AGM

[simmitc]

Ray, an excellent and balanced post.

[millerman]

Thank you Ray I echo simmitc's comment

Why one of the other attendees, a moderator?? who use this forum couldn't have put up a similar post earlier I do not know

The MMOC is not a secret society

[jonathon]

Thankyou for your post Ray, a good insight on the days discussion.
Good to see membership is increasing.
Still not too sure of the 2 tier system of travel claims, but I'm sure that the right decision will be made.
Suprised to hear about our mention, I had been told earlier today by Julian Marshall who is running the 5 cities rally, I though he said someone local was making a visit, so now I'm intrigued.
I wouls echo your comments that folk grt involved and go to the AGM, either to just see how it opperates or to have your suggestions heard, just prepare well and in advance.

[LouiseM]

Why one of the other attendees, a moderator?? who use this forum couldn't have put up a similar post earlier I do not know

If you're referring to me, I did not attend the branch liaison meeting so unlike Ray I was not in a position to comment on what was said there. I was working away from home for most of last week, and on top of that then spent an additional day and a half away from home just so that I could attend the AGM. I apologise for not making the posting of a lengthy message on here my priority when returning home In any event, Harry Mango had already posted a summary of the AGM so no point in repeating what he had said.

As posted earlier, I have today been making enquiries with the committee as to what information from the meeting could be published on a public forum, bearing in mind that the meeting was members only.

I spent a lot of time (and money) in order to attend the AGM so it's disappointing that those who did not make the effort seem only too happy to criticise those that did.

[jonathon]

Maybe the lack of comment from attendees was down to the numbers from this forum being so few. No one has criticised individuals , just maybe suprised that so little comment was made initially, when on topics like the National we get members writing on here within minures of getting home and with photos downloaded and attatched to their comments.
It does sometimes seem than anything 'official' appears to carry an air of superiority with it, in the same way that any criticism or negative comment about the MMOC is treated with intollerance, and a distinct lack of communication skills. This carries through to committee level where obtaining a simple comment seems to require a committee meeting.
I'm sure that many on here wished to attend the AGM but were simply unable to, so we were rather dependant on folk who were able to do so for comment, so in this regard thankyou's have been offered.
Would it be good relations too, if members were allowed to sit in on the branch meetings as this is where ideas and information seem to dispensed freely.
I would like to see the minutes of the meeting be available to all readers/participants on this forum rather than simply only club members, it would give potential new members an insight to the workings and actions of the MMOC before deciding (hopefully) to join the club

[LouiseM]

Would it be good relations too, if members were allowed to sit in on the branch meetings as this is where ideas and information seem to dispensed freely.

Agreed, as I was unaware of most of the information that Ray has posted. The AGM is a more formal meeting covering topics such as the secretary's report, treasurers report, committee posts and renumeration of officers. The type of information that those on here have been asking for is more likely to be discussed at the branch liaison meeting, not the AGM. I suppose that numbers of attendees may need to be restricted due to costs etc although saying that there didn't seem to be too many attendees at the AGM who had not already attended the branch liaison meeting.

any criticism or negative comment about the MMOC is treated with intollerance

Such comments are contrary to the board T&C's, which anyone registering on the site agrees to adhere to.

This carries through to committee level where obtaining a simple comment seems to require a committee meeting.

On the contrary, I had reason to contact the committee yesterday to seek advice and received a detailed response very quickly. Depending on the type of query though it would not be unreasonable to expect the matter to be discussed by all members of the committee in order to reach an agreement. From my personal experience this is done via e-mail, not just at committee meetings.

I have previously suggested that the AGM is held at the National Rally. The benefit of this is that more of the membership would be able to attend and have their say and costs would be reduced as there would be no need to hire accommodation as a marquee, chairs, tables and a PA system would already be available. In addition, holding the AGM earlier in the financial year might improve financial planning as potential expenditure & income could be anticipated earlier.

[jonathon]

Yes I suppose the system for dealing with enquieries does depend on the question asked, maybe I ought to ask easier questions

I agree re AGM at the National, a much more sensible venue for the numbers able to attend. It would also be very useful as quite a few traders will be present, who could offer their opinions if the 'any other business' slot could be extended for free discussion of good and not so good concerns. I'm sure that most of us (traders ) would welcome a meeting where we can openly accept comments over parts supply/quality, future developments and investment levels etc.

I think it important that the relationship between Club ,members and the trade is developed, so that we all have an understanding of the demands and expectations from both sides of the counter

I'm sure that the branch meetings could be held in the AGM hall prior to the main AGM meeting. As this is where decisions are formulated it would be an obvious chance to discuss matters, especially as the branch representatives, represent a significant number of members who do not attend the AGM, yet who might still have a good relevant input.

