BMMC Chair – FINAL REMINDER Further to the Club update dated 11th March 2024, we are looking to appoint a new Chair to lead the club into the 2024 season and beyond. The National Chair is a key role within the club, working with the Board of Directors to set the strategy for growth and development of the Club. The Chair represents BMMC in a number of stakeholder forums, including working closely with Motorsport UK and the organising clubs. This is a great opportunity for a member to get involved with how our club is run.
Should any member wish to stand for election to the role of National Chair please submit the above information by email to nat.secretary@marshals.co.ukby 30th April at 5 pm.
North East Chair We are also looking to recruit a new Chair to lead the North East region, to support the development and growth of marshalling in the North East and Scotland. A Zoom meeting was held with representatives of the North East and some of the Directors on 16th April – thank you to all those who attended.
Personal Details We have had a number of membership packs returned due to incorrect addresses, and a number of emails that have returned as undelivered. Just a reminder that you can update your personal details in the volunteering portal, after logging in, click on the person icon to bring up your account details, to ensure we can communicate key information to you.
You can also update your subscriptions to receive newsletters etc . If you have unsubscribed from Mailchimp and wish to resubscribe please use the link below https://bit.ly/3JweMuA
Around the regions. Despite typically British weather, Howards Day welcomed participants back to Castle Combe. The event featured healthy grids across all the championships and thrilling racing, including two 500 Owners Club races showcasing these historic and rare cars at impressive speeds.
At the Goodwood Members Meeting attendees fondly remembered Barry Yeatman, a revered figure at Goodwood who sadly passed away just before Christmas. Marshals paid tribute to him with a traditional afternoon tea during the weekend, where he was fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Castle Combe bid farewell to Mike Devine, who concluded over 60 years of marshalling by attending his final meeting. He received a commemorative trophy and winner’s champagne from Marcus Pye and Castle Combe Marshals Coordinator Richard Beard. Mike, although having retired multiple times before, emphasises that this time, he’s truly stepping away though you may still spot him in the paddocks and spectator areas of Thruxton, Castle Combe, and Gurston Down.
The first event of 2024 at Oulton Park was the season opener for the British GT championship along with the support races at Easter. Full grids, changeable weather conditions and numerous incidents led to all the marshals being tested and allowed them to put their training to good use. A good way to blow away the winter cobwebs, followed by the Fun Cup two weeks later.
In addition, some members ventured out on to various rally stages in the North West to get their motorsport fix, with excellent feedback in terms of organisation, driving and marshal activities.
Recruitment Taster days for Brands Hatch have taken place for the last 2 meetings with 13 participants having taken part. Well done to Mark and the team and for the marshals for supporting these days.
The British GT meeting at Oulton Park saw the recruitment tent out for the first time this year, with 53 potential new recruits signed up – a great weekend considering the poor weather on Easter Monday.
Membership and Grading We are pleased to welcome 72 new members to date in April, including 3 cadets and 6 student members.
We are pleased to advise that we have passed our 10,000th member since BMMC’s inception. Congratulations to Patricia Banks from Widnes who holds this very important membership number.
Bedford Auto drome Marshal Prize Every year we carry out a draw for those marshals who have renewed their membership before 31st January Congratulations to Terry Defrond who has won this year’s prize for a day out at Bedford Autodrome.
Regalia Get them whilst you can!
Our new limited edition BMMC Shield 3D Cast Metal Keyrings are now available from your Regional Regalia or from National Regalia by post. Choose from either Antique Copper or Antique Silver. At only £3.75 each why not get one for your car key and one for the house keys. Get them quick as they won’t be around for long.
Great to see so many supporting our chosen charity this year. The Mission Motorsport patches are selling out fast. Have you got yours yet! Remember, all proceeds go directly to Mission Motorsport.
A full range of club badges, sticker and headwear as well as the new regional patches are available from your Regional Regalia Coordinators or you can drop an email to the National Regalia Coordinator with your requirements and he will be happy to pop in the post to you.
Finally, have you visited the club merchandise eShop yet https://shops.fabryx.co.uk/collections/british-motorsports-marshals-club with over 40 items of merchandise to choose from. As we immerse ourselves into the peak of the season why not treat yourself to a new tee-shirt or fashionable hat? Just in case you needed more incentive from now until the June you can get a 10% by just use code BMMCSUMMER-10 at the checkout.
