Club Arnage

Following the "Club Arnage in Dire Straits" thread, the overwhelming response to Smokie's idea of forming a fundraising commitee to oversee the financial and fundraising business of the site, and the stonking amount of money pledged - we now need volunteers, please.

Anybody who thinks that they have anything which they can bring to this, then please volunteer on this thread.  We are probably looking for 5 committee members (to include a treasurer, so a finance guru would be very useful) and a pool of other volunteers.  I propose to close the nominations on Wednesday 23rd May, after which there will be a pole vote which all members can participate in.

I was always told never to volunteer for anything, but in this case I will gladly make an exception.

Hi Termie,

I'm not a committee type of person.  So I'm not really suited to it.   My skills are in the IT world.   So if there is any thing you / the committee needs in that area I'm up for that.  For example,  I wrote a "thing" for Delboy to reformat his orders from an Excel Spreadsheet to put in the orders thread. I then used it myself fo my lanyard orders too.  So I'm happy to offer myself as a Tech Support person. 

T.

I'm also "not a committee person" so will take a step back, there are people better suited to it than me and I'm already failing miserably to keep up with the one "committee" job I already have!

I'm happy to make tea and help out at events at meetings etc. and if my motorsport contacts can help at all just shout. 

Brian (Liverpool Boys) has kindly added his name to the list of volunteers. :)

I'm a committee type of person, but I think you want action rather than a committee.

I take your point.  However, I can also see that the owners and moderators of this site want to be as transparent as possible in their dealings with what is now rather more cash than was originally thought!  Also, by asking for people who really want to do this and who have the time, hopefully something will be set up and done quickly.  There have already been dozens of good ideas on the "Dire Straits" thread that need to be gone through so they can be got on with.

Are you volunteering? ;)

I have to say I think Lorry would make a really excellent member of the escape committee. So I'll propose him if that's ok?

Aside from whatever else I can bring to the party, I can't deny experience of committee work which, amongst other subjects, has included finance and governance related to charities, club memberships etc.   I haven't got the capacity to do the money handling side, but I can help with the drawing up constitution/terms of reference, management and the auditing and reporting.  

Just to set out my views, if it is to be done, then there are some "fine lines" which must remain uncrossed; the principal ways to avoid crossing them are:

1)  Setting out the aims, terms and processes of the venture and how it will be run and administered.
2)  Complete transparency of what is going on, what/where/how money comes in and goes out, the decisions being taken and the reasons behind them.
3)  The limitations imposed on any executive powers of the committee through a constitution, in terms of how funds are raised, what they can be legitmately applied to, and any levels/type of expenditure authorised without needing approval from the whole membership.
4)  An acceptance by the membership that the people involved will be trying to the best of their abilities to get it right for the benefit of what is important to the CA membership.  
5)  Not to use it as a means of profit-making or for funding commmercial goods for resale to feed back into the venture, other than under some extremely strict guidelines - it is one of the most common ways in which charities or clubs find themselves unable to support themselves, because there is too much stock of items that were "thought" would be a good seller.

Boring stuff, but I would suggest a Chairperson (with overall responsibility for keeping it on rails), a Treasurer (i.e. the one who is going to do the nitty-gritty of paying in and paying out money) and a Secretary (to record what's happened and what is planned) as the usual appointments, supplemented by others who are suited to the ideas, planning, rabble-rousing and actual execution of stuff - some expertise in the IT/media/marketing areas would be also useful.      

A purpose might read something like "To maintain Club Arnage, renowned for its friendship, humour, honest information and the absence of commercial gain, as the web-based home for a bunch of individuals who share the many and various dreams that make up the Le Mans 24 hour race - and much else that takes their fancy".

Finally, there is probably some good sense in having a couple of ultimate arbiters (GF and Smokie to use but 2 examples?) in a sort of non-executive oversight role, with the ability to raise a yellow or red card as appropriate, to assure the membership that the committee's work remains honest and true to that ideal (or something similar).  Quarterly meetings (virtual or otherwise) - one of them somewhere around La Sarthe in June? - and published reports.
 
I guess that's about it - subject to work commitments taking precedence, within reason I'm happy to bring to it what I can.

