"Do you think another rubber band will help?"

"Members adopt the "casual mechanics" approach as with hands in pockets they feel cocky about the solution. Rita is not so sure that this will work! "

'' Well, I know there was an engine in here when we started.off"      

"Rita waits, but two AAH's  a OOH and three deep intakes of breath will never get the bonnet shut. "

Rita said “First one to fill the radiator without a splash”

GLOUCESTERSHIRE MG OWNERS CLUB

April 2012 Newsletter No 48

Our Chairman, Brian, welcomed everyone to the meeting and remarked on the excellent turnout.  He explained that it was not usual to take apologies for absent members but as it was the AGM it was accepted that Rita Mullins, Mark Hodgkinson, Steve Wood, Mike Pollock and Philip Fisher were unable to attend. 

Brian thanked Adrian for his work on the website combining his secretarial duties, Sue for keeping a firm hand on the Club’s money and Rob Ayland for checking the accounts.  Thanks were also extended to the Committee for all their hard work and those responsible for the runs, lunches and other events organised throughout the year, in particular the Cotswold Caper which was a great success and raised over £4,500 for LINC.

Adrian gave his secretary’s report for the year with a very impressive list of runs, treasure hunts and social get-togethers (Sunday lunches) and the overseas visits to Wales and Jersey, all of which were highly successful.  He emphasised the wide variety of the Club’s activities and pointed out that their success proved what a sociable bunch we were.

Sue asked if anyone had checked the accounts on the website and if so were there any questions.  Silence was the answer until one of the Child boys asked how much money was in the kitty.  There was a balance of £3145 in the Club account, the Caper money being kept in a separate account.  Rob Ayland had checked both accounts and it was proposed by Teresa Clarke and seconded by John Rose that the accounts be accepted. 

John Child asked if a float had been kept for the 2012 Caper and Adrian confirmed it to be £550.

No nomination had been received for officers for the coming year and as the present Committee were willing to stand again the Chairman proposed that the Officers and Committee should be elected en bloc, which was agreed.

Brian advised that the Committee proposed the choice of Charity for 2013 be deferred until after the 2012 Caper and asked people to think about a local charity they were passionate about for consideration.  The rally plaques for 2013 were still to be printed at a bargain price showing ‘In support of local charities’ rather than a nominated charity.  A question was asked about sponsors for 2013 and Adrian confirmed that we had two already who would be shown on the plaque.

Mike Pollock’s run on the 24th April will start from the Gala Club at 6.15pm; the details are on the website.

St Roses Wheelnuts will be organised by Trevor as the Chairman, Secretary and their wives are off on a jolly to the States.

Lawrence Gulliford queried the etiquette of passing/allowing others to pass on runs, where slower members caused convoys to form.  Brian said it was a fascinating point and perhaps a few words could be added to the route sheets to indicate that pulling over and allowing people to pass would be helpful if too many cars were bunching up.  It was suggested that if a queue of 3 or 4 cars are forming behind you then perhaps it would aid the enjoyment of others to pull in and safely let them pass. He also stressed that they are runs not races.  Gethin suggested that a heavy hand on the horn also helps!  Pete Vielvoye said he has never held anyone up; we have it on good authority that he is always tail end Charlie.

Brian Wilson (an ex member now rejoined) asked if an alternative could be found to Kemble Air Show and Adrian said he would look into the possibility of attending the South Cerney Show in August.

The question of a Constitution for the Club was raised yet again and the Chairman advised that this had been put on the back burner for the time being.

John Child brought up the subject of the official Club logo, as the new logo had been used on some of the Club’s official paperwork and this had not been accepted.  A lengthy discussion took place and it was decided to defer the query.

John then asked if anyone would be interested in a visit to the Longbridge Plant which he would arrange should  sufficient members want to go,  the show of hands was  decidedly’ yes’.

Brian had omitted to ask John Rose to give an up-to-date Caper report before AOB and apologised for the error.  John said that there were now 106 entrants and that the volunteers’ run would be on the 27th May.  We are still in need of raffle prizes and advertisements.  A visit to the Star College in May is being arranged.

The picture competition was won by Gethin and Jan Jones (unfortunately they had to leave early so were unable to have a proper presentation of the bottle of wine) with their caption ‘Biggles and Ginger were still a little dazed’.

Mo ably assisted by Diana took money from members for the monthly swindle which netted £41.00.

The meeting was closed at 20.45 and after a short comfort break Adrian gave a very informative talk on the website making it easier for members to understand.  He informed us that we had had 78,000 hits, 52% from the UK and 25% from the USA.  The website pays for itself and contributes to Club funds by way of advertising and the link to Lancaster Insurance.

If you produce your Membership Card at J E Clarke in Stroud you will receive 15% off purchases, and there is also a discount from Foreign Auto Parts Gloucester.

Last but not least,  Pete Vielvoye had asked if anyone could enter a team in a quiz to be held on the 29th March on behalf of Remap (we had a talk from them last year) at the Star College and  he reported back that Steve Wood and his team were first and Pete and team came second. 

Well done to both teams.

I would like to thank Lynn Stephens for her contributions by taking the minutes at the Club meetings, this is greatly appreciated and a time saver for me.

Sue P