Anyone else been watching this post on BMWCC Forum? 

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If our National AGM is going to be at the usual time of mid-May, we should have the date and venue published in the magazine and website 'Events' section now!

Edited by Mike Fishwick - 05 Mar 2007 at 4:24pm

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I only go on as a visitor and having been checking for a reply.

Up to today nothing.  Maybe not going to have one this year (committee decision) or is to be held in secret!!  Anybody know?  I remember last year a few people, myself included, were thinking of going down to see what this "famous event" is all about.

Robmw wrote: Pete What are you inferring ? Regards Rob

I don't think he is inferring anything. To support the point he is making, the February 2006 Club Magazine and March 2006 Straight 6, had notices for the AGM . There was even an invitation by Jeff in the February 2006 Chairman's Chat.

There has been no mention so far this year, so people are curious as to why.

I hope that clears things up

Looks like the lads in Scotland know the date. See copy of post on the BMWCC site.

Come lads let everyone know then plans can be made.

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I had a letter sent to me about a month ago plus the Scottish chairman and Nero have also received letters as well explaining where and when. to which a reply has been sent back confirming our presence.

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I still cannot understand the BMWCC not putting the date in the events list.

I always thought that you advertised to increase attendance figures.  Most committees moan when nobody turns up.

petecossie wrote: Looks like the lads in Scotland know the date. See copy of post on the BMWCC site. Come lads let everyone know then plans can be made. ------------------- I had a letter sent to me about a month ago plus the Scottish chairman and Nero have also received letters as well explaining where and when. to which a reply has been sent back confirming our presence. ------------------ I still cannot understand the BMWCC not putting the date in the events list. I always thought that you advertised to increase attendance figures.  Most committees moan when nobody turns up.

Ah but most car club committees support the car club they represent, this one seems to be some kind of Jeff's mates club that appears to need to be exculsive, no 20p E30's etc etc

Thread has been updated on BMWCC Forum http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=849&PID=6189#6189 - see here

AGM looks like 12th May

nero wrote: AGM looks like 12th May

Oh bother - I'm away on holiday that week so won't be able to attend

Just reading that post on the BMWCC forum and as I understand it, it will cost members £10.50 to gain entry into the museum where the AGM is to be held (instead of £16) Pah!!  

Think they should hold next years AGM at the Hotel An Der Nordschleife at least the trip wouldn't be wasted..

I am afraid you have to show your membership card before they let you enter the hall. This is to insure only valid members are voting and for other obvious reasons.

Rob.

kbannon wrote: Does anyone know if non club members allowed attend the AGM?

I could add you onto my "Family" membership as my love child killian. you'd get in that way.

hoggr wrote: I am afraid you have to show your membership card before they let you enter the hall. This is to ensure only valid members are voting

Which is a bit silly really considering you have to wave said membership card in the air when you DO vote!

hoggr wrote: and for other obvious reasons.Rob.

Sorry, not to me, so they are?

What club is that ?

WE don't belong to any club, or represent one. ( and with old "slim" at the helm, its likely to stay that way)

Not that we are interested in the slightest , but.........

........what happened?

Can someone tell me how much membership of the BMW Car Club is these days?

Oh, and what, precisely. do you get for your money?

I'm not going to join by the way.  Obviously.

Coasting wrote: Can someone tell me how much membership of the BMW Car Club is these days?

Chris, BMW Car Club membership is £40 per annum.

(or £35 per annum if set up via direct debit.)

Coasting wrote: Oh, and what, precisely. do you get for your money?

Club membership card.

A free magazine delivered to your door every month.

Discounted repair/maintenance/sevicing bills via the adopted mechanic, who knows everything there is to know about BMW's.

Access to a national 'parts finder' for club members via all uk BMW dealerships.(10% discount through some dealers but, not all)

25% discount on my RAC membership.

5-20% discount on various outlets for books, models, workshop manuals, PDR, BBS (wheels) direct, car care products, accomodation, motorsport movies, travel/ holidays and finally car parts & accessories.

