BMW CAR CLUB (GB)
SOUTH EAST REGION
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BMW CAR CLUB
CENTREPOINT 35
BMW CAR CLUB - CENTREPOINT
A REPORT FROM NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING
No 157 - 12th November 2006 - Issue 35
Bimmerfest, Donington – Shakedown
Our first ‘Bimmerfest’ at Donington has proved to be a success, and lessons have been learned for next year. Yes we can get more cars into the hall, and yes we will endeavour to try and get more traders along, although it wasn’t for a lack of trying this year. The show needs to be built up over the next year or two which will then help to gain the confidence of the traders. We can also allow for car displays at the top end of the building and we also have some ideas as to how we can attract the autojumbler to the event in 2007.
We may have a problem with the venue in 2007. Rumours persist that the exhibition hall is about to be bought by a development company who want to demolish the hall and build a hotel, so we are looking at alternative venues for 2007 as well as keeping in touch with the Donington owners.
BMW Clubs Europa (BCE) – Latest update
We had a fruitful and encouraging meeting with BMW Club BCE rep Peter Dunn who explained to the board where we presently stand re our breakaway from BCE to form our own umbrella organisation with the Scandinavian clubs. There has been no reconciliatory approach from the BCE board so we press on with our plans to form a breakaway organisation which will help to save our club ££££.
At the same meeting, BMW Car Club Vice President Peter Rust agreed to take over as the clubs BCE rep, with assistance from Andrew Dale and Jeff Heywood.
New Club Premises
As may have INCORRECTLY been posted elsewhere, the board isn’t imminently about to use all the club’s money to purchase new premises, although we do have to keep our fingers on the pulse of the local commercial property market in Melksham because the lease on our office premises will be due for renewal in 2 years time and we need a contingency plan for a worst case scenario outcome.
We did publish a business plan that outlines the aim of this board was to “put down some roots” by purchasing a property for the club which would be a valuable asset in the future years, but we are patiently waiting for the right property/deal to come up and not rushing headlong into some imminent deal.
Concours
There are a couple of changes to the Concours rules for 2007 – these will be sent out to the regional chairmen.
It was also discussed that the National Concours be held at a separate venue from the National Festival in 2007. The National Committee opposed this idea but did offer the opportunity to hold the National Concours on the Saturday at Gaydon. David Leake will report this back to the Concours Committee.
It was also suggested that a new concours category be formed that only required the outside of the vehicle be judged on paintwork/brightwork/glass quality & condition, plus the cleanliness of wheels/tyres and exhaust tailpipes. This would be a ‘closed door’ category that would allow owners to clean their cars, close the car up and then go and enjoy the rest of the show without worrying that they have to stay with their car for most of the day. It was felt that this new category would help to attract people into concours who presently enter into show & shine. David will again put the proposal to the Concours Committee.
Track Days 2006 report + plans for 2007s
Both Croft and Cadwell track days were successful in 2006, unfortunately the Silverstone day made a small loss of about £1.5K. The board agreed approval for the running of club track days in 2007 at Croft and Cadwell, but a decision on Silverstone was put on hold until alternative venues could be assessed on price and desirability.
Delegate Day in 2007
The board is to organise a centrally based ‘Delegates Day’ in 2007, inviting all club regional & register officials along and any members who have a vested interest in taking the club forward, as well as acting as a face to face conduit for you to raise any issues, problems, suggestions etc. The meeting will be informal and consist of small discussion groups with no one put under the spotlight or under pressure etc.
We will set a time, date and venue and hope you can all find the time to attend.