[millerman]

Loise and Jon, very good points re AGM at the National; a strong case for this can be made for this on environmental grounds as well

[jonathon]

Shhhh, don't mention that word too loud , I had been hoping that we might do the track drives again, don't think its too environmental at about 5 mpg

[Kevin]

Would it be good relations too, if members were allowed to sit in on the branch meetings as this is where ideas and information seem to dispensed freely.

Any branch member can attend on behalf of the branch (as long as the branch is aware)
The problem here is that getting members to attend normal branch committee meetings is tough enough let alone getting them to attend the AGM.

Just another point does anyone know why the AGM was on a Saturday this year instead of the Sunday, this was why I couldn't attend and I believe it caused problems for most of my branch committee.
This may explain why numbers were down on previous years.

[simmitc]

I agree re AGM at the National, a much more sensible venue for the numbers able to attend. It would also be very useful as quite a few traders will be present, who could offer their opinions if the 'any other business' slot could be extended for free discussion of good and not so good concerns

We tried a meeting with traders at a recent National Rally. Only two turned up, neither of whom were exhibiting. One trader who WAS exhibiting expressed the view that he was too busy with his stand, and that it was a daft idea as everyone would be in the same boat. I'm sorry, Jonathan, I can't quite remember the chap's name....

Kevin, the AGM is usually on a Saturday, it was only last year in Oxford that it changed to the Sunday. A bigger question must be "Why Derby?"

[Kevin]

[
Kevin, the AGM is usually on a Saturday, it was only last year in Oxford that it changed to the Sunday. A bigger question must be "Why Derby?"

Well so much for my memory........................................

[LouiseM]

I'm sure that the branch meetings could be held in the AGM hall prior to the main AGM meeting

It was. Having previously organised conferences I was referring more to the 'delegate' rate whereby the venue needs to be informed of the number of attendees in order to provide tea, coffee, sandwiches etc and then charges accordingly (not cheap!). An additional benefit to holding the AGM at the National would be that refreshments would not need to be provided, and hopefully attendees wouldn't expect them. We could just set up the website tea and cake stall again and perhaps charge a nominal fee with proceeds going to the Club's designated charity

With regards to traders not wishing to leave their stands, I'm sure that if the meeting was set for a suitably late time on the Saturday afternoon it wouldn't be too much of a problem. Most of their potential 'customers' would be attending the meeting in any case and there always seems to be more than one person manning each traders stand. However attendance at the meeting doesn't have to be compulsory - no-one is obliged to attend.

[jonathon]

Simmitic, If you remember you came around on the early friday evening when we had just arrived and were setting up for the weekends show,hardly the most opportune moment, so please don't try and score cheap points at my expence. Infact my 'quoted' reply, would indicate the bizarre timing.
Plus, I was intstumental in the traders being asked to participate in a meeting, so I'm sure that even I'm not stupid to realise the importance of the meeting.
Communication before the AGM would easily see a defined time and possible agenda for such a meeting. Preferably not when traders are setting up in an attempt to give members a worthwhile show.

[Dean]

If the club are looking for awareness... here's an opportunity not to be missed! ;)

http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.ph ... 651#293651

[dalebrignall]

i was the only person from the herts branch at the agm,im pleased i made the effort,i was shattered when i got home,because i had been and done a full delivery,and then drove up to derby etc.the new lay out is good.

[mike.perry]

The AGM was held at the National Rally at Donnington many years ago when we all crammed into the marquee on the Sunday? morning. Another time it was held at the end of season indoor show at Telford.
I find that I have a lot to keep me occupied at the National and I am not sure that I want to take 2-3 hours out of the day for the AGM although I would be obliged to attend.
I would like the AGM to be held earlier in the year when the financial statement is not "ancient history" and we would have a better idea of where the club was going but then there is the problem of finding a date in an already crowded calendar.

[millerman]

5.00pm on the Saturday of the National for the AGM.

Members, stall holders don't seem busy at that time, unless of course you know different

[LouiseM]

The trouble with starting at 5pm is that the Branch meeting & AGM combined lasted for just over 4 and a half hours, which would overrun into the Saturday night party, which I'm sure the Committee and some of the other attendees would want to attend. Perhaps allocating 2 hours to the Branch meeting on Saturday afternoon and an hour to the AGM on Sunday morning might be better? If anyone wishing to ask a question put this in writing before the event (a bit like Question Time) it should be possible to ensure that the meetings kept to the allotted timescales. Anyway, just my tuppence worth as no doubt plans for the National are already underway

[jonathon]

Is much of the branch meetings able to be discussed during the AGM, or does it require its own slot. In the past AGM's have been a simple affair with only reports , re elections, and not much in terms of proposals or any other business. and have been very quick affairs.
Although the evening is the only time traders will be able to attend meetings , we tend to be on our last legs, so a decent break for food and refreshment might put the time back further towards 6 ish.