Just a Sec

I am writing this column at the end of a season like no other. The last few months have been as challenging a time for AUK as any other period in its history.

At first glance, the state of AUK may seem trivial in the context of a global pandemic but it is organisations like AUK that help us to survive and thrive as we deal with the consequences of COVID-19. Our hobbies (particularly those with physical health benefits) become more important than ever in such times. The fact that AUK as a small organisation, run by volunteers is managing to find its way through this crisis, is testament to the hard work of those volunteers and to the enthusiasm of our membership at large. It is the time of year for the renewal of annual memberships and I am sure our members old and new will continue to support our fantastic association as we look forward to resuming our full range of activities. This will be the first year when membership renewals are serviced through our new website. Caroline Fenton and her team have been working incredibly hard with our resident IT gurus; Kevin Lake, Dave Allison and Francis Cooke to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Please give them your support in turn.

AGM/Annual Reunion

These have both been pushed back into the spring in an effort to avoid virtual meetings. The formal notice of AGM will therefore be included in the next issue and will likely take place in mid-May. The Annual Reunion was pencilled in for March but this is starting to look over-optimistic. Please keep any eye on the website and forum for further information.

By way of advanced notice, it is unlikely that either of our current non-executive directors will stand for re-election. These are important posts so please give some thought to putting yourself forward for election at the next AGM. If you need any details about the role or anything else, please contact me.

The permanent extension of the AUK season to the end of October will be put to the members at the AGM. If passed, this will almost certainly mean that future Annual Reunions are held in early spring.

Board Meeting

We have held a number of virtual meetings over the last few months as we reacted to the changing guidance and legislation around COVID across the UK.

Our usual quarterly board meeting took place on the 7th of October. This provided us with an opportunity to take stock of our approach to COVID. Of course, no sooner had we done so than the autumn surge and resultant restrictions rather overtook events. We continue to strive to keep as many events open as we can.

AUK’s Finance Director, Nigel Armstrong, provided us with a timely update on AUK’s finances. Despite everything (and partly as a testament to the amount of voluntary work that had gone into the IT Refresh Project), AUK had generated a surplus again this year and its reserves were considered strong enough to look forwards with confidence. Project and the rollout of Phase II. He and his team were continuing to adapt and improve Phase II but their attention was now turning to the review of the business processes that would underpin Phase III. We were also able to take a look at the designs for the new brevet cards which will hopefully be on a village hall table near you very soon. As ever, the minutes of all our meetings are available on the website.

On behalf of the board and delegates of AUK, I wish all of our members a safe and enjoyable festive period and all the best for the year ahead.