Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

In the world of family-owned businesses such as pastoral holdings, we often hear the term “succession planning” used. It is not simply something to think about in terms of Monopoly board finances but something that affects each of us in different ways. As members of clubs, the incorporation documents will include terms under which the assets will be distributed in the event of closing down.

Personally, the same need is met by the legal document called a “will” which allows for and sets out how the person wants their estate handled and where items are to be distributed.

Back in club land, there is another form of succession and that is the choosing of office bearers whose task it is to run the organisation as laid down in the constitution and articles. When numbers shrink, it is often the same faces that populate the top table, year after year, simply because there seems to be no one else.

At home, we gather as much equipment as we think necessary to pursue our recreation of amateur radio, fishing, bush walking, vintage car restoration or wine collection. We tend to cherish these items because of the pleasure they bring in use and the storehouse of memories they have accumulated. They are, in other words, important to us. Now it is normally true that when we value items, we wish to dispose of them so that others who appreciate them will get the chance to enjoy them too. There is also the commercial reality that it may be necessary to recoup money to meet expenses and the auction house gets to set the value at the sale time.

Sadly we do see that people do suffer traumas and they do die. If there is no planning, then the need to dispose of beloved belongings will possibly fall to people who don’t have the same regard for the cherished items. With transmitting gear, it is wise to ensure that it only goes to people or bodies with the appropriate credentials, that is licensed operators or clubs run by qualified people.

We don’t treat our office bearers as commodities like our rigs but practically we need to ensure that the membership of our club is maintained and suitable people get to learn the mechanics of how the club operates. If an office holder has to retire then there is no rush to find someone to fill the position just because the articles of association require it. If there are people who are familiar with the processes and procedures then the transition goes ahead without stress.

The same situation applies when it comes to the election of office bearers.

As the Class Licence will impose a few new quirks on club procedures for running repeaters and the like, now is the time when a good discussion and understanding of the requirements should be happening. Perhaps it should also be a trigger for a wider exploration of how we can make things better.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?

-------------------------------------------------------*

Social Scene

Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)