Training Electric vehicles Planning for EV webinar in June is underway and if you wish to register please contact se.training@marshals.co.uk This handy webinar uses material used to train the rescue teams in safely operating around Electric vehicles and dispel some myths as well!
Other news On 27th April we are supporting the first ever Darlington Motorsport Day, a showcase of all things motorsport! The Darlington Motorsport Day is a family day where you can pop down, look at / interact with the displays watch some live demonstrations, talk to our officials and learn more about what our region has to offer for the lover of everything motorsport, some of you may be surprised to find out what’s just around the corner. If you have a few hours spare to help volunteer at this event please contact craig.hope@btopenworld.com
Similarly, we have been asked to support the Krazy Races team in 2024 – some new venues included this year too. Each event is looking for a minimum of 3 volunteers per event. Lunch voucher and drinks will be available to the volunteers – timings are roughly 9am – 4pm.
Full details will be provided closer to each event to those who have volunteered. For more info visit www.krazyraces.co.uk . Contact Nadine Lewis to volunteer at nadinelewis5@yahoo.co.uk Events are: 26 May – Shrewsbury SY1 1JA 16 June – Warrington WA1 2QW – NEW this year 14 July – Crewe CW1 3LH 28 July – Stockport SK1 1SP 1 September – Wolverhampton WV1 1TX 15 September – Lincoln LN2 1HY – NEW this year
Charity news A few members from the South East region are taking part in the Race! Ride! Run! Brands Hatch Charity Day, Bank Holiday Monday 27th May. www.chartwellcancertrust.co.uk If you fancy taking part, please visit the website and support these cancer charities.
BRDC Charity. The Charity exists to help those in the motorsport industry (drivers, mechanics, marshals, officials etc) who are experiencing financial difficulties. Potential claimants are visited by the Charity’s facilitator to discuss needs which may be financial or emotional. We make either financial grants or signpost to other organisations that may help the individual. This is a very confidential service and recipients are known only to the 3 Trustees, myself and the facilitator. If anyone wishes to discuss this further, then call Steve Woolfe National Treasurer on 07739332217.
Financial and Insurance Finances to March 2024. The Club has made a small surplus to March 2024 and cash balances remain positive. There has been a slightly disappointing response to the club’s Sprint in May, although we are hoping for a late surge in entries! We are yet to receive all our training income from the British Motorsport Trust but we am not expecting a huge shortfall of income ( NOTE – we are only granted 75% of our requested training costs.) Volunteering Abroad. We are getting a few requests to marshal abroad, it is appropriate to let you know the basic insurance requirements. A more detailed narrative can be found on our web site at https://www.marshals.co.uk/volunteering-information/volunteering-abroad/ This blog deals with Insurance cover and Emergency Repatriation only. Insurances. The BMMC policy provides 100% cover for members marshalling/officiating at “approved” non-Motorsport UK events. This is taken to mean events at properly licensed circuits or venues and includes overseas. As most of the applications are to GP/Le Mans etc then these venues will obviously be regarded as approved. Details of the benefits in the unfortunate case of a claim needing to be made are at https://www.marshals.co.uk/marshalling/bmmc-personal-accident-insurance/ NOTE: It is very important to ensure that you take out your own travel insurance as our policy does not cover such as delays, lost luggage, cancellations etc. Emergency Repatriation. Our insurance covers repatriation should there be a need, however we need the following information so that we can issue your certificate of insurance.
Name and address as per your passport.
Payment of £20 to our account at Lloyds Bank – Sort Code 40-39-11 Account No – 71061968
Our account name is British Motorsports Marshals Club.
Your BMMC Membership number.
Please provide any feedback on the BMMC monthly blog to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk John Edwards National Secretary 07800 587391
BMMC Chair As per the club update issued on 11th March 2024 Nadine Lewis has resigned as National Chair due to personal reasons.
As such the club is recruiting for a new National Chair. The role description for the National Chair role can be found here https://bit.ly/3IAImP6 . The Directors would like to thank Nadine for all the hard work she has done on behalf of our members in raising the profile of marshalling, and wish her every success in the future.
Should any member wish to stand for election to the role of National Chair please contact nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk by 30th April at 5 pm.
National Training Officer Alan Page has been appointed as the new BMMC National Training Coordinator (NTC) and will assume his post as a member of the National Council with immediate effect.
