Posts by: National Social Media

Vacancy for National Volunteer Coordinator

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BMMC is recruiting for the position of National Volunteering Coordinator to serve on the National Council.

The primary objective of the role is to act as point of contact for clubs, and to facilitate BMMC members to volunteer for events by maintaining the club meeting information on the volunteering database through a network of regional coordinators

A full role description can be found here.

Expressions of interest are to be forwarded to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk together with a covering letter advising why the role is of interest, and a CV detailing relevant experience. Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 11th November 2022.

Autumn brings the changes

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October sees a turning point in the year as championships are decided and rallying in inclement weather becomes more inevitable!

BTCC was concluded early in the month and a scary incident in the Porsche support race saw a car launched on to debris fencing protecting a marshals’ post.  Thankfully no physical injuries for anyone involved but a shocking incident nonetheless which could shake even a well-seasoned marshal!  But a good reminder to always keep your eye on approaching traffic.

As a reminder – if you are ever affected by an incident your first port of call should be the event Chief marshal.  The organising clubs will be able to support you.  Motorsport UK only get involved if the organising club requests input.  Please also note that BMMC are not notified (due to GDPR) and therefore are unaware of who is involved or affected unless advised or people recognised by local members.  Of course our own anonymous counselling service is there to support you if you contact them directly and the BRDC Charity too.  Motorsport UK are currently reviewing their process.

I attended Motorsport UK Council meeting earlier in the month where we discussed the strategy for Motorsport UK (https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Motorsport-UK-Strategy-2020-2025-0621-1-1.pdf).  I am pleased to say that Volunteers are part of the focus and further consultation and discussion will follow as to how this can be achieved.  I have already ensured that “Volunteer retention, recruitment and recognition” is part of each Sporting committee’s permanent agenda and this provides a framework to focus this attention going forward.

I also attended Marshals Advisory Group which was my last time as Chair.  I have been part of this group since January 2010 – when I was awarded Marshal of the Year.  As per the Motorsport UK rules I have had to stand down after my time of service.  However we have come a long way and I am happy to be handing over in to safe hands.  Our last meeting had a discussion about marshal retention.  An interesting set of points raised which many of you will relate to …..

  • poor communication
  • poor grids
  • lack of lunch break
  • late finishes

…..to be continued and actions suggested!!!

We also agreed the new PRC format which will be launched soon.  It is expected that a new wallet will also be produced and distributed too.  Likely to be sent out as upgrades are processed – so registered marshals can move away from the current paper copy which was an interim solution.  The PRC will be used for attendance, training and assessment signatures across all disciplines.  Anyone who is not looking to upgrade will be encouraged to use the continuation forms to record days only.  And don’t forget you have until June 2023 to upgrade under the current scheme.

To finish our regions are holding AGMs this month so I encourage you to attend and support your local committees where possible – or why not get involved yourself?

New National Regalia Officer appointed

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BMMC are pleased to announce that following the selection process for the National Regalia role, Adrian Liddiment has accepted the position. 

Adrian has been a marshal for 10 years and is a member of BMMC South East. In a professional capacity Adrian has over 25 years of extensive  experience in operations, information technology, marketing and brand development .

To order regalia please go to https://www.marshals.co.uk/regalia . The email address to contact Adrian is nat.regalia@marshals.co.uk

The standard of applications for the role was very strong and we thank the other members who applied for this role.

We wish Adrian good luck in his new role with BMMC 

BMMC WINS TEAMWORK AWARD

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At the recent MIA (Motorsport Industry Association) Business Excellence Awards Dinner held at the Silverstone Wing, the BMMC won the Teamwork award for 2022.. The evening was hosted by the Chief Exec of the MIA Chris Aylett and compere Dominic Holland (yes he is Spiderman’s dad).

It was a tough group to be in and we were pleasantly surprised to have beaten of stiff competition to win this prestigious award from BTC Racing, Jota Sport and Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team.

Chris Aylett congratulated BMMC with this praise …

British Marshals set the global standard for excellence and are well-deserving winners of this Award. 

From pits to paddock, track-side to race control, BMMC unpaid volunteers are essential to keep all motorsport meetings running safely and smoothly.

They say it’s the closest you can get to the action …without being in the driving seat!

The award was presented by Brad O’Nians (Director) of Hypermotive (Electrical/Electronics integration) and collected on behalf of the BMMC by John Edwards, National Secretary.

Final Reminder – AGM notice

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The 65th Annual General Meeting of the British Motorsports Marshals Club will take place this year on Sunday 4th December 2022 commencing at 14.30pm at the Bicester Heritage Museum OX27 8FY, and, also as a virtual event by TEAMS. 

