Riding On Report Autumn 2023

It is with mixed emotion that I write this Autumn Riding On report, as it will be my last as a member of NatCom, having served two years from the Orange AGM. The new cut off date for Riding On articles means that both Sharryn Nankervis #36204 and I will have handed over our positions to the new incoming committee following the Lismore Rally and AGM before the Winter Edition. I have had a wonderful time over those two years, and have really developed an insight on the operations of the Ulysses Club; the good, the not so good, and the challenges that lie in running a Club of this size.

I leave for business reasons and fulfilment of stagnated personal goals. I have a lot of people to thank but will leave that to my final Extended NatCom meeting report for Lismore.

Talking of Lismore, the planning is now getting serious. A few of the Joondalup Branch members and I will be heading across the paddock again to make an appearance, followed by a trip north into Queensland then back home via outback roads into NSW and SA., the over the top being a bit cut off at the moment. For me it will be my first big adventure with TedE the dog, taking the place of little Chloe. He will be excited to meet you all.

My committee tasks over the past year, along with the Club Plate Liaison, was to look into, and update as necessary, the Branch contacts. It also provided a great opportunity for me to make contact with Branches and discuss how things were travelling. I found things are still positive, and although membership numbers are down, there is still a lot of riding going on. A number of Branches are slowly converting to Committee by Consensus or to rider groups. I can advise that NatCom is addressing this in their discussions.

While chasing up Branch details, I have also been doing a bit of statistical work into the Ulysses Club and its current status. I believe this is a must to help future Club planning and marketing and encourage the incoming committee to maintain a similar outlook.

Some results observed that may be of interest. New members in 2020 – 584, in 2021- 687, in 2022 – 602 Membership December 31st 2021 was 11358, December 31st 2022 was 10421 giving loss of 937 members. With new members taken into account this was a net loss of around 1500 members. Average age of Ulysses Members December 2022 is 67 with a cohort of 615 members (the maximum) Other Cohorts 40-49: 225, 50-59: 1579, 60-69: 4798, 70-79: 3252, 80-89: 542, 90- 100: 25

As you can see, we are an aging Club that has Grown Old Disgracefully, and we do have a few challenges ahead. If you would like more detail on the data or to discuss please email me.

Although this is my last NatCom Report, you have not got rid of me completely. Due to unfortunate health issues for Ian (Foggy) Winter #53026, I have put up my hand to hopefully fill his big shoes as UCARF Coordinator. Foggy did a marvellous job at the Warwick Rally, and has put in place an exciting research project.

Make sure you say hi to TedE and me at Lismore. I will be in a blue NatCom Vest, and selling UCARF Raffle tickets. Take care and safe travels to Lismore.

Ken and TedE
UCARF Coordinator,
#51189 DM #67