Hello Listers
We were perhaps so mesmerised by the situation, and suffering such a
sense of "deja vu", that we were unable to speak! So I'll stick my head
above the parapet ...
Here we have a "Plan 2005", announced in 2004, which was/is intended to
optimise what we offer to our members. Our history is that we a a
collection of 'local' Big Healey and Sprite clubs, who now 'use'
national to provide an umbrella club and a magazine (oh, and the
national web site that I provide). Local autonomy is very highly prized.
I think all Centres agree in principle with a stronger national body, to
provide a better service to members, but don't agree in practice. The
Plan is admitted, by those trying to implement it, to be progressing
'painfully slowly'.
As a consequence of our structure, with our seven regional Centres, plus
one for racing called 'Healey Driver International', and our national
body (a Limited Company), we have nine chairmen, nine Secretaries, nine
Membership Secretaries, nine Treasurers, nine Committee Meeting
Calendars, nine sets of accounts, and nine Annual General Meetings.
These between them serve just 1,800 members. National has little money.
The Centres have largely undeclared funds. The Centres take the
membership subscriptions and pass on a percentage to national for the
magazine.
Like the arguments over fuel/gas prices ... "so you think YOU'VE got
troubles!!"
Regards
In message <43022BA3.5080907@pacbell.net>, bn1@pacbell.net writes
>Does anyone, other than myself, find the lack of comments from the UK
>intriguing?
>
>Perhaps someone from "across the pond" would like to elaborate on how
>their local clubs "get along" with the "Mother Club" and its Revcounter
>newsletter.
>
>Bill Barnett
>So. Cal. USA
>'53 BN1 #663
>
>James Lea wrote:
>
>>I think it is obvious that a joining of the clubs is not going to happen but
>>there may still be a way to benefit the marque. How about an umbrella
>>organization that would promote inter club activities, the interchange of
>>ideas and foster a general feeling of good will and Healey camaraderie
>>between the clubs? The clubs and the marque could benefit in many ways from
>>a national organization and the clubs would still remain independent
>>entities. It could be made up of two or three officers of each club. Am I
>>thinking too far out of the box? Cheers, JL
>>
>>James Lea
>>2 West St
>>PO Box 25
>>Rockport Me.
>>04856
--
Alan F Cross (BJ8 "Ginny") AHC member TV1729J
Heathfield Studios - http://www.heathfield-studios.co.uk - web designers for the
Austin Healey Club UK - http://www.austin-healey-club.com
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