MINUTES OF AN ORDINARY MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH-WESTERN CAR CLUBS HELD AT THE HOLIDAY INN, RUNCORN ON TUESDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2005

WELCOME

The Chairman, Bob Milloy, welcomed delegates to the meeting, which followed the AGM.

The meeting commenced with a presentation to Kay Skellern, retiring from the post of General Secretary, for her work and contribution to the Association over the years, and wishing her well in her motherhood.

ATTENDANCE

17 member clubs were represented by 21 delegates as follows:

APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were recorded from Allan Dean-Lewis (President), Gordon Pirie (CTRLO Cheshire & Merseyside), Jack Romain (CTRLO North Wales), Mike Farnworth (Training Officer), Mike Ashcroft (Aintree Liaison Officer), Katy Mashiter (Press Officer), Sue Sanders-Peppitt (MSA Rallies Committee/Potteries & Newcastle MC), Tom Dooley (British Racing & Sports CC NW), John Francis (Dayz of Funder MC), Steve Kenyon (Garstang & Preston MC), Mark Wilkinson (Stockport MC/Motor Sport NW).

NOTICE

Notice of the meeting had been distributed by e-Mail notification and published on the website, with a few printed copies to clubs or delegates without website access.

MINUTES

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true record on a proposal by Bill Turner (Wallasey MC), seconded by Steve Johnson (CSMA).

MATTERS ARISING

Exemption for Stage Rally drivers licences ~ there had been some misinterpretion of the intention of the proposal. This has now been restated and is on the agenda for the February ‘05 MSA Rallies Committee meeting. The proposal has also been submitted to John Richardson, Chairman of the Rallies committee, through the ANCC (Association of Northern Car Clubs).

Noisy motor-cycles – The Chairman stated that he attended a car and motor-cycle event at Elvington and did not note anything obviously noisy. The situation was continually being monitored by the ACU and the MSA Regional Committee.

Northern Speed Championship ~ this has now been resolved, correspondence between Wigton MC and Longton & District MC agreeing the solution,

Maps 115/116 ~ nothing further heard regarding the WAMC (Welsh Association of Motor Clubs) request for MSA jurisdiction of the maps to be transferred from ANWCC to themselves. The ANWCC and Northern Centre of the WAMC are working closely to resolve and monitor issues regarding road rallying and over-use of the maps.

Aintree celebration event ~ The Chairman commented on the tremendous and highly-commendable effort put in by the organisers of the event, held in November 2004. Guests included Stirling Moss and Tony Brooks who drove the circuit. Mike Ashcroft and his team were praised and congratulated that it had all worked so well. It was stated that the event was now planned to perhaps be an annual occurrence.

Venues ~ Mark Hothersall (Blackpool South Shore MSC) had been working hard to secure new venues for rallying in the Blackpool area, two such new locations being used by the North-West Stages the following week, these being the actual Promenade itself and Pontin’s Holiday Camp. A third potential venue is possible, but secrecy rules at this time – this venue will not be used on this years’ NW Stages.

Use of Course Cars ~ no further information regarding the restrictions and qualifications regarding course cars and their crews on rallies.

Noisy Motor-Cycles ~ the ACU have now written a document and agree that noise exists and is a problem. They have realised that they are losing temporary off-road venues quicker than gaining new ones, and controls would now be imposed on events.

MSA MATTERS

Club events are now listed on the MSA website, but it seemed a general opinion that they were not clear.

COUNCIL NEWS

Next meeting is scheduled for 10 February 2005.

Presentation is planned on “Risk Management”, covering all aspects of motor sport. There were suggestions that some of the aspects may not be realistic, but likely to focus on fixtures and fittings at permanent venues, e.g. netting at race circuits.

Eric Cowcill stated that there were changes to the judicial matters, in that reports from events will go to National courts not to the MSA, then stewards of the RACMSA, then the House of Lords. The normal protest and appeals procedure will be unchanged. This is to try and prevent “cheque book motorsport”.

Young people (under 18) now have to have the signature of the parent, guardian or guarantor on the event signing-on sheet – this primarily for Karting, and allows the MSA to take action against the parent or guardian. Steve Johnson stated that this is in line with aspects of the Child Protection Act.

It should be noted that the Competitors Signing-On sheet for events has been modified to include reference to parent/guardians. This form must be used for all MSA sanctioned events, regardless of whether or not there are any Juniors competing. The new form is available on the MSA website and is dated 01/05.

The MSA website is being revamped, and includes the tracking of competition licence applications. Holders can gain access to the site. The “Blue” Book is now online.

Bob Milloy noted that the “aide memoire” (yellow page) for event secretaries had ceased being issued with permits, and that its reintroduction was being considered.

Tony Newsum of the MSA had stated in the past that the use of signing-on forms was NOT necessary in event regulations, but signatures are required at signing-on on the correct documentation. Simon Fowler has recently advised that the insurers have stated that it is better to have the signature twice, the “Blue Book” states not necessary. Clarification is requested from the MSA.

Eric Cowcill stated that all MSA forms are now downloadable from the MSA website (in pdf format). The medical forms are quite specific. There is also a statement regarding the Child Protection Act from the MSA.

MSA REGIONAL COMMITTEE

No report.

MSA RALLIES COMMITTEE

No report.

