The executive reports are published in the March edition of Riding On to give all members the opportunity to read them prior to attending the A.G.M.

Each and every year the Ulysses Club experiences steady growth. At the time of writing this report the financial membership count is 23,483 as at 31/1/04. The financial membership as at 31/1/02 and 31/1/03 was 17,281 and 20,517 respectively. These figures reveal that the club grew by 3,236 new members in 2002 and a small drop to 2,966 new members in 2003.

However January this year has seen the highest intake of new members on record (656 ) for any month in the history of the club. This equates to an average intake of approximately 22 members per day for each day of the month. These figures would have been even higher (over 700 ) had it not been for some applications being held over awaiting proof of identification.
February is also expected to be a high intake month. The average for the last two years is approximately 8 – 9 members per day. Membership number 35,286 was issued on 31/1/03.

Unfinancial members were sent a reminder letter during January and I am pleased with the excellent renewal response. For Ulyssians with memberships that expired on December 31st 2003 this March edition of Riding On will be there last and from April they will no longer be on the current membership database.

A worthy reminder is that your membership expiry date appears on the plastic cover sheet of each edition of Riding On that you receive. If you have or will be moving residence please advise the administration office at Bargo of your new contact details.

The National Memorial Ride Day which has been sanctioned and scheduled for the second Sunday in September each year appears to have been well supported by branches throughout Australia.

The National Committee thanks the participating branches for their support of this special annual Ulysses Club event and wishes to appeal to branches not participating to consider this increasingly important day and write it in on your calendar. This is our opportunity to once a year celebrate the memory of our dear Ulysses friends who have ridden on.

There are currently 120 Ulysses Club branches spread throughout Australia and 4 SIGS (special interest groups). Branch contact details are now updated at the Ulysses Club administration office at Bargo. In most cases the contact person is the branch secretary. Please inform the administration office of any changes when they occur.

It is anticipated that the 2004 membership directory will be printed prior to the Geelong A.G.M. Preparation, proof reading, colour sampling etc will be undertaken in the early months of the year.

The 21st National A.G.M. of the Ulysses Club is fast approaching. My thoughts are with the hard working Geelong A.G.M committee who are doing their best to ensure that we all have a great time. Thanks to all, we appreciate your efforts.

The committee has formally requested Nepean Branch to assist with the A.G.M. entry checks, scrutineering of National committee elections, usher duties etc.
Nepean Branch has successfully conducted these duties to a high standard in recent years. We would like members to consider taking a little time out to attend the actual meeting. Come along and see for yourself how your club is being run at a national level, meet your NatCom members and exercise your voting rights for another years term of office.

Please remember that entry, voting and speaking rights at the A.G.M. are strictly for financial members only, and don’t forget to bring your membership card for entry.

Also a reminder to branches that an invitation is extended to two committee members (usually President and Secretary) to attend the Extended NatCom meeting prior to the above mentioned A.G.M. The purpose is to extend the meeting so that branch level committee members may meet one another from all corners of Australia and have an input into the club at the national level. A formal invitation will be sent to all branches.

Due to an ever increasing workload I have handed over the processing of 60, 70 & 80 badges to committee member Helena Gritton. Contact Helena if you qualify for a free badge with the criteria of both age and a continuous nine year membership.

Rider Training and First Aid courses remain popular with an attractive rebate offer provided by the club. The National Committee encourages members to take these courses in their own and the club’s best interests. I personally have completed both courses and can thoroughly recommend the same.

I would briefly like to mention that I intend to stand as National Secretary for another term of office.

I consider it an honour to have served the club at a national level and would like to thank my fellow committee members, Rick Bedford, Neville Gray, Sam Reich, Bob Rollo, Doug Winckle and Helena Gritton. I would also like to thank Wendy Thompson (admin), John Miller and the members at large for their past and continued support.

Kim Kennerson
National Secretary