BRC PRESIDENT DELIVERS STIRRING ADDRESS

Outgoing President of the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) John Sealy – one of the best respected names in island motor sport – delivered a stirring closing address to the Club’s 46th Annual General Meeting at Kendall Sporting in St Philip last Thursday. (Feb 12).
Following a difficult year for the Club, in which the loss of its long-term sponsor Texaco impacted on the costs of staging the re-named Rally Barbados, a number of senior members – some taking a renewed interest in the Club - pressed the committee for reassurances that the Club’s financial position was sound.
At the close of business, after chairman Antonio Rodriguez and treasurer Garry Clarke had discussed the annual statement of accounts in detail, Sealy said: “As I leave the position of President, I am delighted to see there is still a very lively spirit in this Club . . . and that is nothing new!
“For many years, we have expected a little bassa-bassa at annual meetings, and tonight has been no exception. The fact that this has been such a well-attended meeting is very encouraging; but your Club is more than that.
“It is not enough for members simply to come to the AGM. I urge you to support your committee in the coming year – the more you support your committee, the better your club will be.”
The BRC calendar for 2004 has been trimmed, in line with those of the other clubs in Barbados. The Barbados Motoring Federation is working towards what it calls a sustainable motor sport calendar for the island, which requires clubs to work together more closely. In addition to its five events – the first was on Saturday night at Stewart Hill – the BRC will share two events with the Vaucluse Raceway Motor Sport Club and one with the Motoring Club of Barbados Inc.
As he steps down to a position as vice-president, Sealy has been replaced as President by Bill Mallalieu; the remaining vice-presidents are Tommy Bentley and David Edwards. There have also been some changes on the club’s committee of management, although only three of the 11 posts required a ballot; Antonio Rodriguez was returned unopposed for a further year as BRC chairman, while new appointees Geoffrey Noel (secretary) and Mark Hamilton (public relations officer) faced no opposition.
Before the ballot was held, Rodriguez thanked for their service to the Club three retiring committee members – vehicle classification officer Simon Gillmore, his assistant Clive Howell and secretary Antonio DaSilva - whose combined service to the Club approached 30 years.
Bruce Lambert was returned for a second term as vice-chairman, defeating former Club chairman Roger Skeete in the ballot; Adrian Linton is the new vehicle classification officer (beating Greg Cozier in the ballot) and Robert Warren his assistant (beating Roger Mayers in the ballot).
The BRC’s new committee of management is as follows: chairman Antonio Rodriguez, vice-chairman Bruce Lambert, treasurer Garry Clarke, secretary Geoff Noel, competition secretary Barry Gale, assistant competition secretary Jonathon Still, public relations officer Mark Hamilton, classifications officer Adrian Linton, assistant classifications officer Robert Warren, equipment & records officer Lindsay Farmer, entertainment officer Kirk Watkins

For further information, robin@bradfax.com