MG Mark

I think mgmark would be good for the job. ;-)
 I put him forward.

ditto..

knows his bananas that boy ;)

Whilst I would be up for the role of Treasurer I am no financial guru and I think you're right, if we can find one it would be better.

However, for some weird reason I seem to enjoy creating forms and paperwork so I would nominate myself for a literature and publications role (newsletters, fundraising forms, order forms - that sort of thing).

Obviously Termie and MGMark get my votes for the important roles.

Although (and this shows what an excellent candidate I wouldn't be) the committee for a web forum wouldn't really need that much paperwork would it  :-[

I would be happy to be a doer in the committee.

My wife will kill me if I volunteer to do anything else!  That would make my offer superflous!  So whilst I support the idea I won't be volunteering to be on the committee.  More than welcome to input any ideas etc.

Incidentially remind everyone that this site is busiest in the run up to the race weekend itself, and the committee will need to consider this as part of their efforts.

Might need to contact people by PM or email after the race weekend!  I know I am inclined to foerget to visit in the off season (I know the dedicated don't have an off season but I do!)

Although I am not known for my skills in IT, media or marketing, I would be happy to volunteer for other non-skilled jobs, should the need arise.

just out of interest,how much money does the site need anually to stay alive?
PM

Obviously I am not totally "in the know" about the finances but my broad understanding is that if all the pledges are met then the immediate crisis will be solved.  However, it is not going to be the last bill so what's needed is a strategy for the future, hence the idea of having members overseeing some sort of long term fundraising activity.  Smokie and the Big Cheese are both occupied with other things for the moment, hence I offered just to kick this off.  If we do a bit of "tin rattling" during the race week (not stepping on the toes of the excellent charitable efforts going on), then obviously some responsibility will need to be taken about the cash we might collect; also, this needs to be addressed if the pledges exceed the immediate necessity - that's why Smokie in particular, was keen to have this set up by the time we all get back.  Also, as set above, it's by far the busiest time for the site so we see a lot more people than usual and hopefully some will want to step up.

This may sound like over simplification but can't we all make cash contributions during the week we are all together at Le Mans? All we will need is someone trustworthy (and I can't see that we have any trust issues with anyone on this forum!!!!) who will be responsible for collecting and holding the cash safely. Perhaps we could ask Radio Le mans who must have a secure office or safe in their set up to hold the cash for us. They may also be happy to broadcast an appeal and may accept contributions on behalf of the site.
I understand that going forward we will have to formalise a means of raising the necessary funds but, in order to get over the current crisis does my suggestion work?
I want to make a contribution during the week and I guess that many others do as well.

Steve

Steve as I understand it from the other thread, there is an immediate problem in that there is a £500 server bill to be paid now.  There is enough money in donations pledged on the other thread to deal with the server bill.

The next step is what we do from here - is it right that GF funds all the running costs of the site or are there other ways of dealing with it - hence the formation of a Fundraising Committee to deal with that issue for the future once the immediate problem is dealt with. 

Steve, I'm sure you're right and that we could tin rattle in race week.  Hopefully, if the timescale is met, we'll have elected members by the time the race starts who can discuss and agree something along the lines you suggest.

In the Dire Straights thread I suggested that we took Hindy up on his offer of maybe letting a member be interviewed on air.  Personally, I think this would be great for us.  Whatever we do in the future, the more members we have the better so getting the word out is the key thing (my marketing background is showing!)  If I e-mailed Hindy and offered to send somebody along to see them during the race or the preliminaries - would anybody like to do it?

But Piglet's hit the nail on the head really - some formal strategy is needed before we get too ahead of ourselves.  So, more volunteers please!!  On which subject, Nopanic has offered his services. :)

RML used to do "out and about" on the campsites didn't they?  Any chance of getting them to the DfH party? 

Replace trustworthy with sober and you're heading in the right direction  ;D

But let's not forget that we all go to Le Mans to have a good time (and watch some race or something) and to appoint someone as on-site fundraiser would take a lot of their enjoyment away, not to say make them worry about losing everybody's cash.

Personally I think charity fundraising is fine at Le Mans but Club Arnage money would be better sorted out in Blighty (and left here!)

