I haven’t written about this event before but this year I feel obliged to do so, get a couple of things of my chest as it were.
About 8 years ago I agreed to become Secretary to North Berwick Highland Games Assoc. Along with that came a commitment to run the “heavy events”. I had no experience of this, got little help that first year, muddled through and made the best of it. It’s improved slightly over the years since but, it’s not something I enjoy. I’d rather not do it.
The Association eventually became a limited company and charity. I became a Director. Any financial decisions have to be agreed by 2 out of 3 Directors then ratified at full meeting of the Board. This doesn’t always happen as the Chairmen (and Games President) still does things his own way. He’s too independent to my mind. In an ordinary company I suspect he would be sacked. As a community event he’s too arrogant.
On the eve of this year’s event I was approached and asked if there had been any stall cancellations. There had been. After discussion with myself and the stalls organiser agreement was reached about the use of a van at the side of the beer marquee and one of the ice cream vans could go in nose first along the side of the craft marquee. There was no discussion of money so I felt entitled, as Director, to agree this decision. However, when informed, the chairman blew his top.
At the previous meeting just prior to the Games, the chairman announced that he’d sent out approximately 170 “free” car park tickets to members of Pipe Bands who were not coming by their own coach. This was news to the committee and an example of how he makes decisions on his own. It is a financial loss to the Games of around £800. A similar offer should have been made to the entrants in the heavies (if registered by 1st July) and also to the Highland Dance competitors. If not, then they should have been asked to pay (about £25) and seek compensation from their own Pipe Band Association which would still have been cheaper than hiring a coach.
I had indicated at the last AGM that I would not be available for 2016. I have one of those birthday’s that ends in zero and intended to be away on several occasions in the run-up to the event. My role in this group is voluntary. As I’m not enjoying it, and don’t see that changing, I will shortly be resigning my position.
Highland Games in North Berwick
I haven’t written about this event before but this year I feel obliged to do so, get a couple of things of my chest as it were.
About 8 years ago I agreed to become Secretary to North Berwick Highland Games Assoc. Along with that came a commitment to run the “heavy events”. I had no experience of this, got little help that first year, muddled through and made the best of it. It’s improved slightly over the years since but, it’s not something I enjoy. I’d rather not do it.
The Association eventually became a limited company and charity. I became a Director. Any financial decisions have to be agreed by 2 out of 3 Directors then ratified at full meeting of the Board. This doesn’t always happen as the Chairmen (and Games President) still does things his own way. He’s too independent to my mind. In an ordinary company I suspect he would be sacked. As a community event he’s too arrogant.
On the eve of this year’s event I was approached and asked if there had been any stall cancellations. There had been. After discussion with myself and the stalls organiser agreement was reached about the use of a van at the side of the beer marquee and one of the ice cream vans could go in nose first along the side of the craft marquee. There was no discussion of money so I felt entitled, as Director, to agree this decision. However, when informed, the chairman blew his top.
At the previous meeting just prior to the Games, the chairman announced that he’d sent out approximately 170 “free” car park tickets to members of Pipe Bands who were not coming by their own coach. This was news to the committee and an example of how he makes decisions on his own. It is a financial loss to the Games of around £800. A similar offer should have been made to the entrants in the heavies (if registered by 1st July) and also to the Highland Dance competitors. If not, then they should have been asked to pay (about £25) and seek compensation from their own Pipe Band Association which would still have been cheaper than hiring a coach.
I had indicated at the last AGM that I would not be available for 2016. I have one of those birthday’s that ends in zero and intended to be away on several occasions in the run-up to the event. My role in this group is voluntary. As I’m not enjoying it, and don’t see that changing, I will shortly be resigning my position.