Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Well, another interesting British Residents Society AGM! It was well organised, well run and in a lovely venue.

My main niggle was the quality of the PowerPoint presentation - in my opinion, the font used in the slides to present the facts and figures was far too small. I was very near the front but had great difficulty in reading the information presented. In addition, the use of colour would have made it more interesting, and when using bullet points, particularly when discussing figures, I think it would better to only slightly 'dim' the previous points so that they are still legible, in order that comparisons can be made with current point being discussed. BUT, these are minor quibbles and as I said, the AGM was run extremely efficiently by the Chairman and his (very small) team.

All went smoothly and according to plan until Resolution 3 was presented; I wont go into detail as the Agenda is, or will be on the Website. This appeared to be a well planned intervention to force a change of rules on the newly elected committee. It was not dissimilar, although smaller in scale, to the infamous AGM a few years ago when a similar intervention by some of the same players was successful in causing the then committee to resign en mass. On this occasion too, there was some unnecessary shouting from the floor and people talking over others to get their point across, but the Chairman remained calm and, with the assistance of a couple of erudite (and quite vocal) members of the audience, managed to keep things under control. When it was his turn to speak, the Chairman presented a point by point demolition of Resolution 3 with a carefully planned and well argued response that eventually delivered a significant majority to defeat the Resolution when the vote was taken - Well Done Mr Chairman.

This brings me to my second niggle - at meetings like this where feelings can run high and there is the potential for discord, there must be a Roving Microphone for members 'on the floor'. This achieves two things - it ensures that everyone can hear the question being asked, but perhaps more importantly, it largely ensures that only the person holding the mic can speak.

A very successful AGM, in my opinion. Well done to the Chairman and his small team.

I think it would have been more appropriate to send your comments to the BRS on their website rather that to air them on here...as there seems to be little point nor anything to gain from your post, with respect.

Why not it's topical and it seems the BRS has changed little if the same crowd are intent on running it their way or no way. I was at the hotel when the infamous one was held and the proffesional said got their way we were going to join again but thankfully didn't. Found the Tfr instead an we are happy .

terry2366 I don't know how long ago, or what the 'infamous one' was, but when you say 'the same crowd' I assume you are talking about the committee, which actually has changed dramatically over the past couple of years. On the whole, your post makes little sense. And no, I don't think the post is 'topical' except to anyone who is in the BRS and was at the meeting....which clearly you were not, as 'thankfully' you didn't rejoin..... all about choices.

Mrs Gee. You are correct, it is all about choices, and my choice was to post what I did. Sorry if it offended you.

Actually Mrs Gee no I was talking about the rent a crowd that spoiled it at the dome and forced the elected committee to resign. Yes I'm glad the committee has changed over the years and I am sure for the good of the members. And I think it would be of interest to non members who were thinking of joining that were not at the meeting I joined the Tfr mainly to avoid people like yourself so as you say choices.oh and never assume sometimes even you can be wrong.

Terry, sorry to sound ignorant, but could you tell me what the Tfr is?

Often considered joining the BRS. Nearly joined a few years ago but then there was the infamous AGM which seemed to cause great bitterness and infighting. Decided not to join.

Still unsure whether to join, whilst the cost is negligible I am struggling to see what the benefits are apart from discounts being offered. It also seems strange to me that the names of community representatives and those on the committee are not freely shown on the website. Unless I am wrong it appears this information can only be accessed via the members area. I do question why this is.

Feelings to join or not are neutral so for now will probably hold off. Nothing against the BRS just not convinced enough.

I did join but with ulterior motives, if anything happens to me whilst visiting (2/3 times a year) a friend has a letter notarised that I am hoping with the help of BRS my wishes can be carried out.........

Papa bravo it's the Turkish foreign residents society consists of 19 different nationalities it meets in lapta weekly plus another meeting near supreme at times so to help people living that side. Many events a great social side no bloody snobbery at all. Great crowd last two events a lovely visit to a German restaurant in Nicosia and also a visit to the Nicosia racetrack lovely food vip tent fantastic day out. Next month midsummer night on Akdeniz beach most months something organised. As regards the discounts everywhere I have been where they have asked if I am a BRS member I have said no and still got the discount.

Thanks Terry. PB

Whether you are or are not a member of the BRS, I applaud the people on the committee of any voluntary organization, who are prepared to give up their retirement voluntarily in order to watch out for all ex pat needs. I am far too tired and selfish to give my time up. Maybe unless we are prepared to give our time up, we should not criticize those who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.