Where now? .... life without Rick

Like most of you, I've heard our Chairman threatening or offering to resign many times over the years. "Yes Rick", we say, humouring him, always confident that he will continue to do the job with the dedication and enthusiasm that he has brought to the task for the best part of the last 30 years.

Yet, at the Dinner and Awards Presentation the tone of his reminder that he would stand down at the AGM implied that he has made up his mind, he really means it this time, and he will not be dissuaded. Perhaps that should come as no surprise given the number of years he has devoted to the job, but it raises important questions about where Southern Car Club goes from here.

We, the members, are probably our own worst enemies. For years we have sat back complacently and let Rick work his socks off on our behalf. We have been content to follow as he has led the transformation of SCC into one of the country's most respected motor clubs, organising events that are recognised as some of the best run in the calendar. Rick's vision of where he wanted to take Southern was clear when I first met him almost 30 years ago. He has worked tirelessly towards achieving that and, unlike most motor clubs that skulk in the shadows half apologising for their existence, Southern has a proud public profile.

We may not always agree with what Rick does or the way he does it, but no one can ever doubt his commitment to Southern Car Club or that his actions are driven by the best interests of the club.

Rick would generously and rightly give credit to his fellow committee members over the years, but few of them would disagree that it was Rick who led, cajoled, and occasionally browbeat the committee to take decisions in the best interests of Southern Car Club.

But, the fact remains that we have become heavily indebted and reliant upon our long-standing Chairman. I was about to indulge in the old cliché of describing Rick's successor as having an enormous pair of boots to fill, but it seems singularly inapt in Rick's case. However, a new chairman will face huge challenges in replacing someone who has given so much of his time to the club. Maintaining, let alone enhancing the club's reputation will be a challenging task.