I didn't rejoin the JMA this year due to the cost and the limited number of events up north - I know others from my area that also haven't rejoined. If I pay £40 membership and attend 2 single day events throughout the year that works out at minimum of £40 per day (plus fuel/accommodation). As a case in point regarding locations, this decision was made at an AGM that was too far away for me to attend. I'd be interested to know how many people voted and also if there has been any reduction in membership or attendance at events this year.

Maybe the JMA needs to look at cheaper venues? If Sculthorpe is being offered at a much lower cost than, for instance, Wyton then cancel Wyton and use Sculthorpe for the whole weekend. Elvington is a cheap venue (and one of the only ones up north) but has been very poorly attended by JMA members over the past couple of years. I'm sure there are other 'club' fields that could be used to reduce costs.

I have been happy to accept the situation on the basis that there are many more members down south and maybe simple economics means that the events have to be biased in that area for them to be profitable. It is unfortunate, but a fact of life, that my location means that I can't fully participate in the majority of events. As such, I have been 'pushed' out of the JMA by circumstance. A daily attendance fee is fair enough but the hefty additional membership charge would need to be reduced for an occasional attendee such as myself to reconsider joining. What do I actually get for my £40 a year if I have to pay additional attendance fees on top? I accept that there will be running costs but £40 per person? Really?

p.s. Jamie, Sculthorpe is not 'easy' for northern members, although I accept that it is closer to us than Merryfield [&o]