President's Report 2004

By Peter Dunn (presented at the AGM held in January 2005)
 
On a variety of fronts, 2004 proved to be another successful year for the Wellington Warlords. There were a number of highlights that are well worth listing:

• Membership increased for the fourth year in a row, reaching a record 116 members;

• As part of this growth, the Club attracted an increased number of Junior members;

• Meeting attendance was well up and by the end of the year it was difficult to get a table on at the Saturday meeting if you arrived late;

• The number of “popular” periods increased over the course of the year, with Warhammer
  Fantasy games (in particular) becoming more prevalent. A healthy club is one with
  divergent interests.

• The Warlords won the National Club Championship at NatCon – dominating the
  Warhammer 40k and Flames of War competitions.

• Club members finished 1st and 2nd at both the New Zealand and Australian Games
  Workshop Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments.

• One member picked up a Silver Golden Demon in Games Workshop’s prestigious
  Sydney Games’ Day painting competition.

• The Club ran another very successful “Call to Arms” convention. Over 160 gamers
  attended the event, which not only provided gaming opportunities but also showcased
  the hobby to the public.

• Again the Club was able to stage this event while returning the traditional “modest” profit.

• Club facilities were expanded with the purchase of tables and terrain from the now defunct City Gaming Club. It was gratifying to see that most of the active members of that club took the opportunity to join the Warlords (Welcome Guys!!). Money was also
  invested in further metal trestle legs. The “tables” created provide fair easier
  setup/packup at meetings.

• With the expansion of assets, the Committee took the opportunity to expand the number of meetings on a trial basis. Those who have attended the Cashmere meetings have found it an excellent venue.

The Club had some hiccups early in the year but I believe it was a testimony to both the original Committee and the post-May Committee that the Club has emerged stronger. I certainly have not detected any residual bitterness. To that end I like to formally thank both committees for their efforts.

I’d also like to formally thank two of the unsung heroes of the Club; Gareth Ackrill for his
continued efforts in producing a quality “Dispatches” always on time. And Sean Smith for his
duties as Webmaster on the Warlords site.

So where to from here? There are a number of issues that need to be addressed at the AGM.
Firstly, for the past two years the Club has run a monthly Thursday night meeting. For a variety of reasons this opportunity to game has not been embraced by the membership. It is time now to consider its future viability.

Secondly, by the AGM the Club will have had four trial Sunday meetings at the new
Cashmere venue. A decision needs to be made as to whether these should continue. From a personal point of view I am enthusiastically supportive of the initiative. The venue is excellent – well lit with ample off street parking. Holding meetings on a Sunday (as well as the traditional Saturday) provides increased gaming opportunities to members, particularly those with family or recreational commitments who can find Saturday difficult. Finally it means more gaming – and that in essence is why the Warlords exists – to provide gaming opportunities for its members. So please think about whether you think this is a worthwhile initiative and please come along and have your say at the AGM.

Thirdly, our convention account is building a nice little balance. This account was set up in 2001 to insulate the Club from losses incurred in the running of conventions (e.g. CTA 2000 lost between $800-900). The current Committee has suggested that a portion of this be invested in trestled tables to make both regular meetings and conventions just that much easier. An instruction from Club members is sought on this suggestion. Remember a “yes” vote means we’ll also need some willing construction workers!!

Fourthy, the May SGM ended the Club’s involvement with the NZ Miniature Wargaming
Federation. This decision was reached after a number of years’ dissatisfaction with this body. I will be seeking further endorsement of that decision at the AGM.

Finally, the Club always requires willing helpers. Should we expand the number of meetings, it
is unfair that the burden falls entirely on the Committee. To that end if you would be prepared to act as Duty Officer at a Club meeting, please let the Club Secretary know. The task isn’t
particularly onerous so don’t be afraid.

So thanks again to all those that helped make the Warlords successful in 2004. Hopefully, all
Warlords can see the value in continued membership of the Club and participation in the hobby.