Message from the Chairman

Dear AOBA Members. 

I thought it appropriate to write and keep you updated as to some recent developments within the AOBA.  We are getting used to doing things very differently nowadays and I guess for the first time since our inception in August 1948 we held a committee meeting over Skype.  I think the committee were spread over 6 counties throughout the width and breadth of the UK, but it was nevertheless very successful meeting and some good business was done. 

I know many of you will be anxious for news of this year’s reunion.  I have very reluctantly and with a heavy heart cancelled the reunion for this year.  Some will say that we have jumped early, but I think that COVID-19 will be with us for some time to come, and July was just too early in the pandemic.  Many of our members are in the at-risk category and I think it would be wrong for the committee to take a chance that all would be well.  We could not take that chance and have pulled the event.  So what ….  well, those celebrating their 50^th will join the 71ers in a double celebration next year and as for the AGM, well we can delay it for 18 months, so we have done.  Some of you may have already paid, either in full or placed a deposit with our agent the Isle of Wright Tours.  I have instructed them to issue a full refund and if there is any financial penalty, the AOBA will pay it.  Next year will be a very good party.  The date for your diary is the weekend of the 9/10/11 July 2021.   

I need to ask for your support in completing the GDPR declarations in order that we have your permission to hold and use your data.  I am delighted that we currently stand at 58% compliance, but if you are in the 38% then we officially cannot use your data.  Over the next 6 months you will see a concerted campaign to capture those that need to complete the consent form.  We will be emailing and, in some cases, writing to members, you only ever need to do it once … surely it cannot be too hard, please tick the box and return the form.  At last night’s meeting we also agreed to uplift the website to make it more user friendly and to enable members to electronically ‘tick’ the consent box, but this will take a few months before you see a change.  Thank you again for your support.  

Finally, OBAN 76 remains stuck with the printers.  We are looking at options, but I would ask for your continued patience as we are operating in uncharted waters and in very difficult circumstances.    

I’ll be in touch again soon, but in the meantime, stay safe.   Please follow the government guidelines, stay indoors and save lives.  Thank you.

Mike Tizard, your Chairman.