The Committee in presenting their Annual Report have pleasure in informing the members that the club continues to increase in membership and to carry on the work for Automobilism, which for the last eleven years has caused it to rank among the motor organisations of the Kingdom. During the year forty seven new members have joined the club and the membership is now 265
At the Annual general Meeting which was held on January 13th, Sir Hickman Bacon, Bart, was re-elected President and the Vice-Presidents were also re-elected. Mr Henry Smith of Ancaster was elected a member of the committee, the remainder of the old committee being re-appointed and Mr A.E. Brunning was appointed later to represent the Motor Cycle Section. Messrs A.A. Padley, Godfrey Lowe, E.R. Simpson and C.W. Page were re-elected Hon. Solicitor, Hon. Secretary, Hon Treasurer and Auditor respectively.
The most important business was to decide the question as to whether the club should “Associate” with the Royal Automobile Club or remain independent and it was unanimously resolved to become “Associated”. As a result of this the club has worked in close harmony and entire sympathy with the parent body. Many matters referred to it by the Royal A.C. have been discussed by the committee and action in various matters referred to below has been taken. The committee are of the opinion that the policy adopted at the Annual General Meeting was the right one and has been instrumental in strengthening the hands of the Royal A.C. and improving the position of this club in its own county.
Another important step resolved on by the Annual General Meeting was the formation of a Motor Cycle Section to be affiliated through the club with the Auto Cycle Union. This section has been a great success and now numbers 96 members. There is every sign that the membership of the section will increase as a result of the year's first working, which as the accompanying report and balance sheet will show has been one of useful progress and financial profit.
A large number of members have availed themselves of the facilities afforded by the Royal A.C. for touring facilities both at home and abroad and legal advice, while some members have profited by the free legal defence which is at their disposal.
The special arrangements made with the Car and General Insurance Corporation LTD for low rates of premiums have been made use of freely by members.
The Committee has pleasure in announcing that applications for speed limits in the County have been made during the year.
Special signs requesting members to drive slowly have been
erected at Uffington near
As a result of the Association with the Royal A.C. members
become entitled to carry the “R.A.C. Associate” car badge. A very handsome
design incorporating the
The Royal A.C. have referred to the Committee many matters for consideration and these have been traffic obstruction by slow moving vehicles, the issue of driving certificates, examination of candidates for the International Pass, the use of “Reflex Lights” on vehicles. The Committee is endeavouring to obtain the passing of a bye-law rendering it compulsory on the owner of traction engines drawing other vehicles to provide some means of signalling from the rear wagon to the engine driver that some vehicle is intending to pass. With regard to driving certificates it is proposed that all applicants for licences to drive public service vehicles (omnibuses, taxi cabs, etc) should pass an examination in driving under the auspices of the Royal A.C.
The Committee are strongly of the opinion that it ought to
be compulsory on all vehicles to carry a red rear light at night. In the
meanwhile they are endeavouring to popularise the use of “Reflex Lights” by
issuing free of charge these handy implements to the owners of carriers carts.
Some 120 of these have been distributed and are now in use. In addition all the
carts used by Police Superintendents in the county have been supplied and the
County Councils have purchased a sufficient number for use of the police
bicycles in
A special Garage was provided free of charge for members at the Lincolnshire Agricultural Show at Brigg. This was much appreciated by members and it is hoped similar arrangements may be made for the Skegness Show in 1912.
The Annual Speed trials were held (by kind permission of
the earl of Ancaster) at
On July 15th the members were most hospitably entertained at Panton Hall by Lady Mary Turnor and Mr and Mrs Christopher Turnor. A large number of members attended and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.
On the occasion of the Pageant of Lincolnshire History held at Woodhall Spa on July 26th and 27th special arrangements for tea and garage were made for members. The attendance was so great that there was some shortage of supplies but nevertheless the affair was a great success.
The committee has granted subscriptions to the Roads Improvement Association, the Prize fund of the R.A.C. Gala day at Brooklands and the Prize Fund of the Motor Cycle Section.
During the year one member, Capt. A.G. Weigall, has been elected to Parliament as member for Horncastle in place of Lord Willoughby de Eresby, (a Vice President of the Club), who succeeded to the title of the Earl of Ancaster.
The Club has lost by death the services of Mr W.A. Tomlinson, a valuable and hard working member of the Committee.
The Balance Sheet wil be found overleaf. At the end of last
year the balance in hand was £234 1s 3d, this year the balance is £259 1s 8d.
£200 of this is on deposit account bearing interest.