I have received 13 completed questionnaires from club members, when I say completed, I should say returned as a number were not answered fully. It is pleasing however, to find such a high return rate, unfortunately those members who it was aimed at i.e those who do not come to club meetings failed to return them.
The reason for the questionnaire, was to find out why people don't come to meetings yet still pay their subs. Looking at the results it does seem that most blame work and home commitments, with the odd comment about uninteresting meetings. The theme of work and home commitments is echoed throughout the questionnaire most blaming these for non attendance at outside events. It does seem that a wide variety of interests in radio are enjoyed by most members.
As in every questionnaire we have set in the past some feel the club evening should change, but overall this time Monday was thought best. As for numbers of meetings per month some thought a change to one a month and some one formal and one social. Most thought that even if an outside speaker was not of particular interest to them they would still come to meetings. As for meetings most who answered said 'Interesting' ones. Most were in favour of the clubs involvement with training and some would be willing to help. A complete surprise was that most thought they could name the 1999/2000 committee.
Should the club be different? this was evenly split, but as most failed to answer any other questions in this section, very little can be gleaned as to what we might do.
Club social events. 4 had attended recent DX picnics, no change to format. Those not attending gave camping and home commitments as their reasons for not going. 8 persons had gone to the Xmas do, those who didn't gave a verity of reason.
Club nets, about half said they joined in. some said they forgot or the time / day were not good for them.
One person was unsure if they were signed up to the internet listserver, most found it useful but wanted club meetings advertised on it. Most had checked out the web site and found it useful.
Beechlog, most did read it. It was an even split as to a paper or web copy. 6 stated they contribute to Beechlog regularly? Improvements, more constructional articles and contributors.
Club equipment, 6 had used gear, interestingly someone had used gear the club doesn't have! No one had any idea where to keep the club trailer, but some were still looking.
Under anything else, most put probably!
Overall the questionnaire was disappointing. Only one member gave some constructive comments, most did not answer the important questions. Seeing that a large number of meetings were very poorly attended last year, it does seem as if some members memories are failing them! Your committee will be reviewing the questionnaires at its next meeting and will make any observations available in Beechlog and on the Web Site.
G4XDU Chair Burnham Beeches Radio Club