Posts by: BMMC Administrator

Chairman’s January Musings

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Money – that party subject that you shouldn’t talk about.  How much do you earn?  How much was your car?  What did you spend on holiday? Who wants to disclose that??!!

Except money is a form of currency and for volunteers this doesn’t always mean hard cash.  Giving thanks for your support, maybe a raffle prize and how about a surprise gift?  Many organising clubs and championships already support our volunteers in many of these ways already.  We keep the subject a topic of conversation as much as possible.  However some go even further and enable the club to give back to our members too and for this we are immensely grateful.

This year we already have agreed ongoing support to ensure overall and waterproof subsidies can be supported.  We thank NGK, Tiga and MGCC for their continued commitment to the club.  (I took the opportunity to accept a cheque from MG at Autosport).  We also welcome new sponsorship from Reis Insurance, Polyflor and Autosport.  Any new overalls purchased will have the relevant logos already in place.  All members will also receive badges with the goodie box so you can get your sewing kits out to add to existing overalls.  Don’t forget to make sure these logos are on show as much as possible – a small way of thanking our sponsors when you get seen by the public and occasional TV camera!

Talking of Autosport – we were well represented at the International Show at Birmingham NEC last weekend.  A number of us manned the BMMC and BRMC stands.  Plus we had members of the Midlands region helping out on the Reis stand (brilliant job ladies!).  Reis invited me to attend the announcement of their sponsorship of the BMMC on the Thursday of the Show.  I was interviewed by Alan Hyde alongside BTCC driver Tom Ingram and Reis MD Mark Taylor and they have included us on their website.  Some superb publicity for us and them!  Thank you to all our sponsors.

This year we took over 70 names of potential new recruits from all around the country as well as answering questions particularly on the rally front.  The names will be sent out by Pete Wilson to be processed by regional recruitment officers who do a great job ensuring they are invited to training days, Taster days and encourage them to join our club.  It is then up to each and every one of us to be responsible for ensuring they stay.  Please make sure they get involved on their first day, help them to volunteer, give them advice for getting experience to upgrade – we can all do our bit.  And if you are amongst our new members already this year – a big welcome to you all and keep asking lots of questions.

A final ‘Thank you’ to Paul Sutcliffe for setting up and managing our new National Facebook page alongside our Instagram and Twitter accounts.  We will endeavour to publish info directly on all our Social Media outlets and our website to keep you informed.  We will also keep our MailChimp messages to you so please ensure you sign up.  Our regions will continue to update you on local activities as well.  You can also sign up for regional newsletters via your volunteering / website log on.

Nadine Lewis

BMMC Chairman’s New Year Message

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I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. The annual greeting of the New Year met with hope and optimism and I wish you all the very best for 2017.

The start of the year is always a good time to make plans – what events would I like to attend? Can I book days off with work? Have I built up enough brownie points at home? Do I need to attend training days?

That last question should always be answered – YES! Rules change from time to time and there is always something to be learned. Or maybe you could help some trainees with your thoughts and words of wisdom? Training is also a great time to catch up with friends – new and old. Training is also required to upgrade or maintain your grade – at least every two years – so check when you last had a signature.

Dates for training will appear on the volunteering database and in regional newsletters – keep your eyes peeled and sign up with your training officer. I may see you at some of them too!

Hopefully you have renewed your membership for 2017 – the vast majority of members see their subscription paid by Direct Debit and these will be claimed on 5th January. If you would like to set up a Direct Debit please contact Dave Reed our National Membership Secretary. If you prefer you can pay on line via our website. Later this month paid up members will start receiving their goodie box – I hope you like the contents and thank Eric Ridler in particular for his efforts in putting it together.

I look forward to meeting more of you this year – out and about at events. Please remember that your hard working regional committees should be your first port of call for any issues or concerns – maybe they are looking for help too! Theirs and my details are on our website.

I wish you all the very best for 2017
Nadine Lewis