Page 7 - Transporter Talk - Issue 197

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
Malcolm Marchbank
chairman@vwt2oc.co.uk
The year is drawing to a close as Christmas approaches, and as ever I am entering into the spirit of thing and practicing “Bah Humbug”!
It has been a busy year for club events, and we have had several new ones that have been a great success. The coming year will have even more innovative events organised for YOU, our members!
The new membership system “Crossmember” is now fully operational and proved itself at Busfest in September when the new system of scanning QR codes enabled our membership stand to run smoothly. Of course, there will be some exceptional situations that are handled manually, but as the change to direct debits slowly takes place, things will get even smoother.
As you might expect after the huge success (even if the tent blew down!) at Porthcawl, we will be arranging a visit to Germany next year. In order to expand members’ horizons and take the “leap” across the channel to France, it is hoped to have organised trips to Normandy as a ”taster“ to taking your van abroad and gain experience alongside other members. Keep a good look out in the magazine as I think these will be very popular.
The AGM will be at the now usual venue of Barnstones, and the camping concession will be repeated. The 2027 event location is now under review and may be in a different part of the country to enable more of our members to participate so keep a look out for the location of the 2027 AGM.
There are some new events and some of the popular regulars so do not assume all will be the “same as ever” this includes “Busfest” in September. This is normally our last event of the year so please wait until you see the information published in “Transporter Talk” as we receive a number of requests for the discount code way in advance of tickets being available. I know that some shows are already offering “early bird” discounts but until we know the arrangements for the 2026 show we will not be able to help.
This brings to an end my “Chairman’s Chat” for 2025 and soon it will be time for me to don my “Father Christmas” costume, pick up my sack of presents and distribute them to our village schoolchildren.
“Bah Humbug” (there I knew the practice would come in!)
And merry Christmas and happy new year to you all!
Transporter Talk Issue 197 | 7