(oh and exclusive membership to a secretive society who's oath is not to reveal the contents of club membership)

There are various other events organised through the club throughout the year.

that's about it..

Hmm, as I thought, absolutely no benefit to me at all.

A membership card isn't something I crave.

A free magazine isn't exactly free for that price......but I guess it might be of interest.  But not enough.

Discounted repairs/servicing aren't much use cos' I have service inclusive (but I accept it might be of use to others, is it widely used?).

Parts finder.  Nope.  Google is a good parts finder.

RAC isn't any use as I have BMW Assist.

Discounts on most of those things listed can be had anyway.

BUT

The secret society might be of interest to me.  Is it purely coincidence that it equates to the SS?

I'll be off now.

oh... I nearly forgot

..

...

The BMWCC forum also.. with SS style registration

Wow.

So in an age when 99.9% of internet forums, clubs and events are free where motoring is concerned....you have to pay to be allowed on the BMW Car Club one?

That's a neat trick.

It stops the peasants and riff-raff joining of course, like me.  So perhaps it's worth the £40 for some after all.

Coasting wrote: It stops the peasants and riff-raff joining of course, like me.  So perhaps it's worth the £40 for some after all.

That aint working either cause I'm a club member..

(albeit until this membership runs out)

Rossi wrote: The BMWCC forum also.. with SS style registration

Obviously haven't read your latest magazine have you

The registration process has been changed and Members can now register directly on the forum without having to contact HQ.

nope, I just look at the pictures nero..

I sit corrected..

Rhys wrote: Least you not driving a scabby peasants car like an E30,

I drive a scabby E30 although as far as the club members go I am in the majority. Only around 10 to 15 percent of the members drive cars less than 3 years old. Those with new/newish high value BMW's choose not to join. Most drivers of new 5,6,7 series don't like to associate with us oily fingernail types. All my mates in the club drive old and very old BMW's. There is only ever an occasional new car at any of our meets.

thepits wrote: Not that we are interested in the slightest , but.................what happened?

WELL? some-one must have gone?

"It seems that the secret society is in full swing.." etc etc etc

To say you ALL seem so UN-interested in the official BMW car club this thread has attracted 626 views and 46 replies compare that with the vast majority of posts.

You are un-happy WITH the club and / or its directors yet you remain un-able to live WITHOUT it.

With regards why one joins any club or organisation it is for enjoyment and commerade to enthuse about, in this case, the BMW marque.This is surely reason alone???     

M3sportEvo wrote: To say you ALL seem so UN-interested in the official BMW car club this thread has attracted 626 views and 46 replies compare that with the vast majority of posts. You are un-happy WITH the club and / or its directors yet you remain un-able to live WITHOUT it. With regards why one joins any club or organisation it is for enjoyment and commerade to enthuse about, in this case, the BMW marque.This is surely reason alone???

We are not Un-interested in the club, more dis-interested.

We are un-happy with the club management, but we have proved that we are able to live without it.  

Hence why this forum - with its enjoyment and commerade - appears to thrive more than the official one.

As an Xmember - and an attendee at last years AGM - I just wondered if after all the talk someone managed to do the walk and get anything changed at this years AGM.

I get the impression not.   

It's a shame really..

