Its been a while since I’ve penned a President’s update and as we lead into a busier part of the year with runs and Display Days … and the AGM, I thought it was about time!
I have to apologise as I’ve been somewhat distracted of late, but the good news is the grass is now down at ‘Sherburn’ (yes, the house has a name on the façade, one of those things people did in the early 1900s!) but I’m not sure if its firm enough to get the Midget out from its hiding spot. I have mesh to lay over the grass like a WW2 temporary runway so perhaps it will get up to Collingrove this Sunday. Anyway, its proved to be a good backdrop for the latest Club purchase as a result of the State Government grant funding we received earlier this year – new signboards to advertise the Club at displays and other events. Not sure how they are going actually fit into a Spridget but where there is a will, there is always a way! Other equipment include a battery operated Public Address system, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. All a very welcome addition for a small club like ours!
Annual Dinner. I really have to apologise for not penning a report about the Annual Dinner as it was a fabulous evening, thanks largely to the hard work of Michael and Pat. The food, which was amazing, just kept coming and I don’t think anyone went home hungry!
Michael and Pat where somewhat surprised when they where awarded the Tony Benetto trophy for all of their hard work behind the scenes making the club the club that it is, but anyone who has attended any of the Annual Dinners or Ice-Cream Runs or Cheese and Wine nights would agree its long over due and recognition for their efforts! Congratulations!
I’ve only been involved with selecting and awarding trophies for this year and I hope that every year is as easy to select the winners as it was this year. When I asked the Committee for their thoughts and nominations the winners where unanimous! The award winners where (drumroll please….)
Club Person of the Year – Elaine Cardone!
Associate Car of the Year – it dawned on the Committee that there wasn’t an ‘Associate Car of the Year’ award which we all felt needed to be rectified. With several cars in contention for this category, one we felt was an absolute standout, that car being Paul and Ruth Doube’s MG TC. We don’t yet have the annual trophy but we were able to have the small keep-sake made up in time. Unfortunately, Paul continues to battle his health but the Club will organise an evening to take the trophy to them.
Sprite of the Year – well, about that. The winner wasn’t there so we have decided to hold that award over the Display Day. The winner does not know if her or his car has won. Hopefully it has been put back together and it makes Display Day! Come along then and find out who it is!
Congratulations to all the award winners on the night!
You should have just read my last email about Collingrove so no need to talk about that here, but there are a slew of runs and displays coming up in the next few weeks. Events include the Bay to Birdwood and the Climb to the Eagle (3 Nov) with the main event for the club being the Sprite Club Display Day at Wigley Reserve on the 5th of November! All cars, Sprite and non Sprites, are welcome as are non-Sprite Club members. We will be asking for volunteers to help run the day as we can’t do it without your help! There will be invites going out to our sister clubs in the very near future to come down and join in the day so get your polishing rags out and start polishing!
Finally, a quick note about the Annual General Meeting. More will information about nominations will come out in the next couple of days, but if you are interested to help the club as a member of the Committee please consider putting your hand up. Yes, it is the day after Display Day but we need you to put a mark into your diary to come along. All Committee positions will be available and anyone can nominate to help out as a committee member. We have a wonderful and hard working Committee who, I think, have put on some great events over the past 12 months but many have been on the Committee for quite a while and they may want a break! Have a think, talk to a current Committee Member. Its an undertaking and yes, it is a little bit of work but honestly, its enjoyable and hugely rewarding when you see an event or a run go off smoothly. We can only function as a club if we have a Committee to run it!
That’s enough rambling on from me. Don’t forget, there is no meeting this Monday due to the Long Weekend, with the next General Meeting held over until the following Monday (9 October).
Happy Sprite-ing