President's Report
February 2008
Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008
Another year is over and once again, I want to express my sincere thanks to an extraordinary committee. I would like to thank, not only each and every member of the committee, but their partners as well. I believe it has been another successful year for the branch and it is due to the input, hard work and enthusiasm of our committee members. They have all given generously of their time and resources and it has been a great honour and pleasure to work with them over the past twelve months.
Many thanks too, to all the members of the branch who put their hands up throughout the year to help at functions and events, and particularly those who continually volunteer as ride leaders.
We have had our usual yearly events - the Motorcycle Expo, the Memorial Day Ride, etc., etc., and without the input of every committee member, as well as plenty of non–committee members, these events would not be the great success that they all are.
The High Country Odyssey was a great success again. Numbers were a little down on previous years, due in part, I am sure to the bad weather forecast over the weekend, but never let it be said that a bit of bad weather could dampen the spirits of Ulyssians!! We received lots of emails and phone calls from people in the weeks following Mansfield, passing on their thanks for a great time. Well done to the organising committee and all those who helped out.
Weather played a part in reduced numbers at Very Special Kids Day last year as well. Earlier in the week Puchi (VSK co-ordinator) had confirmed bookings for 235 kids and family members, however, with heavy rain consistent for most of the morning, those numbers were reduced to around 130. A few of the bikes were kept away by the damp conditions as well, but by about 11.00 a.m. clear skies and plenty of sunshine were the go. The day was a huge success again, and my thanks go to all who attended to help out with the BBQ, face painting, rides etc. Josette and the others on the VSK committee did an outstanding job as usual. As in previous years, we couldn’t do it without the 3 Wheelers and the Side Car Club, so sincere thanks to them as well.
Our calendar year was rounded off perfectly with the Christmas Party - another highlight!!
Today sees the end of my 3 year stint as President. I have enjoyed my time on committee, and have enjoyed contributing to our fabulous club. I have been extremely lucky to have worked with a great group of people over the years. I have had the opportunity to represent our club at events such as the Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year Awards, which has not only been great fun, but an opportunity to highlight the great work the Ulysses Club does on a national level. I have enjoyed working with NATCOM and my thanks go to Kim, Helena and all the national committee members for their ongoing support.
Traditionally, the President’s Trophy is awarded to a non-committee member of the branch who has contributed above and beyond the norm during the year. This year’s recipient is a little different. He is a member who has contributed above and beyond the norm for many years. In my opinion, his contributions to the Melbourne Branch have been outstanding. He has given me tremendous support and assistance during my three years as President, and has been an inspiration to all with his commitment to the club, and in particular to the Branch. He rarely misses a ride, even more rarely misses a social event, and even during a year which has been fraught with a lot of pain, still managed to be there!!! I have the great pleasure of presenting the 2008 President’s Trophy to Ron Blomley!!
My congratulations to the new President and Committee, and I wish them well for the 2008 / 2009 year, and I know the club will continue to grow and prosper under their guidance.
In conclusion, it has been a honour and a privilege to be President of the Melbourne Branch of the Ulysses Club. Not only are we the oldest branch, the biggest branch, but we are the BEST BRANCH!!
Kind regards to all!
Deborah
Many thanks too, to all the members of the branch who put their hands up throughout the year to help at functions and events, and particularly those who continually volunteer as ride leaders.
We have had our usual yearly events - the Motorcycle Expo, the Memorial Day Ride, etc., etc., and without the input of every committee member, as well as plenty of non–committee members, these events would not be the great success that they all are.
The High Country Odyssey was a great success again. Numbers were a little down on previous years, due in part, I am sure to the bad weather forecast over the weekend, but never let it be said that a bit of bad weather could dampen the spirits of Ulyssians!! We received lots of emails and phone calls from people in the weeks following Mansfield, passing on their thanks for a great time. Well done to the organising committee and all those who helped out.
Weather played a part in reduced numbers at Very Special Kids Day last year as well. Earlier in the week Puchi (VSK co-ordinator) had confirmed bookings for 235 kids and family members, however, with heavy rain consistent for most of the morning, those numbers were reduced to around 130. A few of the bikes were kept away by the damp conditions as well, but by about 11.00 a.m. clear skies and plenty of sunshine were the go. The day was a huge success again, and my thanks go to all who attended to help out with the BBQ, face painting, rides etc. Josette and the others on the VSK committee did an outstanding job as usual. As in previous years, we couldn’t do it without the 3 Wheelers and the Side Car Club, so sincere thanks to them as well.
Our calendar year was rounded off perfectly with the Christmas Party - another highlight!!
Today sees the end of my 3 year stint as President. I have enjoyed my time on committee, and have enjoyed contributing to our fabulous club. I have been extremely lucky to have worked with a great group of people over the years. I have had the opportunity to represent our club at events such as the Motorcycle Apprentice of the Year Awards, which has not only been great fun, but an opportunity to highlight the great work the Ulysses Club does on a national level. I have enjoyed working with NATCOM and my thanks go to Kim, Helena and all the national committee members for their ongoing support.
Traditionally, the President’s Trophy is awarded to a non-committee member of the branch who has contributed above and beyond the norm during the year. This year’s recipient is a little different. He is a member who has contributed above and beyond the norm for many years. In my opinion, his contributions to the Melbourne Branch have been outstanding. He has given me tremendous support and assistance during my three years as President, and has been an inspiration to all with his commitment to the club, and in particular to the Branch. He rarely misses a ride, even more rarely misses a social event, and even during a year which has been fraught with a lot of pain, still managed to be there!!! I have the great pleasure of presenting the 2008 President’s Trophy to Ron Blomley!!
My congratulations to the new President and Committee, and I wish them well for the 2008 / 2009 year, and I know the club will continue to grow and prosper under their guidance.
In conclusion, it has been a honour and a privilege to be President of the Melbourne Branch of the Ulysses Club. Not only are we the oldest branch, the biggest branch, but we are the BEST BRANCH!!
Kind regards to all!
Deborah