The Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club –Royal Berkshire Branch
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Held on 21stFebruary 2013
The BCSA, James Lane Burghfield at 2030hrs
Branch President: Mr John Dumelow
Current / Outgoing Committee;
Chairman:Mr Derek Young (Mr Steve Yarwood resigned mid-year 2012),
Vice-Chairman:Mr Derek Young,
Secretary:Mr Don MacLean
Treasurer:Mr Mick Billing
Social Secretary:Mr Steve Butcher
Branch Scribe:Mr Mike Ryall
Runs Co-ordinator:Mr Paul Mansfield,
Tools Registrar:Mr Don Maclean (Mr Steve Yarwood resigned mid-year 2012),
MAG Representative:Mr David Holland,
Clubs Liaison Officer:Mr Richard Ing,
Committee / Members / Associate Members / Guests present;
B CromwellW HowlettR HowlettC Mullard
B WrightR HilesJ RobertsN Swain
D BrownM WeaverB ElbornC Fox
R BengeDiggerJ DumelowS Butcher
P MansfieldM RyallD MacleanD Young
D HollandM BillingS PhillipsM Wedley
K MeakinsR IngK LovelockS Rose
C WoodwardM Drew
Special Guests;Mr Peter Seymour (Reading MAG),
Mr Sean Harris (TOMCC member also Reading MAG),
Mr Colin Gregan (Reading MAG),
Mr John Brown (Reading MAG)
Apologies for absence;Mr Tony Jenvey & Mr Nick Clayton (and Patch).
1. Confirmation of the Minutes of the 2012 AGM;
1.1 The Chairman welcomed all attendees to the 2011 Royal Berkshire Branch TOMCC (hereafter referred too as the Branch) AGM. The minutes of the last AGM (February 2012) were circulated and confirmed as an accurate record of the previous AGM.
2. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the 2012 AGM;
2.1 No matters arising.
Committee Reports;
3. Chairman’s Report;
3.1 The Chairman, Derek Young, who took over from Steve Yarwood mid-2012,reported on the success of the Branch organized events throughout the year including the 2ndOld Motorcycle Gathering and the 2012 Classic and Custom Show, both being well supported. The Branch ended the year well positioned for a successful 2013.
4. Vice Chairman’s Report;
4.1 See Chairman’s Report.
5. Secretary’s Report;
5.1 The Secretary, Don Maclean advised membership of the Branch was holding up well, having substantially increased during the year, a good achievement given the current difficult economic times. Overall, the Branch has 180 members, which is up on last year (163). This year, membership churn has again been noticeable;however the reason for this turnover of members still remains unclear.
6. Treasurer’s Report;
6.1 The Treasurer, Mick Billing advised the meeting of the current financial status of the Branch and circulated detailed accounts for the Branch expenditure, income and current balance for the last 12 months, independently verified by Mr Arthur King. The Branch remains on a sound financial footing, with primary income from the 2012 Classic & Custom Show. Copies of the accounts are available from the Treasurer upon request. The Committee thanks Mr Arthur King for his assistance.
6.2 The Treasurer responded to a query from the floor (from Mr Nick Swain) over the TOMCC annual membership fee and its composition. Mr Billing advised £15 was retained by HQ and £5 by the Branch, resulting in Branch members funding a HQ income line of some£2700.
7. Scribes Report;
7.1 The Scribe, Mike Ryall, reported 12 Branch reports had been submitted and published in Nacelle. Our continued support of a range of good causes throughout 2012 has further raised our image and served to underpin our premier Branch position. Mike thanked the Branch members for the support he received along with a supply of photographs to illustrate our events and those members who attended.
8. Social Secretary Report;
8.1 The Social Secretary, Steve Butcher reported all was well on the social side with a wide range of events organized throughout the year. The 2012 Christmas Dinner venue was well received by members and guests, with a disco much improved over last year. Branch members were asked for input into the 2013 Dinner, to suggest any areas for improvement or alternative venues.
8.2 Mr Butcher advised the Presidents had been provisionally booked for this years (2013) Classic & Custom Show (an excellent band, based on members feedback, they appeared at our 2012 Show).
8.3 The Social Secretary requested suggestions from the members over potential future events from the members. All idea’s welcomed.
9. Run’s Co-ordinator Report;
9.1 The Run’s Co-ordinator, Paul Mansfield, advised a wide selection of runs, both local and continental had been successfully organized and reasonably well supported through the year. The poor weather in 2012 had unfortunately taken its toll and some events were cancelled or poorly supported due to the widespread wet weather experienced. This problem also impacted on events organized by other clubs or marques in which we participate.
9.2 Mr Mansfield also noted the continuing difficulty in obtaining accurate and reliable future event information to enable planning of Run’s, he appealed for support in ensuring future events were correctly identified (timing and location).
