RENEWAL LETTER 2009

The financial crisis that I suspect hit every one of us in one way or another at the back end of 2008 left some of us in the Marshals’ Club thinking what we might do to ease the cost burden for our members.
We floated a proposal at the MSA and with the major organising clubs that we should have a “fiver-a-day” levy on competition entry fees to give a “tenner-a-day” regular travel allowance to marshals, to offset the then escalating price of vehicle fuel. Sadly, this was just as the worst of the financial crisis became known; everyone agreed it was a good idea but the timing seemed all wrong to add to competitors’ costs and this had to go on the back burner, for now.

Undeterred, we soldiered on. Long time supporter, Mike Newton, offered us some new thoughts on fund-raising and some seed capital to get this started. Council agreed it was time we did something different, if a further exodus of marshals was to be avoided. So, what has been agreed up until now is the following:
♦  Despite increasing costs and much improved Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance, annual subscription stays at the same level, for the seventh year.
♦  The Mike Newton/Remguard subsidy on overalls purchased by members from AWS will increase to £10 per pair, despite a small increase in price for 2009.
♦  This subsidy will extend to other essential marshalling wear, if further funding plans materialise.
♦  Everyone who has renewed by the end of January 2009 will go into a draw for an amazing prize of a corporate Super Day at Bedford Autodrome, courtesy of Jonathan Palmer of MSV Circuits. This prize is worth £800 and allows the lucky recipient to drive seven different high-performance cars, ranging from Clio Cup Racer, through Jaguar Sports Car to JP’s F1 equivalent, the Formula Jaguar. (Go to www.palmersport.com for details)
♦  There may be subsidiary prizes to be won by those who have renewed by the end of February and then March.
♦  There will be one free membership per month to be won by someone, renewal or new member, on the membership list by the end of April, May and June.
♦  There is even a special prize for rally marshals who renew by the end of January 2009, four books from Veloce Publications “Rally Giants” series.
♦  Everyone who renews or joins for 2009 will receive a 2009 “year badge” car sticker.

Neither the Club nor its members takes any income from the sport and we are, therefore, somewhat limited in what we can do to ease the cost burden on members, other than what we have always done to keep membership subscription costs as low as we can. In this instance, we felt that something more was required and we sincerely hope that members will appreciate the effort made this time – and continue to support THE Club for marshals!

George Copeland
National Treasurer

In addition to Georges comments above I am extremely pleased to tell you that a second prize has been donated by The Thruxton Motorsport Centre and this draw will be for any member who renews by the end of February 2009. If you renew in January your name will go in for BOTH draws.

The prize is a 3-car passenger ride in a Mazda RX8, Porsche Cayman and a Ferrari 355.

The BMMC openly express their sincere thanks to both MSV and The Thruxton Motorsport Centre for their donations and for their support of the club and it's members.