The past year has been mediocre in some respects, with a certain lack of enthusiasm being apparent in some quarters. The membership of the Club has once again returned to pre-war levels with a total of 35 members but, unfortunately, a large number of these members are not active, and I would like to see more of the total taking part in all activities. Of our small racing membership three have been called to the Forces during the year, but I hope to see some of those due to be released in the corning year back in our ranks again.
Social activities have not been supported as well as they might have been. At the last A.G.M. I raised the question of running a dance and the members were in agreement that the effort should be made. It was therefore a great disappointment to the committee and myself when it became apparent that the members were so apathetic that if a non-member of the Club had not come to the rescue the loss incurred would have been greater than it was. Theatre visits have been arranged and some good outings have been had. The Club Dinner held in February was a success both financially and socially, the Dinner held in December was an even greater success socially, but financially a loss; a very good evening was had and all in attendance enjoyed Ragged Staff's humour.
The past racing season, while not ranking among the best the Club has enjoyed, can be regarded as another stepping stone achieved towards a return to the Club's pre-war standard, both as regards actual performances and the extent of members' participation in open and association events.
Four club records were broken during the year, R.T. Powney collecting the 25 and 30 mile solo records, and with G.A. Powney the 30 and 50 mile tandem records. Performances at the longer distances did not reach the same level but G.A. Powney emerged as a creditable winner of the Club Championship Trophy, awarded for the first time since 1939, with an average speed of 20.452 m.p.h. Credit must be given to the members who all recorded their first 12 hour mileages in the South Eastern Road Club "12" and in so doing established a team record of just over 605 miles.
As regards the ladies, Miss C. Coker, although lacking the encouragement and stimulus of team support, has broken her own 25 mile record and set up new figures at 10 and 100 miles, this giving her the proud distinction of holding club records at distances from 10 miles to 12 hours.
With regard to the question of the racing strength of the club, it must be said that the position in this respect is not so heartening. To quote actual figures, the Club promoted 6 events all at 25 miles, and received entries varying from 5 to 9 with an average of about 7, being almost the minimum to justify the holding of such events. In all, 15 members (13 men and 2 ladies) took part in time trials during 1947. Of these, two are now living well outside the Kingston area and will not be riding for this club in future; three have been called up for the Forces, and one member already in the Forces is now abroad. Even allowing for the return to the club during the coming season of one or two demobilised members, and the entry into competition of some of our younger members it will be seen that there is urgent need for the recruitment of further racing talent.
Finally, a word of thanks to all who turned out to assist in marshalling, feeding, etc., particularly the three members who did such good work during the S.E.R.C. "12", an example of the true club spirit which is essential if a club is to be a club and not just a collection of individuals.
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The Club commenced the year with a liability of an unknown amount in the shape of Standard Medals for 1946. A Reserve of £15 was set up to cover this liability and it is with pleasure I report that £5,15s.9d. has been added back to the cash account.
The past year has been a successful one financially, and a profit of £1,9s.1d. has been made. This profit would have been considerably more if the dance had been given the support the organisers deserved. The Trophy has been valued at £30 for insurance purposes; on the balance sheet it is shown at the estimated cost. The watch is shown at cost price but is of a much greater value.
I feel that efforts should be made to improve the funds of the Club, and suggestions should be passed to members of the committee.