IPMS Ipswich Chairman's Report 2005/06 - Ray Challoner

At the end of our first year and despite a rather nomadic start, the club is now settling in at Ransomes. Unfortunately the time it took to find a suitable "permanent" home has had an adverse effect, especially on things like publicity and establishing our identity.

Another negative aspect has been the amount of club nights I have had to miss, primarily due to being at University in Leicester but with the odd soccer match thrown in too. Apologies guys, it wasn't as I had hoped at the beginning and thanks to Kev and Rob for holding the fort.

Nonetheless the club has had a good first year, numbers are up, first year + first Nationals (or SMW if you like?), the website is live, and another tremendous show jointly with St Edmundsbury Scale Modellers (thanks Dom +++). All of these things point towards a bright future, and with a committee working together, a future that is quite easily achievable.

Where does that leave us now? For me personally I'm standing down, I haven't been able to attend the number of meetings I would have liked and the opportunity to Chair the club should be opened to someone else. However, there are still ideas which I'd like to share with the club, and would encourage anyone or indeed everyone to apply the grey matter to our future.

Nationals

A good time was had by one and all, the stand despite major constructional problems in the week before (it wasn't made) was impressive and a selection of models were on it. And though we didn't really get our heads around the central theme, of "Suffolk", we were there.

For next this year once again the question has to be raised do we theme or not? Along with other Nats regulars, I feel very strongly that we should; clubs and SIGs that don't, simply never have the impact of those that do.

So as an opening shot, for an all encompassing theme, which I haven't seen before, how about: Twins, Triplets and Quads. Surely there's something there for everyone, let the discussions commence.

Publicity

Now we're established in a location let's go for it, a concerted, co-ordinated leaflet/ poster campaign for a couple of months. Locations such as Felixstowe, Saxmundham, Woodbridge, Hadleigh, Stowmarket and others have all received some attention in the past. Could we now tweak our publicity material, and blanket bomb the patch?

East Anglian Model Show

Once again a great show thanks mainly to the efforts of Dom (BIG thanks), we are beginning to establish the show on the circuit and notwithstanding the "when is it and ' ' where is it rumours" people, clubs and SIGs do look forward to coming.

However, and whilst acknowledging there are members in both clubs, IPMS Ipswich needs to negotiate with St Eds before the next event. As a club, a lot of effort was put in by members with no hard profit being seen here. Dominic, our superhuman show organiser, I know has strong views on this; another subby may be in order to discuss?

Web site www.ipms-ipswich.org.uk

Up and running on the SBX servers, with thanks to Webmaster Dave Pennington, and Webcontentmaster Kev. There's still plenty of space items to go into The Gallery, so send them pics in. . .

In conclusion guys, we have the makings to grow a great club here out of the good one we've got. Thanks to everyone for everything over the last few months especially Dom, Rob, Kev, Dave for the web site and sponsoring our venue, and Comp Sec Paul. ' '

Ray

IPMS Ipswich Treasurers Report Statement 2005/06

Good news - the account in the black to the princely sum of £46.31. £32.26 is the Lloyds bank account, with remaining £14.05 in petty cash.

To the end of 2005, the club has sixteen paid up members, which is most creditable for a first year. Kitty subs have also assisted in boosting the coffers.

The Kesgrave Social club membership of £67.50 put quite a dent in the coffers. Other major expenditure (£62.94) included table covering and wood/clamps for display stand for our first Nationals display. The latter expense will be no ill store though as at least we can use it again on the show circuit.

Now that we have settled in our current venue and with the generosity of SBX Model Shop’s sponsorship and hopefully additional members, this should put us on a stronger financial footing for 2006/07. I hereby commend this account to the Committee and the membership.

Membership Renewals proposal - Perhaps renewals could be collected twelve months hence from when member joined - it would be fairer than asking a new member who has joined for example in November to pay again in the next January at the AGM. I have produced a schedule of expiry dates and polite reminders could be sent via e-mail/post when renewals fall due.

Pay as you go - another easier option, would be pay as you go - members only pay £2 on the night - they only pay for the meetings they attend?

I have had an interesting first year as Treasurer, and I am happy to continue, depending on the support of the membership.

Happy Modelling. Rob Foster 24.09.06