October 2007
Meeting Minutes:
This was a very busy meeting; so busy in fact we barely had time for Show and Tell and did not have time for a break or 50/50.
Despite the importance of this meeting, attendance was surprisingly low. The election might have had something to do with it, and I know a number of people were working or otherwise indisposed. Hopefully they'll read the minutes so they know what they missed...
The main focus of the meeting was post-show wrap up, debriefing and analysis. The show committee presented a lot of useful information, and a lot of ideas were discussed. The key points are given below:
First came feedback about the show. While at the show we did get a lot of compliments about the awards and the general organization. Things went smoothly and the vendors were all happy with the massive amount of support given them in loading/unloading and setting up. This was very encouraging, and shows that the club is definitely a quality group of people.
There were some comments apparently made about the lack of models on the tables, especially aircraft. This couldn't be helped because of the Ottawa show. However, for next time it has been decided that ALL club members should bring out models to display; either as “display only” entries or as contest entries in their own right.
It was stated that initially there was a bit of a logjam at the doors. This could be alleviated by having two lines, one for registration and one for “kitless” admissions.
One point that cannot be emphasized enough is tact and respect while judging. It was reiterated (and will be constantly reiterated for the next show) that all models deserve respect, and to keep any comments about entries to the positive and technically true. All members, not just judges, are reminded to treat other's models as you would want your own treated, and to ensure that no negative or nasty comments reach anyone's ears.
This is a golden rule in all judging activities or any time someone is grading the work of someone. I'm sure everyone understands and will take it to heart. This will prevent any possible bad feelings for the next show.
The large number of Junior entries was, as I said in during the awards presentation, very encouraging. There were so many that it was suggested that for future shows, if that many Juniors were to show up again, the Junior category should be split by age. This is something that could be decided on the spur of the moment, and is a very good idea.
We were reminded that the contest website has been updated with some photos taken at the contest. Many thanks to Neil Harvey for his excellent work with the camera, and to the webmaster for getting things up. There was some talk that our response needs to be faster for updating the site, however. This can be addressed at the next show.
The possibility of having a club information table was put forward by Don McCall, who also offered to man such a table at the next show. It is certainly a good idea, although ensuring we have the people to man it is paramount. Gain, another good idea for the next Show Committee.
It was disclosed to the club by the Show Committee that the show did indeed turn a profit, despite lower than expected turn out (again, due to the conflict with Ottawa ). This lead to a separate discussion outlined later in these minutes.
The second major topic was, not surprisingly, the next show. After some debate it was decided to go ahead with a show for 2008, with the goal of becoming a bi-annual show (happening every even year to avoid conflict with Ottawa ). The advantage to going with a show for next year is that we can build on the momentum of this year's show. If we can produce two good shows close together, then we should be able to re-establish London as one of the Fall's best shows.
There was a debate on whether to stick to the fall timeslot or take over Aberfoyle's slot in the spring. However, what with Hamilton looking like it will be doing shows in February, we decided to go with London 's traditional fall spot.
After a unanimous decision on the part of club membership, the executive issued a “Go” order for the show, and further advised Scott Taylor to proceed with communicating our decision to Ottawa . A date and location were also agreed upon: the same room that we had this time will be booked for a show on October 4, 2008 .
A new show committee will be formed in the next couple of months to handle the steering of this show. Some of the current committee have agreed to stay on as well, and we thank them.
We also brainstormed on possible topics for next year. No presenters have been set in stone, nor have most topics, but there were a lot of good ideas (probably enough for a year and a half!) The ideas are listed below:
Also related to the show was the discussion of what to do with some of the profits. The show committee will divert some of the funds raised from this show back into the club. This gives us some capital for a club-wide project.
One of the main items brought up was the possibility of an LCD projector being purchased. There was a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of this. Another idea bandied around included the issuance of Show T-shits. (Possibly out of the show budget next time?)
All members are to think about what we want to do with our windfall. We are not going to deliberate as long as last time. Anyone who has an idea should forward it to the Show Committee so that they can put it on a list for next time. The number of items that are on the list are going to be a direct result of the work put in by the members and the Show Committee. If you don't contribute, you might not be happy with the outcome.
Next meeting will see the Show Committee present us with a list of options and their costs, and then we will have a vote.
ALL MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS THIS TOPIC ON THE DISCUSSION BOARD!!!
A discussion thread has already been started. HAVE YOUR SAY!!
Dough Booth informed the “Wednesday Night Crew” that they had a new home at St. Mark's on Wilton Ave. for the non-club night builds. Money for insurance and rental was collected. If you are one of the “Crew”, contact Doug for details, and give the man some money! (Last time I'll probably ever say that...)
The topic of next year's room was also raised again. Due to a SNAFU with the city, the Carling Hts. Room we used to use is NOT available as we were told. This forced us to revert to Plan C, our alternate fallback.
Next year's meetings (all of them) will be in Rm. 2 of the Kinsmen Arena, which is located just off of Wharncliffe Rd., north of Riverside Ave. Do a Google Map search for it. It's not far from where we are. The room is smaller than our current room, but bigger than the last room we had. Just consider it going back to basics.
While I know that most members are disappointed in this change, I think it is a good facility, and should serve us well enough. Besides, it's better than meeting in a parking lot, out in the elements. There's lots of parking and an elevator, so access isn't a problem.
Don McCall brought up the idea of having mentoring information organized for new members. This is an excellent idea, and we will be collecting information on each one of our specializations and specific skills when we come to dues collection time next year.
On that note, dues will be the same for next year, so that we can endeavour to not run a deficit. With the new cheaper room and new cheaper internet service, we should be just about able to break even. That's the idea at this point in time, anyway.
The final topic was that of elections: These will be held in February. Stuart Clark has indicated he will not seek re-election. Adam and Lee Rehorn were (President and Vice-President) were non-committal, but indicated that they would not oppose anyone who wished to try their hand at running the club.
Anyone interested in any of the executive positions should give it some serious though. The club needs good leaders to survive and prosper.
As usual, there was a show and tell table, although it was very thin this month. One thing we really have to do as a club is FINISH SOME MODELS! Next year's presentations should evolve with that as a central theme.
Next time:
Our monthly seminars will continue (in the big room) possibly with an airbrushing demo by Larry Watson, although this is subject to his availability.
See you then!
P.S. GO TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD! I'M SERIOUS!