Comment
Value for Money!
Can you remember the old A5 black & white MCofS newsletter that was sent to only Individual Members and Club Secretaries? At that time I used to give talks to clubs who were concerned about what they were getting for their money because few knew what we did; limited finances meant the newsletter limited what information we could get out to who. Well, its now been 3 years since we entered into a contract with our present publisher (Pro-Sports Promotion) and established a bigger full-colour magazine that is sent to ALL our members. We would hope that everyone reads it to help with campaigns and consultations, and to gain a better understanding of where their affiliation fee goes.
But the increase in fees at last years AGM has caused a recurrence of those same concerns from long ago, and I have found myself answering the same old questions. Ever seen that film ‘Groundhog Day’ where Bill Murray wakes each morning to a repeated day, over and over again, until his leading character changes his ways? I feel I’m stuck in the same day too.
PSP have been extremely supportive of Scottish Mountaineer these past years, securing all the advertising that goes towards making its production feasible. But despite advertising income and a fee from MCofS amounting to no more than £1 per person per year for 6 issues of the magazine, PSP certainly don’t profit by it.
You may have noticed that this issue is late. In fact we have had to reduce postage costs by going back to 4 issues per year. However, we have been able to increase the size of the magazine and to help solve the Groundhog Day dilemma I hope to be able to mention more of the background work that is rarely reported, so readers will be better informed. The bigger size will also, hopefully attract new readers to buy it from the newsstands and become members. We need more members to help our future security and help us tackle all the issues that affect our sport and the magazine is the only form of marketing we have. But to attract buyers the magazine has to have general interest articles as well – it’s a fine balancing act with limited space.
Another option is to increase our current members affiliation fees by more than presently projected. There is currently a huge disparity between the contribution of an individual member (£20/yr) and a club member (£8.50/yr) to the work of the MCofS. If we all paid a more equitable rate then perhaps the MCofS would be more secure?
If we feel that we need a representative body like the MCofS, who will fight on our behalf (see the list of issues below and the A&C pages), then perhaps we need to accept that we have to pay a more realistic amount to ensure that we can do so without struggling from year to year on a shoestring and without having to go to Government organisations for 100% funding for our Access and Safety officers. Only so much can be done with willing volunteers (who usually have full time jobs!).
We need to have a strong voice to all levels of government, we need insurance to safeguard our organisation (and its members), we need more members and we need more members to contribute more if we are to make our collective voice heard into the future. As an employee of the MCofS I believe our officers and volunteers do a stunning job. As a club member I for one would be willing to pay a bigger affiliation fee.
The new magazine will cover more of what we do, so you are better informed. I hope that after this you will press for an increase in fees rather than wonder about the value you get for the price of less than a round of drinks with a few friends.
Kevin Howett
(National Officer & Editor)
- Just a small example of our past (and continuing) work:
- A leading role in Access Legislation
- A leading role in formulating the Access Code
- Campaigns against bulldozed tracks and helicopter flights in mountain areas
- Gaining recognition in government of wild land value
- Changing Planning laws to safeguard wild land
- Supporting major indoor climbing facilities so we now have some of the world’s best climbing walls.
- Liasing with conservation bodies to ensure a balance for continued access (e.g. RSPB and NTS over climbing and birds)
- Fighting HSE Working at Heights regulations
- Arrange a University Seminar to encourage safe practice on the hills by students.
- Arrange Avalanche Awareness, First Aid and Navigation Courses