August 2009 From the President “Time please Ladies and Gentlemen” That time was “necessary to prevent everything occurring at once” is a phase attributed to Einstein. Nothing illustrates his theory of relativity better than the fact that despite the existence (invention) of time everything still happens at once. Particularly at the Sporting Car Club of South Australia. To continue with the clichés “As time waits for no man (or woman)” I found myself in the midst of a conciliation hearing when the mobile phone rang. Thankfully for my professional existence I had taken myself to the rest room during a break in the process – and my hands were free. (A reflection of my paranoia about the new mobile phone use laws not what might or might not have been happening at the time.) The caller was a concerned valued member of the Club outlining a debate then occurring on the radio about hoon drivers, speedways and the means to address them. As “time was passing”, I pointed out that I couldn’t get to the radio or be involved in a debate and invited the member to get on the radio as an ordinary citizen and say what they thought should happen and mention the Sporting Car Club in dispatches. Rightly they said they didn’t know the policy of the Club. Equally rightly I said they were only mentioning the Club and why not speak as a citizen? Without explaining my predicament because of the “shortage of time” I committed to try and get the transcripts and follow up in “a timely manner”. Whilst this is a shortened account of the exchange, it is presented as “a timely example” of “time management” demands on a President. I did follow up the discussion when I got out of the courts, by which time the debate had moved on and the “time had passed.” My contact details were taken and I was invited to keep listening and “call in at another time “– “if I had the time.” The import of the story is that whilst the cliché says it is a good thing to “give a job to a busy person and it will get done”, it isn’t always “the right time” to do so. Extrapolating, as we are having elections and asking members to vote, I urge members to consider the commitment the candidate can make to the Club; the Club does need able and “time richer” persons than I to keep it going. Ask the question of the member as you vote – not only “are you capable - but are you able?” Michael Keenan President
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August 22 Drift Practice Mallala
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Thanks to Glenda Grove I would like to say a BIG thank you to Glenda Grove who has carried out the role, on a volunteer basis, as the Club’s Function’s Co-ordinator for the last five years or more. Unfortunately Glenda has decided not to continue in this position and I will take over the role entirely. Over the last twelve months I have worked closely with Glenda to update and streamline the processes we go through in running functions and events at the Sporting Car Club. Glenda has performed these duties in a very professional manner and has developed a great rapport with a wide range of customers and has been a wonderful ambassador for the SCCSA. This was acknowledged by the Club when she was awarded the Eldred Norman Trophy in 2007 for her volunteer work. All is not lost though!! Glenda will continue her support in being a part of the “Dad’s Army” group and has assured me she is always available to assist in any special projects. On behalf of the Club Glenda may I say thank you for all your support and congratulate you on your years of volunteer service. Alan Caire Facilities Officer
August 9
September 12-13 SA State Motor Racing Champs Mallala
September 26 Come n Try Hillclimb Collingrove
September 27 Wintercup 3 Collingrove