Alan brings a wealth of experience to the role as a professional educator running his own training consultancy and delivery company. He has been involved in the design and delivery of training courses since 2002.
Alan has been delivering motorsport training since 2007 when he first gained his Training Instructor licence, then following that became an International Trainer, delivering both Marshals and Trainer courses in several different countries under the FIA’s direction.
Around the regions / Rally As we are at the beginning of the season, little to report from the regions re circuit racing. Motorsport UK have amended the regulations re signals. Please refer to the Marshals Bulletin March 2024 for further information , with a video for review https://bit.ly/49hUorq
NOTE: Cadwell Park will become the latest venue to install the light panels this year.
In Rally, the Jimmy McRae Award was presented at Autosport International to Pheebe Fletcher. BRMC are currently working on three recruitment events, the Historic Rally Festival, Rali Ceredigion (ERC) and Castle Combe Rally Day.
A practical training day is planned for the 21st April at The Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. This event will be funded by the British Motorsport Trust and run with the cooperation of the Welsh Association. On-line training continues to be available for rally training
Recruitment Autosport show 2024 -Our show exhibition stand was attended on all four days with club members from track and rally disciplines. Their help in setting up and manning the stand is to be commended.
We had a lot of interest and have some great opportunities to recruit new members from other motorsport related clubs. The Autosport show also provided a great networking opportunity too.
Marshal recruitment – Donington We are pleased to announce that to support recruitment at Donington, MSV have confirmed that we will have a permanent base exclusively for BMMC recruitment and taster day activities. We hope to have occupation in early April with a plan to host our first taster day of the season and recruitment event the following weekend.
Membership and Grading 2024 membership packs are currently being issued in batches and should be with everyone within the next week.
The new online application form is working well, with all applicants having completed the Motorsports UK training before joining the club.
We have 94 new adult members, 14 Students and 3 cadets who have joined since December The new updated BMMC membership database has gone live, providing additional security for membership data.
Congratulations to the following members who have upgraded recently:
Nigel McCutcheon, Michael Plant, Emily Mansfield, Rebecca Kennedy , Will Brindley, Patrick Lambe, Matt Froud, Dan Lynn, Malcom Thompson, Bryony Sherlow, John Scott and Christopher Trace.
Regalia The club merchandise eShop was launched at the end of November 2023 and has been received well by the members. Visit here https://bit.ly/3xnjc40
New regional patches and patches supporting our chosen charity Mission Motorsport are now available through your Regional Regalia Officers
Formula E The London E-Prix is a unique event which sees the pioneering all-electric single seaters tackle a tight circuit with an indoor/outdoor layout around the Docklands conference centre. Applications for volunteer marshals for the 2024 race are now open – if you’re interested in joining the team, please click on the link to register: https://www.msvr.co.uk/car/formula-e-london-marshal
Insurance and Marshalling Abroad As it is the start of the racing season, a quick reminder of our insurances. Marshalling in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
You need to be a member of BMMC to be eligible for cover.
You need to volunteer either through the BMMC volunteering site or, if that deadline has passed, directly with the organising Club or Chief Marshal.
Our brokers have advised us that as long as you are a member of BMMC, then you are covered and therefore no need to tick the “For Insurance Purposes Only” button.
Your cover will start when you leave your house to attend and finish when you have returned home. If you are staying overnight then cover extends to this period as well.
You need to sign on as proof of your attendance (although with electronic sign on prior to a meeting, proof of attendance will be the post allocation sheets etc)
If the meeting is mixed 2 wheel and 4 wheel ( ie Goodwood), then you need to check if the meeting is being held under two Permits – MSUK for 4 wheel and ACU (Auto Cycle Union) for 2 wheel – as Goodwood is.
In that case you need to sign on with both MSUK and ACU, therefore the overall Organising Club should have two sheets for you to sign (or two electronic ones).
Marshalling Overseas.
It is advisable for overseas marshalling to take out Emergency Repatriation Insurance (EMR) to cover your repatriation should the need arise. The cost of this is £20 and covers as many trips in the calendar year.
You will need to email me (nat.treasurer@marshals.co.uk) with your name and address as per your passport, your BMMC membership number, the date of your first trip overseas and proof of payment (Our bookkeeper will do this part).