10. MAG Representative;
10.1 The MAG Representative, Dave Holland, reported we continue to work closely with READING MAG to our mutual benefit, both politically and socially. MAG will continue to keep us up to speed on emerging legislation.
10.2 2012 was a good year with Branch members attending a number of MAG events including the highly recommended Dirty Donkey Rally. The Bike Awareness Day held during March 2012 in Reading’s Town Centre was well received and we again had a substantial presence at the Easter Bike Show and, the Lion Rally.
10.3 Mr Holland highlighted to Manchester MAG 1815 Rally and suggested this event should be supported by the Branch during 2013.
11. Club’s Liaison Officer;
11.1 The Club’s Liaison Officer, Richard Ing, provided a short report and identified this role required further development and input from the committee on the direction to be taken. Noted by all.
12. Tools Registrar;
12.1 The Tools Registrar, Don Maclean, reported a small, but continuing demand for specialist Triumph tools from the members. All items are being successfully managed and accounted for.
12.2 Members were asked to identify any special additional tooling / equipment required, which the Treasurer indicated he was pleased to fund.
12.1 The Social Secretary, Mr Butcher, requested the purchase of Harley-Davidson service tools (viz being also a HD owner), however it was pointed out (from the floor) due to the overall unreliability of the marque, we simply could not afford all the equipment required to effect repairs. Request not carried forward.
13. Resignation of Existing Committee and Election of New Committee;
The existing committee resigned and the following new committee members were elected;
Chairman:Mr Derek Young
Vice-Chairman:Post Vacant (Note: post subsequently revoked, as not filled),
Secretary:Mr Don Maclean
Treasurer:Mr Mick Billing
Social Secretary:Mr Steve Butcher
Branch Scribe:Mr Mike Ryall
Runs Co-ordinator:Mr David Holland,
Tools Registrar:Mr Paul Mansfield,
MAG Representative:Mr David Holland,
Clubs Liaison Officer:Mr Bob Cromwell,
14. Agenda Proposal: Renewal of MAG Membership;
14.1 While the TOMCC is now affiliated to MAG, a proposal (Agenda Item) was made to continue with Branch membership of the MAG, an organization which has proved to be of benefit to the Branch. The motion was put to the floor and carried.
15. Agenda Proposal: Renewal of NABD Membership;
15.1 A proposal (Agenda Item) was made to renew membership of NABD and make a donation to the organization. The motion to pay the NABD £100 was put to the floor and carried.
16. Agenda Proposal: ThamesValley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust;
16.1 A proposal (Agenda Item) was made to continue to support a good cause in 2013, which again will be the TV&C Air Ambulance. Post Meeting Note: The Chairman requested this work be managed by last years POC Mr Sid Rose, who agreed to take on the task. A donation of £250 will be made from profits raised during this years Branch events, during or post the Summer Show. The motion was put to the floor and carried.
17. Agenda Proposal: Points Revision;
17.1 To further revise the points scoring regime for the Thursday Attendance Trophy to a simple 1 point for Branch members attending the BCSA regardless of transport mode. The Treasurer noted some difficulty in administering this effectively and proposed the change. The motion was put to the floor and carried.
18. Agenda Proposal; Mr Doug Boeg;
18.1 To dedicate an event in memory of a recently deceased member, Mr Doug Boeg. This was proposed by Mr Nick Clayton and fully supported by the membership.
18.2 A detailed discussion was held over the best way of achieving our goal; suggestions included a trophy, a named event or a named run. All agreed a Sunday run to a hostelry would be appropriate and Mr Holland proposed a run to the Old Bell at Aldworth (which Doug enjoyed) on the Sunday immediately following the Bristol Branch TOMCC Concorde Rally. This was put to the floor and carried.
19. 2012 Christmas Party;
19.1 The Chairman noted the success of the Christmas Party, and requested comment from Mr Steve Butcher, the organizer.
19.2 See also para 8.1. Positive comments from the floor were made over the venue, quality of the accommodation, prompt food provision and volume and quality of the music.
19.2 Members noted the cost of both alcohol and soft drinks was high, and the organizer, Steve Butcher, noted members concerns and agreed to take this issue up with the management should we re-book for 2013.
19.3 Members also commented over the Raffle and the time involved due to the number of prizes. Following discussion, it was agreed to limit the number of prizes or re-organize the distribution method.
19.4 Notwithstanding the above the members agreed it was a marked improvement on previous years and thanked Mr Butcher for his good work.
20. Agenda Proposal: Christmas Dinner, Refund to members;
20.1 The members were asked to consider a proposal to charge members the full cost of the event and continue the half cost refund, from club funds, for members and one guest attending the Christmas Dinner. Those members & guests who book (and pay) for a place, but fail to attend, will not receive a refund. A discussion followed in which current club funds / usage was reviewed.
