Most AGM’s are straight forward even some would say boring, however the BMAF AGM of the 22/11/2025 was far from straight forward. It could have been described as electrifying as the time passed very quickly.
The majority of the time was taken up with a resolution to dissolve the BMAF and move its activities to a holding company. The intention being to have the existing BMAF Services company as a subsidiary of the holding company. The discussion was started by the outgoing Vice Chair, Ian Richards, who spoke uninterrupted for over 20 minutes. He was stopped from the floor by Stuart Lynn who clarified points made. The Treasurer, Alastair Kendrick highlighted that BMAF were providing subsidies to BMAF Services as it was not financially self supporting. Criticisms were made of the particular two company approach by members of Welsh Masters. After considerable criticisms of the complexity and potential illegality of the arrangement. Mr Lynn proposed an out of order motion with regard to removing the resolution from the agenda. A point of order was voted on and the resolution removed by 50 votes to 4.
After the adoption of the financial report, there was the clubs affiliation fee to vote on. This is the amount your area club pays BMAF for its administration of masters athletics. The proposal was to increase of affiliation fee to £7.50 per athlete. Clubs expressed several points. One highlighted that the increase had come at short notice. Another that their members had already been notified of their club subs for the forthcoming year. And, that the subscription year for some clubs is not the same as the BMAF administration year. While discussion was had, the vote was passed with 31 votes for and 15 against.
The final item of note was the election of officers. Only three of the five existing were listed as wishing to stand again. Election of each position was taken in turn with the option of taking offers from the floor. When it came to position of Treasurer, the existing treasurer chose to withdraw. The remaining positions were offered to the members present, but in the end only two officer positions were taken.
The meeting concluded with comments from the floor about the wish to have a 300m race instead of 400m for older age groups, male and female. It was also pointed out that BMAF have many outlets on social media but many championship videos are available via the website.
The after the weekend.
The only two BMAF officers, Walter Hill and Glen Reddington were asked for comment. Walter said, “As one of only two elected officers, my personal thoughts were the BMAF can not operate with a Road Running Secretary and an IT Manager. One may ask why are you two guys hanging in there. The answer is simple both of us are passionate about Masters Athletics.”
Walter added, “We now have a bit of a blank canvas and we require the help of further brushes. Yes, we are appealing for support. We want to ensure the BMAF continues to promote 5 star championships across all disciplines, international events run smoothly and communication and marketing improves. But we need new blood and very soon we will invite team players to join us and support the sport we all love.”
Glen highlighted, “When British Veterans started 50 years ago it was very much like Parliament and the house of lords, entries were on paper with accompanying cheques, communication was by telephone calls and postal magazines. We now live in a 24/7 always on world driven by the internet. For now the BMAF needs to rebuild with a view to ultimately consolidating in a new organisation. The new British Master Athletics will need to change to meet the future. We need to engage so as not race ahead and leave people behind and equally not to be so slow that no progress is made, an agreed balanced approach is needed to adapt to the changing world. We have begun approaching those we think have the right skills to meet future changes.”
The future
Niether have commented on BMAF Services, the company putting on Road, Cross Country and Track and Field events for several years now. So where do things go now? What happens with BMAF if it can not enact any business? The small Executive Committee are expected to contact the area clubs with regard to what is in effect a constitutional crisis and how to proceed. They are also asking would anybody be willing to offer assistance with supporting roles. These can be seen on the BMAF website, https://bmaf.org.uk/bmaf-roles/. Contact can be made via the website contact or enquiries@bmaf.org.uk.