Our account is held at HSBC –Account 71061968: Sort Code 40-39-11: Name: British Motorsport Marshals Club.
BMMC Annual Accounts to 31st December 2023. The following is a brief precis of our results and a fuller narrative can be found on our web site here https://bit.ly/3ITKZfb
Income –
Membership further increased in 2023 from £46,620 to £50,950.
Contributions from BMT – the organisation that funds our training costs – matched our expenditure on training.
Although we retained all of our marshals’ clothing sponsors, the Club still contributed £3,720 to ensure that the standard overalls/wet weather clothing was fully subsidised.
Our income from Sprints was much lower in 2023 probably due to the economic climate.
Expenditure –
Although many costs increased substantially in 2023 (Insurance costs rose by 10% despite going out to the market), we did make savings on Postage, Stationery, and Council expenses.
Regional Expenses increased significantly due to the Fun Cup challenge, which cost the Club over £1,800.
The net result of the above was a surplus of £6,160 for the year.
This surplus will be used in 2024 to ensure that we can still fully subsidise your clothing ( we have lost a couple of sponsors for 2024 but Prodrive have agreed to contribute to our clothing costs) and to offer marshals with over 40 years’ service life membership.
Alan Page has been appointed as the new BMMC National Training Coordinator (NTC) and will assume his post as a member of the National Council with immediate effect.
Responsible for providing members with appropriate training in line with Motorsport UK and BMMC requirements, in a timely manner, the NTC is the single point of contact for all training related matters for the club.
Alan brings a wealth of experience to the role as a professional educator running his own training consultancy and delivery company. He has been involved in the design and delivery of training courses since 2002.
Alan has also been delivering motorsport training since 2007 when he first gained his Training Instructor licence, then following that became an International Trainer, delivering both Marshals and Trainer courses in several different countries under the FIA’s direction.
He was the Training Officer, then Training Executive for the MSA, then Motorsport UK, from 2014 to 2018, preceding that with 3 years as their Training Consultant.
Alan first started marshalling at the Lombard RAC Rally in 1982 and motorsport has been a huge part of his life since then, having marshalled at Race, Speed, Trials, Hill Climbs and Rally events and continues to deliver Marshals and Officials training in all these disciplines.
Speaking after his appointment Alan said: “I am honoured to be granted the position of NTC and look forward to engaging with the regional training officers to build upon the great work of my predecessors. I honestly believe that the UK marshals are the best in the world and by the delivery of high-quality training we are continuing to maintain the highest standards our sport deserves.”
Further to the Club update dated 11th March 2024, BMMC are looking to appoint a new Chair to lead the club into the 2024 season and beyond.
Candidates for the Chair vacancy will need to submit: (a) Confirmation that they are eligible under Article 29, including that they are a Full or Life Member, their Grade (being above that of Registered Marshal), and list any other BMMC roles currently held. (b) Confirmation of their understanding that on election to the role, they will take on responsibilities as a company director under the Companies Act 2006 , and their willingness and legal eligibility to do so. (c) A statement of no more than 500 words which will be circulated to the membership, setting out their experience and plans should they be successful in the election supported by a relevant CV. (d) Details of a proposer and seconder for their nomination.
The role description for the National Chair role can be found here https://bit.ly/3IAImP6
Should any member wish to stand for election to the role of National Chair please submit the above information by email to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk by 30th April at 5 pm.
Once applications have been received, discussions will be held between the applicant and an appropriate Director or Vice president to ensure the applicant has a full understanding of the role.
Once these discussions have concluded, in accordance with J.2.8 an electronic ballot will be held by a simple majority, with the candidate with the most votes being declared elected.
If any member does not have an email registered on the database postal forms will be issued to these members only. Polling will be open for a 2-week period.
It is the aim of the club to have a new Chair in place for the Board meeting in June 2024.
It is with regret that after 7 years, Nadine Lewis has decided, for personal reasons, to step down from the role of National Chair of BMMC with immediate effect .
I’m sure you will join the Directors in thanking Nadine for all the hard work she has done on behalf of our members in raising the profile of marshalling , and wish her every success in the future.
The Directors are currently formulating a short term plan to ensure that the Chair activities are covered whilst we commence the process of appointing a new National Chair. Further updates will be issued in the near future.
