I've had a club mentality from "day 1". That was basically in 1978 when I set up a local MGOC meeting in South Yorkshire, despite the misgivings of MrsW (aged 26), who was concerned about "the type of people you'll be mixing with"
So I ran that meeting for 22 years - twice a month for most of it, then got involved nationally, and then got involved with the MGCC nationally on the V8 Register committee.
So it didn't take much persuasion for me to jump into the MSCC, and I don't regret that one bit. Over the last 36 years I have met some fantastic enthusiasts, which without my involvement would not have happened.
A club is far more than a magazine and its an absolute truth that you get out proportionately to what you put in.
But if being an armchair member is your thing then that's also fine.
Committees are committees, and whatever the subject, function the same. Whether that is at work, school governors, or car clubs, there will be politics, there will be factions, there will be those you won't get on with. That's just how it is.
What we rarely do now is evening meetings, because after so many we've just had enough of it. I very occasionally turn out, but MrsW is not bothered at all.
Any member of the MSCC can attend the National Committee Meeting, but few ever do. All you have to do is contact the secretary - details in Miscellany. But be prepared for a full day of listening - it can get quite gruelling. But if you don't like how things are run, get inside and try to change things.
To those who hold the major roles I have nothing but admiration. It's easy enough to throw in criticism, but a fair proportion of the club officials have full time jobs - I wouldn't want that much to do.
And to those who organise the Mogs - hats off, because that is a difficult and thankless task - but at least its just one year of hassle, and where would we be without the Mog events.
So that's where I stand..........
