Hello All on the list,
Ok, Dave Bosomworth, (still..) Europa Club Chairman here - Just got back from
the PFA rally, Kemble, UK, kissed wife, eaten, kicked dog, sat down and just
read
through the emails.
WHOOOOAAH everyone........
First a bit of backgound:
The Europa Club was set up 10 years ago with the primary aim of supporting its
Members through promoting the building, owning and operating of the Europa type.
The Club expanded as Europa owners worldwide joined, and obviously liked what
they got.
1 Let me get one think straight: Membership is voluntary - if you personally
feel
that there is more chance of support and more 'voice' as a group, join the
Club. For that support, those Members who volunteered to manage the Club, the
Committee, will try there damndest to help you.
2 If you had not been too bothered about joining the Club before, but recent
events
have made you re-consider, that is your decision - and the committee working
for you are grateful-see 1.
3 If you do not wish to join at all, for whatever reasons, and obviously do not
have much time for what the Club is trying to do because you see it as 'only
working for its Members', then at least consider these two points: One: I can
guarantee that everything you think of has already been considered by the Club
committee - Two: The Europa is a UK design, product and business: Although I,
and others on the Committee before, have offered, asked and pleaded for more
interaction with builders outside the UK, there has been a small number of
Europans
who have actively knocked our efforts back. Hey, its a free world, a bit
of common sense would indicate that, perhaps, a UK centred Club could maybe
provide
more assistance with a UK based product. That is a fact I offer in good
faith.
4 And just to make one thing clear, the new forum was offered to the Club by
SteveD,
but turned down solely because the present Committee were too busy to support
it, and the Matronics list works. Steve has done a great job for those Europa
operators with email/internet: What about those who do not have access to
a pc?
Right, for all on the list, Members and non Members alike, this is basically
what
went on over the weekend:-
On friday I found an email direct to me from Keith Wilson just before I left
home
for the rally. As I had previously promised the list that any new info the
Club received would be given at the AGM, thats what I did - cos I'm like that.
On saturday evening the Club held its AGM. Keith Wilson had been invited several
times, but had not responded and did not attend, therefore I read out the email,
which I reproduce here:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,
WITHOUT PREJUDICE
Good afternoon Dave
I am sure you are aware that we have been striving to re-structure the Europa
organisation
over the last few months. Negotiations have been ongoing with a number
of interested parties and we are striving to reach a satisfactory conclusion
with one group prepared to invest a significant sum into the business. This
should ensure the long term financial security of Europa for both our builders
and potential customers alike, as well as allowing us to complete our current
development plans.
Despite everyone's very best efforts, we have been unable to complete the
arrangements
before the PFA Rally at Kemble. After very careful consideration, it was
felt inappropriate for Europa to attend the PFA Rally with these clouds of
uncertainty around.
Once all of the financial and legal arrangements have been made we will be
making
a further announcement.
Many thanks for your continued support and patience.
Keith Wilson
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
On friday Europa Management International Ltd - whole owners of the US
operation,
BTW, and yes, John Hurst has done a great job of supporting you guys over
the pond, but dont forget Neville and Andy here in the UK who are still
supporting
us all whilst no doubt under a great deal of pressure - were still trading,
but we were informed that they were only taking orders for parts in stock.
Over the entire weekend I was amazed at how positive everyone was about what
support
could be offered IF anything were to happen to the Factory - but the Factory
is still going.
Today, Sunday, at lunchtime I was talking to Dave Calderwood, Editor of the
UK's
Pilot magazine, and he told me that Keith Wilson did in fact come to Kemble
and the Rally on saturday evening, did a few photography sorties and went
briefly
through the parked aircraft area before departing: Perhaps he noticed the
100 plus Europa customers enjoying the Club BBQ near the runway as he departed.
Irrespective of the future of Europa Management International Ltd, the Europa
Club will continue to support those who feel membership is worthwhile - I have
a flying Europa, it occasionally needs replacement parts, were better as one
group than individually.
Thank you for your support.
dave bosomworth
PS -PLEASE dont repost the whole email if you feel the need to reply!!!!!!!!
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