembles and i am so glad I will never have to attend another one ever.