There's no truth in the rumour that I'm just trying to hit 2000 posts today. ;)

Rob, that's so right.  These are the kinds of problems which a committee would have to address.  I have the hab-dabs just carrying plastic and cash around with me and kipping in my tent wondering who's doing what, without loads of somebody else's money to take care off after my 3rd bottle of 'poo.  We'd definately need an AA (and I don't mean Automobile Association) member to look after wads of cash.  It's a heck of a responsibility and could ruin somebody's race if anything got nicked.

I'm happy to help form the committee. I'm currently the Chairman of a charitable trust so used to the formalities etc and I think MGMark hit the nail on the head with his post earlier about how we need to set things up.

I'm also happy to help with other fund raising ideas, and will in fact be starting the ball rolling by putting up a post advertising CA Polo Shirts like I arranged a couple of years back.

Too true! I would suggest that we refrain from having protracted discussions on these ideas until the committee has been elected. In the meantime people can just post suggestions for the committee to look at.

And to go back over another post I made, let's not lose sight of what we're trying to achieve here. This is a forum for people of all shapes and sizes who love going to Le Mans for whatever reason and for that reason alone Le Mans week should be left to enjoyment of the event and not mass attempts at raising money (I'm not talking charity here).

We're trying to cover the costs of running the site, not raising funds to enter the race (although how cool would that be  8) ) and, although I don't know the actual figures, I would guess that if everyone gave £2 a year we would have more than enough.

Piglet's right, it's self-evident that we need the committee to begin making these decisions and to sift through all the ideas on here.

EDIT
So far we've got : jpchenet; Ian..;BobU; mgmark; Christopher; Nopanic and Robspot.  Lorry was suggested but only if he's willing. Plus Lawnmower Man, Brian (Liverpool Boys)  and Piglet have offered other assistance when needed.  

I thought I'd leave the voting open until next Wednesday initially - certainly it needs the weekend when different people are active, but I may close it on Sunday night just to move the thing along a bit and start a vote Monday morning, as clearly some things - especially RLM and tin-rattling during the race - need to be fixed up soon.

Slight Correction!!!


 ;D

I didn't notice that I'd volunteered, jpc... :)

A DFH representative would be really great....

I knew you volunteered somewhere!

I hope you will give it serious consideration, seeing as you've only been a member for just over a year and you're already the 8th most prolific poster. This means that a) you're committed to the site and b) you have the odd couple of minutes free  ;)

Added to the obvious fact that you're permanently on site

Paddy doesn't do much for the rest of the year  ;D

but yet again may I ask,how much money does the site need each year to remain solvent?

cheers

PM

You can ask, but you won't get a direct answer at the moment! Not because of any conspiracy to hide this but one of the reasons this committee is needed is to help assess the extent of the problem so it doesn't get out of hand in the future.

God no, you'd not want personal and private chat with most of the members of this site  ;D  ;D

Well, I say!!
I've been banging on about my perineum and general recto-anal problems for quite some years now. I'm sure there are more personal and private issues I could chat about (although they don't spring immediately to mind), but they may involve a period of internment, and then where would I be?
H

Gosh lots of interest, which is good, and plenty of good ideas which is equally good.  And well done to those who have taken to posting plunge! 

IMHO, ours mods do a good and balanced job, only diving in when really needed and the forum is pretty good at self-regulating.  Some of our posts are pretty close to the knuckle at times and - whilst totally removed from motorsport or Le Mans (it couldn't really be much further away) - we might do well to remember the court case last week about a mums/babies web forum that got sued by some parenting guru because of what siad guru saw as libellous posts by forum members on the site - the site was lucky in that the judge found in the gurus favour but awarded token damages and left a substantial legal bill with the guru.  So we are fortunate. 

GF (mythical creature or not, it is not a bad thing to have an element of mystery at that level!) has reinforced the benefits that we do enjoy as a result of the absence of commercial input, and because of that we can say what we like, within reason and the bounds of good taste(-ish).  Good on GF for his stance in my view.     

For me the absence of commercial input is one of the things that helps to give it a true grass roots enthusiasts' "club" feel about it - just like the difference between commercial track days and the Marham ones for those that have done both.

Keep the ideas coming and, after this weekend, those that get nobbled are selected for committee-hood can draw up a some basic guidelines that the great and mighty can comment on (it is their train set after all and wothout their time and altruism it wouldn't exist) and then fling it open to the forum at large for a sanity check.  Mind you, given this forum, maybe the last thought is a bit of a non sequitur.....

