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Just a quick word after Friday’s Annual General Meeting; I am still not sure how it happened but today I find myself as the Chair of Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club and I must say what an absolute privilege it is and something I had never contemplated when Clare and I joined the Club in May. To be in such a position at such an exciting time for the Club is both a special honour and a daunting responsibility as we try to build on the great work carried out by the previous Committee.

I believe that the next three years will be critical in taking the Club forward, especially considering the increase in interest in cycling likely to be brought about by the 2012 Olympics and the formation of Sky’s Road Cycling Team. This is on top of the already increasing interest as evidenced by the growth in new Club members, due in no small part to BRCC’s increasing reputation, representation and results (if only with Tesco shoppers).

So what does such an increase look like for the Club? The first issue it raises is how big do we want to become and what effect will size have on the structure, processes and facilities provided by the Club, especially as we try to represent the varied interests, activities and groups involved in the Club, from Team Racing to TT, from Sportive to Club Runs, from Family Rides to Inter Club events. It is also important that the Club represents the community it exists within, especially in respect of the diversity of its members young and old. And how do we continue to provide a glowing example of all of the good things that cycling stands for?

Clearly there is a lot of work for BRCC to do and it can only be done with the explicit help and contribution of its members and that means all of us. It was so good to see the fantastic attendance on Friday for the AGM and with over 200 members there is a lot of skill and experience to be tapped into. For my role I hope that what I lack in cycling speciality I can make up for with my wider experience, enthusiasm and energy. Your Committee need your help and contribution as we set out our vision for BRCC over the next three years and then decide what the implications are and how we deliver on them. This is your opportunity to help shape the future.

BRCC is well on its way to becoming one of the premier cycling clubs in the UK, a position that owes a lot to the relatively small number of members who have contributed their skills, experience and advice to the Club, but now we need even more support, so whatever the experience or skill is that you bring, we need to tap into it for the benefit of the Club. Remember there is nothing to stop you becoming involved and as I have shown, the length of your BRCC membership need be no barrier. So as we enter the next exciting phase of the Club’s development make sure you help shape the future by GETTING INVOLVED. There will be a lot of activity from the Committee in the coming months as we take these issues forward and we will need your views, ideas and support so this is your opportunity WATCH THIS SPACE.

With Best Regards

Cliff Dixon

Chairman

Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club