20.2 A proposal was made by Mr Holland to incentivise working participation at our Summer Show, be allocating fully-funded Christmas Dinner tickets however this was not agreed although the floor did confirm a flexible approach to refunds should be pursued by the committee.
21. 2013 Summer Classic and Custom Show;
21.1 A lengthy discussion took place over the event and a request was made to the members to volunteer to help at the Show and take on duties as necessary to make the event a continuing success.
21.2 Mr Holland voiced concerns over event planning and allocating individuals to key roles, the priority being the gate over all other activities, as this provided a major income stream for the Branch. Mr Holland also suggested the formation of a Show Committee nearer the event date. The event was confirmed as being the 27th July 2013 (already booked with Reading Abbey RFC). Noted by all.
21.3 A single role and timing sheet will be put on the Branch notice board nearer the event to allow members to volunteer and contribute to success.
22. Summer Classic and Custom Show – Show Badges;
22 .1 The Treasurer, Mick Billing, requested clarification on Show lapel badges for this years event. The outcome of discussions was to proceed with the purchase of 50 lapel badges only.
23. 2013Old Bike Show;
23.1 The Chairman appealed to the Branch members for support in running the 2013 Show. Planning has commenced and this will be taken forward nearer the event (June 2013). A firm date has yet to be agreed with the BCSA.
24. Trophies to be Awarded in 2013;
24.1 The Treasurer, Mr Billing, requested feedback from the members on the type of trophy awarded. Mr Mansfield noted members had commented the basic, quite expensive glass blocks served little purpose and a more usable trophy might be better appreciated.
24.2 Following discussion, it was agreed the trophy’s would be reviewed and something along the lines of a voucher for Branch corporate wear could be given as appropriate. This will be actively progressed by the committee.
25. Branch Corporate Wear;
25.1 A discussion was held holding a stock of Branch promotional clothing however due to sizing issues and the wide range of items / colours available, this was not taken forward.
26. AOB;
26.1 The Branch MAGRepresentative introduced;
Mr Peter Seymour (Reading MAG),
Mr Sean Harris (TOMCC member also Reading MAG),
Mr Colin Gregan (Reading MAG),
Mr John Brown (Reading MAG),
26.2 Mr Seymour provided a brief on current MAG activities, now in its 40th year, MAG continues to work at a National and Local level to develop its political links to influence outcomes to the benefit of motorcyclists and motorcycling in general. This includes working with MPs and MEPs of all parties and local council staff where it is politically expedient. Success over the year has been varied with some progress and other issues not achieved.
26.3 Peter proposed further developing a closer working relationship at events to effectively deliver better outcomes as we all suffer from the scarce resource problem.
26.4 Peter highlighted to 1815 MAG Rally which some Branch members indicate they will support, however we note its date will clash with September Brighton events.
26.5 Concerns were raised by MAG over negative developments in Reading including the loss of motorcycle parking and the now disbanded Transport Forum. There is some better news with a potential Motorcycle Strategy Group being considered to which the local TOMCC Branch could contribute.
26.6 Peter confirmed the MAG Bike Awareness Day will go ahead this year on 16th March and requested participation from Branch members as with the Easter Egg Run on Good Friday, the Easter Sunday (31st March) Bike Show at RARFC and the Lion Rally over the weekend of 7th – 9th June at Grazeley. Sean Harris advised the collection arrangements for eggs re the Easter Egg Run (standard eggs only required @ £1 – 1.50p size only please).on the day or the Thursday 8 days before the event, at the BCSA club night, Thank You). Sean also kindly distributed flyers for the event.
26.7 A discussion took place over the Branch Old Motorcycle Show timing to ensure dates do not clash with the MAG Lion Rally. Date TBC.
26.8 Peter advised the Reading MAG will be holding a social night every first Monday of the month at The Butler PH in Reading.
26.9 A proposal to hold a joint MAG & Branch RIDESAFE event with presentations by local police was made, possibly at an April Thursday club night. This will be taken forward by the new committee. Our sincere Thanks to the MAG Team for their contribution to our AGM.
26.10 A discussion was held over future financial planning and a number of proposals made over a way forward. Please refer to Mr Mick Billing for further information.
26.11 Mr Kim Meakins requested consideration be given to a Thursday night run-out’s particularly during the summer months. This suggestion will be taken forward by the committee and Run’s Co-ordinator.
27. Thanks to Outgoing Committee;
27.1 Mr Sid Rose proposed members show their appreciation for the efforts of the outgoing committee.
28. Close of Meeting;
28.1Members thanked for their attendance. The meeting closed at 21:30 hrs.
Minutes taken by Bob Cromwell