There have been, over the last few years, a dozen or so dedicated members who have taken responsibility for the vast majority of the work needed to run our club. In these reports specific names are not usually mentioned, we all know who they are. However, there are a handful of relatively new members that have stepped up, and confirmed their willingness this year, to join in to assisting and provide fallback for others in major areas of responsibility. These members being Ryan (equipment maintenance and fire protection) John Gill (safety committee, and campground committee), Sharon (Child Protection Officer and the office), Liam Foyle (treasury familiarization), Mark and Serge (TC examinations). Additionally during 2023, several new instructors under training or passed their training to become instructors, all good for the future of the club.
The Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon O'Leary as the YSA Child Protection Officer. Sharon has experience, training and Police certification for this role that has long been unaddressed by the club. Sharon will report directly to the Board when necessary.
The Board are pleased to confirm we continue with in-house Transport Canada written exams now that Mark and Serge have received their Transport Canada/Police certification to so do. Thanks to John Brake who set this concept up many years ago and will assist Mark and Serge this year.
With our current Treasurer looking to pass on responsibility this year, and no member having shown interest, we again appeal for someone to step up. In the short term, we will try supporting the booking keeping aspect of the Treasury (with the paid support of Sarah); supported where possible by the office (Sharon and myself) and with Liam learning the ropes. Unfortunately, whilst Liam is keen, he has more important priorities for a few years such as completing his university education. Ultimately, if no permanent solution very soon, the club members, through increased membership fees, will have to pay for external services.
Meanwhile, our finances are healthy. Club bank loans on schedule to be paid off by the end of 2027, sufficient cash on hand to pay for EKV engine refurbishment. The land leased to our neighbour providing yearly increasing income. The only downside: We need to re-establish the engine fund to protect against an LTX engine failure of course.
Unfortunately the EKV engine refurbish, currently off-site, has been delayed. We still hope for EKV return for the start of 2024 season.
LTX radio ceased working at the end of 2023 season. However, a short has been fixed and the radio is now being tested for full functionality.
Hong Kong are interested in sending 3-4 cadets again this year, also important income to the club. However, we will not run a Canada youth camp this year as current instructors were somewhat burnt-out last year. The Board will reconsider our policy in 2025. We expect a handful of power pilots wanting to try gliding and work to license during 2024.
Not least, the board has approved June 22nd for an open day (with strong participation by the Brampton WW1 museum aircraft) subject to enough support from our membership to make the event viable. Watch out for Forum posts or club emails seeking that confirmation.
Additionally, the club will experiment with a Friday evening (from 1700) power fly-in, initially Friday May 31st. Whereby, the club gives free hamburgers etc. to those who fly-in and gives us the opportunity to explain what we do here, making local pilots more aware of gliding and York Soaring in particular.
Finally, the start of season club dinner will be at the same venue as 2023, Brampton Legion Branch 609 on April 20th. Forum notice nearer the time.