President of the UK Region of the VCA
Discussion
Paul has made comment that he no longer wishes to "head" the UK region of the VCA and some have mentioned that he has done this before, yes he did and was talked into continuing. He has not said this as an idle threat, he really has done his time.
Being the president is not his title, but one given to the regions "head" by the USA.
This job has over many years cost us financially and a lot time, this we have never regretted.
As with many "leaders" in the past the time has come to pass on the reins, whoever decides to put themselves forward will need patience (he does get some rather strange enquiries from all sorts of people), time to organise, arrange collection and payment of membership fees and possibly some personal financial input - cost of website etc.
He is not throwing his toys out of the pram, he does not need a group hug, he has never done any of this over the years for any kind of recognition or reward. He also has a few personal/health issues to deal with and the time has come for him to be just a member of the UK club like the rest of you.
So I suggest that you get your heads together to decide how you wish to maintain (if you wish to) what has been some really good times.
I am sure Paul would not wish me to make this post, but I cannot sit back any longer and be silent.
Being the president is not his title, but one given to the regions "head" by the USA.
This job has over many years cost us financially and a lot time, this we have never regretted.
As with many "leaders" in the past the time has come to pass on the reins, whoever decides to put themselves forward will need patience (he does get some rather strange enquiries from all sorts of people), time to organise, arrange collection and payment of membership fees and possibly some personal financial input - cost of website etc.
He is not throwing his toys out of the pram, he does not need a group hug, he has never done any of this over the years for any kind of recognition or reward. He also has a few personal/health issues to deal with and the time has come for him to be just a member of the UK club like the rest of you.
So I suggest that you get your heads together to decide how you wish to maintain (if you wish to) what has been some really good times.
I am sure Paul would not wish me to make this post, but I cannot sit back any longer and be silent.
Thank You for letting us know the situation Barbra. Sorry to hear Paul is having a few health issues 
As for the job of being the UK representative for the VCA it would be nice to know Exactly how much is involved and what the job entails. As you are fully aware, we have never really had any form of AGM, just a group of people of whom some are VCA members and some not, meet up mainly at the Luton lunch!
So we dont really see any of the behind the scenes work involved like sending monies to the VCA etc.
Being as we are such a small branch of the VCA I'm not sure how the rules of the club affect us?
I have enjoyed my ownership of the Viper but just after I bought it I lost my job and had to start from scratch going the self employed route. Im not too good with paperwork, and the whole thing 3yrs down the line is still an up hill struggle. But I will do what ever I can so that I can keep driving the car.
I will certainly support anyone that steps up to the plate
As for the job of being the UK representative for the VCA it would be nice to know Exactly how much is involved and what the job entails. As you are fully aware, we have never really had any form of AGM, just a group of people of whom some are VCA members and some not, meet up mainly at the Luton lunch!
So we dont really see any of the behind the scenes work involved like sending monies to the VCA etc.
Being as we are such a small branch of the VCA I'm not sure how the rules of the club affect us?
I have enjoyed my ownership of the Viper but just after I bought it I lost my job and had to start from scratch going the self employed route. Im not too good with paperwork, and the whole thing 3yrs down the line is still an up hill struggle. But I will do what ever I can so that I can keep driving the car.
I will certainly support anyone that steps up to the plate
Thanks Barbara.
I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone who's been involved in our group by saying how much we've valued Paul’s leadership over the years, which will be missed, but if he wants to stand down we must respect his wishes.
“We must take your lead on this Paul but hope you can still maintain a supporting role.”
I would be happy to pick up the reins BUT will say “I cannot do it alone.”
I can do patience and even strange enquires but I will need everyone to help with organising events, websites and finances.
I must say too I am unclear how we can operate at a club without the rigmarole of club rules, which I for one am not a fan of. Maybe we don’t need an AGM – a benefit of being in an American club………
I’m sure we can sort this out – there is enough passion in our group to deal with this issue, help Paul move on and let the club continue.