An extra day in February and April Fools Day falls on Easter Monday – not the only topsy turvy quirks of this years’ calendar. Some of the major championships have moved their traditional opener and closer dates and venues so a little more planning required to juggle the year.
The BMMC volunteering portal is now updated with all information – please use this to plan and volunteer for your meetings for the year .Remember if you volunteer with an organizing club to tick the relevant box in the portal to ensure you are still covered by BMMC insurance.
Thanks to Treasurer Steve we have secured the sponsorship of Prodrive for our overalls! This is on the back of Tiga cars stepping away and we thank them for their huge support over many years. Badges are being made with the Prodrive logo for new overall purchases and I am sure our Regalia coordinator will have a few available too…..
Steve is also relocating this month so after 50 years of marshalling at Oulton Park his nearest circuit will become Brands Hatch – I am sure our South East members will welcome him into their ranks. Good luck with the move Steve!
A final reminder to renew your membership for 2024 early this month, to be in with a chance of winning our top prize of a trip to Bedford Autodrome and your membership pack will be delivered to you at your registered address before the end of March.
Congratulations and well done to our National award winners:
And it was fantastic to be able to stage the presentation of the Lord Wakefield trophy. BWRDC Chair Helen Allen was able to bring this magnificent trophy to Oulton Park training day and make the presentation to a pleasantly stunned Margaret Simpson. Margaret was devastated that she was unable to attend the Motorsport UK Night of Champions event to receive her award on the night due to ill health. Margaret was met with a standing ovation which lasted several minutes and clearly moved her to shed a tear or two. Thoroughly well deserved.
A final shout out to Simon Lloyd, Regalia Cooordinator, who raised an amazing £1400 in sales at the South East training weekend . Remember the online shop is available here
Finally happy birthday to any Leaplings out there – hope you celebrated well.
BARRIE WILLIAMS TROPHY – MARSHAL OF THE YEAR Colin Barnes Colin has been a well-respected marshal for 25 years and extremely competent flag marshal, regularly attending Oulton Park, Anglesey events and the British Grand Prix.
He has been Chief Flag Marshal at Oulton Park for the last 10 years allocating flag posts and promoting best practice by our flag marshals.
To support this, Colin put together a team of the most experienced flag marshal to run training at our regional training events for new marshals, experienced Flag Marshals and Post Chiefs providing an invaluable training resource to the region.
The group has devised innovative flag marshal training sessions including driver’s feedback, mentoring for new marshals, most memorably a practical training session in the Oulton Park car park using bicycles, including a safety bike, for new marshals to practice flagging under the supervision of experienced flag marshals.
This year Colin advised Oulton Park circuit with the introduction of the new light signals ensuring that the existing flag points could be smoothly integrated into the new system before the first major race meeting of the year and considered to be one of the more successful implementations to date.
Colin supported the Club at national level as Treasurer from 2014 to 2020, ensuring the Club’s finances were well regulated and controlled in line with Club rules and prudent financial management.
Since stepping down from the Treasurer role Colin is the Club’s bookkeeper.
JOHN NICOL TROPHY – NEW MARSHAL OF THE YEAR Anna Lambe Anna joined the specialist area at brands hatch this year and has demonstrated a great attitude. she has a desire and willingness to learn, is capable of putting what she has learnt into practice and has been able to pass this knowledge on to others.
She now regularly carries out pits/start line duties without the need for supervision and is also willing to take on new tasks when asked even if this is something she has no prior knowledge of.
Earlier this year when she was asked to help-out in assembly rather than pits/start line she readily accepted the reassignment and quickly picked up the tasks required in that new area.
At a recent meeting where pits/start line marshal numbers were low she took on the task of managing the grid sheets for all of the races over the weekend and dealt with this efficiently including handling several last-minute amended grids.
Anna has proved herself to be a good team member, picks up knowledge and skills well, understands how to apply these (or when to ask questions), and is growing in experience and confidence.
DAVID LESLIE TROPHY – CADET OF THE YEAR Maria Goode Maria initially joined us as her brothers started with marshalling. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, she helped out anyway. So, when she was old enough to actually marshal, she already knew how it all worked.
Maria is very organised, giving me less to keep a check on. She has done particularly well this year with showing taster day cadets what we do and helping to get them involved. Her guidance is also helping our newest cadets to settle in and build confidence.
