09/06/2022
A message follows from our President, Eamonn Stockman, regarding the upcoming AGM on Sunday:-
After reading comments on the Bears Racers face book page, I think it only fair that I respond. Prior to nominations closing for the BEARS committee, I received a call from Campbell Stevenson who wanted to discuss the upcoming AGM.
Campbell indicated that there was a group of members that wanted some change and how would I feel if this group overturned the current committee except for Tony Mclaughlin. He said that they only wanted to do this without causing any bad feeling! We discussed this at length and I agreed that there were areas for improvement and change needed, but rolling all the committee wasn’t the best way to go, as it was only going to cause ill feeling and divide the club even more, where we should be looking at a solution to unite the Club.
I said I was prepared to work with them to come to an amical solution that was best for the Club and its members; that I would talk to the Committee members - Mel and Paul Bishop, Ralph Woods and Lew Grant that they/he was wanting to replace. I even offered to move aside to a more supportive roll only on the committee, to try and make things happen. I asked to meet with his group by myself or as a committee to come to a positive solution for all. We agreed to talk with our respective groups and discuss our/my thoughts.
I called Campbell two days later and explained that Mel, Paul Ralph and Lew had concerns for a total roll over of the committee and were not supportive of it. Again, I asked to meet with his group but was told this time that there was no point, as if myself or Mel were involved in the committee, that two of his group would not be. I took this to be Murray Sutherland and Mike Todd. After more discussion about the behind the scene side of running a race meeting, I was told that I may be required on the odd occasion!!!
To turn over a whole committee and remove the internal infrastructure and support - when we actually need more people on the ground waiting to get involved and learn - I feel would have adverse effects on the club and this could not be restored overnight.
I’m not adverse to change but doing it in this way is wrong for all concerned and will only divide the club even more
