Look Back at Oct

As we start the winter training season we have enjoyed reasonable weather, except for one weekend when training had to be cancelled mainly due to very high winds.  As a result of this, but also due to the large number of active Associates we currently have in the club, training remained very busy throughout the month.  Even with one missed Saturday there were 48 training sessions involving 22 Associates and 18 of the Tutor team.  We normally see a significant drop off in the demand for training throughout the winter period but it is beginning to look like that will not be the case this year, and into next. 

Please continue to keep an eye out on the normal channels, Spond, WhatsApp and Facebook for notification that training is cancelled should that be necessary.  The decision around whether training goes ahead is based on an assessment of the conditions in the usual training area around York.  We have many Associates who live in, and therefore travel from, outlying areas so we must all make our own assessment of the conditions in our own specific area and whether travelling to train is appropriate or not.  It is appreciated if anybody deciding not to train due to the weather in their specific area, posts on WhatsApp to let it be known so that the Tutor team are aware.

In keeping with the busy year we are having, we had three new members in October and we welcome, Frances, Ian and Claudette and we wish them all the best for their future training.

There were no formal social activities in October as we a take a break from the monthly Sunday rides and Wednesday Wobbles due to the likely weather and challenges of available light through the winter months.  Keep an eye out on the normal channels as, if the opportunity presents itself, there may be an impromptu ride out posted for all to join if they wish. 

We did take the opportunity to recognise the achievements of Steve Potts as our previous Chairman and you will have seen the post with details of the event which was thoroughly appreciated by Steve, and all who went along.

As outlined in the last Look Back, the winter period is the time when the ARNY committee look back on the previous year and work on plans for the forthcoming year.  The ARNY Annual General Meeting will be held early in the New Year and any proposals, ideas and changes will be formally communicated around this time, and voted on as appropriate.  For those who are new to ARNY, and this process, it should also be noted that all of the current ten committee positions are up for election every year at the AGM so, if you are interested in getting involved in the committee in some capacity, keep an eye for more details of how to do so nearer the time. 

There was a committee meeting in October and, alongside the usual administration related discussions, it was agreed that one of the largest challenges for ARNY at the current time is how to best manage the ever-growing size of the group.  We now have just over 140 members, with record number of active Associates which, whilst a good sign that ARNY is doing what is needed, is also somewhat of a challenge for the ongoing operation.  The committee discussion was based around the impact of the growing numbers of members, and what we need to do to ensure we maintain the standards we aspire to, whilst meeting the increased demand for training.  We are very grateful for the comments, and input, of some members who took the time to share their experiences and thoughts which added to the discussion.

Some fundamental ongoing deliverables were agreed and will now form the basis of plans to make sure we continue to meet the needs of members, whilst maintaining the standards we aim for.  There was also a general agreement that simply continuing to grow the size of the club was not the best solution.  Actions were agreed with the aim of preparing a plan to ensure we are best positioned meet the needs of ARNY members into 2027, and beyond.  As these detailed plans are prepared, and agreed, more information will be communicated out, for all, through the normal channels.

The other focus for the committee meeting was a presentation by Matt Wrigley, our recently appointed Website and Social Media committee member, on his findings after his review of the current website and social media presence.  Matt’s presentation was very well received by all and clearly outlined some areas where we can improve but, as importantly, ensure we have a sustainable foundation for the future in terms of management of the website and social media presence.  The committee agreed to give Matt the go ahead to move forward to the next stage of his plan with the help of a small sub-group, and the proposals coming out of this work will then go back to the committee for approval before they are fully implemented.  Keep an eye out for further updates as the changes come through.

As last year, there will be some evening talks on various subjects through the winter period.  There is a planned discussion around some of the key elements Roadcraft and there will be more to come.  These talks are open to all ARNY members and will be posted on Spond.  The ARNY Christmas Meal will be held on Saturday 12^th December, and this event is also posted on Spond, and is open to all ARNY members and guests.

So despite the fact that we are now fully into the Winter training period there is still a lot going on at ARNY as we start to approach the festive season.

Until next time…..