Until the 1990’s, when the Club became a company limited by guarantee, there were “trustees” who were expected to “pay up” if the Club became insolvent! The early Presidents and Vice Presidents were usually, but not all, “trustees”. Vice Presidents were, and still are, usually chosen from ex Commodores or long standing members and selection is by the Committee of Management for life.

The first person to be selected as President was W.G Mathews (think the Mathews Bowl club trophy!). I think that was in the early 1950’s when he gave up sailing. He had been very active throughout the 1920’s/30’s and had played a great part in the move from the Butlin side of the Res, to our present site and the arrangements for the building of the 1929 Clubhouse. When he passed away around 1960 Gilbert Barker(Gib) was selected. Gib had kept the Club going throughout WW2, even paying the rent from his own funds for a time, until things eventually got back to some sort of normality.

On his death Leslie Brain(Les), the best sail racer the Club has ever had, was selected because of his work negotiating the lease with Birmingham City Council which took place over 6 or 7 years. He, however, resigned after a number of years because he sailed no more, had lost touch with most active members and felt it important that the President should be a known figurehead. Dr.Colin Ecob was next asked but he accepted on the condition that he only did 2 years. Taking note of Les’ point. I then did a stint of 2 years, then handed over to Peter Burton, who also did 2 years. Les Gooden, who had been Hon.Treasurer for many, many years and had organised umteen “dinner dances” then took over the President’s Role and held it for some years until his death. The post was then not filled for a number of years.

However a Club crisis around 2013 caused a rethink and I was asked to be President again. Like Les, I now feel I am becoming out of touch with the active members and it’s time to hand over to someone who is more proactive. It’s been a privilege to serve and I wish the Club and my worthy successor, Julian Harms, all the very best for the future.

– Alan Birch