PRESIDENT’S REPORT.

I’m sorry, but it seems at this time of the year, that you have to read this sort of report from your Club President

This year it is very different. We are reeling from last years cash depleted Mattara Hillclimb events. We are finding it difficult to justify us running the event this year. Let’s face it; we could have bad weather on Sunday as well as Monday of this years October long weekend event, who knows?

As it is so often said “with the economy the way it is”, the suppliers will be quoting higher prices for equipment and services to run the event. Our sponsors and supporters will be feeling the pinch as well and they will need careful and strong persuasion in order to obtain their backing this year.

One thing that I have learnt through life is the fact that nothing stays the same forever. This is no more so than this year. Previously we had a team of three well experienced people leading us into this venture. Dennis Tynan has closed his Mayfield Car Market and is now “on call” for driving duties for Brian Ford’s ASAP courier business. At any time Dennis could be on the way to anywhere, thus taking him out of circulation at any old time, so his input may be very limited.

Greg Hunter, who has been the backbone of the organisation with regard to Working Bees and the establishment of King Edward Park as a competition venue, has advised me that he is unavailable.

With new OH&S compliance work in recent years we have had the assistance of Gregor Dickinson also helping with negotiations, applications and reports to CAMS etc.

I seem to have been kept busy with many things in general as well as setting up the competition side of things, timing and results. With all the changes listed above, I know that it is impossible for me to handle all of these tasks.

The first organisational meeting has been held and we received some phone calls, which indicated that some of our “key” regular helpers intended to carry on with their particular assistance again. I must say thank heavens for about a half a dozen new members who turned up, eager to help. These members will need nurturing in the way the event is organised and how it comes together. To this end we have had an additional, unadvertised meeting (you may have seen it on the web site) and have provided information to them in the form of minutes from last years organisional meetings.

So as you read this, the next KEP meeting will be held at the club rooms on Tuesday 21st July at 7.30 pm. If you have previous experience running KEP and you feel that you wish to help out again, please come along – we need you.

A property sale delegation from the club met with the proposed purchaser (Italia Road Holdings – trading as Ringwood Raceway) of the land for negotiations on the sale price of the land annexed from ours. We have kept a total of 30 hectares which has the hillclimb and infrastructure, along with two motorkhana areas and an area which may be able to be used for a khanacross track in the future. Contracts are being drawn up at the moment.

It seems that our lady members don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a breakfast cooked for them, as about 40 members turned up and enjoyed the Sunday morning out at Ducks Crossing,Eleebana

The Committee has decided that the Club Torque magazine will be published quarterly. CAMS are already doing this as well as some other clubs and organisations. Make sure you read Brad’s report with regards to this new way of providing current information to members.

Remember, support the supporters who support your sport.
 

John Collins