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On reading the section of Mark’s chairman’s chirp regarding Time Trial result and Glen Trueb email I thought it time some home truths about Peninsula Canoe club needed to be spelt out because at this point I am ashamed to be a member of peninsula Canoe Club if Glen’s Email is representative of the attitude and calibre of its members.
Mike Miler Tuesday, 23 June 2009 Open Letter to the Members of Peninsula Canoe Club Dear Fellow Members On reading the section of Mark’s chairman’s chirp regarding Time Trial result and Glen Trueb email I thought it time some home truths about Peninsula Canoe club needed to be spelt out because at this point I am ashamed to be a member of peninsula Canoe Club if Glen’s Email is representative of the attitude and calibre of its members. To tell you why, l let me first give you a few definitions: Club A group of people organized for a common purpose, especially a group that meets regularly A formal association of people with similar interest To contribute to a joint or common purpose and common good. Sport Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. One known for the manner of one's acceptance of rules, especially of a game, or of a difficult situation: a poor sport. In other words we are a group of people with a common sport, paddling, and some of us paddle competitively. We have formed the club for that common purpose and for the common good of all its members. That means as a member of the club we are all expected to contribute to the running and well being of the club as a whole and its individual members. I am well aware that each of us have different home, work and other circumstances which influences the contribution we are able to make to our club at any given time. However there is a set of minimum contributions required to be a functioning member of the club and I would suggest they include: · Proud to be a member (Associated) with the club · Loyal to the club, supporting its competitive endeavours whether actively on the water or in any other way: To show curtsey & respect to all of the other members and there possessions. This means: Pay your subs on time. Compete fairly, Respect each other of & on the water. Respect others possession, in other words don’t borrow boats, seats, T-Bars & wing nuts without asking. That is simply stealing. Keep the club house change rooms lockedKeep the club house clean. However in order for the club to function there are many positions/jobs/tasks that are required to be done and all of these with the exception of Sean Rice are voluntary positions. That means the person(s) who undertakes them is not rewarded or renumerated in anyway for undertaking the responsibility. These range from chairman to bar duty or helping with a race and that is what I really want to talk about. Mark as chairman over the last 2 years has put in an enormous amount of effort and time for Peninsula Canoe Club and when he has asked for help be it for the Swartlands, Bar duty or whatever the response has been a deafening silence except from the few old faithfuls. Now if Glen wants a well run club then my challenge to him (and all you others with continual complaints) quite simply volunteer to do the things that need doing, Glen are you willing to give the an hour of your time every week to collect the results from Tracey (time keeper) format them and load them onto the web page every week for 45 consecutive weeks per year without fail (holiday or sickness is no excuse, your fellow club member will soon let you know if you slip-up) to make sure the results are published on time so other paddlers can view them. Paying your subs is only the first step in becoming a real member of Peninsula. And if you cant contribute positively to any given situation then I suggest you keeps quite out of respect for those who are trying to build & maintain Peninsula Canoe Club as one of the best canoeing clubs in the country. Not only in terms of results but also a club where friends meet. Finally if your life’s focus is on you, yourself and your needs that is exactly what you will get, how sad. Cheers Mike Miller |
