1996 Fleetwood responds to AGM critics

Comments were made at the AGM about the Fleetwood factory’s failure to be represented at the meeting, relying instead on a written report.

Richard Allen, the company’s Commercial Manager, has responded to a letter from the committee as follows:-

Dear Barbara

Thank you for your letter dated 30th April and I have noted what you have said.

I am sorry that the membership adopted the view that our report for your AGM was not what was required.  Traditionally, the address at the meeting seeks to cover the whole of the preceding year at Fleetwood and clearly there were a number of significant events during 1995/1996 of which, in our view, were essential to advise your committee and membership.

You will be all aware that, with the exception of the introduction of the Libra range, there was little development in the areas of design layout and new features; the operation and performance of the factory against one of the worst trading periods we have experienced, the creation of Fleetwood Specialist Trailers, the development of the export market and the retirement of Ken Green however were all significant happenings.  The progress and development of the Club should be seen to be within such a period of the factory’s history, and it is essential that you all should be kept informed.

I very much regret that I was not able to be present personally at the AGM.  The last twelve months have not presented too much free time at weekends with regional and dealer shows and the period from Christmas to March has been particularly severe in this respect.

I had booked a short break over the Easter holiday to which I was committed and it was unfortunate that Roger Williamson, David and Mick also had arrangements which could not be broken.  Ideally, Fleetwood would want to be represented every year and we do try to give the AGM and dinner dance support wherever possible.

There are times. However, when the commitment cannot be total and I am sure you will understand this when you are trying to give your own support to the factory at dealer shows, Earls Court and the NEC.

Thank you for advising me of the venue for next year’s meeting and we shall certainly do our best to attend if at all possible.

Richard Allen.