Candidates
The Imp Club Limited – AGM 2024
15th September 2024
AGM 2024 Download Calling Notice Download Agenda Download 2023 Draft Minutes Download Annual Accounts Officers Reports Rule Changes Membership Fee Changes How To Cast Your VoteImp Club members standing for election
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To find out more about each nominee click on the nominee’s name in the tables below.
| Director Roles | |
|---|---|
| Chairman Nominee 1 | John Ross |
| Chairman Nominee 2 | Tim Sears |
| Company Secretary | Gillian Hill |
| Treasurer (Joint) | Rob Machin & Sue Alcock |
| Committee Roles | |
|---|---|
| Advertising Co-ordinator / Regalia Officer | Andy Gill |
| Area Centre Co-Ordinator | Scott Clements |
| Competition Secretaries (Joint) | Colin Rooney & James Ibbotson |
| Data Protection Officer – Non Voting Role – Automatically elected if single nominee | Graham Townsend |
| DVLA Contact | Barry Blackmore |
| Events and Show Secretary (Joint) | Stewart Waghorn & Andrew Waghorn |
| Forum Manager | Paul Harrison |
| IT Officer | Jason White |
| Librarian | Chris Clark |
| Magazine Editor | Grahame Pearson |
| Membership Secretary | Valerie Immers |
| National Co-Ordinator – Non Voting Role – Automatically elected if single nominee | Karen Fitzgerald |
| Press Enquiries Contact / Public Relations Officer | Dale Bishop |
| Safeguarding Officer – Non Voting Role – Automatically elected if single nominee | Karen Fitzgerald |
| Social Media Officers (Joint) | Pete & Karen Fitzgerald |
| Spares Co-Ordinator | Bob Allan |
| Vice Chairman Nominee 1 – Non-Board position subject to passing of Rule Block C | John Ross |
| Vice Chairman Nominee 2 – Non-Board position subject to passing of Rule Block C | Graham Townsend |
| Website Editors (Joint) | Warren Brand & Lynda Dickinson |
| Young Members Registrar | Godfrey Hatton |
| Volunteers (not elected & non-Committee) | |
|---|---|
| Contacts | |
| RACT Contact | Bob Allan – Previous RACT Trustee, active with them. |
| RACT Contact | Gillian Hill – Part of Secretary Role. |
| FBHVC Contact | Gillian Hill – Part of Secretary Role. |
| Model Registrars | |
| Bond 875 | VACANT |
| BS Nymph | Bob Allan |
| Caledonian Imp & Scorpion | Bob Allan |
| Clan Crusader & “Irish” Clan | Paul Woodford |
| Davrian | John Rawlings |
| Fraser Racing Imps | Robin Human |
| Ginetta G15 | John Rose |
| Hillman Imp | Tim Morgan |
| Hillman Husky & Imp Van | Derek Couldry |
| Singer chamois | Simon Worland |
| Sunbeam Stiletto | VACANT |
| Sunbeam Imp Sport | VACANT |
| Odd-Bods (all other variants) | Simon Benoy |
CHAIRMAN – JOHN ROSS
Nominated By: Dave Lane & Roy Blunt
Background:
Design Engineer & Entrepreneur all my life. Currently Company Secretary and Director of Engineering and Design at same company since 1993 and during that service have filed many patents, licensed out intellectual property developed in house to the multimedia sector, won individual and company business and innovation awards and successfully worked with teams across 4 continents in multi disciplined roles. I also serve as a trustee on several other boards and charities.