I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone who's been involved in our group by saying how much we've valued Paul’s leadership over the years, which will be missed, but if he wants to stand down we must respect his wishes.
“We must take your lead on this Paul but hope you can still maintain a supporting role.”
I would be happy to pick up the reins BUT will say “I cannot do it alone.”
I can do patience and even strange enquires but I will need everyone to help with organising events, websites and finances.
I must say too I am unclear how we can operate at a club without the rigmarole of club rules, which I for one am not a fan of. Maybe we don’t need an AGM – a benefit of being in an American club………
I’m sure we can sort this out – there is enough passion in our group to deal with this issue, help Paul move on and let the club continue.
Sorry to hear this Paul... 13 Years is a long time and this is now my 10th year but if its time then its time..
I know things can be hard work somtimes as i have done 4 christmas meals and the 10th LL coming up fast. not to mention Dyno days and such...
Who ever does take over i hope Paul can still have some input and give guidence and assistance as 13yrs of knowledge and contacts is very helpfull.....
More than happy to help as always in any way.....
I know things can be hard work somtimes as i have done 4 christmas meals and the 10th LL coming up fast. not to mention Dyno days and such...
Who ever does take over i hope Paul can still have some input and give guidence and assistance as 13yrs of knowledge and contacts is very helpfull.....
More than happy to help as always in any way.....
I'm not sure how to put this, especially considering the fact that it isn't Paul who has actually made the post, but I completely respect and understand the decision to resign should it be Paul's decision to do so.
From a personal perspective, (and I do not say this to upset Paul in any way), I would have preferred it had Paul advised us of his decision in a few weeks, rather than a tag line at the end of a post, and at the end of what appeared to be a toys out of the pram moment, but I guess that's the way it goes. Going out on a high would just have felt so much better.
I have been associated with the Viper Club for the past 5 years, and in that time it feels like almost every year, at some point, Paul has made some comment about having had enough, and wanting to hand in the towel, but it has always seemed a little heat of the moment, and he has always been dissuaded from doing so by the core group. I guess there is only so many times that we can change his mind.
I have my reservations regarding Paul's decision, as although I have not been around as long as many here it has always felt like he has in many ways been the glue holding the 'Club' together. Without that drive I am concerned for the future in some respects, and I do not mean that to sound over dramatic, but I know there is more to the post than he tells us.
At this time, personally I am not able to provide the time to offer to take on the role, or be present at the number of events that Paul makes a point of attending.
So far only Adrian has stepped up to the plate to take over, and I can't speak for everyone, but I am more than happy with this, and echoing what has been already said, I am more than happy to provide any support that I am able. He may be the only person so far to have offered to take on the role, but I do not in any way feel that it would be that we are settling for the only option, as he would most definitely would have been one of my choices to have taken on the position, he is well thought of by us all and I know he will do the best he can.
Whatever happens I hope that we can continue to exist in the way we already do, and continue the UK chapter of the VCA.
From a personal perspective, (and I do not say this to upset Paul in any way), I would have preferred it had Paul advised us of his decision in a few weeks, rather than a tag line at the end of a post, and at the end of what appeared to be a toys out of the pram moment, but I guess that's the way it goes. Going out on a high would just have felt so much better.
I have been associated with the Viper Club for the past 5 years, and in that time it feels like almost every year, at some point, Paul has made some comment about having had enough, and wanting to hand in the towel, but it has always seemed a little heat of the moment, and he has always been dissuaded from doing so by the core group. I guess there is only so many times that we can change his mind.
I have my reservations regarding Paul's decision, as although I have not been around as long as many here it has always felt like he has in many ways been the glue holding the 'Club' together. Without that drive I am concerned for the future in some respects, and I do not mean that to sound over dramatic, but I know there is more to the post than he tells us.
At this time, personally I am not able to provide the time to offer to take on the role, or be present at the number of events that Paul makes a point of attending.
