June 3, 2013
The past twelve months have presented some challenges, not the least being the relocation of our club house and the building of a new machinery shed with enclosed toilet. ·There are many members to thank for their participation and willingness to give more than their fair share of the work involved. ·I have previously thanked these members in my monthly newsletters so I won’t repeat myself except to say that an outstanding contribution was made by our Secretary/Public Officer, Geoff Hays.
We were indebted to Geoff for obtaining the original site at Symmons where the club enjoyed twenty-five years but now we are also indebted to George for obtaining our new site. It has been George’s personal friendship and close liaison with the new owner that has resulted in us having the great facilities we now have. ·A big thank you to both Geoff and George.
Sincere thanks must also be given to the owner, Steven Creese and his very obliging manager, Ron Davidson, for all their assistance and cooperation. ·They have been truly remarkable. ·It is therefore incumbent on us to do all we can in the best interests of the owner and the club.
There is more work to be done on the strip as it is still a work in progress. ·Nevertheless it is very useable as we have witnessed by the number of flyers using it lately. ·Safety barriers have to be erected and the pit area clearly defined and I expect this will be done in the immediate future.
In the past twelve months we have had some sad ·times with the passing of three of our members; Peter Riall, Chris Klimeck and Royce Close. ·Probably the hardest to bear was Chris’s untimely death. ·He was such a club stalwart and made invaluable contributions both to the club and individual members. ·His absence still deeply saddens me. ·It was such a fitting tribute to have his ashes spread on the field thereby fulfilling his wishes.
I would like to thank the committee for its support and mention the out-going members: ·Thanks Owen for your contribution especially in reviving the control line aspect of our hobby. ·After next year’s wheat is harvested we will be going ahead “full steam” to provide control line circles. ·Thanks to Merv for his help and service over the many years he has been on the committee and now for his valuable contribution to the mowing of the field. ·Merv, along with Dave Jacobs, are two of the longest continuous members of LMAC. ·Well done!
Thanks to George for his dedication, excellent management of our funds and for maintaining a great website. ·I’m not saying “bye George” as you have indicated that you will stand again for the treasurer’s job subject to the result of tonight’s ballot. (if any is needed). ·Last, but not least, I pay tribute to Geoff for the length of service he has given to this club. ·I believe he has held active positions for more than thirty-two years, a record that I am sure will never be beaten. ·He has been a most competent secretary and, I’m sure, his decision not to stand again brings with it a tinge of sadness. ·Well done, Geoff.
Whilst I am thanking people I would like to add Kerry Carnie to my list. ·Kerry has provided our monthly barbecue and each year raises over $600 from the Christmas raffle that she organises. ·Thank you Kerry and also thanks to your helpers.
I am very pleased with the outcome of the recent poll re an electric changing station. ·Out of twenty-two responses, sixteen were in favour. ·Presently we are the only club in Tasmania that doesn’t provide these facilities so we are now playing “catch-up”.I believe that the more amenities we provide, the more attractive our club appears to present and prospective members.
The future of our club looks bright but we still need new members. ·How we can entice younger people to enter our hobby remains a challenge as it is indeed to all clubs in Tasmania. ·We just don’t have the population that mainland clubs have to draw on and this makes it more difficult.·
·Now that we have the physical requirements needed for our club it is up to us to enjoy each others company, to foster positivity, to ensure that we make an effort to do everything for the betterment of our club. ·Let’s avoid negativity which can be insidious and lead to disharmony. ·The committee is here to help but we need to know how. ·It’s better to talk to us rather than to talk about us. ·Tell us what events you would like, what things could be improved and how you can assist in making our club a happier and more progressive one.
Thanks for your attendance tonight and I look forward to your continued support for the next twelve months.
FRED WILLIS
President LMAC
Telephone: 03 6257 8258
Email: [email protected]