Personal Statement:
Love the club. I am a passionate restorer of the cars with particular interest in early cars and the engineering history that brought them to us. Some of that passion has been preserved on hillmanimp.org and youtube and I will continue to grow that presence and promote the necessity of a National organisation representing the cars to anyone that will listen.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
The club should be focussed on developing membership outside of the traditional model to ensure core club revenue can sustain for the next generation, It would also be my wish to see the club relocate to actual owned property to again preserve the history of the cars and support club spares. Charity status is also a goal I would like to see as preservation of the cars and history is one of our primary goals
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
CHAIRMAN – TIM SEARS
Nominated By: Sarah Doughty & George Mowat-Brown
Background:
I have had Imps in my family continuously for fifty years and I have been involved with the club since I was fifteen. I have always loved helping people to keep their Imps alive and now I repair Imps for a living but I would like to help the club in a different way as Chairman. I love the Imp club experience, and I even met my wife through Imps; I have attended 35 nationals and I have volunteered at several of them, culminating in being lead organiser for the Imp National in 2022.
Personal Statement:
While working for the Special Project Division at Keysight Technologies, I was often responsible for organising a busy production department and working with contractors, an experience which I often draw on while organising Imp Club events such as the National Week in 2022. as well as more local shows. I enjoy encouraging community engagement within the club. While working alongside two other lead organisers in planning the National Week, I was a team
player; rather than forcing my opinions on the group, I listened to the ideas of my peers. This is the approach that I would adopt while working with the Club committee as chairman .
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
I would like to focus on the future of the Imp Club in 20 years rather than five years by encouraging a wider range of demographics to engage with the club, particularly through inspiring the younger generation to keep the Imp alive. I would like to act as a mentor to young people by helping them to work on their Imps and encouraging them in person and via social media to come to shows even if their cars are not in pristine condition, creating a
supportive atmosphere for everyone. I am aware that many young people attend classic car events such as Goodwood but I would like to encourage them to feel like ambassadors for the club and use their attendance to promote the organisation in the wider community.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
TREASURER – ROB MACHIN & SUE ALCOCK (Joint)
Nominated By: Tim Morgan & Graham Traxson
Background:
Rob: Run own business for over 20 years, including book keeping.
Sue: Working at Nat West Bank for 34 years. Position: Chief Cashier.
Personal Statement:
Rob: Kept own books for business, have IT skills`
Sue: I have strong interpersonal skills from working with the general public for 34 years. I enjoy problem solving which was a prominent part of my career. I also have a lot of experience working with computers and am a good listener.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Rob: Increased membership, more advertising on Social Media etc.
Sue: I would like to help to create a diverse and friendly club on a stable financial footing. I feel that I can help to make this happen by using the skills I have acquired while working at Nat West Bank to carefully manage the finances of the club and by increasing the club’s use of social media to advertise the club to a wider demographic.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
COMPANY SECRETARY – GILLIAN HILL
Nominated By: Andy Gill & Caroline Doherty
Background:
Current Incumbent
Personal Statement:
Happy to support the Club, but also happy for someone else to take over!
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Needs to be more modern and not have the Club living in the past.
Other Comments:
Maybe become a charity?
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR / REGALIA – ANDY GILL
Nominated By: Steve Gray & Peter Doherty
Background:
QBE
Personal Statement:
Been an active member since 2003
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
At least where it is now!
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
AREA CENTRE CO-ORDINATOR – SCOTT CLEMENTS
Nominated By: Jim Fraser & Keith McCurrach
Background:
Imp owner since 1977, Imp Club member since 2001, served as ACCO since 2022
Personal Statement:
I get a lot out of the Club as a member and was willing to step up when the committee was struggling to find people to fill the vacant roles, happy to continue in the role for another year.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Still thriving.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
COMPETITION SECRETARY (JOINT) – COLIN ROONEY
Nominated By: Mike Lovelands & Liz Truman
Background:
CA Restoration & Fabrication, Imp Specialist Restorations. Decades in motorsport behind the wheel and keeping the wheels on.
