CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

It's good to be back in the saddle, so to speak, after my heart attack in April. I am doing very well since the stents were introduced, the blocked arteries cleared, with a bucket full of drugs a day, and a change to my lifestyle. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your good wishes, cards, presents, and support through this worrying time. Special thanks, of course, to my wife, Lesley, and family, and to members of the Board who stood in whilst I was recuperating. I need to take things a bit easier for a while so I will not be getting back to a fully active role just yet, and might need to relinquish some of my responsibilities where possible.

A big welcome to all our new members who have recently joined the society and a big thank you to all those who continue to support the society both on and off the field. We've had a really good start to the season so far with the main events at Rockingham and Bridlington being some of the best we have done from the perspective of the members, sponsors, and public audience. We've also done some excellent small events as well, which should lead to recruits and more events for the future.

I am very hopeful now that the decline in membership numbers over the last few years will level out this year, and that we can start to build again from a quality solid base. On the down side, I do hope that the cost of fuel and mortgages doesn't affect too many of you adversely and that you can still afford to attend as many events as you would like. It's not always about quantity, as often superior quality is preferable to larger numbers. To have both in abundance would be wonderful. So continue doing the best you can both on and off the field.

Until we meet again, Keep Your Powder Dry

Mike Bussey
Chairman & Webmaster, ACWS Ltd