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[Leovilla]

It is with some regret that I make this post .    Having been a member of the MPBA for years and  responsible for setting up the Fast Electric Section as it is I have been informed that my membership for 2009 has been refused because I have made adverse comments about the organisation on a forum

My comments were a repeat of what I wrote in several of my articles for Marine Modelling Magazine and simply said the organisation could do with a makeover and asked if it was fit for  purpose. These comments were designed to provoke a debate and were not directed towards any individual.

Considering that about 6 years ago those on the exec wanted me to take on the national secretary's job the latest turn of events is astonishing.

The problem I guess is that I ask questions, dont suffer fools gladly and try to improve our hobby; the latest incumbents on the exec must either see me as a threat or dont like the fact that I ask questions. 2

 The ban means I cannot enter the National Championships and therefore can never qualify to get to the world championships.


 It seems reasonable to assume that if they ban me because I make adverse but constructive comments about the organisation anyone doing the same is going to get banned. This is not democracy.


 I have done a great deal at local and national level to help our hobby and this is my reward.   Its neither fair, just or right by any standard. Perhaps its a case of members must be tolerated for the membership money but not heard. Its hardly surprising that membership numbers have been on a downward drift for years.

 Ernie Lazenby

[gingyer]

Ernie,
I am sorry to hear this but this seems to be the norm now.
a good few clubs in Scotland feel that the Scottish federation is now not fit for purpose either
which is a sad thing to say.

I feel the problem is that these types of organisations (model boating or otherwise) get people to run them build there wee
empires and get their ivory tower and are unwilling to look at themselves by this I mean look at the organisation, look at is
achievements/ failures and try and improve them until it is too late and they have no members left.

If the organisation is responsible for the entry to world Championships I feel then that the organisation has no right to
stop you entering the qualifiers as they have taken on the responsibility of this and regardless of personal feeling
they have the responsability to get the best and then have the qualifiers should be open to all who wish to take part
and enter

[Leovilla]

Sad to hear that the same picture is emerging in Scotland.

  Its really hurt me this because at no time have I ever been offensive to anyone at a model boat event, always conducted myself properly and done my very best to promote the hobby using my own money and much time for the benefit of others.

  Its the illuminarti that is the problem, self serving individuals who don't take gladly to those who ask difficult questions and want meetings to be conducted in accordance with the basic and long established normal practices.

  I believe that unless the MPBA changes to bring it into the 21st century it will either die completely or become a total irrelevance.

 

[toesupwa]

I have been informed that my membership for 2009 has been refused because I have made adverse comments about the organisation on a forum

My comments were a repeat of what I wrote in several of my articles for Marine Modelling Magazine and simply said the organisation could do with a makeover and asked if it was fit for  purpose. These comments were designed to provoke a debate and were not directed towards any individual.
 It seems reasonable to assume that if they ban me because I make adverse but constructive comments about the organisation anyone doing the same is going to get banned. This is not democracy.

I have done a great deal at local and national level to help our hobby and this is my reward.   Its neither fair, just or right by any standard. Perhaps its a case of members must be tolerated for the membership money but not heard. Its hardly surprising that membership numbers have been on a downward drift for years.

Do you not have the right of 'pleading your case' to the MPBA to clarify your comments and their intention to provoke a debate?.

If you have it in writing that 'you bought the sport in to disrepute', then you may have a good case for an appeal.

[gingyer]

Do you not have the right of 'pleading your case' to the MPBA to clarify your comments and their intention to provoke a debate?.

If you have it in writing that 'you bought the sport in to disrepute', then you may have a good case for an appeal.

I was wondering the same??

[Leovilla]

Apparently no right of appeal.  The exec can do as they like, unless other members raise the issue its the end of the road for me. I am not a member now and therefore have no rights. 
 
 Its a bit of a kangaroo court. Not allowed to state my position or explain my comments.

[Stavros]

Personally I would send them a recorded Del letter stating they have 48hrs to reinstate you as a member or face court action for defamation of character etc as they have not given you the right to appeal,and furhtermore what right have they to stop you participating your chosen hobby.That to me goes against your human rights,fairenough if they feel so strongly about it,and if they so do wish issue you with a 12month ban,but by law they must give you the right of appeal and furhtermore they must be 100% correct and have proof of your so called mistermenia.
Tell them also that you will be writing to the model boat mags and all the model websites to get support and ask if they can afford the adverse publicity.