Maria works well with cadets visiting us as part of a taster day. She shows them how assembly and race control operates and encourages them to get involved. Maria has also been interviewed a couple of times over the last two years by Paul O’Neill – as part of his work with the Civic Cup. Each time, she explained what she was doing and does not seem particularly shy in front of the camera.
Maria is happy to mentor new cadets and help to build their confidence. She is also a natural leader of the current cadets we have – delighting in organising their tasks in a pleasant manner. Maria’s organisation skills and leadership helps to spread responsibility within the assembly area and removes worry.
We’ve had a few queries come in to the club so we would like to address these..……
Volunteering system – this is now live. A few tweaks to some of the events, non-race events to be added and some further enhancements / features being worked on. If you volunteer via our system you have the same rights as anyone else who volunteers direct with a club – so don’t think you are missing out! Just ensure you volunteer in advance of the closing date – clubs do have the right to ask for earlier closing of registrations.
Membership packs – these are being sent out in one Mailshot in March. This is the most efficient way to process the packs. Neither your card nor car sticker is required to marshal so you don’t need them ahead of the season start. After this renewal period closes car stickers will only be sent to new members and membership cards will be going electronic.
Accounts – a few comments raised about us cutting costs whilst enjoying a healthy bank balance. Our accounts are currently in rude health but we mustn’t be complacent.
We have sadly lost a few of our sponsors this year so will be dipping in to funds to ensure overalls remain fully subsidised – and hope to find new sponsors too.
Training events are supported up to 75% of the costs from British Motorsport Trust so we have to use club funds for the balance.
We have introduced Life Membership for individuals who have been with the club 40 years. Although a small percentage of members at the moment this will increase year on year. We have also kept our subscription cost the same for the last 10 years.
We have some ailing IT systems which we are patching together currently but will need some significant investment in the coming years.
Insurance and general running costs have also increased – along with everything else in life!
Overalls – you don’t need them to start marshalling and Lille are working hard this year to reduce their lead times. They are holding a few stock items based on the last 12 months orders to manage the early part of the year rush! So don’t wait to get started – ask your recruitment coordinators to lend you a tabard at least until your overalls are ready.
Training weekends are in full swing – so make sure you get along or dial in virtually where you can. These should all be aligned with the new Motorsport UK Pathway so that everyone attending gets the modules they need. For new marshals to collect signatures you can download continuation sheets from Motorsport UK website or request a Record Book directly from marshals@motorsportuk.org.
If you do have any queries please address them in the first instance to your Regional Committees. They can support you with local needs, training, grading and membership questions. Where necessary they will request support from others in order to answer your queries. Same as in working life – if you get no answer or support then please escalate!
And for the rally enthusiasts amongst us it is great to hear that The Probite British Rally Championship [BRC] will return to free-to-air terrestrial television in 2024, after signing a multi-year deal with ITV4 and ITVX to broadcast the six-round series across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Great work to get this deal!
A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western World but also found in the Eastern World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behaviour, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behaviour at the beginning of a calendar year.
Resolutions are frequently broken due to being unrealistic or because people forgot they made them or made so many they couldn’t meet them all!
Therefore let’s make some that are easy…. 1. Attend a training day 2. Volunteer for a manageable amount of events 3. Act in a more sustainable way 4. Treat myself to new kit and regalia 5. Be kind to yourself and everyone around you
Training dates are available on our website (https://www.marshals.co.uk/training/) and we will update and manage these as we get more information
Our volunteering system will be opened later this month – once we have got the final confirmations and details from all Chief Marshals. Details on the volunteering system updates we have made and an easy-to-use guide will be published shortly for frequent and new users of the system.
As a club we are aiming to be more sustainable. Some things we can include: When you can ensure you recycle your rubbish but definitely use the bins provided or take it home with you! How about sharing transport with others? Or using your own refillable water bottle and mug?
Have you checked if your kit is still usable? (and fits after those mince pies!). And did you get some money for Christmas that you can spend on yourself? Check out our regalia items (https://www.marshals.co.uk/regalia/)
We can also confirm we have a stand at Autosport from 11 – 14 January. We are combining BMMC with BRMC on stand 3371 in Hall 3. We look forward to seeing you as visitors to the Show and welcoming new recruits – thanks in advance to Richard Harris (National Recruitment Coordinator) for organising the stand this year.
I look forward to seeing some of you out and about over the course of the next year. And of course if anyone wants to get more actively involved in the running of the club please do contact your local committee.