MSA SPEED COMMITTEE

No report.

MSA TIME-KEEPING COMMITTEE

No report.

MSA AUTOTEST COMMITTEE

It was noted that Safety Plans are on the agenda for the Autotest Committee.

CORRESPONDENCE

Various updates on events, dates and club officials.

Letter from Neil Mackay inviting all persons interested in PCT’s to the open BTRDA PCT Meeting on 9 April 2005. The BTRDA is looking for suggestions to raise the profile of PCT’s and attract more competitors to this cheap form of motorsport.

New applications to join the ANWCC received from Aberystwyth & District MC (re-joining) and Tregaron & District MC (new club). These were approved.

REPORTS

GENERAL SECRETARY

The new Secretary was not present, no report.

TREASURER

Eric Cowcill stated that there was no reason for our fees to alter, the bank balance healthy.

Two clubs have resigned from ANWCC – Manchester Historic Vehicle Club and Sporting Escort Owners Club.

CHAMPIONSHIPS CO-ORDINATOR

Dave Thomas reported that the year has got off to a good start, with registratiosn slightly up on last year. Only three events had been held to date, but the calendar would soon be in full swing.

Wigton MC had queried the cost of organising an ANWCC championship qualifier, stating that the cost of sending Sprint regulations to so many competitors, plus the event fee (£7.50) made things non-viable. Dave Thomas had stated that it was not compulsory fo send regulations, the onus on gaining regulations and submitting entries resting with the competitor. Regulations can be issued on club websites, by e-mail to contenders or by mail. Lists or labels as appropriate can be obtained from the Championships Co-Ordinator. Following this, Wigton MC have now registered their events for inclusion in the ANWCC Championships 2005.

FORESTRY LIAISON OFFICER

No report.

The delegates were advised that a new FLO had been appointed for North Wales. John Wood of Caersws has taken over from Andy Kay.

AINTREE LIAISON OFFICER

John Harden, newly-appointed ALO, stated that there had been no end of season meeting, neither had there been a beginning of season meeting. Requests received from clubs wishing to run at Aintree had been deterred due to cost, and no dates being available other than those currently issued to Liverpool MC.

The Aintree Festival had been declared “wonderful” by participants and everyone present, but it was felt unlikely to happen annually, biennial being a possibility.

Another new stand is being build at the venue (for horse-racing!).

Aintree Circuit management are still trying to extend the golf course by nine holes, despite the facility to object. Plans have been passed although they are unclear.

OTHER VENUE LIAISON

Weeton – going from strength to strength. The NW Stages will be using it, then Stockport MC (March), Blackpool South Shore MSC (June) and Clitheroe & DMC (September).

Blackpool area – two new venues being used on the North-West Stages, with another being developed for the future/

B>Anglesey – major plans for a complete redesign have been published, and are planned for early 2006. It is not known what effect this will have on our championship events in general, rallying in particular, although it is hoped that every consideration will be given for grass-roots motorsport.

PRESS OFFICER

No report.

TRAINING OFFICER

Mike Farnworth had sent apologies.

The Marshals Training day at Coleg Rhyl has been re-scheduled for 2 April 2005.

The Training session at Myerscough College in January had been fairly well-supported with about 70-80 attendees.

York had followed the day after. Newcastle had seen a low turnout of about 30.

Further sessions are scheduled for Robaston (Stafford) on 26 February, with fire training at Harewood the follolwing day.

RALLY LIAISON OFFICER

Gordon Pirie (Cheshire/Merseyside) had sent apologies, but had sent a note as follows, and noting that his e-Mail as published in the “Blue Book” is incorrect, it should read gordonpirie30@msn.com

Clubs should note that when they apply for a permit or certificate of exemption the MSA inform the RLO. It is necessary for the club to contact the RLO. If no contact is made then the RLO is empowered (and will) refuse to authorise the event. The MSA requirement is for 28 days notice to be given to the RLO, but Gordon states that he is willing to accept 21 days.

Jack Romain (North Wales) was continuing with the monitoring and restrictions for road rallying in North Wales. There were no complaints from competitors, although some grievances had been aired by the WAMC, and the events have been run successfully and with little problem.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

A draw was made for the Marshals claims, prizes will be awarded to the following ~

Lee Matthews of Caernarvonshre & Anglesey MC, Jon Madoc-Jones of North Wales CC, Matt Dickson of High Moor MC, Lee Etches of High Moor MC, Hazel Johnson of CSMA and Paul Cross of Caernarvonshre & Anglesey MC.

Dave Thomas stated that the supply of claim cards had been exhausted, but he is willing to accept claims by e-mail, letter, telephone, fax or verbal!

DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be at the Holiday Inn, Runcorn, on Tuesday 10th May 2005 commencing at 2000 hours prompt.

The meeting closed at 2155 hours, and delegates wre thanked for their attendance.

AGENDA ...

... for the Ordinary Meeting of the Association of North-Western Car Clubs, which will be held at Holiday Inn Runcorn, on Tuesday 8th February 2005, commencing immediately after the Annual General Meeting which will start at 2000 hours prompt



p.p. Stan Appleton
General Secretary - Association of North-Western Car Clubs
Daleview, Pateley Bridge, West Yorkshire, HG3 5DN.