Anyone wishing to attend should email to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk, no later than Friday 25th November 2022, advising in person or virtual in your response. Due to limitations on attendance in person, attendance in person will be allocated in order of request to attend. 
 
Reports from Directors (i.e. Regional Chairs and Special Interest Group Chairs) and Executive Officers will be contained in an Annual Report published on the BMMC website after the AGM and will be available to all members. 
 
Agenda

1/         Attendance and Apologies

2/         Minutes of Previous AGM – To agree the minutes of the 64th AGM of the BMMC Ltd dated December 5th, 2021; available to view on the BMMC website https://www.marshals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-12-05-Minutes-of-AGM.pdf

Note: The proposer and seconder must have attended the 64th AGM

3/         Matters Arising

4/         Chairs Report                 Nadine Lewis

5/         Secretary’s Report        John Edwards

6/         Treasurer’s Report        Steve Woolfe

6.1/      Approval of Accounts – ( https://www.marshals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BMMC-Ltd-2021-Accounts-Website-Publication.pdf)

7/         Election of Officers 

7.1      In accordance with Club Rules, BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis stands down by rotation and offers herself for re-election as BMMC Chair

Should any member also wish to stand for BMMC Chair   please contact nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk  for information onthe application process

Note Applications must be proposed and seconded by current members and shall be submitted in writing to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk , no later than 14th October 2022

7.2       In accordance with the 3 year rule, the following Directors stand down and offer themselves for re-election:

  • Robert Causey             NI Chair
  • John Jones                   BRMC Chair
  • Jayne Poston                Midlands Chair
  • Michael Broadbent        NW Chair 
  • Lynne Kendall               NE Chair
  • Chris Whitlock               S Mids Chair 

Should any member also wish to stand for any of these roles please contact nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk  for information on the application process

Note Applications must be proposed and seconded by current members and shall be submitted in writing to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk , no later than 14th October 2022

7.3       As a result of being appointed as a Director after the 2021 National AGM, Andy Bumstead (SE Regional Chair) stands down offers himself for re-election. 

Should any member also wish to stand for SE Chair please contact nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk  for information on the application process

Note Applications must be proposed and seconded by current members and shall be submitted in writing to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk , no later than 14th October 2022

8/         Reappointment of Azets as Auditors 

9/         Ordinary resolutions 

Any ordinary resolution put forward for consideration at the annual general meeting must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members and lodged with the nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk by 5th November 2022

10/       Special Resolutions 

Any special resolution proposing a change to the Articles of Association must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members and lodged with the nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk  by 5th November 2022 

11/       Annual awards

  • BMMC Marshal of the Year              Barrie Williams Trophy
  • BMMC New Marshal of the Year      John Nicol Trophy
  • BMMC Cadet Marshal of the Year    David Leslie Trophy

12/       Any Other Business 
13/       Close

Revival, Respect & Refresher

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September is my favourite time of the year – well it is my birthday month and a big one this year!  A weekend away from Motorsport spent celebrating with my family started the month – with added days to recover.

The Goodwood Revival was a triumph again this year – some of the best racing and a great team on post with Dutch and French visitors to share the experience.  Poignant and reflective contemplation in respect to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was observed impeccably each day around the whole circuit. On the Sunday I was invited to Prize giving at the Start / Finish line to witness the presentation of a cheque to the Goodwood Marshals Club towards the purchase of a new rescue unit.  The funds were raised by a Crowdfunding page set up by Alice Powell following the sad events of last July and the death of Rob Foote.  Rob and his wife Rosemarys names will live on with the Rescue Unit – a fitting tribute to recognise where Rob started marshalling and the close knit community around him.

Last weekend I was at Silverstone for the BTCC – not volunteering for a change!  Saturday was spent with Dan Carter from Motorsport UK reviewing and discussing the Light panels.  I saw them in operation in Race Control as well as on post at Brooklands (thanks for the welcome on post!).  A number of takeaways and discussion points noted and the Formula 4 on board system seen to its full extent.  A few surprises and takeaways for Dan too!  We await the next debriefing meeting which should take place in November and then we hopefully will have some clear steps and updates for everyone.

On Sunday I was at Silverstone for hospitality from Motorsport UK – offered to everyone who sits on a committee or working group.  The marshals who dealt with the track invasion at the GP had also been invited – so able to thank them too.  Plenty of networking opportunities over the weekend and catch ups with Laurence Tomlinson (Ginetta – ongoing sponsorship and potential opportunities with the move to supporting British GTs next year) and Dr Ian Roberts (CMO – before he headed off to Singapore).

