A 'New' Beginning

OK, so the millennium is fast approaching and whether you believe that this is the Dawning of The Age of Aquarius or not, it certainly gives Southern the opportunity of re-appraising the first 40 years of existence and looking forward to the new century.

Having been, at various times Social Secretary, Magazine Editor, PR officer and Chairman (the latter for a fair percentage of my nearly 30 years with the club), I trust it is accepted that my views and actions only ever have this club's best interests at heart.

A brief resumé will not go amiss.

In the history of SCC we have always been, I believe, innovators: first club to run a night & day special stage rally, first club to run a round of the National Rally Championship in the south; organisers of Goodwood Festival of Speed Rallysprint, Veteran Car Run programme sales, London International Rally, Club Internet site - the list is endless! Southern are a key organis-ation in British Motor Sport Club life.

And how has all this been possible?

By consolidation, experience and damned hard work from an ever changing but loyal bunch of enthusiasts. All for the love of motorsport and in particular 'Southern'.

You will understand therefore dear reader why I get incredibly annoyed when I see a slip shod attitude in any area of club life.

Our history has been grafted from very small beginnings and to this we are indebted to past and present members who have given unbelievable service to the club.

The future as we move into the new millennium will be very much in the hands of newer members and to them I commend the following advice.

"Southern Car Club is important, it gives you an opportunity to meet with like minded people and to participate in whatever brand of the sport takes your fancy. It is thus beholden on you to put back some of that which you take out. So do not assume that the 'old guard' will always be there to organise social & competition events for you. And if you do aspire to higher office whether on the committee or as an event organiser, take ownership of your particular project. Because if you fail to honour your obligations you will let, not only the rest of your club members down, but also yourself!"

And now to the future. The Annual General Meeting is on the horizon and as always Officers and Committee members are required to fill numerous roles.

Please consider carefully how you can help. If you are not sure, discuss your ideas with the 'old fogeys' they are there to assist you and they do have experience on their side. To keep the club strong we need active participation in all areas of club life - this really does mean you!

In an effort to modernise the club, we are considering a different make up to the Committee. In simple terms it will be a two branch organisation, with a Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer and then (new for '98/'99) two vice chairmen. They will be responsible for respectively 'Competition' and 'Administration'. The former will head up the branch which will include Competition Secretary, Equipment Officer, Chief Marshal, Radio Co-Ordinator and Championship Secretary. The latter will take charge of Social, Membership, Magazine and PR.

This will give not only individual committee officers but also other club members a much more accessible 'route to decisions'.