Cycling UK Forum

Wychwood Beers are amongst my favourites. The Hobgoblin is the best I think.

Yes, I'll echo that Simon. Unfortunately our "constituencies" are too large for us to get around to meet many of the members. I'm always thankful when someone approaches me either by email or phone. this enables me to feel I'm at least speaking to some of the members.

bikepacker wrote:
Arrange an open meeting under an independent chairman with no time limit and where the executive and council members occupying the same floor as the members and I will do my very best to be there.

Well last year I sat, as a Councillor, on the same level as the members (next to Daniel Cadden if I remember correctly), but I can't speak for where the staff/Director etc. will sit. This doesn't matter to me however, and wouldn't put me off going; especially if there was something worthwhile on the agenda which needs to be debated and voted upon. At least you get a vote if you go. There's no postal voting system in this organisation, unlike other National associations I belong to.

I think there are too many adverts, they take up too large a percentage of the magazine. But I'm not on the editorial committee so I'm not privy to the financial implication of reducing the ads.

Regarding DA coverage; I know of a CTC Section Secretary who sent in a piece for 'Down Your Way' and was told by the editor of all the changes he must make to the article to make it fit for purpose. The article would have needed to be completely rewritten, new photos, the lot. Needless to say he didn't bother. I did see the article before it was sent to the editor. It seemed very readable and interesting.

There seem to be as many who like the mag as those who dislike it. Changing it would please some but annoy others. It's the old saying...you can't please all of the people all of the time. However I must say I agree that the editor's comments are often grating and sometimes unnecessary.

All this aside however, there are other important things in CTC apart from the magazine.

Members need to be aware of what is likely to happen within CTC before changes are set in stone. Read the small print in the magazine before it goes in the recycling bin, not just your favourite bits. Go to the AGM in April and make your voice heard. I've heard so many members moan about changes in the past which were advertised in the magazine but went un- noticed. I'll see you in Guildford then.

thirdcrank wrote:

robgul wrote:Karen's reply perhaps is more appropriate to the (endless) thread elsewhere about the magazine?

"Be that as it may, it was remarkable for its frankness and very interesting to read".

I'm sorry for responding on the wrong subject. I had been following the thread about the magazine just before reading this one. (With shock/horror). It was late and I mixed the two topics up.

I think it's sad to find a CTC Councillor's frankness remarkable. I do try to be frank. Unfortunately this might not assist me in the popularity stakes, but at least people can take what I say at face value as I have no hidden agenda.

I'll post my comments about the magazine in the correct thread as well. That'll stoke the fire and keep it burning a bit longer

As far as this topic goes I'm afraid I haven't much to say except that I try to avoid buying from Evans or any other mail order bike shop. I value my LBS and they give a discount to CTC members too.

As I don't like all the adverts in the CTC magazine it would be hypocritical to buy from the advertisers.

I had refrained from commenting previously as I too find it hard to say what can be done to 'improve' the magazine given the wide range of members. But I'll put my head on the block and here goes....

First I think there are too many adverts, they take up too large a percentage of the magazine. But I'm not on the editorial committee so I'm not privy to the financial implication of reducing the ads.

Regarding DA coverage; I know of a CTC Section Secretary who sent in a piece for 'Down Your Way' and was told by the editor of all the changes he must make to the article to make it fit for purpose. The article would have needed to be completely rewritten, new photos, the lot. Needless to say he didn't bother. I did see the article before it was sent to the editor. It seemed very readable and interesting.

There seem to be as many who like the mag as those who dislike it. Changing it would please some but annoy others. It's the old saying...you can't please all of the people all of the time. However I must say I agree that the editor's comments are often grating and sometimes unnecessary.

All this aside however, there are other important things in CTC apart from the magazine.

Members need to be aware of what is likely to happen within CTC before they are set in stone. Read the small print in the magazine before it goes in the recycling bin, not just your favourite bits. Go to the AGM in April and make your voice heard. I've heard so many members moan about changes in the past which were advertised in the magazine but went un- noticed. I'll see you in Guildford then.
Karen, CTC Councillor, North West region.

ThomasDylan wrote:

JohnW wrote:Do the CTC Council read these pages? JohnW

You're 'avin a laarf!

Well I read them regularly and I'm a Councillor, so that's one of us. I also believe there is at least one other who does

Zanda wrote:Top idea Terry.

Hi Zanda,
Are you the Alexander who was at the very entertaining GMCC meeting in January?

Some pictures of our 'Bike Week' ride last year.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cyclingman ... age21.html

No trike on that list