Kite Club

Kite Club

Why not form a club? Something shared brings greater pleasure to all concerned. It is hoped that this section may serve to show the way in which to start a club, and also indicate its aims and activities. First and obviously, a club must have members.

This means talking the matter over with others who may be interested in the project. In some places, a suggestion to form a kite club would come as a new idea, and this could be an advantage. When two or three have been found who are willing to make a start, then a meeting could be arranged. The one who called the meeting (the convener) would act temporarily as the chairman. He should prepare beforehand an agenda, along the lines suggested.

Agenda
1.Put forward a resolution that a club be formed. If this were agreed, then appointments could be made.

2.Appointment of Officers.

(a) Club Leader. As well as conducting meetings, the leader would be in charge of the running of the club.

(b) Secretary. On appointment, the secretary would proceed to take notes of the meeting taking place. As well as recording and reading the minutes of meetings, he would attend to correspondence and the like.

(c) Treasurer. He would be responsible for club funds. (Additional Note. In time, if a club grew in numbers, then a small representative committee could be elected, when convenient.)

3.Club Room. The choice of somewhere to meet would obviously depend upon what places were available. It would be an advantage if a room or a hut could be found where a work bench, materials, and tools could be kept; and where business and other meetings could be held.

4.Rules. These should be written in the minute book. The following are examples.
(a) That membership subscriptions be paid, weekly or as the club decides.
(b) That every member is expected to attend a meeting, when it is called.
(c) That resolutions be passed by a majority vote; and that in a case where there is an equal number of members voting for and against a resolution, then the chairman gives the casting vote, to decide whether the resolution be accepted or rejected.
(d) That all matters which concern the club be brought to a meeting for action to be taken.
(e) That such rules agreed upon may be added to when necessary; that a rule may be revised if the club think fit.
(f) That an annual general meeting be held. An outline of such a meeting is given below.
(g) That appointments be made and held on a yearly basis.

5. Club Activities. Suggestions for these are given in section 4 of this chapter.

6. Any Other Business (A.O.B. for short). Matters not previously dealt with would come under this heading.

7. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting. The following items are offered for guidance at a further meeting: declare meeting open; read minutes of previous meeting, and sign them as a correct record; deal with any matters arising out of the minutes; deal with any further matters on the agenda, including a review of progress made, and any difficulties encountered; collect subscriptions; any other business; date and place of next meeting; declare the meeting closed.
Notes on Annual General Meeting.

At this meeting appointments for the ensuing year would be made; and reports on the past year would be given, such as: first, the treasurer's audited statement, to be received by the meeting as being correct; second, the secretary's, on the number of meetings held during the year, average attendance and any other matters of interest; third, the leader's - a brief review of the year's activities, plus a comment upon the present state of the club.

In addition to these reports, ideas and plans for the coming year could be suggested, discussed, and put to the vote.

Association of Kite Clubs
When a club has been formed in a new area, that club in turn should explore ways and means of starting another club. It will be realized that it takes time and experience for these things to work out. However, one may reasonably hope to see in due course, a local association being established.

In such an event, from the organization point of view, a president, secretary and treasurer would be needed, together with a number of representatives from each club. This body would be responsible for all inter-club activities. It is suggested that among other things, this committee could appoint a person to submit items of interest to the local press, and also could issue a magazine or bulletin.

An association committee might inquire into the possibilities of co-operating with other model and hobby clubs in the area, so that exchange visits could be arranged, joint exhibitions be held, and where possible, other joint activities be planned. There are great opportunities in kite-craft, if it be taken seriously, and dealt with enthusiastically.