Personal Statement:
I love Imps, Simples, the faster the better and would love to see more on the track.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Top of the league tables on as many leader boards as possible
Other Comments:
Very happy to work with James Ibbotson in joint role
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
COMPETITION SECRETARY (JOINT) – JAMES IBBOTSON
Nominated By: Nick Smith & Andy Jones
Background:
Ibbotson Automotive. Active competitor in motorsport with an Imp and determined to be number one
Personal Statement:
Driving imps on the track, the faster the better, louder not so much
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Supporting motorsport competitors and having the Imp Club logo on every winner Imp there is.
Other Comments:
Happy to work with Colin Rooney in joint role
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
DATA PROTECTION OFFICER – GRAHAM TOWNSEND
Nominated By: Simon Benoy & Ray Stephen
Background:
Joined the Club in 1983. Memb Sec from 1989 – 1993. Chairman from 1993 – 1995. Memb Sec from 2015 – 2024. DPO whilst Memb Sec.
Personal Statement:
I have took on the role of Data Protection as part of Membership and formulated and set the Data Protection aspects following the implementation of GDPR. My own work experience help with this.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Still being run by members for the members.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
DVLA CONTACT – BARRY BLACKMORE
Nominated By: Richard Claydon & Roger Hirst
Background:
I have been performing this role for a few years now having taken over from Gordon Wellbelove.
Personal Statement:
I would like to see the club united and supportive of the numerous volunteers who give up their personal time to try to keep the club going on an even keel. It is a business and it needs to be managed as such.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
None
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
EVENTS SECRETARY (JOINT) – STEWART WAGHORN & ANDREW WAGHORN
Nominated By: Graham Anderson & Jonathan Manning
Background:
I volunteer as a Scout leader, taking responsibility for leading a group of young people and connecting with other troops across the South. I have experience in advertising and organising events for the Scouts. Andrew has helped with events for Bill Rawles where he works, such as open days, and has also been involved in helping at several Nationals.
Personal Statement:
I have also attended many local shows with my van to promote and support the club. Andrew works as a classic car restorer; he is passionate about keeping the Imp alive.
We both volunteered to help at the Imp National 2022.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
We would like to put the club on the map at more events by encouraging individuals and small groups to represent the club as well as promoting events on social media and in classic car magazines to increase attendance and enhance the club’s profile.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
FORUM MANAGER – PAUL HARRISON
Nominated By: Gordon Hill-Smith & Andy Gill
Background:
I have been a member of the Imp Club for over 30 years, and Forum Moderator and Manager for several years also. I am a fully-qualified Mechanical Engineer and a national Government Civil Servant.
Personal Statement:
If elected, I pledge to continue to maintain the Imp Club forum to the best of my abilities, given my busy professional and personal lives. When the time comes to look at improved forum platforms, I am keen to take this forward.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
I would like to see the Imp Club survive, which is going to mean truly listening to the membership and moving into the future. This is likely to involve fundamental changes to the membership offering, and I remain keen to assist the Club with delivering this. Car clubs need to evolve, or they will not survive in the age of social media, where enthusiasts can get the vast majority of what they need online, and at zero cost. I believe the Imp Club is better than some in this regard and that it could continue, if we listen and act.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
IT OFFICER – JASON WHITE
Nominated By: Richard Murtha & Gary Matthews
Background:
IT professional all my life. Currently actively in IT sector, Have held position of IT Officer in club for many years.
Personal Statement:
Love the club. I am an Imp owner and enjoy national events very much, did not have my Imp at National this year but still came with my family and thoroughly enjoyed it
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Making better use of automated online processes to improve member engagement
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
LIBRARIAN – CHRIS CLARK
Nominated By: David Robson & Paul Parsons
Background:
Already had the post for over a year, Imp Club member for 45 years,
Personal Statement:
I have the space to store and access the archives and to continueadding to them as required.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
A stable organisation that is welcoming and to regain the friendly “small Club” feel it had previously.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
MAGAZINE EDITOR – GRAHAME PEARSON
Nominated By: Nick Webb & Tim Sears
Background:
Club member from its first week of existence, December 1980. Degree in Graphic design. Editor for several years in the 80s and from 1991 to current.,
Personal Statement:
None
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
None.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – VALERIE IMMERS
Nominated By: Graham Townsend & Sandra Hill-Smith
Background:
Postgrad Diploma in Management. Sales & Admin working background.