MG Mark

I've been away all day - blimey it's got lively on here all of a sudden.
Can I second Piglet's post and say - let's start an ideas thread.  I'm going to do this next.
PLEASE CAN WE RESTRICT THIS THREAD TO VOLUNTEERS FOR THE COMMITTEE AND HELPERS NOW or I'm going to lose any names amongst all the chat!  Ta.

General Fundraising ideas thread is now here


http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=7085.0


Anybody else?

Deb, I've been away all week!!

Having trawled thru literally hundreds of posts, I will add my tuppence.

I think that the committee should be comprised of people that are, in the main,  geographically close (within reason).  Having been on many 'club' committees in my time, I feel it would be necessary that the committee could meet face-to-face to discuss and decide on the merits (or otherwise) of the many ideas that have and will continue to be aired on the forum.  I think it would be almost impossible to do this by email/pm/phone.

Having said that, there are a couple of 'positions' that could be filled by people more remote - treasurer for example.

I am more than willing to put my name forward to stand on the committee, but would not be eligeable based on my suggestion above.  However, having been a project manager most of my life (in the computer industry), and been treasurer for several different organisations, I would willingly put my name forward for perhaps an administrative role.

Del

I agree about the geographic thing, which is one of the reasons why I did not add my name to the list in the first place.  Although I worked in marketing and public relations for 30 years and therefore feel I have a lot of ideas and experience which could be useful, plus I have the time, it makes it a tough one. It needs to be borne in mind when the voting starts!  On the other hand, given that this is an internet forum, we are bound to be spread around the place a bit and it's part of what makes CA great so maybe the committee should reflect this?  At least anybody who volunteers needs to be prepared to travel probably to at least one meeting a year, and maybe another one could be held some time over race week when we are all together anyway?

I'm going to open the voting on Monday morning.  Might I humbly suggest that those who have volunteered so far, think about maybe putting together a paragraph or two about their own background and some ideas on the practical experience which they could bring?  That way, any members who wish to vote would have a little more information about whom they are electing.  It might make it easier for those who don't visit so often to make a decision.

Termie has suggested that those standing for a place on the committee write a short resume of themselves - so here's mine, as I have been proposed to act as treasurer.

It think it would be helpful if everyone states where they are located.

_____________________________________________

CV – Delboy

Most of my working life has been spent with a large computer manufacturer, the latter stages of which my title was Managing Consultant.  This title reflected a dual role of managing people and projects, and of senior consultant.  I have managed many multi-million pound projects, from pre-sales to implementation.  In later years, I was the financial director of a small company (which I part-owned) which sold, distributed and fitted LPG conversions on motor vehicles.

I have been treasurer of several clubs including my local Round Table for several years, and for the last 12 years, at my Clay Pigeon Shooting Club.

I have been a member of Club Arnage almost since it started (the old system), and have been attending Le Mans (and other venues) since 1965.  I do not profess to be an expert ‘techie’ regarding sports cars – I just like watching them and attending endurance races, particularly Le Mans.  As you know, I also organised the procurement and distribution of this year’s CA T-shirts.

I am now retired and have the time available to give whatever is required to keep Club Arnage alive, and to maintain the existing bonhomie to be found among its members.   I live in Somerset.

______________________________________________________________

Before I open the voting in the morning - is this everybody? : BobU; MG Mark; Ian..; JPC; Nopanic; Christopher; Robspot and Delboy.

Hello, I'm Rob and I'm 34 years old living in Bournemouth

I have some previous committee experience namely being fixtures secretary for my university rugby club and also being on the university Sports Federation committee however I would tend to shy away from the major roles of Chariman, Secretary and Treasurer as I believe there are people better suited to these roles. As I have said previously I am more than happy to handle publications and communications or perhaps something to do with merchandising or even just being on the committee in a general role.

Professionally I am the Commercial Director and Company Secretary of my father's building services company which means I am reasonably well versed in basic law and finance and being the boss' son means I am able to direct resources towards personal projects if required, e.g. plenty of time to spend online and unlimited printing/flyer creation time.