So far only Adrian has stepped up to the plate to take over, and I can't speak for everyone, but I am more than happy with this, and echoing what has been already said, I am more than happy to provide any support that I am able. He may be the only person so far to have offered to take on the role, but I do not in any way feel that it would be that we are settling for the only option, as he would most definitely would have been one of my choices to have taken on the position, he is well thought of by us all and I know he will do the best he can.
Whatever happens I hope that we can continue to exist in the way we already do, and continue the UK chapter of the VCA.
First many thanks for all the kind emails and telephone calls I appreciate them and must admit that for a group of people you lot are the best.
For those that can read between the lines Ade and I have started working together to keep the group together, which is my first point, we are not a club but a group of people who are affiliated to the VCA, in the UK that numbers 29 people spread though the country with the majority down south.
The President's job has no perks, I could attend the US meeting if I wish and get a a couple of hundred dollars towards it but I choose not too, this year I asked for renewals to be completed by the end of January and I was still doing them in July using my own credit card.
If we actually had an AGM, which is something we are not required to do by law as we have no bank account members charter etc, then how many would come 4-6, great then lets have a committee if so we would get little done.
The original book producted my Maurice explains how the VCA in the UK became a region in 1998, just by my chance remark and an offer to keep records and hold it all together, when Wayne Hi-Jacked the group for whatever reason and chucked it in destroying all the records and the web site it was again me who held it all together with help by a small band of the UK founding fathers (you know who you are)they became firm friends and still are.
My time is done here, I am nearly sixty, remarks about Gumpy old men are not allowed, but I would be gratefull if people remember that it takes time to organise any event sometimes my own personal money up front, so please on this board keep your critisiscm to yourself, if the date is bad, your car too noisey or your doing something else there is no need to rub the organisers nose in it, he understands that all who can not/will not attend will not be there and putting this on a public forum does little but discourage other members from attending, especially if you have never been but heard it from others.
I have a couple of simple things a members record book that I will pass to Ade and a database of VIN numbers which is for El Pres only this is simply kept in case a recall becomes apparent or a car written off, The Pres must protect the mark and provide factual information not hearsey.
Next year I intend to arrange Germany again at the GM test track and for those of you that have not been it's such a blast, our briefing was simple.......you can go anywhere you like but alwasy in this direction, there are no noise problems and a full day of sliding round an airfield on a slalom, high speed road course and drag event.
Ade and I already have another secret plan coming together that may excite you all, stay tuned.
For those that are concerned about my health, do not be I am just have a simple battle with type 2 Diabetes and I need to focus on this before the onset of serious old age.
To those that have arranged ANY event on the track, wonderful roads, stickers or great dining, I thank you, it is you that have made the difference and also helped to hold us all together, in my opinion we are exactly like the US VCA a big noisy family.
December 31sth is my last day as El Pres, you will still see the GT/2 and I will still try to make as many events as possible.
Viper Paul
President VCA UK Region
VCA 8607
For those that can read between the lines Ade and I have started working together to keep the group together, which is my first point, we are not a club but a group of people who are affiliated to the VCA, in the UK that numbers 29 people spread though the country with the majority down south.
The President's job has no perks, I could attend the US meeting if I wish and get a a couple of hundred dollars towards it but I choose not too, this year I asked for renewals to be completed by the end of January and I was still doing them in July using my own credit card.
If we actually had an AGM, which is something we are not required to do by law as we have no bank account members charter etc, then how many would come 4-6, great then lets have a committee if so we would get little done.
The original book producted my Maurice explains how the VCA in the UK became a region in 1998, just by my chance remark and an offer to keep records and hold it all together, when Wayne Hi-Jacked the group for whatever reason and chucked it in destroying all the records and the web site it was again me who held it all together with help by a small band of the UK founding fathers (you know who you are)they became firm friends and still are.
