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From Leven Brown
August 29th 2006
Scotland
The Ocean Rowing Society International
22 Oxgate Gardens
London
NW2 6EB
Dear Mr Chairman,
As of today, Tuesday the 29th of August, I have been informed
that 'Ocean Rowing Society International' has been established
as a Non-profit Company Limited by Guarantee with Kenneth F.
Crutchlow as the Executive Director and Tatiana Rezva-Crutchlow
as Company Secretary.
I wholeheartedly support this new organisation and the Executive
Director and Company Secretary in their duties to help and
promote the sport of Ocean Rowing and trust that my fellow Ocean
Rowers, interested parties and all who love the sport will
welcome this motion with open arms.
The formation of this independent body is essential for the
recording of Ocean Rowing records and to maintain a fair and
balanced playing field in the sport. It is essential that the
Ocean Rowing Society International exists to support and help
those who wish to row an ocean independently without a race or
organised event structure being their only choice. It is equally
essential that ORS(Int) is there to help those who are within
the race structure should they require it.
After numerous conversations with Kenneth F. Crutchlow I am not
only delighted he has taken the role of Executive Director of
the ORS(Int) after some difficult and troubling times he had in
the past year. I am convinced that he is the right man for the
job and indeed he has come back as a stronger and much more
driven individual.
The past should not be ignored as lessons learned are valuable,
but the investment, experience, dedication and the kindred
spirit of support that Kenneth and Tatiana have offered over the
last 37 years (for Kenneth, 8 years for Tatiana) should not be
forgotten. In the future we should urge Kenneth, Tatiana and the
fully paid up ORS(Int) members to decide a line of succession,
though this decision is far in the future we must never allow
ORS(Int) to disappear under the wing of self interest, where the
heart and soul of the organisation would surely perish, but keep
it strong and independent through the support of its growing
membership base and other business activities.
There is ample scope for further development of ORS and Members
suggestions, I think, should be sought. I see potential in
advertising revenue (not to be intrusive) the licensed supply of
statistics, a more rigorous approach to the collection of dues
and not supplying services or goods until they are paid for. I
also see member benefits including access to Ocean Rowing Kit
discounts, preferential access to seminars, and VIP passes to
ORS events. I am sure members will have plenty of suggestions
which ORS(Int) should encourage in this consultation period.
Ocean Rowers have seldom been backward in coming forward so I
think Kenneth and Tatiana will have no shortage of projected
wisdom!
The Accounts of the new organisation are to be absolutely
transparent. The offer from Tatiana and Kenneth that they are
prepared to work as volunteers for ORS (Int) should be
formalised as soon as possible. Although Kenneth and Tatiana
have agreed not to draw a salary it seems only fair that they
would receive reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses
i.e. phone bills, broadband connection, webmaster and the like.
I hope we can agree that this can be paid for from membership
dues and ORS(Int) generated income. I certainly feel that this
represents very good value for money for members.
There has never really been a 'membership package' for ORS
members. This Kenneth has indicated is to be dealt with. Amongst
other things I believe there should be ORS merchandise on offer
such as blazer badges, ties, scarves etc.
Accounts will be audited every year and made available to ORS
members for scrutiny. The Accounts must also be strong, cash
flow positive, and I believe that a number of fundraising
activities will be announced soon and I urge every member, where
they can, to be of support. There will be a questions raised at
the end of the year if the new organisation has made a profit as
to where this money should be distributed - this is a marvelous
opportunity either to give back something to those who have
supported the organisation by way of subsidising an annual ORS
celebration. Another thought is, and perhaps more in the way of
thinking of this new organisation, is that we set up a fund
which grows year by year in order to help bereaved relatives of
those lost at sea in our sport and/or to help those from less
well off backgrounds explore the sport.
I believe a business plan including structure, fundraising and
income generating activities and business, financial controls,
membership criteria, record criteria, committee structures,
dates for and annual meeting and general activities will be made
available to members of ORS(Int) over the coming weeks.
Being as the Ocean Rowing Society a registered Charity
established in 1997 was closed by former trustees in June 2006
there are no formal members of ORS at this time but this will,
with your support, change very quickly. I for one have got my
chequebook ready and am eager to join the new organisation and
hope that there are others who wish to do the same. We now have
the chance to go forward with a new beginning I look forward to
challenge ahead. I would humbly put it to members that we have a
unique opportunity to put our affairs in order, to express
solidarity and to make ORS to Oceanrowing what the RYA is to
Yachting. My thanks goes to Kenneth and Tatiana, my ongoing
support does too.
I send my apologies for not being at the meeting today.
With very best wishes to all.
Leven Brown
Ocean Rower 2005 |
