President’s Report – May 2008

 

This last 12 months has seen the Club regain some financial stability with slight increases in membership and ride attendance. These gains, although modest can be attributed to the Club’s name and shows that the decision to rename the club “Melbourne Sportsbike Riders” was the right choice.

 

Unfortunately during the year we lost one of the genuine characters of motorcycling with the passing of Ron Solomon. Ron was a great supporter of the Club and introduced many prospective members to us. He’ll be sadly missed!

 

Also our own Barbara Rolfe was badly injured as a pillion. Happily she is making very good progress with her rehabilitation which should see her back to full health very soon.

 

Membership Numbers:  Motorcycling is continuing to grow and amongst the multitude of motorcycling clubs, it appears we have found our niche in this very fickle market. Maintaining that position will be difficult as sports motorcycling is expensive and in the future the type of activity we enjoy may be too costly to pursue. So before it is too late, let’s get out there!        

 

Social Events: Marks Place is still proving popular as our regular social sip venue and the Tower Hotel has proved to be ideal for our formal meetings as it offers good food, pleasant surroundings and a private annex ‘at no cost’ where we can conduct these necessary meetings.

 

Membership Fees: With a fairly stable membership and tight financial control on our expenses, the Committee have decided that an increase in membership fees is not required for the coming year.

 

Club Magazine: Our magazine continues to evolve with the addition of a full colour photo cover. These covers depict the very essence of the Club showing in great detail what we are about and in the future will be a wonderful historical record of our club. Thanks to the Editorial team for another excellent year’s work.

 

Committee: I thank the current committee for their dedication and endeavours over the last 12 months:-

 

President:

Ian Payne       

Vice President:

Paul Southwell

Treasurer/ Public Officer:

Peter Feistl

Secretary/Editor:

Ben Warden

Captain:

Trevor Harris  

Vice Captain:

Breht Emmerson (retired)

Assistant Secretary:

Dave Ward     

Social Secretary:

Barbara Rolfe

 

To all members I thank you for your participation and friendship and look forward to your continuing support.

 

 

 

Ian Payne

 

President 2007/2008