Changing times reflected in new rules and regulations of The Western Group of Motoring Writers at the AGM. The Western Group of Motoring Writers has made the biggest change to its constitution since foundation in 1983.
This year’s annual general meeting, courtesy of Honda UK, was held at the Cadbury House Hotel, near Bristol, and gave members the opportunity to drive a selection of historic and current models in the Honda range before the AGM.
The members re-elected Robin Roberts as chairman, voted Kieron Fennelly into the position of vice-chairman and reselected John Kerswill as treasurer and Steve Grant as secretary.
The members reviewed and approved a new streamlined constitution which makes joining easier without compromising professionalism while reflecting the changing landscape of automotive writing and work of regional motoring writers and photographers.
The meeting also approved the membership application of Paul Beard, from Bovey Tracey, who writes for print and on-line outlets.
There was a unanimous vote to accept 5 June as the date of the next annual Western Group Driving Day in 2019 and planning for that has now started, supported by the team at IDPR, who were congratulated at the meeting for their efficiency and hard work. A new dedicated registration site for the event will be operational very soon and details will be sent to those who signed up this year.
“I was very honoured that the members of thewesterngroup elected me as their chairman again,” said Robin Roberts.
“It is both a challenging and enjoyable position and the group’s diversity reflects that of the industry as a whole today.
“Our annual PR driving day is firmly established in the industry calendar and it is thanks to the support of those in the business and the group members along with IDPR which ensures its success.”
He added, “The PR Driving Day is unique, not only in the UK but we believe the world, and we want to ensure it remains an informative and enjoyable event at minimum cost and over the years we have raised many thousands of pounds for national and local charities through the generosity of those attending.”
While you may be thinking of Christmas and winter, the fact that thewesterngroup driving day is just six months away next summer is definitely something to consider in your event planning for 2019.
On behalf of the Western Group of Motoring Writers, thanks to members, officers and the industry for continuing to support our group working for regional specialist journalists in the West Country and South Wales and we hope you have an enjoyable Christmas and even more prosperous 2019.
Robin is the longest serving chairman of The Western Group. He's been vice chairman or chairman for over ten years and oversees the annual Western Group PR Driving Day each summer assisted by the group committee and supported by group members.
He contributes to a number of outlets in Wales and the UK, including the Driving Force editorial syndication agency feeding the biggest regional news and feature publishers in Britain.
Robin specialises in the Welsh automotive sector and motor related businesses with interests in Wales and publishes WheelsWithinWales.uk which covers news, features, trade and motor sport in Wales.
