CLUB PROFILE

C L U B P R O F I L E MK4/4.5 FOCUS ST OWNERS GROUP

We catch up with club founder Louise Rowlands to find out more about this rapidly growing group

When was the club first founded? We formed this group in October 2019 after a club I had joined folded. I wanted to be part of a group specifically for the new Focus ST and there were not many out there.

With the support of my husband Derek and some fellow owners, the group was created. I can’t thank my team (Derek, Angela, Lee, and Jamie) enough for their continued support with running the group.

How many members does the club have? Currently we have 815 members, based all over the world; the UK, Europe, Taiwan and Australia. The group is continuing to grow, and is exclusively for Mk4 owners.

From the start, we asked what members wanted and the response was a group purely for owners of the Mk4, so that they could share their experiences with fellow owners.

We have over 1000 followers on Instagram and offer those followers that are not in the Facebook group the opportunity to join us at shows and events.

Which models does the club cater for? Mk4 and Mk4.5 Focus ST only (both petrol and diesel), but it doesn’t matter if it’s standard or heavily modified, all are welcome.

What does the club offer new members? All members are welcomed into the group by one of the admin team and are asked to do an introductory post about themselves.

They are pointed in the direction of all of our club discounts, and we have regular events from major shows to smaller local meets to be part of.

They get the amazing knowledge of all our members, including the admin and group experts.

And they can get some good old merchandise for representing the group too.

Can you describe a typical club member? Approachable, helpful and friendly with a wicked sense of humour. Goes the extra mile to help everyone no matter where they are.

What shows and events does the club usually attend? Before Covid changed everything, we managed to get to a few shows such as Fast Show, Ford Power Live and Ford Fair. This year the program is bigger and better with 10 shows including Ford Fair. Our Events manager Jamie has got us a fun packed season that’s for sure!

What’s the best thing about being a member of the club? If I may use quotes from some of our members:

‘A friendly community who are respectful to each other.’

‘You have got this group right, it’s like belonging to a massive family.’

‘This group has kept me going through some difficult times.’

‘A place where I feel safe, and no-one disrespects each other.’

‘The best bunch of crazy people with awesome cars.’

‘Everyone is willing to help each other out, whether on a post, DM or a Face Time.’

‘I used to have money until I joined this group, all the members are bad influences when it comes to trying to keep a car standard!’

Where do you see the club in five years? Larger than a lot of similar clubs out there. A group that everyone wants to join not just because of their love of the car they own but because we put our heart and soul into everything we do. We are not just any car group – we are a family.

VITAL INFO

NAME Mk4/4.5 Focus ST Owners Group FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ groups/522413018593725 INSTAGRAM @Mk4FocusSTOwners EMAIL Mk4STOwners@gmail.com MODELS COVERED Focus ST Petrol and Diesel Mk4 & 4.5 COST TO JOIN Free