Winter 2002 - National Rifle Association

INTRODUCINGMICHAELWALALTONCHAIRMANOF THE FININANCEAND GENERALPURPOSESCOMMITTEEby Tony de LaunayIf there is one committee within the NRA that has real impact onthe way in which the organisation’s financial future will develop,it has to be the Finance and General Purposes Committee.Working with the network of other supporting committees, eachwith its own function and specialist area, the F&GPC is the eyesand ears of the NRA and the first hand check on all expenditureand income. The chairman of that committee has a powerfulrole and an unenviable task.Michael Walton, 39, was elected to the NRA Council a year ago.He accepted the chairmanship of F&GPC on 1 August. Michael’sview is refreshingly simple: “I have to work through a networkof committees: each has to accept that their role has importanceand accountability. Each will have key tasks and budgets withinwhich to deliver the results. This is business commonsense andgood practice, and if you volunteer to put yourself forward as amember of Council, and get elected, that is what you mustaccept”.Michael, who is a London & Middlesex Rifle Association member and an England and GB shot, is one of thosepeople who, by sheer hard work, can make their natural attributes pay. With Master of Business Administrationand Chartered Surveyor qualifications under his belt he works for Citigroup, one of the largest financialservices companies in the world, looking after European real estate investment for Citigroup itself and ofsome of the group’s most important private clients in the Middle East.City Rifle Clububfounded1898Lookingfor a base at Bisley?Membership available in this friendly and lively club,including lockers in the new armoury. The club offersthe finest quality catering facilities at very reasonableprices at weekends throughout the season and duringthe main Bisley meetings. We can also cater for clubmeetings, dinners and special functions. Regular clubteam shooting matches throughout the season.Full membership for 2003 season £50.00Under 21 & serving members of HM Forces £25.00Locker rental for 2003 £40.00(plus refundable key deposit of £20.00)For further details please contact:Mick Barr 01438 811451John Saunders 01276 502476Pat Drummy 01329 281769or call into the Clubhouse.His focus on benefits for clients is crucial. “At theNRA I am looking to see that all our decisions aretaken with one end in view – benefit to our customersie the members. We must also build up ourmembership and offer them nationwide support. Wehave an asset at Bisley that must be run commerciallyso that we can fund support for the sport away fromBisley while keeping Bisley costs reasonable”. Heidentifies the need for proper exchanges with themembership as one of the key requirements. “Withoutpaying attention to the customers’ comments andmonitoring their needs you cannot provide them withwhat they ultimately want”.His role must work well with the new Treasurer, towhom he can turn for support and guidance. “PhilipCurrie will be a great asset to the NRA and I thinkthat we both recognise the same requirements for theNRA. One of my primary concerns will be to see thatthe National Shooting Centre delivers its contributionto the charitable NRA. This is going to be a hard taskgiven the support that the NRA has had to make tothem in the past. However, on the positive side theNRA will show a net surplus of some £70,000 on ouroperating account for the year just ended”.Michael looks forward to support from all those whowish to see the sport prosper. What his approachheralds is a refreshing application of pro-activecontrols and accountability that will be crucial for themonths and years ahead.23