The Race with Respect campaign from Motorsport UK is something that shouldn’t be necessary but recent examples and cases indicate that unfortunately the behaviour of some individuals is wholly unacceptable. Please do use their newly created reporting system mentioned in our bulletin last week if you need to raise concerns. Of course please approach committee members and Chief marshals to support you if you have cause for concern.  Abuse of any nature will not be tolerated.

Finally for this month I passed the Motorsport UK Assessor Refresher course so I can renew my registration and be able to continue assessing Race marshals at events.  Phew!  Don’t forget that your marshals registration has to be completed by the end of this calendar year but upgrades are still possible up to June next year.  The BMMC’s own membership renewal process will be opening soon and further details on this will follow by separate message from our Treasurer Steve.

National Regalia Officer

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National Regalia

BMMC are recruiting for the position of National Regalia Officer to serve as an Executive Officer of National Council. The primary objective of the role is to source BMMC approved regalia from a range of suppliers and manage distribution of regalia from source toRegional Members. The National Regalia Officer will be the single point of contact for the club’s regalia supply chain. 

A full role description can be found at www.marshals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-09-01-National-Regalia-Officer-Role-Description.pdf

Expressions of interest are to be forwarded to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk , together with a covering letter advising why the role is of interest, and a CV detailing relevant experience. Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 30th September. 

Race with respect

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For the vast majority of us, we experience very positive and mutually respectful relationships with those we come into contact with at racetracks across the country week in week out.  

However, on the odd, rare occasion things don’t always go so smoothly and now and again we hear reports of behaviour we would not expect or want to experience when undertaking what is in essence our hobby.

It is therefore reassuring that Motorsport UK want to encourage a positive environment, on and off the track, and a socially-minded standard of behaviour is expected from everyone within the motorsport community. 

By participating in a Motorsport UK event, in any capacity, you are agreeing to follow the values of the governing body’s Respect Code:

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Fair Play
  • Self-control
  • Good Manners

We therefore ask all BMMC members to support the Motorsport UK pledge to #RaceWithRespect and:

  • Contribute to a welcoming and friendly environment that ensures the safety and welfare of all participants
  • Always behave with integrity and uphold fairness in the sport; play your part in keeping the sport safe through your actions
  • Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or socio-economic background, language, religious or other beliefs, disability, sexual identity or other status
  • Recognise that we all represent the sport and therefore have a duty to be polite and respectful to all staff, officials, competitors, volunteers, as well as fans and supporters
  • Respect the rules, regulations and authority of the officials and Motorsport UK

Breaching the above obligations may result in disciplinary action.

If you are subjected to or witness behaviour not in keeping with this pledge you can raise it directly with Motorsport UK via their reporting tool (which can be anonymous) for individuals and clubs which can be downloaded here www.motorsportuk.org/racewithrespect  and goes to a central team for review.

65th AGM Notice

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The 65th Annual General Meeting of the British Motorsports Marshals Club will take place this year on Sunday 4th December 2022 commencing at 14.30pm at the Bicester Heritage Museum OX27 8FY, and, also as a virtual event. 

Anyone wishing to attend should email to nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk, no later than Friday 25th November 2022, advising in person or virtual in your response. Due to limitations on attendance in person, attendance in person will be allocated in order of request to attend. 
 
Reports from Directors (i.e., Regional Chairs and Special Interest Group Chairs) and Executive Officers will be contained in an Annual Report published on the BMMC website after the AGM and will be available to all members. 
 
Agenda

1/         Attendance and Apologies

2/         Minutes of Previous AGM – To agree the minutes of the 64th AGM of the BMMC Ltd dated December 5th, 2021; available to view on the BMMC website https://www.marshals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-12-05-Minutes-of-AGM.pdf

Note: The proposer and seconder must have attended the 64th AGM

3/         Matters Arising

4/         Chairs Report                 Nadine Lewis

5/         Secretary’s Report        John Edwards

6/         Treasurer’s Report        Steve Woolfe

6.1/      Approval of Accounts – ( https://www.marshals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BMMC-Ltd-2021-Accounts-Website-Publication.pdf) 

7/         Election of Officers 

7.1/      In accordance with Club Rules, BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis stands down by rotation and offers herself for re-election as BMMC Chair

8/         Reappointment of Azets as Auditors 

9/         Ordinary resolutions 

Any general resolution put forward for consideration at the annual general meeting must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members and lodged with the National Secretary by 5th November 2022

10/       Special Resolutions 

Any resolution proposing a change to the articles and/or the club rules must be proposed and seconded by fully paid-up members and lodged with the National Secretary by 5th November 2022 

11/       Annual awards

  • BMMC Marshal of the Year              Barrie Williams Trophy
  • BMMC New Marshal of the Year      John Nicol Trophy
  • BMMC Cadet Marshal of the Year    David Leslie Trophy

12/       Any Other Business 
13/       Close

Eric Ridler

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It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of Eric Ridler.  Eric was recently admitted to hospital following extensive illness and died with his family around him on Wednesday morning.

