PAST SEASON IMPORTANT FOR BARBADOS RALLY CLUB

The first full year of the Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) second half-century – 2008 - was described at the Club’s Annual General Meeting last night (February 20) as one of major importance for its future. The BRC started the 2009 season on a high note, with a healthy turn-out of Members hearing a number of positive messages at the Barbados Clay Target Shooting Association Clubhouse at Searles, Christ Church.
Reading retiring Treasurer Garry Clarke’s last Financial Report, Chairman Mark Hamilton said: “The significance for the club of 2008 as a major development and investment in the future should not be under-estimated. The accounts clearly indicate a major expansion of the Club’s operations, specifically those associated with Sol Rally Barbados.”
And, despite the current worldwide financial problems, Chairman Hamilton had further good news for members in his own Annual Report: “All of the Club’s major sponsors have reconfirmed their commitment which, under the present economic climate, is testimony to this Club, its members and the way we run our sport.
“The Committee of Management (CoM) is also conscious of the fact that, although it must keep the club in good financial stead, its mandate is to invest in the Club, its activities, its infrastructure and its equipment - which all ultimately means investing in its membership. We must not lose sight of the fact that the Club is a non-profit organisation, one of the key elements which attracts sponsors not only to the Club but to individual competitors as well . . . and, as we all know, without our sponsors’ support, the sport would not be flourishing as it is today.
“Our sport and Club continues to grow - the on-going development of navigational events, popularity of the MudFests, steady expansion of stage rallying and the continued interest in sprint events have all contributed to this success. Our sub-committees have worked hard through the year and it would be remiss of me not to make specific mention of Leslie Alleyne and Darrin White who oversee the Mud Dogs, Barry Gale and his team working on Sol Rally Barbados and Paul Bourne as it relates to the gravel sprint events.”
Hamilton also highlighted a number of on-going developments, which will further sustain the Club’s future: “The planning for Sol Rally Barbados 2009 has been under way for some time and we are confident of having an even more successful year, with European interest high.
“Promotion of the event kicks into high gear with Neil Armstrong’s entry on Rallye Sunseeker in the UK at the end of this month with a Sol Rally Barbados and Barbados-branded Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, and carrying with him all the relevant advertising material. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Neil for allowing the Club to piggy back on his trip and promote the event in this manner.”
Hamilton also mentioned the re-launch of Club magazine The Horn, upgrades to the Sol Rally Barbados web site and research into improvements to timing and results: “The Horn, which has been revived through the hard work of Neil Barnard, will now act as a regular source of information for members.
“The Club has also made significant strides with the Sol Rally Barbados web site, which now accommodates on-line entry and payment, download of documentation and also acts as a significant marketing tool with our promotional DVD of Sol Rally Barbados 2008. Much credit must go to those who have been instrumental in this area, especially Sean Chandler.”
On the timing front, the CoM has been investigating a transponder-based timing system that would enable the delivery of ‘real-time’ results demanded at events of the status of Sol Rally Barbados; the Members mandated the CoM to continue its research.
Members also debated a number of major issues, including agreeing an increase in annual membership fees to Bds $200, while votes were also taken on two changes to the Committee of Management – Jeanne Crawford replaces Garry Clarke as Treasurer, while Aymara Cummins takes over from Debbie Taylor as Secretary. In this regard, Hamilton noted: “I would like to sincerely thank the CoM for its hard work and dedication during the year. To those who leave the CoM, I can only say that it has been a pleasure working with you and I have no doubt that the club has benefited by your involvement. To Mr Clarke, I say special thanks for his stewardship for many years as Treasurer, which has been invaluable. I must also welcome the new members - we look forward to your valuable input, as the Club moves forward”
The full Barbados Rally Club Committee of Management for 2009 is: Chairman, Mark Hamilton; Vice-Chairman, Geoffrey Noel; Treasurer, Jeanne Crawford; Competition Secretary, Paul Bourne; Assistant Competition Secretary, Leslie Alleyne; Vehicle Classification Officer, Adrian Linton; Secretary, Aymara Cummins; Marshal Liaison Officer, Roger Sargeant; Equipment Officer, Paul Allen; Public Relations Officer, Neil Barnard; Entertainment Secretary, Josh Read.

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