At this Saturday?s annual British Cycling National Council meeting in Manchester, West Midlands Region will criticise the executive board for showing little interest in the operational issues experienced at Regional level since the restructure a decade ago.
Although the division recognise that the aims of the general plan for regionalisation have been met ? principally increased membership, improved facilities and services, developing new talent and the ongoing schools cycling projects ? West Midlands are concerned that the operational difficulties experienced at Regional level go unnoticed.
Accordingly, West Midlands will table a motion (Item 14 on the agenda) calling on the chief executive to undertake a review with each region ?to determine what, if any, support they require to function more effectively?.
The Board will propose (item 10) that the term of office for the President be extended from one year to four.
The board says this is because the contribution by current President (Brian Cookson OBE) ?has been immense?, and that the need to seek re-election on an annual basis ?does not reflect either the needs of the corporate governance or the respect that should be given to the holder of this position.?
A modest increase in membership and racing licence fees is proposed of between £0.50 pence and £2 across the various classes of bronze, silver and gold memberships, subscriptions and licence categories.
However, under 12s and youth categories will remain exempt from paying fees for Bronze membership and for racing licences.
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Slight increases are also proposed for affiliated clubs, Associations and commercially named teams. But no increases are proposed for schools membership fees which remain at £10. Current president Brian Cookson is standing for re-election for the 12th consecutive year. His is the only nomination.
The Board nominates John Barclay of the Festival Road Club, a dedicated and enthusiastic cycling official for over six decades, for the Gold Badge of Honour.
Keith Bingham joined the Cycling Weekly team in the summer of 1971, and retired in 2011. During his time, he covered numerous Tours de France, Milk Races and everything in-between. He was well known for his long-running 'Bikewatch' column, and played a pivotal role in fighting for the future of once at-threat cycling venues such as Hog Hill and Herne Hill Velodrome.
