Hello fellow AGMRC members,
Well, here we are, almost at the end of the first month of 2021. Happy new year to all of you. Last year seemed like a bit of a wild ride but let’s hope 2021 will be a big improvement. The Committee is hoping that 2021 will enable us to get back to our normal schedule with table sales, train shows and Club events planned throughout the year. Dates for these events are being finalised. I will let you know as soon as I have confirmation of these dates.
The current Committee had its last meeting last week on Wednesday, 20 January and we discussed a number of matters concerning the Club and its activities for the coming year. I have provide you with details of the matters discussed as well as some news updates below for your information:
Update on Yeronga Priority Development Area – Club’s New Premises
With the Christmas holidays only now coming to an end this week, there has not been much happening with respect to the development of the new Yeronga Community Centre. The Vice President, Dennis Remmer, expects planning meetings to commence in the next couple of weeks and we will be able to give you an update at the AGM and Members Meetings on 27 February 2021.
2021 AGM and Members Meeting
As noted above the annual AGM and Members Meeting will take place on Saturday, 27 February 2021 commencing at 1.00pm. As usual it will be held at the Carindale PCYC and these meetings will continue to be held there at least for 2021.
You will be receiving a Notice of 2021 AGM and Agenda and associated documents from the Secretary, Barry Chiswell over the next few days.
You will be aware that one of the main formalities of the AGM is the election of the Management Committee members. Any two members of the Club may nominate any other member to serve as an officer of the Management Committee. I would encourage all members to consider taking on a role in the Committee to assist in and contribute to the advancement of the Club in what looks like being a significant year in the Club’s history with the move to new Club premises in late 2021 or early 2022. Our current Secretary, Barry Chiswell and Treasurer, Daphne Huang have advised that they will not be standing for office in 2021. The positions of Secretary and Treasurer are critical for the running of the Club and if any members are thinking of taking on these roles, it is important to have themselves nominated. The Notice of 2021 AGM will provide details of the nomination process and attach a Nomination Form.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Barry and Daphne for all their hard work and dedication to the Club over the past four years or so. It has been a pleasure working with them over the years.
New Venue for Table Sales and Train Shows
As advised at the last Members Meeting in November, the Carindale PCYC will be undergoing some development during 2021. The consequence of this is that the Club’s use of the main hall at that facility to host its Table Sales and other significant events cannot be guaranteed in 2021 or into the future. I have discussed this with Sgt David Beard, Branch Manager, PCYC Carindale and we have both agreed that for the sake of continuity and certainty, that it would be in the Club’s interest to seek an alternative venue for these events.
I would like to thank David for his strong support for the Club since our move there in early 2017. Without his help and that of his team, the Club would not be in the good shape it is now. His help and assistance over the years has been appreciated by the Committee and members more than we could ever adequately express.
While the Club will continue to use the facilities at the PCYC for all our meetings, at least for 2021, all table sales and train shows will be move to the QRA Cafe, Bar and Function Centre at Belmont. I would like to thank Ron Parker and Alf Petralia for their efforts in securing this site for these events.
Annual Club Awards
We had the return of the annual Club awards at the Christmas Party held in early December last year. This appeared to have been welcomed enthusiastically by members and guests on the evening. The recipients of the awards on the night were:
| Member of the Year 2019 | Ron Parker | for all the work he has put into the organisation of the Table Sales and the success of those events for the Club. |
| Member of the Year 2020 | David Austin | for his consistent and ongoing contributions to Club activities, most of which are conducted in the background and have not been recognised, at least until now. |
| Modeller of the Year 2019 | Graham Sheehan | for his dedication to the ongoing work on Midlands Layout which is enjoyed by all members. |
| Modeller of the Year 2020 | Graeme Ross | for his constant support of N gauge modelling and in recognition of his significant modelling skills. |
Planning for New Club Layouts
As you know, we are very hopeful that by the end of 2021, we will have Club rooms at the new Yeronga Community Centre. While in the short term we can move the current Club layouts into this facility, the longer term plan is to construct a new layout that will cater for members into the future. It is an opportunity for members to think about what they would like to see in a new layout and to contribute, in the first instance, to the planning of the layout and later to contributing to its construction. These matters will be discussed with members at the first Members Meeting on 27 February 2021.
This is an opportunity for the Club to develop a vision for a layout that takes advantage of new technologies and construction techniques that will not only service the members of today but also the members of the future. To my mind, the age old rivalry between DC and DCC will need to be put aside for this layout. There is no reason why we cannot have a layout that caters for both methods of operation. The focus needs to be on the big picture and the future.
Well, that’s about it for now. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the AGM and Members’ Meeting next month. Please consider nominating for any of the positions on the Committee. Take care of yourselves, be safe and see you soon.
John Bateman
President
All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
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