›› Annual General Meeting and Fly-In

Leicestershire Aero Club, June the 18th 2005

The 2005 AGM was blessed with soaring temperatures, and was well represented by all sections of the Club. Friday evening saw a handful of Old Faithfuls and a very pleasant pub supper in the Old Greyhound at Great Glen.

Saturday dawned fair and the prospect of another very warm day. Numbers swelled gradually during the day and in time for a very positive AGM, followed by numerous airborne visits to the Rearsby site with members of the Heritage Group.

In the late afternoon the numbers dwindled and the rump were left to enjoy dinner in the clubhouse.

Our thanks to the LAC and to Malcolm and his staff for a very enjoyable evening.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Sec. thanked the Leicestershire Aero Club for their generous hospitality, and in particular Paul Whitehead and his family for taking care of the arrangements. A warm welcome was given to our President and Vice President, Ambrose Hitchman and Jim Sime, and all those present.

Thanks were also due to those who had joined the Committee and helped spread the workload.

Apologies were received from Peter Wood, John Russell, Baz Naylor, Al Mathie, Peter Stoddart, John Jenkins, and Terry Rumble.

Secretary’s Report

Club Rules

Whilst appreciating the informality of the Club, it was agreed that the Club should have at least a simple set of regulations, and the Committee was asked to prepare something appropriate over the coming year.

Membership Booklet

The Committee would look into a booklet providing members with a means of contact.

Insurance

The Vice President suggested that an arrangement with an insurer might offer attractive benefits to members.
The Sec. would look into the possibilities.

AI Industries

The company is owner of the Rearsby Business Park, the site of the Auster Aircraft Company. AI’s Chairman, Mr. Ivor Vaughan had generously offered £2000 towards a permanent Auster memorial to be erected on the Gaddesby Lane site, and it was agreed that a design competition would be promoted via the magazine and website.
AOPA

It was agreed that the Club should become a Corporate Member of AOPA which it was felt was working hard in the interests of GA. The cost would be £200 pa.

Airworthiness Issue

The CAA have advised that under Article 9A 1(b) aircraft eligible for a C of A must retain that status if possible. They
are currently holding discussions with parties interested in taking on the Design Responsibility or a Type Responsibility Agreement.

In the event that those discussions fail the aircraft will go onto a permit, either CAA or PFA. The secretary advised that until then, there was in fact nothing on offer from the CAA. Owners were assured that if the Club were offered any say in the matter, the owners would be consulted. It is anticipated that the CAA’s talks will be concluded sooner rather than later. Updates will be posted on the website.

Treasurer’s Report

John Russell sent his apologies, and copies of his report were distributed to all present. Membership was stable at around 500. Notwithstanding a large replacement of stock, sales were down for the second year.

The stock had now been distributed around the UK, to simplify access to venues, and a discount was being offered on clothing.

Membership Secretary

Peter Bolton outlined the current structure of the membership, and reported on discussions with Villi Seeman in Denmark, which would help with the distribution of magazines, and might stimulate new membership.

The existing payment facilities were expensive and the use of an Internet payment facility was discussed. The Mem. Sec. thought that the Club was perhaps too small to benefit, but it was agreed that it should at least be looked at and the decision then taken by the Committee.

Membership Fees

It was agreed that membership fees were low in comparison to other flying clubs, and that in order to support some of the social events, meet the cost of membership of such organisations as AOPA, and other unforeseen events such as the airworthiness issue, fees should be increased.

The proposal to increase the membership fee to £28 was approved, and a fee of £15 was agreed in respect of the Heritage Group members. Overseas membership would remain at £25. It was hoped that members of the HG would take advantage of this arrangement, and help to consolidate the principle of “one club”.

Fly-In Report

Bryn Andrews congratulated Paul Lipman and his team for a terrific weekend at Romney Street Farm, and then outlined the remainder of the calendar for the year.

(It would be helpful if those proposing to attend Fly-Ins would inform Bryn or the “host”, to help arrangements with food and alcohol !).

Club Sales

The Club merchandise had been distributed to provide better access to venues; the magazine advertising would be altered to provide alternative contacts and an email address.

Web Site

Ian Pawson was thanked for his revamping of the web-site. It was proving to be increasingly useful as the best means of keeping members up to date and in touch with the Club’s activities. It had huge potential to do much more for the Club both in terms of reporting and possibly as a mechanism for sales and collection of fees.

Heritage Group

Mike Preston confirmed that the HG was flourishing, with nearly 100 present at its last gathering. It was agreed that 500 copies of the “Blue Book” (All you need to know...) would be re-printed; (thanks to Mick Ames and Mike Preston).

The HG had been granted the printing rights of five superb paintings by the late Eddie Worrall, and these were now being prepared for printing; a sixth subject was being sought; any offers or suggestions, please contact Mike Preston.

Sets of the prints will hopefully be available for purchase during the course of the next year. It was also hoped to produce a calendar based on the prints.

Magazine Editor

Peter Wood sent his apologies. As an experiment the forthcoming magazine would change in format. One of the Clubs strengths was the quality of the magazine and for approximately the same cost; a smaller format could be printed in full colour, and offered great publishing opportunities.

Thanks should also go to “Baz” Naylor for his contribution to the magazine.

Following the enlargement of the committee it has been possible to give some support to the Editor, but once again members are encouraged to send in any material that might be of interest. (Peter’s email is unreliable at the moment, and you are welcome to use the Secretary or Baz as a mailbox).

Election of Officers

The existing committee stood down and with the exception of Dr. John Russell, who asked not to be considered, all were re-elected. Dr. Russell agreed to continue as treasurer until a replacement could be found.

(After note: Dr. Russell has kindly reconsidered, and will remain Treasurer).

There being no other business, the meeting then closed.