Personal Statement:
Looking to have greater involvement with the Club.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Thriving, with a healthy membership of all ages.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
NATIONAL COORDINATOR – KAREN FITZGERALD
Nominated By: Drew Thomas & Stephanie Morgan
Background:
I’ve been part of the organising team on numerous Nationals assisting with Traders, rally control, sponsorship, setup and takedown, logistics, facilities, raffle and awards. I’ve also been involved with some of the paperwork (inc policies). I’m currently serving as Joint Social Media Officer and Safeguarding Officer which are related roles.
Personal Statement:
Attended every National since I’ve been a member of the Club. I also attend many of the other smaller events. I used to be known as the “raffle lady”
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Each National should be unique to it’s Organiser/Location. Nationals should be attractive and accessible to all. Nationals are going to have to evolve as Impers get older, we need to think about proximity of hotels or onsite statics and thinking about availability of electric hookups.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
PRESS ENQUIRIES CONTACT/PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER – DALE BISHOP
Nominated By: Dave Dickinson & Gillian Hill
Background:
17 years organising NEC Restoration and Classic Car shows for the Club, often dealing with Press at these events.
Personal Statement:
More than happy to keep my current role as PR Officer
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Still working hard at Keeping the Imp Alive. We are a small Club, we do a fantastic job at what we do. Lets keep it that way
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER – KAREN FITZGERALD
Nominated By: Gillian Hill & Adrian Oliver
Background:
I’ve attended the MSUK club Safeguarding Officer course. I’m fully DBS checked via MSUK and hold the officials licence with MSUK. I also attended a webinar on Neurodiversity in Motorsport. I’ve also completed various courses regarding Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Personal Statement:
I volunteer at least 3 days a week working with Vulnerable adults. I have been Imp Club Safeguarding Officer for over 6 years.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Being more Inclusive and maintaining/ developing the Club as a safe place for all.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
SOCIAL MEDIA – PETE & KAREN FITZGERALD
Nominated By: Dave Lane & Robert Cumberbatch
Background:
We both have a customer service background, experience in creating content and editing images to suit a variety of Social Media.
Personal Statement:
We have been doing the role for a number of years and often get complimented on what we do online, we also take an active role in our Imp Club Committee responsibilities.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Embracing current and future technologies to attract a new generation of Imp Club members, while continuing to engage with members who favour a more traditional approach.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
SPARES COORDINATOR – BOB ALLAN
Nominated By: Malcolm Anderson & Graham Anderson
Background:
Owned and worked on Imps since 1977 including renting commercial workshops. Been spares coordinator for around 30 years now
Personal Statement:
I have a great deal of experience of sourcing and providing Imp spares and also an established process for stock management and mailing. As I plan to fully retire next year I will have more time to devote to this “hobby”.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
We are actively growing our outreach and partnership with other related Clubs as the classic market diminishes and many former suppliers retire or cease to trade. I am looking to perpetuate our involvement in re-manufacturing of critical items for long term ownership and restoration of Imp based vehicles.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
VICE CHAIRMAN NOMINEE 1 – JOHN ROSS
Nominated By: Dave Lane & Roy Blunt
Background:
Design Engineer & Entrepreneur all my life. Currently Company Secretary and Director of Engineering and Design at same company since 1993 and during that service have filed many patents, licensed out intellectual property developed in house to the multimedia sector, won individual and company business and innovation awards and successfully worked with teams across 4 continents in multi disciplined roles. I also serve as a trustee on several other boards and charities.
