AGM:
The new RA Constitution was approved by a majority of almost 99%, with delegates in attendance agreeing almost unanimously that it was crucial for it to be accepted “as proposed” this year and then to consider any fine-tunings in 2015 onwards. The only other alternative was to continue with the old out-dated Constitution, which was not a viable or sensible option. My Board colleague Len Randall is now in the process of preparinga separate communication to all LRAs which will explain in detail the implications for them of this new 2014 Constitution. The post-AGM Open Forum allowed delegates and members to raise questions to the Board on any topics they liked, which produced some lively and informative exchanges during this well-received and highly enlightening session.
Awards:
Our congratulations and gratitude go to 15 of our colleagues whose lengthy service to the RA and its members has been recognised this year. Long may their excellent work on behalf of the RA continue.
RA Life Membership
Richard Blackman (Dover)
Jock Campbell (Maidstone)
John Harvey (West Somerset)
Harry Oliver (Stockton)
Alan Owen (Cannock Chase)
John Oxley (Chiltern District)
Michael Todd (Stroud)
Tony Truman (Cirencester)
RA Long & Meritorious Service Award
Kevin Bingham (Chesterfield)
Rick Bradfield (Crewe & District)
Norman Harris (Driffield & Bridlington)
Michael Massingham (Grantham)
Colin Morris (Gravesend)
John Newson (Gravesend)
Jeffrey Wheatley (Chesterfield)
Conference:
This year’s event was, by general consent, yet again the best the RA has ever staged, attracting a large number of huge compliments from those attending. The mixture of young referees through to the older heads, allied to the plethora of well-known names from the current list of top English refereeing personnel both on and off the field, ensured a really tremendous all-round “family” feel to the whole weekend. We now need to maintain that upward momentum for the 2015 Conference being held at the Radisson Heathrow Hotel over the first weekend of July next year.
Dinner:
Almost 200 people attended the social highlight of our Conference weekend, namely the Saturday evening Dinner. Those present enjoyed an excellent meal, plus a lively programme which saw completion of the presentation of RA Awards to our 7 LMSA recipients and 8 new RA Life Members for this year. In addition, presentations were made to numerous officials who had been appointed in 2015 to the various FA Finals and other top domestic football matches.
[York RA members feedback – pleasant meal but no entertainment on the night and the evening ended early – not what we recall a “lively programme” but disappointing]
Ian Campbell – RA Board Vice-Chairman
Chair of Internal Communications Committee
Post note:
The list of Quest awards was issued at the Conference and there were no Gold, 2 silver (including Barkston Ash RA), and several Bronze (including York RA).