Stavros

[Leovilla]

Letters to Marine Modelling Magazine and Model Boats are being prepared today!   They have chosen the wrong person to target for I have the means and money to pursue this to the bitter end.

 The MPBA Exec is going to find out that my reputation for tenacity is well founded. Thsi fight is not one of my choosing but one that I am not going to withdraw from.

[omra85]

I sympathise with your situation Ernie. Unfortunately the World body for model boating, NAVIGA, will only recognise ONE national association or governing body - and in the UK that is the MPBA!
They have "cornered the market" in that, if you don't like what they say - tough!
I say "they" from a position of experience in that I spent 7 years as MPBA Midland Area and then Multi Secretary and attended MANY Executive meetings.  I watched the "empire builders", some of whom had not operated a model in years, offer themselves for election with such phrases as "I don't mind standing again, if no one else wants it" and winced as the only people to prepare the "list" put forward at the AGM is .....  the executive! Woe betide any one who stood against them!!
OMRA has over 160 members who are not represented in any way by the so called "Governing body for ALL model boating in the UK".
I've been trying to get us affiliated in some way so that we too, could enter World Championships but it's hard trying to convice OMRA members that the MPBA would do anything for them!
When I hear stories like yours, it only reinforces my conviction that the Executive of the MPBA only represent themselves.
BTW  You CAN get a "hearing" at an MPBA Exec Meeting - it happened to Nick Rees years ago and he was "allowed" to put his case.
Danny

[tigertiger]

***Moderators note***

Although Ernie has gone to great care to carefully word his post, the Moderators have been asked to pay particular
attention that this topic doesn't descend into anything personal, defamatory  or other thoughtlessness.



What do you want from your MPBA?


***name corrected***

[omra85]

Thanks for bringing a bit of light relief Tiger   -  er   -  who's "Eddie"   

[Leovilla]

This is not personal at all nor would I wish it to be so lets leave the personalities out of it.  

  Theres a lot more to it;   Tommorrow theres an EGM of the MPBA fast electric section to discuss the future of the section given recent problems. One of the topics is election of a new Chairman.

 I have a lot of support in the north and was going to be nominated for the position but one of the MPBA national exec was not at all happy to hear that. Refusing my membership simply means those who wanted me as chairman cannot have me. In effect the exec have prevented the members from nominating someone of their choosing.

 Dirty politics isnt it.

Ernie Lazenby

  

[tigertiger]

Thanks for bringing a bit of light relief Tiger   -  er   -  who's "Eddie"   

Oops.
Ernie
My above post also corrected.

Thanks for picking that up

[gingyer]

Dirty politics isn't it.
 

And there is the problem with these type of organisations.
Don't want change as they might be required to do something.
So if you face doesn't fit then..........sorry no room at the inn

Unfortunately this is not a localised thing to model boats
but spreads to other and larger organisations   

[omra85]

Ernie
I have just seen the MPBA homepage
http://www.mpba.org.uk/
you're certainly ruffling some feathers somewhere!!
The last paragraph has a particularly 'uncomfortable' sound to it!

There are many totally different sections within the MPBA - tethered, straight running, multi, F electic, circuit and, of course, the biggest - scale.  All of the Secretaries are familiar with their own disciplines but seem to be worried that 'general' rules which may effect theie section will be made by followers of the more 'fringe' categories. I feel that there is also the attitude that "newer" disciplines do not have the same status as "older" sections and will only encourage undesirables, thus ruining a "well respected" hobby!
I wish you success in your EGM, remember the REAL "power" in any section is the SECRETARY, who attends the MPBA Exec meetings, not the Chairman.
Danny

[Leovilla]

Thanks Danny.  Ruffling feather most certainly trying to get the MPBA Exec to follow its own rules on proceedure.

  You wont believe it but its true the Agenda for the Fast Electric Section EGM sent out to FE members is  'The way forward'    All encompassing but saying nothing about the major trouble in the section resulting in an EGM being called.  On top of that it says election of Chairman but no information about nominees etc as required byt he rules I think.   The members are being asked to attend an extra ordinary general meeting but have no idea what they are going to hear or vote on- a complete shambles.

 I wont be there because I am not a member.    The MPBA Exec committee members are going to run the meeting not the section members!

   

[toesupwa]

 I wont be there because I am not a member.    The MPBA Exec committee members are going to run the meeting not the section members!

 

Does your Membership expire 31st Dec 2008?..

