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THE VTTA AGM(An informal report)The meeting got off on time at 11.30 with Chairman George Nowland thanking the Committee for its work during the year, making particular reference to Ann Butterworth's efforts in taking on the role of Secretary, Les Lowe's last minute efforts in undertaking the provision of competition results in the absence of a National Recorder and Jim Burgin's management of the web site and the database. There was an expression of regret at the demise of the Points Competition and a question as to what form its replacement might take. The Treasurer's report was comprehensive and optimistic and received some compliments from delegates. The same was true for Les Lowe who, on top of his job as Records Secretary, did so well with the extensive tables published in the last edition of The Veteran. Under the heading of Editor's report, the meeting discussed the web site and urged the publication of the results of VTTA events. Subject to being provided with the necessary information, Jim promised this would be done. Item 6, Election of Officers, produced no surprises and particularly no surprise in the absence of nominations to fill the vacancies; as was said by one speaker; delegates were not necessarily aware in advance of what vacancies there might be and therefore would not have canvassed for volunteers from among their groups. Almost certainly, those attending the meeting were already committed as officers locally. Thus, (temporarily we must hope), vacancies exist for Recorder, Medals Secretary and Publicity Officer. Otherwise the Committee remains as was, with the addition of Joe O'Doherty of Yorkshire Group as a Committee Member. Proposed changes to rule began with the suggestion to delete the reference to a Minute Secretary (2.2.1); this was carried. Also in Rule 2.2.1 – the mandatory five committee members now reads 'up to five'; so it's OK to have less! Rule 2.2.2 was altered to provide for any member to attend NEC meetings, being allowed to speak but not to vote. (Don't all rush at once). The next four items were tidying up and went through without dissent. The Manchester proposal to change rules 2.5.1 and 2.5.2 were carried which means that Life Membership is open to those completing 10 years membership and will now cost £50 (excluding receiving The Veteran). Nottingham's interesting proposals to change the composition of the National Council by replacing delegates with every member, didn't get a seconder; however, the motion to alter Rule 2.9.6 making it mandatory for Groups to obtain the support of the majority of its members before putting proposals forward for consideration by the AGM was carried. Rule 3.1.8 was altered to replace the word 'may' with the word 'should'. The meeting was confused by the NEC's proposal to add a new regulation 3.2 and it was withdrawn. Manchester's proposal to make hard shell helmets compulsory didn't get a seconder. The NEC withdrew its motion to make it necessary for promoters to accept all entries from tricycle riders and lady riders. The North Group wished to amend 3.8.4 to remove the entitlement to winners' jerseys but it was lost with just 5 in favour. Nottingham sought to introduce championships for tandems with a new regulation (3.8.6) and it was carried without dissent after being amended to read:
Manchester proposed the introduction of a Group Championship within the 25 mile championship. This provoked a lot of discussion and was eventually carried with 8 voting against. Any other business comprised further discussion on the shortage of nominations or even volunteers to fill vacancies on the NEC together with ideas of improving communication with the membership: speakers believed the two were related. Efforts are to be made in this respect and there will be a personal letter from the Chairman to all members and, in a few months, a questionnaire on various topics which members would receive in their copy of The Veteran together with a pre-paid envelope with which to respond. So ended a meeting not without contention but with plenty of consensus, unity and bonhomie. The Prize Presentation came after a break for refreshments and the winners that did attend received their due acclamation. |
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