Eric has been a stalwart of the BMMC and a long-standing member of the North West region.  He has held various positions within the club but most notably as our National Regalia officer – having dealings with our overall suppliers and sponsors and ensuring that their badges are in plentiful supply.  He always had the knack of being able to come up with a product to match an idea.  From the USB hero marshal which was part of the goodie bag to celebrate our 60th anniversary to face masks and coverings when COVID took over.  Even in the days before he went in to hospital I was in discussion with him about a new item of regalia and his enthusiasm never waned.

He played an active role on Regional Committee notably publishing the Northern Outpost as a news digest of all things happening in the North West.  He mastered new technology and kept the regional website pages up to date.

Eric was of particular support when I put myself forward for the National Chair position.  A weekend at Autosport after Chris had announced his intention to stand down and I said I was considering the role.  Why not? noted Eric – you’d be great.  Go for it girl!  You knew where you stood with Eric – if he said something he meant it.

I will particularly remember Eric from our weekends at Autosport – his attention to detail to ensure the stand was set up and being open to change and re-design but it all packed away just-so and how he wanted it.  Not to mention the curry evenings when there would be much conversation around his antics in the army, on rallies and of course no evening would pass without a mention of his visits to Zandvoort.

Eric – thank you for all your support for the club and me personally.  I will miss you and wish you God speed my friend.  Our deepest condolences to Eric’s brother Peter, family and friends.  

Further details will follow about funeral arrangements and the National Regalia position

Nadine Lewis

National Chair

George Copeland

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It is with the deepest sorrow that I have to announce the passing of my fellow Vice-President, George Copeland.  George succumbed to the cancer he had been fighting for many years. He died peacefully with his family around him.

George has been a member of the Marshals Club almost as long as me.  He joined the club in 1970 and quickly took on the role of Newsletter editor for South Mids.  A few years later he assumed the position of Regional Chairman, which he held until 1978 when he retired from the committee to concentrate on his growing business concerns (He was MD of BlowMoCan – probably the first producer of the plastic milk bottles we all use so many of nowadays).  

Less than two years later George was asked to look at the club’s books – which he did and was almost immediately co-opted onto National Council as Treasurer.  To say his Scottish upbringing was seen in abundance is an understatement – he ruled our finances with an iron hand and was the lead in persuading the MSA and others to help fund our training (which, until then, had been financed purely from club funds!)

I always enjoyed Council meetings when George had a pet item he wanted sorting there was no let up until it was sorted – and many were the heated discussions with other members of Council.  

In 1999 I had resigned from Council because I was spending most of my time jetting round the world on business, but it was at a Snetterton race meeting where I was MSA Steward and George was one of the clerks that we spent the whole weekend talking BMRMC business and George ended by persuading me to take on the role of National Chairman.  We then developed an interesting relationship – at times very heated, since it was a Yorkshireman v a Scot, and we both had our ideas as to how the club should develop.

Not long after this the first signs of George’s illness started to make themselves known, but George took his usual stance – “The bugger is not going to beat me!”.  George must have tried almost every drug and treatment available – he was lucky to have a very good relationship with one of the top cancer specialists in the country and was put on to an experimental set of drugs and treatments.  He coped stoically with the sometimes-horrendous effect they had on him – always being positive whenever we spoke.

The marshal’s club owes George an enormous debt of gratitude – without his financial acumen the club would have gone broke many years ago and would probably not exist today.  George had the club at the forefront of his thoughts every time we met and did everything he possibly could to ensure its continuing success.

He was proud of being a member of the club, proud of his involvement in Motorsport at National and International level, and very proud of being made a Vice-President when he retired from National Council.

June and his family have lost a great father, grandfather and Great Great Grandfather.  The club has lost an irreplaceable champion.  There will be a strictly family only funeral, followed by a wake in his memory, where, I hope, a great deal of whisky will be drunk in his honour.

I hope to produce a longer, more detailed tribute in the coming month or so, so if you have any stories, or would like to contribute words in any way, please email me – hobson.c@btinternet.com.

Chris Hobson

BMMC Vice-President.

8/8/2022

The BMMC sends its deepest condolences to June and the close family and friends of George.  He was a stalwart of the club and will be sorely missed.