You should be there to put your case forward... even if you get kicked out of the meeting, at least the other members will know what is happening.

[Reade Models]

Ernie

I have just happened upon this thread and have to say that I am absolutely horrified at the treatment that has been meted out to you.

I'm only a manufacturer in this industry, and have no affiliations to any of the Associations, or their respective memberships.  What I do know is that when I think of model power boats, I automatically think of you, and well remember quite a few happy weekends spent in company at the Windermere Steamboat Museum, and me being totally in awe of your models.

I don't know if there is anything that I can do to help your plight, I suspect not, (if there is please contact me), but please do be assured that you have my full personal support, and I also suspect the support of many others from all quarters of this hobby.

I shall watch the model boat magazines with interest.

My best regards

Malcolm Reade

[Leovilla]

Hi.  I did not renew my membership for 2008 primarily because the MPBA Insurance refused to cover my Gas Turbine powered K7 Bluebird model. Its pure jet thrust; apparently if it was a turbo prop with a prop in the water then I would be covered.  I joined the MFA because its insurance covered my GT and all my FE boats. Just another strange rule.

 I have had a friend check something and the MPBA rules only cover the proceedure for kicking someone out who brings the organisation into disrepute. I have not done that but in any event my adverse comments were made some time ago under a previous regime and they did not even mention it to me let alone warn me I coul;d get kicked out.

 The current illuminarti are using something from some time ago to refuse my application to re join. Its for political reasons and it stinks.

 My supporters who are going to the meeting intend to raise the issue and are checking to see if indeed the MPBA exec can block my nomination.

[Leovilla]

Ernie

I have just happened upon this thread and have to say that I am absolutely horrified at the treatment that has been meted out to you.

I'm only a manufacturer in this industry, and have no affiliations to any of the Associations, or their respective memberships.  What I do know is that when I think of model power boats, I automatically think of you, and well remember quite a few happy weekends spent in company at the Windermere Steamboat Museum, and me being totally in awe of your models.

I don't know if there is anything that I can do to help your plight, I suspect not, (if there is please contact me), but please do be assured that you have my full personal support, and I also suspect the support of many others from all quarters of this hobby.

I shall watch the model boat magazines with interest.

My best regards

Malcolm Reade

Thanks Malcolm your comments help.    I think people like yourself recognise what I did to help and support our hobby. One thing is for sure the MPBA exec have not heard the last of this.

[Bridkid]

"The MPBA Exec committee members are going to run the meeting not the section members!"

Actually that won't happen. I will be attending this EGM and have been informed by the NEC Chairman that following an opening address, it will then be up to the section members to elect a Chairman and forward looking committee.
Having said that I feel that so much damage has now been done to the section that it may well be a good few years before it is back on track. We may squabble at times but then to quote a well known UK supplier to the country's fast electric modellers 'you only squabble because you care about your hobby.'

Ian.

[Leovilla]

Hi Ian I dont want to contradict that but before the section can start the process to elect a committee someone has to Chair the meeting and because the section no longer has a Chairman it seems one of the MPBA exec will have to chair the meeting until the election process has been completed.  In view of the highly unpleasant situations that resulted in the past Chairman resigning that is the only sensible course of action.  A chairman independant of the section to start the meeting can only be the way to go forward.   The EGM has been called because of the dire state of the section and great care is needed to make sure its handled correctly from the outset.   

[The long Build]

I know that this is not the way you want to go but could you not join an Affiliated Club as per the Mpba List , would that not give you entitlement to enter competitions etc.?  also what is the N.E.C the site mentions.

[Leovilla]

I am a full member of an affiliated club but apparently thats not sufficient for me to be allowed into the National championships. You have to be a member of the MPBA.

 It has been suggested in a PM that my membership of an affilaited club is sufficient qualification to be nominated for Chair of the FE section?

 

[gingyer]

I have just read the last couple of posts and have a question?

Ernie is not allowed to race although he is a member of one of the clubs affiliated to the MPBA
as he is not a personal member of the MPBA. what is the point of being an affiliated club if you
cannot get full usage of the MPBA unless you have a personal membership.

I am sorry but if the above is correct then it STINKS your club gets affiliated then it should
get the right to take part in the competitions that are organised. I could understand that
as there is so many clubs and members having a limited number of people from each club taking
part (the club has a race to see who it nominates to send to the championships) but to
not allow them to take part is wrong I believe

Colin