Your Club Needs You

Midland Centre EGM Sunday 17th April 2005

This EGM was called because at the AGM in November 2004, it was felt by the present committee, that there was no choice other than the re-election of the old Committee, due to the absence of any none-committee members who were willing to take on a position. Therefore, all should be made aware, that the centre was probably not meeting the expectations of its Members.

As the AGM was so poorly supported, it was decided to give the Members another opportunity to express their views at an EGM in April 2005. The EGM took place and once again the attendance was extremely poor, with only a handful of members present, out of a membership approaching 400. Some reasons for not attending were given to the secretary in advance, following the notice in the Wheelspin Magazine and on this website.

The Meeting

Midland Centre Chairman, Mike Ward chaired the meeting.

Apologies noted:
Robin & Ruth Astle, Jane Masefield, Keith Clapham, Chris Parker, Josef Eckert, Ray Clegg & Ian McKim Thompson.

Mike Ward thanked the members who attended, and explained that the reason for the EGM, was to try and find a way forward for the Midland Centre with input from the membership, and to find "new blood", in particular for the committee.

The Comments and results arising, were as follows :

People & Their Cars :

When people bought a Sports car in the 70's, prices where low for 2nd hand cars and the persons would probably be in their teens or early twenties, joining The Club to meet new friends and find out how to repair and keep their car going. In the late 80's and 90's prices rocketed and the younger people couldn't afford an Austin Healey. People who were well off financially, began buying such cars as an investment, or as a kudos and to pose with the 'In crowd'. These people seemed to want weekend events that were organized almost like a package deal. Today, many younger Members still cannot afford an Austin Healey straight away, as it seems the majority of purchases are by People in their late forties & older.

Events :

The Season : May to September is still when the majority of events take place.
When ever someone arranges an event, it takes as much time to organize for ten people as it does for a hundred. When such an event is not well supported, it becomes very disheartening.
Getting people to partake is difficult and the events which seem to be well attended, are the ones where the person organizing the event, makes many phone calls in order to tempt and cajole members into attending.
Although a Calendar of events is printed in Rev Counter, the National Magazine, the Austin Healey Club Midlands Centre organized Events do not stand out enough, to be instantly recognized.

The Outcome :

The existing Committee - This could not be altered as there was no one to change it to.
Increase Participation. ( a small competition each time with those attending)
Encourage sub centers to arrange Sunday events from their Noggin & Natter venue.
The Midland Centre to support the Sub Centre Leader when these events took place.
When a new member joins, telephone them and encourage them to join in social events and ask what they would like from the club. Offer those restoring cars technical help.
Note the results - Some Members only want a magazine and nothing else, others want social or competition etc.
At all events introduce name badges for members, including committee, so people get to know each other.
Resurrect some of the old, popular events - i.e.. Skid pan.
Have some family events, and include children and grandchildren - i.e.. Theme parks
Recruit at every event.
Any event would be published in Rev Counter, Wheelspin and on the Midland Centre Web Site.
As many members are now able to access the Internet, a week before any event, another reminder in the form of an E Mail, should be sent out. Phone calls could also be made.
This can only happen if you have sent the Webmaster of the Midland Centre your email address. Use this link to send your email address now. The information will be treated in confidence, and used for club communication purposes only.
The first new event, a planned drive, will take Place on Sunday 15th May. (See Events page)
Introduce a young member section to encourage the future of the club.
The happy Frog emblem to be looked into.

AOB

Mike Garton asked that it be minuted, that the work the committee do for the Members was appreciated.
Bob Kemp asked that it be noted that a planned drive had been organized for the last two years and well attended.
There will be an involuntary meeting in August to review the results from events.