With regards to Le Mans I am a relative newbie but I have met some great friends through this site and I will do everything in my power to make sure it continues long into the future to help more people share my experience.

Hello, I'm Christopher. I am 34 years old and live just outside Cambridge.

I have very little direct committee experience, with probably my stint as a committee member during the setting up and helping to run the local (Braishfield, Hants.) Venture Scout Unit as my most credible experience. As I originally mentioned, I am not known for my skills in IT, media or marketing, but I am more than happy to volunteer for other 'non-skilled' jobs, should the need arise. But, saying that, if no-one else is willing to take on a role then I will give it a go.

I currently work for Nissan, as a wind noise design and test engineer, based at the technical centre in Cranfield. Previously I have worked for Ford and various automotive suppliers. Being a lowly engineer I do not get the chance to 'manage' and therefore consider myself more of 'doer' in a worker ant style.

I have been attending the 'great race' since 1997, and intend to do so until it no longer exists or I physically cannot make it. I attend other race series that visit the UK, such as FIA GT and LMS, but am increasingly leaning towards historic racing as it seems to offer more entertainment. The Le Mans 'style' cars just look out of place and out of sorts anywhere else other than Le Mans.

My other personal interests sit with Lotus, and particularly the Clark era. On the social side I enjoy English beer and pork pies.

Should I not be selected, I will not start to sulk or shy away from CA, but will continue to support in any small way I can.

Thank you.

Hi all,

MG Mark goes, unsurprisingly, by the name of Mark.   I live in Huntingdon, currently working in London during the week.  I am serving in the RAF, and have been so since longer than I care to remember these days (30 years coming up this year).  I'm not aircrew (red/green colour-blindness tends to preclude working out whether other aircraft are coming or going at night, and whether the runway controller has just fired a green or a red flare), but I have always had an abiding love of all things mechanical relating to aviation, motoring and motorsport.  Service in the RAF has been a real mixture during that time, building up experience in HR, buildings, project management, estate management, training, finance, planning around UK, Germany and other bits of the world, and often all of those rolled into one, running sections ranging from a handful of people to 300+.  Currently alllegedly responsible for strategic management planning and resourcing, my last job was running the supporting infrastructure at RAF Marham, which was sinmply ther best rrain set I have ever had to play with.  In amongst all that time, I've run committees in various posts from secretary to general hand and Chairman, co-ordinated projects, run voluntary projects for charity (like the track days) etc.  Like most military types, strongest skills tend to major in organising/getting people together to do stuff, but not doing it by shouting loudly at people - more by working out the essential ingredients of what's needed and the objectives, plans and ways of getting the job done, but being aware of one's own knowledge limitations and, when needed, finding the specialist advice needed.

Been going to Le Mans annually since 1993 (bar two years) and actively contributing to CA in one way or another for about the last 5 years,m and made a good few friends through doing so.  Rebuilt/restored my MGA from 1980 to 1990, and have been enjoying running it ever since.  Enjoy beer and red wine.  Love Le Mans and love CA as a forum, offering to it what I can, and like to help others enjoy Le Mans.  Happy to serve in whatever capacity people want, or just to support if that is what is needed.

MG Mark

Hi, I'm Deb

Although I've only been with CA for a year, I seem to have clocked up an inordinate number of posts, which either makes me very enthusiastic, or just a sad retired old bat with nothing better to do!

In my working life I was in public relations and marketing, so have years of experience at senior level and am used to dealing with the press.   I have also edited several staff newspapers during my time so have done a fair bit of writing.  I was Communications Director for Travellers Fare and was a member of the buyout team post-privatisation so have worked at the top of a multi-million pound company with a seven figure marketing budget.   Recently, I have also contributed a couple of pieces for Daily Sports Car, and helped to cover the LMS testing for them this spring.  I have also written a few pieces for Werner's guide.

I've been a committed petrol head since the age of five when I fell in love with a certain green 250 LM when Mr Piper brought it to Oulton Park one day.  I've been an attendee at the the great race in spirit since that time, although I didn't actually make it to there for the first time until ten years ago.  True to my heart, I made the move to the Centre of the Universe 3 years ago - where else would a sports car fanatic live?

