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I had a phone call from National Flying Club Committee member Eamon Kelly at 4pm on Saturday, the day of the 2008 Presentation saying I was the new Press Officer for The National Flying Club, and could I come up to York to cover the Presentation at 8pm, bearing in mind that I live some 250 miles away. I said I would love to but my private jet is out of action. So this report will be from your Press Officer of 4 hours plus a lot of emails flying up and down the country.
The venue for the Annual Dinner Presentation and AGM was The Park Inn York, with the price at £35.00 a ticket it was worth attending, even if you have no trophies to collect. Just to look at the massive array of silverware would wet your appetite for the coming season, although formal it is a very relaxing atmosphere and you really are amongst the elite of our sport. Many people are booking an extra night or two as it makes an excellent break for both you and your partner.
On Saturday morning the Pre AGM meeting was held, mainly to discuss any possible recommendations that can be taken to the AGM in the afternoon. Stand in Chairman Mr M McGrevy opened the meeting at 9.30am; the Chairman informed the meeting of the resignation of the former Chairman Mr R Stretton Esq. the President asked Mr McGrevy to chair this meeting.
Recommendation of Officers
Mr Stan Dangerfield asked Fred Sharman his intentions regarding the position of President Mr Sharman replied if the committee supported him he would like to stand but if he does not get a clear mandate he would not stand. It was proposed by Mr E Froggatt and seconded by Mr P Naum for Mr F Sharman to be recommended to be the 2009 President – this was carried.
Manager
It was noted that the Secretary needs to have a Manager or Boss he can be responsible to and be directed by, the late Brian Long was the previous Manager of the Secretary, it was noted that Mr P Naum to be the Manager of the Secretary – this was carried.
Chairman
It was proposed by Mr J Edwards and seconded by Mr P Bennett to recommend Mr M McGrevy for Chairman – this was carried.
Life Vice Presidents
It was noted that Mr N Henley informed the meeting that he is standing down as a Life Vice President – this was accepted with regret, Mr N Henley stated that he is 76 years old; a note of thanks was given to Nobby.
Press Officer
An application was received from Mr R Crook “Croddy” it was proposed by Mr R Scriven and seconded by Mr Stan Dangerfield to appoint Mr Ron Crook as Press Officer and the fee for his services is to be negotiated – this was carried.
All other information can be found in the minutes of this meeting
On to the AGM the Chairman opened the meeting at 2.30pm, The Chairman asked the members to stand for a minutes silence in respect of those members that have passed away.
The minutes of the previous AGM were read then we had the Secretaries report followed by a comprehensive report on the accounts by our Treasurer for another season, Mr P Naum.
Chief Convoyers Report
The Chairman informed the meeting that the Chief Convoyer was not re-appointed and has not come to the meeting.
Election of Officers
There has been quite a change of Officers, we have Fred Sharman staying in the position of President with Mr Mick McGrevy as Chairman, and we have eight new officers in total, one new Life Vice President Mr J Edwards; with two of our Life Vice Presidents stepping down namely Mr L Henley and Mr B Stansfield.
Committee Members
Section A. Mr J Tyreman
Section B. Mr P Bennett
Section C. No members stood
Section D. Mr P Pym & Mr P Naum
Section E. Mr M Gilbert & Mr P Wells
Section F. Mr E Kelly & Mr P Gilbert
Section G. Mr R King & Mr W Morris
Section H. Mr T Harris & Mr S Pollitt
Section I. Mr S Redfern
Section J. Mr R Scriven & Mr E Watkins
Section K. Mr M McGrevy
Section L. Mr P Clements & Mr G Hilson.
New Vice Presidents. Mr J Tyreman; Mr E Watkins & Mr M McGreevy
Accounts this was left in the abeyance
Bankers Barclays Bank Plc
Honorary Life Members we have two new Honorary Life Members Doreen Kneller & Fred Sharmen.
The Chairman informed the meeting of the voting result.
Press Officer Ron Crook
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 15.16 hours to be re-convened for accounts to be passed.
On to the part of the day everybody looks forward to the evening meal and presentation. Toast Master and Master of Ceremonies Mr M McGrevy entered the room and asked everyone to stand and clap to welcome our guests, once seated for a few minutes the Toast Master asked everyone to stand for The President to say grace prior to enjoying a wonderful six course meal. After the meal The Toast Master asked Mr E D Watkins to introduce and propose a toast to the guests, Mr Watkins introduced representatives of: Bucktons; The Sun City Million Dollar Race Officials; The Editor and his wife of the British Homing World and Cropper & Naum Construction Ltd who were present and were some of the sponsors of the NFC for the 2008 season. Mr Hugh Higgins, Honorary Member & Ex President of the Scottish National Flying Club answered on behalf of the ladies and guests with a very enjoyable speech. Mr H Higgins also introduced and proposed a toast to the National Flying Club and the President Mr Fred Sharman answered on behalf of the National Flying Club and thanked everyone individually who had worked hard for the National Flying Club and I must add his good lady Doreen Kneller the event organiser. He highlighted that he had had two strokes, one this year and he became quite emotional. He is truly a kind man, an out and out gentleman.
Mr Stan Dangerfield introduced the Prize Winners and highlighted that he had been friends for many years and a guest to the wedding of the Tarbes Grand National winners Geoff & Catharine Cooper from Peasedown St. John. He asked that they come forward and Geoff & Catharine were quite overcome with emotion with Stan’s kind words. Geoff Cooper answered on behalf of the Prize Winners with a speech; he highlighted that the National Flying Club should have its Grand National race, in conjunction with the Tarbes International race. After the speeches and toasts, the Secretary was asked to read out the prize winners for presentation. Sid did this with real enthusiasm clear and very loud in fact you could proberly have heard it from Pau, well done Sid. There are many people we can thank for this excellent evening, especially the ladies involved who put so much work into the Presentation. Finally on a personal note, I would like to thank Steve Richards, George Hilson and Sid Barkel for all their help.
Ron Crook
“Croddy”
Tel (01491) 613477
Email: roncrook@virgin.net