The British Motorsports Marshals Club (BMMC) are pleased to announce that their charity partner for 2024 will be Mission Motorsport.
Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, whose motto is “Race Retrain Recover” is MoD’s competent authority for motor sport as a recovery activity and is a Royal Foundation (the charitable trust of the Prince and Princess of Wales) and Endeavour Fund supported initiative.
The charity’s dedicated career managers have placed more than 200 Wounded, Injured and Sick service leavers into employment since the inaugural Invictus Games in September 2014. Over 2000 veterans have found work through the charity’s programs.
A Service Charity and a member of the Confederation of Service Charities, Mission Motorsport has an award-winning collaborative model of working with government and the other service charities. It is funded by the Government’s Positive Pathways program, The Soldiers’ Charity (the Army Benevolent Fund), the Forces’ Trust and the Greenwich Hospital as well as by industry partners and independent fundraising.
Mission Motorsport are the organisation behind the annual Race of Remembrance event, held at Trac Mon Anglesey. Now in its ninth year, the 12-hour race runs through the night over two days and has grown beyond anybody’s wildest imaginations with a starting grid double the size of the first event.
As the event has evolved, becoming bigger and better, the profoundly moving and poignanService of Remembrance remains at the heart of the event. This year nearly 150 marshals supported this fantastic event.
BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis said “BMMC are proud to be supporting Mission Motorsport and look forward to raising funds at events in 2024.”
Mission Motorsport COO Andy Brown said, “As the Forces’ Motorsport Charity supporting service leavers, veterans and their families, and their transition into civilian life, we are forever grateful for the support of the wider community and organisations such as the British Motorsports Marshals Club. We simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our Armed Forces community without it and we are honoured to be chosen as BMMC’s charity of the year”.
Mike Mulder has been appointed as the new BMMC National Membership (NMC) and will assume his post as a member of the National Council in the New Year taking over from Dave Reed.
Responsible for overseeing all matters relating to membership, Mike became a marshal to give something back to the sport after enjoying many hours spent around the country and overseas on track days.
Speaking after his appointment Mike said: “I’m delighted to be invited to take on the role of NMC and have the opportunity to support the club while illness prevents me from being as active on track as I would like.”
BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis added: “Taking over from Dave I know Mike has some big shoes to fill however, we are confident he has the enthusiasm and skills to coordinate our membership data and subscriptions processing.
“The directors would like to thank Dave Reed for all his contributions as NMC over a 10 year period and wish him well for the future.”
….support your regional committees and National Council. Regional committees have completed their AGMs and the National AGM takes place this Sunday 3 December. Have you considered joining a committee? Have you asked to see what is involved? As a membership organisation we make decisions on your behalf – but do you want to play a bigger part in this process? Is there something you have a talent for and could support the club? Why not put out some feelers and see if you could spare a few hours a week in a new role?
….renew your membership of the BMMC. Renewals will open shortly – once the handover to our new National Membership Secretary is completed and a notice will be forthcoming on how you can complete this process. If you have already set up a Direct Debit we will be confirming the date this will be taken in January too. It’s a little later than normal but you have to the end of March to renew.
….check if you need to attend training. If you just need a refresher to maintain your grade maybe you could do some online training and a couple of hours face to face to keep up to date. Or maybe you are looking to upgrade and need those signatures to complete the process? Check out the Motorsport UK pathway (https://motorsportuk.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20161944/2023-06-08-Marshals-Pathway-Interactice-2.pdf) or ask your regional grading and or training coordinators for support. And don’t forget to update your Motorsport UK registration too.
….get your Christmas gift wish list in early – maybe there is something you fancy from our new online shop? (https://www.marshals.co.uk/regalia/). Or is there any other kit which needs replacing before you put it away in storage?
…get yourself lost in YouTube replays of motorsport action / get another beer (insert drink of choice here!) from the fridge / eat your own body weight in food. Or on the other hand plan a Winter event to attend – there’s still plenty on. The Roger Albert Clark rally last weekend was epic! And there’s more to come……with rallies / autotests / trials / Plum Pudding at Mallory anyone?
Whatever way you decide to spend the festive period – remember it’s different for everyone and however you spend Christmas remember it’s yours and don’t believe Social Media to tell you otherwise. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year in 2024.
