By John Wharington

I am pleased to announce the composition of the GCV Committee of Management for 2009-2010.  

John Wharington, President  

• 0402 917703  
• jwharington@gmail.com

Robert Dorning, Vice-president

• 03 9489 4298   
• softdawn@optusnet.com.au

Peter Carey, Treasurer

• 0412 464340
• carey@ericorp.com.au

Garry Cropley, Secretary

• 0418 580 827
• garry.cropley@gmail.com

Bernard Barry

• 0412 332320
• bernard.barry@bigpond.com

John Gwyther

• 0419 309158
• jgwyther@bigpond.net.au

Michael Kornhauser

• 0409 410123
• amirita@internode.on.net

Don Ridgeway  

• 0427 358146
• dcridge@bigpond.net.au

Robin Rose

• 0418 338316
• rosnic1@hotmail.com

You can also contact us via the committee mailing list at committee@glidingclub.org.au.

Everyone is most welcome to attend the committee meetings, which are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Geebung Polo Club, 85 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East 3123.

Introduction to Members

Robin Rose

As advised through the Airflow mailing list, I was voted onto the GCV Committee of Management at the recent Annual General Meeting and would like to provide a brief introduction to members.

I have been self-employed and conducting my own business for the last 30 years and believe that this experience will assist me in contributing to the committee and club.

Although a member of the club for only just under 4 years, I have been involved with aviation for the last 40 years and during that time completed 1800 parachute jumps, was vice-captain of the 1975 Australian Parachute Team (that won silver in Germany), held a Parachute Instructor rating for 15 years and have previously held a PPL with aerobatic endorsement.

I have been continuously on the clubs duty roster for the past 2 years and earlier this year I gained my AEI Rating. I have found cross- country flying to be one of the most exhilarating things that one can do and although not very experienced, I look forward to doing many more flights.

Some of the matters that I would like to help address are:

• Upgrading of airfield facilities to benefit both club members and public
• Retention of post solo members
• Marketing and recruitment
• Upgrading of fleet
• Efficient use of time at meetings
• Improve communication between members and committee
• Broader advertising for overseas pilots and AEI flights (increase club revenue)
• Improved facilities on the airfield and in the air for public passengers(another club revenue issue)
• Upgrading of club accommodation

I would also like to encourage all members to become active in the operation of their club and communicate their thoughts, opinions, likes and dislikes to any of the committee members who are all in regular attendance at the club and airfield. Our club has facilities and operations of which we can be proud. The committee is only there to serve the members and therefore if the members don’t communicate their thoughts and ideas on a regular basis, the committee will not function efficiently.

So, talk to a committee member and get it off your chest. A five minute chat could make all the difference to you and all the other members!

Peter Carey

Let’s talk about money

The funny thing about money is that the less one has, the more important it becomes. GCV went through a period when money was extremely important. We didn’t have any. After many years of concentrated efforts we have reached a relatively comfortable financial position. Now it is our task to maintain this situation.

Hello. My name is Peter Carey and I am the GCV’s Honorary Treasurer. I have been on the Committee longer than I care (or can) remember and witnessed the various phases of the Club’s fortunes.

I am a strong believer in the theory that asset build up is desirable to maintain the strength of an organization. Over the past five years we have managed to steadily increase the Members’ equity (and we didn’t do it by artificially  inflating the values of fixed assets, like some banks do). We have achieved this by relying on all our Members’ cooperation to save where savings can be made and to spend when they can afford it. This combined effort enabled the GCV to begin upgrading  its fleet of gliders and our task now is to continue the process.

Just so that you can recognize me when you see me in the clubhouse or on the airfield, I have enclosed a recent photograph of me.  

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, good health and good flying weather.