Being retired, I have more time on my hands than some and my location here in the Sarthe, although possibly being a little tricky from the logistical point of view, means that I can communicate relatively easily with the ACO; especially as I speak their language.  I'm happy to do any job although certainly not financial or techie ones!

Do we need a vote?   I reckon there are 9 willing volunteers - it's a bit big but why not go with that for now?

We (that's not the royal we) reckon that probably 5 is enough for the decision making process or it's gets very unwieldy.  But basically, every volunteer will be called upon to help!  The pole will open once I've heard from Smokie.

As asked for here is a bit about me for those that don't know me.

Name --- Bob Underwood.

Age --- 55 (tomorrow).

Location --- Penn, Bucks.

I work as a sample bay manager for a company that manufactures food flavouring. I am responsible for ensuring that laboratory developed products are economically viabable to be reproduced in large amounts in a production enviroment.

Hobbies include Motor Racing, Skiing and Lager, in no particular order.

I have been a member of CA for about 4 years and was an occasional lurker on the old forum. This year will be my 16th visit to Le Mans for the 24 hours. I've never done the classic yet but intend to put that right next year. I'm not a techie on the cars I just like watching them and meeting like minded people.

I have met some of the friendliest and generous people I have ever known through CA and if I can help in any way to make sure that the forum continues to thrive I am prepared to do it.

Hi all,  - I’m Neil – aka “nopanic”

Quick – CV  -Born 1962, in Bristol – ooh arrr – Now living in the North.

Did apprenticeship at BA – Heathrow Moved into sales of access platforms (cherry pickers) in the south. Moved north for my sanity in 96.

In my time of working for others, have done sales, marketing, and market research, writing press releases, business development, set up a new branch and made the tea.

Started my own business 5 years, building maintenance/handyman with my quiet Cherry Picker.

I’m not a petrol-head, last year I think I saw about 4hrs of the Le Mans race. All I know is the CA site keeps me fired up and does not take itself to serious. It also breaks down barriers; people really want to help everyone, genuinely.

What can I offer, being keen, honesty (so I can’t bribe u lot with beer ;D) and trying to keep it simple. I consider myself as a jack of many trades and would be happy to help in anyway.

Hi Everyone

I'm Mark and I've been a regular on this site for about 5 years now. A lot of you know me quite well already from various meetings, race trips and Le Mans itself, but for thise of you that don't, here goes.....

I turned the Big 40 this year and I'm an IT and Communications Manager for a Manufacturing company in Oxfordshire, although I live in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

This year will be my 7th Le Mans on the trot, together with two trips to Sebring and a smattering of LMES/LMS races. I enjoy the racing itself, but am equally, if not more, interested in the socail side of it all. This site has helped me form some strong friendships and bonds with people from all around the world, some of whom I would now class as some of my best friends. To me, Club Arnage is not a web forum, it is a way of life, and I will do everything within my power (wether I am elected to the committee or not) to ensure it stays online.

As well as my technical IT background, I have also been a Sales and Marketing manager in the industry, so I bring a braod spectrum of business experience. I have served on various committees at work, including Change Control and Program Management committees. Socially, I have been fixtures and cup secretary for our local pool league. Currently, I am the Chairman of a charitable trust, which involves the overseeing of a Local Community Centre, A Youth Group, various events (such as the annual Hatch Warren Beer Festival which I hope several of you will be attending again this year) and the building of a new Multi Use Games Area and a Youth Drop-In Centre.

Hi everybody,
I'm Ian I've been a CA member for about 4 years, Brad (my 25 year old "Boy") and I have been going to LM for 6 years, since we got feed up with been fleeced by Bernie. I love competitive motor sports (F1??????) especially historic, and drag racing. Have been a member of "The Friends of Brooklands" for many years and find it a very evocative place.

Professionally I am an Engineer by trade and moved into technology sales and marketing 20 odd years ago.

With regard to the committee, I'm happy to rattle tins and contribute into discussions.



 

Happy birthday Bob! (http://forum.drinkingforholland.com/images/smiles/leb.gif) (http://forum.drinkingforholland.com/images/smiles/Handshake_emoticon_-_UPDATED.gif)




Sorry for replying this late on the above. As you can probably understand I am really far too busy to get myself involved, and especially the long term commitment and responsibility make me thank for the offer. I will however be glad at all times to give my view if asked and needed.

