Minutes of the GBFCA Committee Meeting,
Thursday 25TH September 2020 via MS Teams
Present: Les Holgate, Mik Maksimovic, Gary Costello, Tony Marsh,
Richie Jones, Des Parr.
Apologies; Paul Crosbie.
- British Championships. After some discussion of the subject it was felt we could proceed to plan for a 2020 Competition in November. Although there was considerable uncertainty regarding the future Corona virus restrictions, the situation as it stood was favourable and indeed the Government listed organised target shooting as being a permitted activity.
Mik had previously circulated a provisional program for the event, allowing for a limited course of fire on the Saturday, following some debate, it was agreed to expand the program to three stages on Saturday and two on Sunday.
Part of the rationale for a restricted competition had been the expectation that the NRA markers would be inexperienced. This limitation was overcome though by a suggestion from Gary that he could provide a source of experienced, proven markers who could be expected to perform to a higher standard and enable the course of fire to be expanded.
Expanding on this, Gary indicated that the team of markers had experience of working privately and would be happy to submit an invoice for payment, thereby absolving the GBFCA of any concerns regarding HMRA taxation. This met with universal approval from the committee and we expressed our thanks to Gary for this welcome initiative.
Regarding entries to the match, it was indicated that Paul Harkins had suggested a two-stage process using the online payment system; an initial registration by interested members, followed later, nearer to the match by actual payment. The reasoning being that due to the fluid situation vis-à-vis Coronavirus, there was still a chance of the match having to be cancelled at short notice and there was no desire to take payment too soon and incur refund charges and tedious administration.
The situation regarding the Corona virus would be kept under review and especially with regard to the “Top Gun” match, scheduled for the intervening period.
Regarding the trophies already commissioned for the 2020 season, it was suggested that we use those destined for the British Championships this year and put aside the others for use next season, albeit with the already inscribed “2020” legends. Richie offered to gather in all the Silver Salvers from the previous winners.
- 2021 Season.
Les circulated a draft calendar of events for the 2021 season, the structure was broadly in line with that of this year, the calendar was met with approval by the Committee. Mik indicated that he would assist with forwarding his contact information regarding the NRA bookings process, when the NRA calls for bids for dates in 2021.
Regarding the GBFCA training weekend, it was proposed to drop this from the 2021 Calendar as there seemed to be little enthusiasm for it, however, Mik made a counter-proposal to take this on personally and run it with the NRA as he felt strongly that the training weekend offered a good route into F-class for beginners.
- Mik.
In prior conversations, Mik had intimated his desire to stand down from the Committee and as a match organiser. Mik confirmed his intention, simply citing his wish to ‘get back to enjoying’ his shooting again. It was acknowledged by the Committee that the GBFCA had been built up by Mik’s enthusiasm and energy and that we were universally grateful for all his efforts.
Les indicated that he would draft a notice for the GBFCA website to pay tribute to Mik and express thanks for all his good work on behalf of the GBFCA.
- Subscriptions.
Regardingmembers who had already paid their 2020 membership subscriptions, it was agreed to carry forward these payments to 2021. It was noted that anyone who had not renewed their 2020 membership would be unable to proceed with making an entry to the British Championships.
- AOB