the minority report...AGM

Personally I get a lot out of being a member of the club. I enjoy going to meets, various car shows, mixing with like minded people, going on runs, visiting places of interest and other events like race meetings such as the Kuhmo challenge. I go on club organised dealer days and get the opportunity to drive cars that I could never afford to buy. But most people seem to view it all in a financial manner ( what do I get for my £35 ) I can't afford a new BMW with a service package and BMW assist but I do get 25% discount off my RAC membership and 10% off if I have to go to a dealer and with the club parts finder scheme for members I can source obselete parts for my old cars at discounts which can be up to 80 or 90%. I get free entry to certain venues on club organised visits such as this sunday when we are having a fun run ending at Jodrell Bank where we get free entry to the visitor centre and the gardens where we all plan on having a picnic. I get free tickets to a couple of kumho meetings which alone for myself and my son saves me £60. Not bad for my £35 and I haven't even mentioned the magazine that some people claim they don't want.  As with most clubs you get out of it what you put in which is very little if you sit back and don't get involved. Its very nice to talk with people on the forums but I'd rather meet in person and that means getting of my fat a*se and getting involved. I don't think a dislike of the way in which the National committee do things is something that should stop anyone being a member of the club, If people really want to be a member they will do so regardless. 

Originally posted by jeff spangle

I went to the AGM in Beaulieu along with 9 other members.

YES, 10 of us!!!

If you want to know what went on, phone the club office, I can't be bothered.

mass meet at next AGM?...your vote counts!

maybe this is why the AGM date was announced late?

A lot of clubs have a policy to rotate the position of chairman. If the directors work well as a team who is chairman does not matter.

But sadly the BMW CC has allowed one person to be seen to be only one that can run the club. If he was decent and honourable he would refuse the chair and propose someone else.

But will this happen?

Please keep replies polite we don't want this thread shut down

Robmw wrote: I agree the rotation of the chairman is a good idea  how about a spit

...no fire big enough

Whilst Iam in no position to justify the present chairmans 'tack' ( or lack of it sometimes) I certainly cannot envisage many people having the time and inclination, let alone the 'balls' to face XXxthousand members every time one makes remarks to pick up the mantle.

JH really does put in alot of effort on behalf of the BMWCC and acknowledging some unfortunate matters last year the guy wears the rondel and should not be continually lambasted for things now past.

As stated above the members make the club so your choice to join or not cannot be made by others. similarly there is nothing wrong with just partaking on forums if thats your 'bag'.  

Jeff Spangle wrote: Webdunk wrote: Jeff Spangle wrote: Gaydon Festival maybe? Defo. Did think your good lady was looking a trifle 'why did I come here' LOL Good on you for coming along and putting some points across Yeah, she really didn't want to be there. I have to make up for that <ahem!>

And I bet that's going to cost you loads......

Well said KB above particularly considering your experiences.

If anyone has views to be put to the Nat. Comm. then this can be done in various ways

1) through any of the directors at their meets 4x a year

2) at the delegates meet (likely to be twice a year)

3) agm

4) write to the club/ regional/ register

5) bmwcc forum 

so no excuses to just mumble on this forum get active if you realy believe your comments are constructive and for the good of the club.

M3sportEvo wrote: 5) bmwcc forum  so no excuses to just mumble on this forum get active if you realy believe your comments are constructive and for the good of the club.

I don't think so

If you bring something on the "official" forum, you get attacked and told you should have brought it up privately.

When you bring it up privately you get ignored when your questions start to threaten to the directors' status quo. 

M3sportEvo wrote: Gerard & Jeff. points noted but suggest you raise your concerns with your local/ regional/ register reps to ensure that the message does get heard and responded to. Have you actually written formally and had no reply in the recent past??

Oh dear oh dear oh dear !

M3sportEvo wrote: Gerard & Jeff. points noted but suggest you raise your concerns with your local/ regional/ register reps to ensure that the message does get heard and responded to. Have you actually written formally and had no reply in the recent past??

You have said "points noted" so we have no need to write do we?

And as regarding regional reps the long serving Irish rep has resigned because of the way the club office has behaved in recent times.

Have you actually written formally and had no reply in the recent past??

 Yes

to the club chairman using the "Private message" system on the "official" club forum. A number of messages went back and forth, but I got no reply to my last question. I do not like being treated in such a offhand manner.

He's probably wasted enough of his precious time telling you how its going to be !

You will be labled a sad little man if you keep on

Killian

You are not the person I mentioned. You were never the Irish rep. Check any old club magazines you may have.