I've discussed the way the 'club' is run, with several members. Most I've spoken to, seem disatisfied with the appointment system the committee uses to install committee members, and with the secrecy of 'club' finances. They keep quiet to avoid any agro with the committee, because they know tht is all they'll get if they ask too many questions Their main reason for continuing their membership is the discounts.
Apparently you feel the same way and are willing to accept the dictatorial way the committee treats the 'club' members, in return for the savings you make, which is fair enough, but I do feel it's a shame that members don't have any real influence on club policies, or decision making.
As long as you conform and don't 'rock the boat' the committee will happily continue to take your annual £20 without feeling they have to justify to you or anyone else about how it's disposed of.
I took part in the initial discussions, when the idea of forming a club was first put forward. I'm sure none of us at the time visualised that it would take the form it has at present. I,e, a club with a self elected committee, non accountable to it's members. That came afterwards, decided by the sitting committee, who seem determined not to allow any 'outsiders' to change the dominant way they run things.
Unfortunately that means those whose interest lies more in the social aspect of being a member of a club, rather than in tuning and modification are short changed. I know they emphasise the 'club' is one aimed at those who do wish to tune their cars, but they also encourage any GT4 owner to join, without offering any real incentive.
The idea of starting another club. One more open and democratic, has been mooted, but personally I don't it would succeed. Too many members of the GT4OC apparently feel the same as you do. Take advantage of the discounts, and keep quiet about any concerns about the running of the 'club'.
Many, if not most other similar forums seem to be accessible to non registered users to read. Only requiring registration to post. Why isn't the GT4OC forum setup in a similar way? Maybe just another way of keeping the 'club' a closed community. Much easier for the committee to control criticism of themselves, than it was when the Yahoo group was the only outlet for posting 'club' messages etc.
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A quick google appears to indicate that such cards cost less than £1 each. Mike.
