BBMF and the LLA

[Mayfly]

As from the 31st March 2013 the LLA will no longer act as the BBMFs support charity.

As from 1st April BBMF will launch it's own supporters club.

It appears they LLA day normally held at the end of the season will go ahead but no date has been conformed.
The LLA is looking to continue supporting RAF related organisations to honour the memory of those who have served with the RAF.

I find it rather sad personally and not sure what has brought about the change. I hope there is no 3rd party involved that takes a % of funds raised as the LLA was all voluntary and they paid a substantial amount into the BBMF for various causes over the years.


Edit:

OC BBMF has posted on the BBMF website

BBMF


I emailed them when this was first mentioned and stated that I couldn't see how they could expect to run 2 supporters clubs. I would have thought it obvious that one or the other would suffer because people won't pay for 2 memberships for the same cause.

[Jigsaw]

I saw this on Facebook. Very strange.

[Hazzer111]

Thank you for all your comments regarding the new club and messages of support for the Flight. The reason RAF BBMF decided to start a separate supporters club was solely due to the fact that LLA could not cope with the administration of a membership more than 6000. We wanted to offer the chance to be associated with RAF BBMF to far more people and to increase our PR footprint across our following – at a national and international level. OC RAF BBMF, Sqn Ldr Dunc Mason.

from facebook

[Mayfly]

They have had problems lately because the driving force for so many years has not been in the best of health.

[Dan4th]

That is why it is so important in any kind
of an organization to avoid having just One
Indispensible Person running the show.....

Even if there's one central figure, he/she
absolutely needs to have a small circle that
knows everything that he/she knows....

Oh, and this group should NEVER all travel
in the same car/aircraft/etc. together
lest the unthinkable should occur....

Danf.

[Ray C]

Very TRUE words Dan.....The same applies to business & many domestic situations.

[Xplumberlives]

Really rather disapointed that the wonder that was LLA has to give in to a larger thinly spread outfit!

I plan to attend the last LLA supporters day which has always been a wonderful day out.

Not sure how the new set up will raffle off access to the paying customers!

[Sooty655]

It may be significant that the last News update on the LLA website is dated 6th September last year, and there is no mention of the break with BBMF.

The home page includes a Chairman's apology as follows ~

Membership Changes

We apologise for delays which are occuring on the membership side of our Association.
Following the resignation of our previous membership secretary we have now recruited a volunteer to continue this very important job.
Most of the workload takes place on our database and some training is needed.
Please bear with us, as a backlog has developed and we will be doing our best to catch up as soon as possible.

Perhaps this has dragged on to the point where BBMF found themselves with no alternative but to go it alone.

[Xplumberlives]

Possibly Eric, such a shame though!

[Mayfly]

There was mention of it some time ago but I can't remember if it was last October before we went away or very soon after we got back because I emailed the PRO to say I couldn't see how 2 supporters clubs could work. They said they were in negotiations with LLA and hoped the 2 could run side by side supporting the same aim.

[Mayfly]

Just to highlight what I said about the Chair not being well Stuart Stephenson has made an announcement on BBMF website.

We know Stuart very well and wish him all the best.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/news/index.cfm?storyid=4F7A7D9C-5056-A318-A85028ABF3E43BEA

[Hihonyr8811]

I was just reading that myself. This is the bit that caught my eye

I have been Chairman for 34 years and I feel that I have "done my bit" to help BBMF get where they are in the eyes of the public today and I am appalled to find that the committee, after my departure, have decided to cease supporting BBMF.

I wish him a speedy recovery!

[Jigsaw]

He has without a doubt more than done his bit. Wishing him a speedy recovery etc.

[Sooty655]

The part that struck me was ~

My reason for writing this is to let members know that I have had no part in the letter which has been circulated with the AGM notice.

With the Chairman having just resigned, and with an AGM coming soon, wouldn't it be more usual to get the new committee elected and in place before making radical policy changes?

[Mayfly]

Well I had the same thought - the members that have paid their dues have paid to support BBMF - I know the membership is up for renewal as we had our membership returned [we hadn't signed the form]

Can they just change who they support? However I'm not going to renew now until I have more information.

[Xplumberlives]

Well I had the same thought - the members that have paid their dues have paid to support BBMF - I know the membership is up for renewal as we had our membership returned [we hadn't signed the form]

Can they just change who they support? However I'm not going to renew now until I have more information.

I shall wait too, it just seems that someone has taken the oportunity to rush something so radically far from the original reason for starting the association!

[Minty4371]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... dress.html
Hope this is the right place to put this.

[Lucas1860]

Great airframe.

Jim