In reply to Kipper:
Just because I've done things before doesnt mean I'm going to shut up and let go of it
In reply to Micheal Hunt
I really think the local BMC committees need some more comment and input from the many major users from outside the immediate areas and for most of them its a real hassle for them to make early evening mid-week meets; and of the mid-week days Thursday is the worst, as its when any self respecting climber is sorting out and planning the weekend. I'm greatful that the weekend meet has been arranged for the end of October but Longlands cafe is perhaps a little pesssmistic for a venue in terms of its capacity.
Despite my moans about Thursdays perhaps the best way to deal with outside comment is probably using sites like this to gauge feelings rather than just relying on the voting preferences of dedicated regulars to determine policy. The vast majority that cannot make the meeting could have good ideas or in the worst case a very different average view. How about encouraging a pre-debate here or on the BMC website with voting rights retained as normal at the meet?
I accept the democratic decision made for the time of the Peak meet but it must be obvious that those who can turn up on Thursdays will of course be there to vote for that night; people that cant make Thursdays wont be there to vote. I think the chances of persuading my or any other club to change venue, involving paying to sit in a minibus in rush hour traffic to get to Sheffield to listen to a BMC committee is minimal. Some individual members are 'mad' enough to want to go, but at the beginning of the year we in student clubs need to be in the usual club venue to recruit, breif and get to know new members; in any case, as a club official in charge of the library and equipment, my presence is certainly required.