2005 - AGM

Magazine Overview

This document is a notification of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of BUFORA LTD., dated 5th October 2005. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 12th November 2005, at 12 mid-day, at the Tournament Public House in Earls Court, London. The primary business of the EGM is to vote on a proposal by the Council of Management to re-structure BUFORA. Following the meeting, there will be lectures by Andy Roberts, Philip Gardiner, and Gary Osborne, starting at 2:30 pm.

The Proposal

The Council of Management believes that BUFORA needs to re-structure to address current challenges. They argue that the existing system of annual membership, six printed publications per year, lecture meetings, and conferences is no longer viable due to dwindling UFO group membership, reduced sighting reports, a lack of new material for lectures, and a shortage of volunteers to maintain the system. The organization's 1964 model is seen as losing relevance in the modern, fast-paced information age.

The proposed change is to transition to a web-based organization. This would involve a subscriber-only area on a new, updated website where articles, research reports, and investigations would be uploaded more cost-effectively and efficiently than through a printed magazine. The annual subscription is provisionally set at £12, which would pass administrative savings to subscribers. Current life members would be invited to subscribe free of charge, and Accredited Investigators' status would remain unchanged. The Postal Training Course would still be available to subscribers.

The Vote

The document outlines the implications of the vote. If a majority of voting members vote in favour of the proposal, members will be contacted with information about the new system and any pro-rata membership fee refunds. If the majority votes against the proposal, the current Directorship and Company Secretary will step down immediately. The membership would then be required to elect a new Council of Management. The company legally requires a Chairman and Company Secretary, with other directorships being optional. If the existing system is to be retained, personnel would need to be found for the offices of Director of Research, Director of Investigations, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Webmaster, and Publications Editor. Additionally, sources for publication production and printing would need to be secured, along with volunteers for the archiving project. Any member is eligible to offer themselves for election to the Council, including the retiring Directors.

Members who wish to offer assistance in any of these areas, should the proposal be rejected, are asked to apply in writing to the BUFORA address. The notification emphasizes the importance of this decision and urges all members to register their vote, either in person, by post, or by appointing a proxy using the provided forms. Membership application and renewal have been suspended pending the outcome of the EGM vote.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's stance is clearly in favour of restructuring BUFORA to adapt to the modern digital age. The editorial highlights the perceived obsolescence of the current print-based model and emphasizes the benefits of a web-based approach, including cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and better engagement with a contemporary audience. The tone is urgent, stressing the importance of member participation in this critical decision for the organization's future.