Rally cancelled

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:55 pm

I suppose seeking alternative events depends on whether or not you choose to believe unsubstantiated rumours, started by mischief makers who have nothing better to do with their sad lives.
An official LAA announcement will no doubt be made in the next day or two, once things have been finalised.
It is unfortunate that once again everybody chooses to believe the worst and accuse the EC of failing the membership. Whilst the internet may provide the technology to provide instant communication, the actual information itself has to be arrived at by discussion amongst people, organisations and companies that perhaps work a five day week, so 'instant' just isn't possible over a weekend. If the a**e who undertook to keep the details of Friday evening's meeting embargoed until Monday when discussion with other parties could take place, had been remotely honourable, then this fiasco would not be happening.
Could this have been handled better? Probably yes, but whose fault is it that the situation has arisen, EC or the trouble-making culprit who just had to open his big mouth and deliberately spread inaccurate information? If members cannot have even the remotest faith in the EC then perhaps we should all pack up and let Welshman run the Association.

mikehallam · Post by **mikehallam** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 2:50 pm

I too thought that the Rally 'news' was a leak ahead of time - even if it happens to be true, and was prepared to wait for it to come up on the Home Page.
For we members merely aiming to attend [only if the wx is suitable !] surely it's not a big deal to give our Committee a working day or two to deal with internal matters first. In any case this forum, we know form long experience, has a higher percentage of trolls than the membership as a whole.

Slamming the LAA staff & Committee over the w/end from the comfort of one's own p.c. reveals several levels of ignorance.
Such typically destructive sniping must regrettably come from folk who have time enough to offer us their humorous (?) wisdom but who otherwise do not lift a finger to help - or they'd know !

With the work our enthusiastic organisers have been putting into holding a 2009 Rally for us, especially in this severe economicic downturn, it is they who must be the most distressed by this outcome and the abuse quickly heaped on them.

Bob F · Post by **Bob F** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:25 pm

I go along with what Brian said about the "mole" who leaked this. Can we identify the culprit? Interesting for when the next AGM comes around.

To be fair to those who complained about members being treated like "mushrooms", it only came about because every other bu**** seemed to know before we dd. I don't feel it was the committee's fault just a bigmouth, looking for a minute of fame, letting them (and us) down. Hindsight is a great thing, but maybe, when the rumour was published it may have been the time for a provisional posting with the latest thinking.

JonKil · Post by **JonKil** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:57 pm

Bob F wrote:when the rumour was published it may have been the time for a provisional posting with the latest thinking.

That was my thinking... exactly.
I am not "trying" to be critical, I am however trying to understand why this situation was permitted to develop into a PR disaster that a hell of a lot of members will see as such.... and to be honest, do we know if the rally is on or off ... yet?

BJ · Post by BJ » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:10 pm

Mike Mold wrote:Peter
http://www.wightparty.org/ says all are welcome.

Yes Mike. All are welcome except those who feel the need to wear stripes on their shoulders

BJ
(Brian Hope and Welshman - getting into a public teddy throw never works.. speaking from experience..)

Nick Allen · Post by **Nick Allen** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:47 pm

I can't help thinking that whoever leaked this should seriously consider his/her position within the organisation. If you have any honour, own up, state your reasons for your actions, and resign!

J.C. · Post by **J.C.** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:39 am

I for one hope this is only a rumour, as I never did like the date as it clashes with St.Omer which is ,in my opinion the best event of the year.
Having informed St.Omer of the clash earlier,they have done everything within their powers to move their event in order that LAA members can attend both.
This has meant that we have had to reschedule a wedding.
This is just my personal tale and there are probably many others that have made a huge efforts to go to the rally.
Maybe we will need a BB fly-in that month after all?

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:16 pm

From the LAA;

The LAA Rally is to be scaled back. After considerable soul searching and a pragmatic, considered review by the Rally Committee, it has been decided that caution is the appropriate course of action for the Association in 2009.

Whilst a full Rally continues to be the objective for 2010, with the uncertainties of the current economic climate, the LAA should not expose itself financially at this time.

Considerable work has already been performed by a dedicated team and this is not to be wasted. Now under active discussion, is a Sywell hosted event, possibly called ‘Sywell Revisited’, embracing key aspects of the Rally, with a major fly-in for owners, members and enthusiasts to fly, meet and enjoy the range of aircraft and activities the LAA represents. Same venue, same dates – 4th, 5th and 6th September.

We’ll work on the details with the experienced Northampton, Sywell team and make a statement in due course.

So whilst some might be disappointed that a Full 2009 Rally will not be delivered by the team, we are actively working to assist Sywell with a substantial event and are looking further ahead to 2010.

We hope that everyone will support this September’s event.

For more details as they develop, visit the LAA website

l8lover · Post by **l8lover** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:35 pm

I am bitterly disappointed that the rally has been ‘scaled down’, I have a friend who has booked and paid for airline tickets, booked holidays ect just to find out the ‘committee’ has decided to pull the plug.

FOR GOODNESS SAKE WHY WAS THE RALLY EVER ANOUNCED IF ALL THE PROS AND CONS HAD NOT BEEN CONSIDERED IN THE FIRST PLACE????. To blame the recession is just outrageous.

I have never felt the need to place a post on this site but I believe that many of the silent majority will be with me on this one …….come on LAA get your act together.