Personal Statement:
Love the club. I am a passionate restorer of the cars with particular interest in early cars and the engineering history that brought them to us. Some of that passion has been preserved on hillmanimp.org and youtube and I will continue to grow that presence and promote the necessity of a National organisation representing the cars to anyone that will listen.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
The club should be focussed on developing membership outside of the traditional model to ensure core club revenue can sustain for the next generation, It would also be my wish to see the club relocate to actual owned property to again preserve the history of the cars and support club spares. Charity status is also a goal I would like to see as preservation of the cars and history is one of our primary goals
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
VICE CHAIRMAN NOMINEE 2 – GRAHAM TOWNSEND
Nominated By: Alan Platten & Christa Pelton
Background:
Joined the Club in 1983. Membership Sec from 1989 – 1993 (4 years). Chairman from 1993 – 1995 (2 years). Membership Sec from 2015 – 2024 (9 years). Lead organiser of 2 National Weekends (1993 and 2015). Joint Area Centre Organiser for many years. Organised and involved with many indoor and outdoor shows over the years. Standing in for and directly supporting a number of key committee roles when those have been vacant or needing additional assistance. Also carrying out Data Protection support (from own work experience).
Personal Statement:
I have been an Imp enthusiast for over 40 years and have enjoyed being part of the Club and see it as a critical part of keeping my cars on the road and sharing my enthusiasm with others. Being part of the committee on a number of occasions enabled me to put back in to the Club and share my own knowledge and experiences to the benefit of the Club and its members. We are a group of enthusiasts that enjoy our interests and I feel helping members through the committee is a great way to ensure the cars stay on the road and the Club stays relevant. All this whilst being businesslike and conscious of our responsibilities, but not overly unsympathetic to the needs to members who just want to Keep The Imp Alive and have fun.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
Still being run by members for the members. However, changes are needed to make its management and delivery more efficient and easier to support the members. Encourage enthusiasts to join the Club not just because they have an Imp but purely to enjoy sharing their enthusiasm and being part of a great Club.
Other Comments:The Club, like many organisations, relies on volunteers with enthusiasm and commitment to support and deliver a Club that people want to be a part of and that is what I want as an Imp owner and enthusiast.
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
WEBSITE EDITOR (JOINT) – WARREN BRAND
Nominated By: Frank Cheevers & Digby Harman
Background:
See article in August Impressions
Personal Statement:
See article in August Impressions
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
A more cohesive Club with members who feel more connected to their area centres as well as proud to be a member of a well recognised international car club. Improved communication to members and non-members which inspire and encourage greater interest in the range of Imp’s history, ownership, maintenance and the growth of membership to the club.
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
WEBSITE EDITOR (JOINT) – LYNDA DICKINSON
Nominated By: James Henderson & John Hall
Background:
I.T. Background. Club Wesite Editor since 2013. Imp Club member since 1991 and regular committee meeting attendee throughout that time.
Personal Statement:
I would like to support Warren during the coming year to reduce pressure on him whilst he makes the website “his own”. Standing jointly should ensure a handover which seems seamless to both members and non-members alike.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
More of the younger members taking an active part in managing the Club, perhaps achieved by making the committee a more welcoming environment
Other Comments:
None
Director Roles , Committee Roles , Volunteers
YOUNG MEMBERS REGISTRAR – GODFREY HATTON
Nominated By: Nick Smith & Gordon Hill-Smith
Background:
I’m a young member myself and the current YMR
Personal Statement:
The Imp Club is the reason I landed on an Imp when I was considering what classic car I wanted to take on as a restoration project. I joined in 2012, 7 whole years before I finally purchased my first imp. I can’t wait to have a finished car so I can attend shows and really be a representative of the Imp Club and do my part by getting more young people interested in our little car.
Where would you like to see the Club in 5 years?:
I’d love to see a social workshop/s (like a Men’s Shed type operation), to encourage more DIY maintenance, to pass on the skills and knowledge of keeping the imp alive to younger members.
Other Comments:
None
