How are we doing?………..
At the risk of being accused of self-congratulations, we thought that it was time to give you an update on the state of the club so far………..
On the 1st February 2009, the very first meeting of what was to become Goldwings North West took place at the Swallow Hotel. Forty-seven people attended, which did come as somewhat of a very pleasant surprise, as just like with anything new, you’re never quite sure how it’s going to be received. Various things were decided at the meeting, such as our new name, club officers, fees and the way forward, and the meeting finally closed with a positive outlook to the future and the first ‘real’ meeting date in place. The concept of a Goldwing Federation of independant clubs was introduced and warmly received by the audience.
All we then had to do was wait and see…………..
Our first ‘official’ meeting took place on March 1st, and since then, I am extremely happy to report that our membership has grown steadily month on month and currently stands at a total of 41 memberships. This may not sound like a lot, but you need to remember:
One membership does not equal one person, as the membership is per bike, and not per individual.
Therefore, our actual number of members, even if you assume that 25% of memberships are solo riders, is around the 70 mark.
Given that memberships only became available from March this year, this equates to a joining rate of 5 memberships per month, i.e., one per week and this is continuing at present.
Members come from a widespread geographical area, from the Isle of Man in the West to Manchester in the East, from Cumbria in the North to Warrington in the South (apologies to anyone who feels they’re further North/South, etc, but I’m rubbish at geography!).
Our members own the complete range of Goldwings, from the earliest to the newest, with Solos, Trikes and Sidecars all admirably represented.
And, to put the cherry on the cake, as it were, we’re a club of doers – members organise events, runs out and always turn out in force at whatever events we choose to support, rather than the burdens always falling to a willing few. We’ve been to great events, like the Ride To The Wall in October and have a brilliant Anniversary Dinner to look forwards to in the New Year. We, in conjunction with Goldwings North Wales, staged the hugely successful BLP in 2009.
In short, then, our club has grown from strength to strength in a matter of months, a process which many other clubs have struggled for years to achieve. We’re providing Wingers with a club that they want, without politics and where friendship, Wings and above all, FUN are the priorities. We have a healthy and growing membership and the prospects of an even better year ahead.
Me, I can’t wait!
About the Author: Suave, good-looking, charming.........(just a minute, they'll never swallow this!)...........
Ok, UK Training Manager for an Aussie company, in excellent shape (round) and enjoys good times out on the bike with friends.
Barry and Lesley | Nov 8, 2009 | Reply
As you have said ian we are a growing club. with our first year end coming up.
I think it is safe to say GNW is here to stay. I sent an email to Bob today saying this and saying how we get so many from none wing clubs looking at our sites to get ideas so we cant be doing it far wrong.
This past year has gone fast lets hope winter goes as quick so we can do it all again with even more fun and more people to share it with. As we have more members too lets hope we get more ideas for run outs too. Remember folk GNW is a members club, where the ideas on what to do come from the members, not the committee, so get your thinking caps on for where we should be riding this coming year!
Looking forward to the new year do even though i will be in a penguin suit!
This year has been a major boost to our area and beyond,
long may it continue.
Barry
come on people post your thoughts on the past year its your club and web site so lets see what you have to say.
regards
barry
Steven Fox | Nov 9, 2009 | Reply
I’ve had a great year and been in tremendious company, ok I may not have been to every event, but I’ve had a busy year with work etc. I’m looking forward to 2010 and hope to be able to have even more fun on my wing. All in all a year which as beaten my expectations and the club can only grow from strength to strength.
regards
Steven
Frank and Judy Goodman | Nov 9, 2009 | Reply
We can hold our heads up high. Over the past year we have kept our dignity, the BLP went ahead and was hugely successful and such a pleasure to be part of.
We have nice people and no politics, just a bike club where we enjoy our activities and enjoy each others company. The amount of new members joining each month goes to show how successful we are.
The events over the last few weeks prove who the good guys are, as already said, We can hold our heads high.
Here’s to a second year of ENJOYMENT and FUN on our bikes.
Frank and Judy Goodman | Nov 9, 2009 | Reply
Us again. We forgot to say it’s only £12 per bike per year to be part of our great club, excellent value don’t you think? Who wants a magazine each month when it’s already outdated anyway?
Ian Duxbury | Nov 9, 2009 | Reply
Thanks, guys and Barry summed it up nicely when he said
“Remember folk GNW is a members club, where the ideas on what to do come from the members, not the committee, so get your thinking caps on for where we should be riding this coming year!
And that’s just how it should be!
dave and toni | Nov 9, 2009 | Reply
We have had a great year – buying the trike and joining a club that is warm friendly and does happy things plus a bit a charity work as well. Every ride out this year (yes that dreaded toy run in the rain!!) attracted at least 10 wings which is good. Now we have to consolodate what we have and not get complacent ( sorry about using Stuarts words) and build for 2010. Have been in touch with Dave Turvey and he will send details of what they are doing by e mail ( I hope)
which again will be good as the wings of wales have come to so many of our events. To sum up – Toni is a better person for the club atmosphere and is happy she is going on a train on her Birthday (hint hint 21st Feb!!) what about doing things during the “off” season and organising a pre christmas social evening? to finish ROLL ON 2010.