As many of you already know, I will be stepping down as Chairman of the Forest of Dean Radio Controlled Car Club at our next AGM in November.

You may wonder why I’m making this announcement a few months in advance. The reason is simple: good help is hard to find. While Chris Milner has already shown enthusiasm and confidence to step into the role of Chairman, I’m very aware there may be other members who would also like the chance to put themselves forward—either as Chair, or perhaps as Vice Chair to support the committee in the future. By giving plenty of notice, we can make sure the transition is smooth and that anyone interested has time to come forward, ask questions, and understand what the role involves.

Looking back over my time as Chairman, it has been far from easy. We have faced real challenges, the first of which was the closure of our permanent venue at Mitcheldean. That was a huge blow to the club and personally one of the toughest moments in my time leading it. With the hard work and determination of the committee at the time, we managed to relocate fully to the Miners Hall, where we have now raced for several years and built a real sense of stability and community.

There have been other difficult moments too: nights where driver numbers were low, events had to be cancelled, and finances looked uncertain. But thanks to the resilience of the committee, the creativity to introduce new classes, and the enthusiasm of members old and new, we turned things around. Today, our membership numbers and race-night entries are at an all-time high. On top of that, the addition of the outdoor track has added a whole new dimension to our racing. I genuinely feel I’m leaving the club in a strong, healthy position, and I have every confidence that the next Chairperson and committee will be able to build on this momentum.

Personally, I’ve been part of the club for nine of its ten years—a big chunk of its history. In that time, I’ve witnessed plenty of change, some of it positive, some of it challenging. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: the passion, dedication, and friendliness of our members. You are the lifeblood of this club. The committee may help steer things along, but it is the members who create the energy, spirit, and sense of community that make the Forest of Dean RCCC what it is today.

What it means to be Chair or Vice Chair

When I first became Chairman, I was taught something that has stuck with me ever since: treat the club as a business, and think of yourself as its CEO.

That means:

• Leadership & Vision – guiding the direction of the club, making decisions that ensure its stability and growth.
• Representation – being the “face” of the club, whether that’s welcoming new members, liaising with venues, or working with the BRCA.
• Organisation – leading committee meetings, making sure plans are put into action, and ensuring finances and logistics are properly managed.
• Support & Delegation – you’re not expected to do everything yourself; the role is about steering and supporting the committee so the workload is shared fairly.

The Vice Chairperson role is there to support the Chair, provide backup when needed, and learn the ropes so they can step in confidently if ever required. Both roles are vital to keeping the club running smoothly and ensuring we continue building on the fantastic foundation we already have.

A note for newer members

You don’t need to have been part of the club for years to step into one of these roles. What really matters is passion, commitment, and the willingness to work with others for the good of the club. Fresh perspectives can be just as valuable as long experience, and sometimes the best ideas come from people who see things differently. If you care about the future of the club and want to play a part in shaping it, I’d strongly encourage you to consider putting your name forward.

So, if you are interested in becoming Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, please come and speak to me on a club night or drop me a message through the usual channels. It’s a rewarding role, and one where you can really make a difference to the future of the club.

Finally, I want to thank every single club member, and all the committee members past and present, for their support, hard work, and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman, and although I am stepping down, this is far from goodbye. I’ll still be trackside, still cheering you all on, and hopefully still managing a few quick laps myself!

Mark Raddenbury
Club Chairman