We catch up with Mk4/4.5 Focus ST Owners Group founder Louise Rowlands to find out more about one of the biggest Ford clubs displaying at Ford Fair 2024!
With Ford Fair selling out club tickets well ahead of the club deadline, Ford clubs acted fast to secure their spot at the UK’s biggest and best Ford show. The Mk4/4.5 Focus ST Owners Group were one such proactive club, with 120 cars booked to be on display at the event in 2024. To find out more about this impressive bunch of Blue Oval brothers (and sisters!) we spoke to club founder Louise Rowlands to get the lowdown…
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
When was the club first founded, and why?
We formed this group back in October 2019 after a club I had joined folded due to the club founder cancelling his order. I wanted to be part of a group specifically for the latest Focus ST and there were not many out there. With the support of my husband Derek and some fellow owners, the group was created. Then the hard work began. I can’t thank my team (Derek, Angela, Lee, and Jamie) enough for their continued support with running the group.
How many active members does the club currently have?
Currently we have around 1500 members, based all over the world. We currently have members from the UK, Europe, Taiwan and Australia. The group is continuing to grow steadily, and is exclusively for owners – from the start, we asked what members wanted and the response was that they wanted a group purely for owners of the Mk4, so that they could share their experiences with fellow owners.
We have over 1400 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 to 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 our discounts, and we have regular events from major shows to smaller local events to be part of. They get the amazing knowledge of all our members, including the admin and group experts, and 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?
Our show programme is usually packed with around 10 shows per year, including Ford Fair. Our Events manager always delivers 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’ time?
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.
