AGM, Monoposto Racing Club, 2007

Chaired by David Cox, the AGM was held at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, on 17 February

Shortly after the meeting was called to order, the Club Chairman called for a minute silence in memory of Ray Dackombe.

Apologies for absence were received from Directors: Russ Giles and Jonathan Baggott, Several club members sent their apologies.

The minutes of the 2007 were accepted, proposed: Jim Blockley, seconded Geoff Fern.

In his report, the Secretary was pleased to summarise the 2007 season as profitable and successful. Several initiatives from outside the club had given directors cause for concern at the start of the 2007 season. Directors had anticipated serious competition from CSCC's Formula Free and had little experience of purchasing race meetings. The latter requirement being forced on the club by a nearly complete revolution in the way race organisers approached the financial aspects of the sport. In addition to these potential problems there was the effect that the annual increase in the cost of entries would have on the number of entries.

In the light of the potential problems listed in the preceding paragraph, the Secretary was pleased to report a financially profitable year and what appeared to be the end to the annual loss of members that has occurred over recent years. Contributing to the changed circumstances was the new face presented by the club. The Website and the Forum form part of this revitalised public face, both assiduously managed by Stephen Brooks (assisted by several other directors). The club's magazine 'Startline', edited by the Secretary and the Treasurer continued to entertain, inform and on occasion, to generate controversy.

In the current financial environment a successful club is able to make a profit for itself rather than the organising club. The Secretary's graphs showed that a profit had been made at all but one meeting during 2007. The Secretary reminded members that the loss making race at Rockingham occurred during some spectacularly poor summer weather, some members had been unable to compete, cut off by floods.

Class numbers were displayed graphically, Mono2000 remains the most popular class by some margin. The large proportion of Mono1800 members racing regularly was noted and the reverse situation with regards to the Mono1200 class which attracts competitors from other formulae, notably Formula Jedi, to race with us at some meetings.

The most profitable meeting of 2007 took place at Spa. Douglas McLay was thanked for organising this event. Douglas later pointed out that his work was backed up by the administrative work of Mary Cox. Mary also contributed to the club's financial wellbeing, correcting BRSCC's financial figures for every BRSCC round (BRSCC's errors were in both directions). Douglas also pointed out that the profit made at Spa was augmented by a favourable exchange rate in 2007, he did not anticipate the club receiving a similar windfall in 2008.

When looking forward to 2008 the Secretary noted the way that the major points of concern for 2007 had been addressed. Formula Free had been subsumed into the MRC. CSCC’s generous attitude with regard to their former members should increase the number of MRC members. Purchasing races had enabled the MRC to make a substantial profit during 2007 and it was this profit that permitted the MRC to adopt an aggressive policy with regards to costing race entries in 2008, i.e. race entries will cost less in 2008.

Neil Harrison, seconded by Lenny Coleman, proposed that the Secretary’s report be accepted.

The Treasurer’s Report noted that the 2007 represented the final year that the club would receive sponsorship from Stoneguard. Stoneguard were thanked for the financial assistance that they had offered to the MRC over recent seasons.

The Treasures noted that the way club motorsport is arranged financially, requires the club to commit to an annual expenditure greater than £60 000. He pointed out that the profit made during 2007 had permitted the club to aggressively price its 2008 calendar. The Treasurer pointed out that in addition to the profits made in the races the club had purchased, the club had also made a small amount of money from Castle Combe's refund policy.

The Treasurer used the figures for the PMC meeting at Silverstone to illustrate potential financial pitfalls. He is hoping for more than 50 entries at for this meeting in 2008.
Geoff Fern, seconded by David Tilson proposed that the Treasurer's Report be accepted.

The original candidates for rotational retirement had been Russ Giles and Ray Dackombe. The untimely death of Ray Dackcombe necessitated that Tony Cotton be offered for re-election. Both Russ Giles and Tony Cotton were re-elected. Proposed: David Parkinson, seconded: Peter Beesley. Carried.

Jim Blockley proposed that the board be re-elected. The motion was seconded by Douglas McLay.

The Honorary officials were re-elected. Proposed: Douglas McLay, Seconded: David Parkinson.

Director's travel expenses were approved. Proposed: David Parkinson, Seconded: Lenny Coleman.

The AGM finished with Peter Whitmore advertising discounted club fleeces for £20 per fleece. These fleeces are black and carry the Stoneguard logo as well as the MRC logo.

Mention was made of the advantages of purchasing Race Retro tickets through the club. Pre- booked £16, on the day £25.

Directors attending: David Cox, Peter Whitmore, Tony Cotton, Patrick Huston, Stephen Brooks, Douglas McLay.

The Club Administrator Mary Cox attended.

Directors’ apologies: Jonathan Baggott, Russ Giles.

Club Members attending: David Parkinson, Neil Harrison, Mark Harrison, Jim Blockley, Nick Anstruther, Phill Anstruther, Geoff Fern, Lenny Coleman, Michael Dale, Peter Beesley, Dave Tilson , Tristan Cliffe.

Club Member apologies: Richard Purcell, Mike Hinman, John Roberts, Barry Walker, Tom Brown, Barry Armstrong.

Patrick Huston

Spring view of the Royal Agricultural College

The main building

The front drive, with an interesting car

Secretary Patrick, back of Mary Cox

A rapt AGM

Pix: RAC.ac.uk, TC