I did put myself up as a DfH-representative, but that post somehow dissapeared into the 'ideas' thread  ???

But eventually the same as PAddy said goes for me. More then happy to help out on anything needed.

A brief update just so you know we're doing something.  I'm going to chair the committee, MG Mark is your secretary and Delboy the treasurer.  We're just trying to get some systems set up at the moment and are working on the most urgent stuff in the run up to the race.  We aim to keep you posted with regular newsletters of some sort, plus accounts once they're set up.  Meanwhile, please keep the ideas coming. :)

Langtall - will be in touch with you about the Dutch link to the committee when we're sorted if you're happy to co-ordinate, thanks.  Sorry your post got missed in all the related threads.

No problem Debs.

Just a brief update of what's going on before I get my head down for the real business of CA on Monday!!

We decided after a lot of reflection, not to go ahead with the flyers, for one or two reasons.  Firstly, the time problem - we weren't sure we could get anything really professional looking done in the time; secondly, there was some worry about a littler problem; also, the site is really slow at the moment and a flood of new members could be a bit disappointed if they couldn't get on!

We did think the business cards would be good and hopefully Doris will be able to bring some along, although she's got computer problems at present. 

If anybody is capable of producing some - CA logo on one side and "Meet at the Champagne Bar, 21.00 Saturday" on the back - at such short notice, please do so!

JP Chenet is appearing on John Hindhaugh's programme on RLM on Thursday, probably between 12.00 and 14.00, so please help boost listener numbers and when he's on, turn your ghetto blasters up so your neighbours can hear!

Wing Commander Mark has drafted a "consitution" for the committee which we're considering and hopefully will agree by the week after the race.

We are having our first informal meeting on Mad Friday.

Smokie and I had a long meeting with the Big Cheese during PQ weekend.  We were re-assured that he's still firmly commited to CA and he has some good ideas for enhanced facilities for members.  He's behind the idea of re-vamping the "Welcome" pages on the site so we can attract people who aren't necessarily "forum joiners" but would be interested in the other things we do.

The Guide is just bound to do the biggest and best PR job for us, so - and I don't think this can be said often enough - the committee's thanks to Werner and Peter for a stonking publication.  CA is rightly proud of your efforts - there must be a few professional motor sports journalists who are hanging their heads in shame now they've seen how it should really be done!

Whoops - forgot one really important thing -
The fund will need a consant trickle of money to keep up and running so our efforts are only just beginning.  Please continue to give to the server fund when you can.  We can collect cash and cheques during race week - please see any committee member - but preferably DelBoy as he's acting as banker over race week.

Thanks again for you suport. :)

I can get 500 business cards delivered by monday if I order before 2pm. I can then get them to JPC for arrival at Le Mans thursday. I've PM'd Paddy for the original version of his logo but until then it would look like the attached.

TOP STUFF Robspot!  That would be really great - looks good!

Lookks good Rob. One suggestion. Do we need the words "Or better still" I think it would be better just to say "Come and meet us"  Any thoughts anyone?

Excellent draft, robspot, and I'll go with Bob's suggestion for the text

Cheers

Werner

Good point Bob.  I agree, for one.

Wilco

Good card,

should you add, (for those who miss meeting at the Poo Bar),

see us at the web forum. (at the bottom of the card)

just a idea - wots the views.

Although a bit late, I'd be happy and honoured to help out as a Dutch representative as well. When needed, I could team up with LangTall and release some of his CA work load.

I take nopanic's point.  How about if we put "or at"  in the space between Saturday and Club Arnage?   As in:

"Come and meet us at the Champagne bar...
                  or at
           Club Arnage, a website....."

You lot don't want much do you!

Last decision needs to be made now or I'll miss the deadline.

This is the problem with bl**din' committees! ;)

I'll do my chairperson thing now and say "Go for it".  Discussion closed. :)

No point me seconding it then ;D

Or me...... ;D.  We'll have to watch this autocracy creeping in  ;)

Card looks great to me,

MG Mark

I've slapped myself on the wrist! :police:

Well due to their quaint operating procedures  ??? I've missed the deadline anyway but I will order first thing monday morning for delivery tuesday so if there are any more changes......