New MSA Membership Card

[KayBee]

I have just received and read my 'Marshals Post' (BMMC magazine) and am most interested in the proposed new memership card, however, I do have some questions about the new scheme and these are as follows:

How big will the card be - the same as the current size (A5)or credit card size?

If it is credit card size how will the 'Attendance Signatures' be dealt with?

[PaulPerkins]

Hi KB,

I'm guessing that the signatures will still be on a separate card, in the same way as currently.

From the article it would appear that the new card will be credit-card sized and will simply contain your photo and grades.

Paul.

[brickkicker]

not another credit card size thing in my wallet got all these cards and no money sounds a good idea thought. If it happens could we use these rather than have to have tickets (like oulton does now) it would make it much easier for everyone???

[AndyF]

Hopefully it may encourage the circuit owners to set up a system, so you can swipe for a free lunch. Well you can always hope!!!

[theracegypsy]

Sounds like someone is listening to the regulars across the Atlantic. for insurance reasons (again) you have to have a photo id licence to marshal in the US. It will make it easier for all the lads and lassies would come over the pond each year to sign on.

[Richard Sneader]

The new BMMC card (proposed) is a membership card only and the final decision has yet to be made on what the new one will look like. There would be too much work involved in the proposed card at present and would probably take at least 4 years to get everyones card correct as people change grades, adresses, leave, join etc.
There are other ideas being bashed around but it is a step in the right direction.
Richard S...

[Pete Howarth]

As a membership card I see it as an improvement on the current style, which was an improvement on the old green card style.
I'm against it as a replacement of the enamel/metal grading badges. The grading badges give you your crews grade and more importantly names. These are usually worn on caps, and sew-on patches on the overalls. In the usual British weather overalls are covered with coats/waterproofs. The idea of giving a sew-on grading patch when upgrades goes through, in theory we are still going to see grade of our colleagues. But it will not give us names and will be covered over in bad weather.
To those upgrading the enamel badges on caps make it visible if the observer has examining status. The idea of a sew-on patch does not work, as most of the examining observers that I know do not wear overalls to sew patches on.

[Dave Brand]

Originally posted by Pete Howarth
I'm against it as a replacement of the enamel/metal grading badges. The grading badges give you your crews grade and more importantly names. These are usually worn on caps, and sew-on patches on the overalls.

I agree with you - it's nice to know the names & grades of the people you are working with. Where the badge is worn varies with local custom & practice. Most of the Oulton regulars wear them on their overalls, using the little loop provided (I assume) for just that purpose, which does have the disadvantage that they are covered when waterproofs are worn. Wearing the badge on a cap has two disadvantages for me - I wear one of a number of caps, depending which I find first, & caps are easily lost.

One of the problems with the current style of badges seems to be their cost to the club; I, for one, would be happy to buy a new badge when I get an upgrade.....but then, I've only got one more upgrade to get as far as I intend to go!

[Richard Sneader]

I like the enamel badges and will not be giving up mine untill I really have to, but I do see the BMMC point of view that they are expensive as they do get lost or broken and so a cheaper effective alternative needs to be found.
The only real need for membership cards is at the AGM's for BMMC were you are supposed to show it on entry.
The BMMC is trying to upgrade its image by making changes to various club things and these changes will take alot of thought and time and money initially. Give them a chance before anyone shoots them down in flames.
Richard S...

[Brushpusher]

Originally posted by rzsio396
The BMMC is trying to upgrade its image by making changes to various club things and these changes will take alot of thought and time and money initially. Give them a chance before anyone shoots them down in flames.
Richard S...

Richard,

I have spoken to my Wife on the matter we spoke about at Lydden and she is all for it. No one likes change so it has to be managed carefully, however changes need to be made. Good Luck.

THM

[Richard Sneader]

Thanks, THM I'll let you know as I have someone else in the picture as well that would make 3 people to run it which is a good start.
Rich S...