My time is done here, I am nearly sixty, remarks about Gumpy old men are not allowed, but I would be gratefull if people remember that it takes time to organise any event sometimes my own personal money up front, so please on this board keep your critisiscm to yourself, if the date is bad, your car too noisey or your doing something else there is no need to rub the organisers nose in it, he understands that all who can not/will not attend will not be there and putting this on a public forum does little but discourage other members from attending, especially if you have never been but heard it from others.
I have a couple of simple things a members record book that I will pass to Ade and a database of VIN numbers which is for El Pres only this is simply kept in case a recall becomes apparent or a car written off, The Pres must protect the mark and provide factual information not hearsey.
Next year I intend to arrange Germany again at the GM test track and for those of you that have not been it's such a blast, our briefing was simple.......you can go anywhere you like but alwasy in this direction, there are no noise problems and a full day of sliding round an airfield on a slalom, high speed road course and drag event.
Ade and I already have another secret plan coming together that may excite you all, stay tuned.
For those that are concerned about my health, do not be I am just have a simple battle with type 2 Diabetes and I need to focus on this before the onset of serious old age.
To those that have arranged ANY event on the track, wonderful roads, stickers or great dining, I thank you, it is you that have made the difference and also helped to hold us all together, in my opinion we are exactly like the US VCA a big noisy family.
December 31sth is my last day as El Pres, you will still see the GT/2 and I will still try to make as many events as possible.
Viper Paul
President VCA UK Region
VCA 8607
Edited by viper paul on Wednesday 14th September 14:13
Thanks for EVERYTHING paul I too would like to add my thanks to Paul for a wonderful job over the last 9 years I've been involved and whole heartedly agree that Ade will be welcomed as the new leader and I offer my support to him however I can.
Unfortunately as most of you know, after being made redundant 2.5 years ago and starting my own business, things have been *very* tight to say the least. My beloved beast spends most of it's time in the garage and last winter was the first that's it's been officially off the road. We still try to make those events that are cheap or local to us, but just cannot afford the bigger ones or the Germany trip. In fact, Germany 2 years ago was our last holiday and after 10 years of yearly visits to the 'ring, I miss it and I think Netski misses the car park (not!). Even the Christmas do is a squeeze this year, but one not to be missed.
I've made many friends in the club and look forward to another year with you all...
Larry & Netski
Unfortunately as most of you know, after being made redundant 2.5 years ago and starting my own business, things have been *very* tight to say the least. My beloved beast spends most of it's time in the garage and last winter was the first that's it's been officially off the road. We still try to make those events that are cheap or local to us, but just cannot afford the bigger ones or the Germany trip. In fact, Germany 2 years ago was our last holiday and after 10 years of yearly visits to the 'ring, I miss it and I think Netski misses the car park (not!). Even the Christmas do is a squeeze this year, but one not to be missed.
I've made many friends in the club and look forward to another year with you all...
Larry & Netski
Having known MrL for quite a few years, i must say its been fun and always a pleasure. Thanks for all your and Barb's efforts over the years, phone calls, emails, bits and bobs through the post, and the events youve organised and pulled together and anything else i've long since forgotten
let the good times continue to roll !
Pauls RT@SuperCar Sunday 1998
Matching Green 2001, one of the first viper winning trophys (i think)
the infamous Delboy plate
Lemans '02 with Matt
Steve's BQ
let the good times continue to roll !
Pauls RT@SuperCar Sunday 1998
Matching Green 2001, one of the first viper winning trophys (i think)
the infamous Delboy plate
Lemans '02 with Matt
Steve's BQ
Hi Paul & Barbs,
I have just returned from a weeks holiday so this is news to me - good luck to you both and you can be assured that I will fully support Ade as the new president and CEO. I want to personally thank you both for all the help you have given me and for organising such great events. Hope to see you both very soon. (I will call during the week).
I have just returned from a weeks holiday so this is news to me - good luck to you both and you can be assured that I will fully support Ade as the new president and CEO. I want to personally thank you both for all the help you have given me and for organising such great events. Hope to see you both very soon. (I will call during the week).
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