Local Honorary Representative

[DavidCh]

For many years when I was sailing I had membership of the cruising association, a long established UK club that represented the interests of the sailing cruising community. There were many benefits of membership including exhaustive information on navigation, legal representation of the communities interests and social events.

Another benefit was a network of LHR's (local honorary representatives. These were people, not necessarily members, who had extensive knowledge of a local area and were prepared to offer support in that area to members who encountered any problems. I was the LHR for Swansea for many years.

Because the LHR is part of the community and with their local knowledge they always knew the best places to obtain parts, get repairs done, the best places to moor up or anchor and could help with any language difficulties outside of the UK they were incredibly useful. They were a local contact if something bad happened.

It strikes me that MHF is a not dissimilar community and maybe could benefit from this type of support. I am certain that there are members all over the UK and Europe who want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

As this ever been considered?

 

[Spriddler]

It strikes me that MHF is a not dissimilar community and maybe could benefit from this type of support. I am certain that there are members all over the UK and Europe who want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

My perception is that it's already happening, informally.

 

[DavidCh]

My perception is that it's already happening, informally.

I am sure it is, but that does not make it simple if you need help quickly

 

[Langtoftlad]

Simple as posting a thread on here...
If someone is available & has the requisite knowledge*, there's usually a very quick response.




*even if they don't
But they may tag a member who does.

 

[Riverbankannie]

I am sure it is, but that does not make it simple if you need help quickly

Yes it is, just start a thread with a clear message and help will flood in. Look at any that have been started today, VXman ’s one is a good example.
I cannot see any advantage in having what you suggest now, however I can see that in the past when internet not so widely used or available , it was useful.

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[DavidCh]

I agree, the support received is second to none however I am suggesting something much more local. If, for example, someone very local to me has an issue then it depends entirely on me looking at the site. I am suggesting that people who are willing can be contacted more directly

 

[TDub49]

Was there a selection process for LHRs or was it just a case of someone stepping forward and offering to do the job? If the latter and with as diverse a community as MHF appears to be, I wonder how it would work in practice.

Personally I think it is better to stick with the suggestions that others have made - i.e. the whole community is in effect a collective LHR and provided the member posting a call for assistance is clear in the topic heading where they are and what the problem is, the help should be both speedy and informed.

 

[Oldrat]

I’ve not been cruising before..

 

[DavidCh]

Was there a selection process for LHRs or was it just a case of someone stepping forward and offering to do the job? If the latter and with as diverse a community as MHF appears to be, I wonder how it would work in practice.

An LHR had to be proposed by members and then approved. They could not self appoint themselves.

Perhaps this community is just not suited to the concept as there is not the same situations. We just found it very comforting to have a knowledgeable local on our side sometimes.

 

[TheBig1]

It is something quite a few of us do for fellow local members. This forum is more like a huge dysfunctional family with all the benefits that brings. We are mostly all keen to help others with advice etc and information for their local area. I have met a fair few good friends helping others over the years. I also greatly appreciate the help I have been offered by others

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[Spriddler]

Perhaps this community is just not suited to the concept as there is not the same situations. We just found it very comforting to have a knowledgeable local on our side sometimes.

When competing in European dinghy racing events 30 years ago I found it handy to have LHR's to obtain info on current weather conditions, launching sites, road access, local chandlers and sailmakers, campsites, B&B's, laundrette's etc., but that was before I had t'internet, especially useful for checking the geography of areas using Google Maps/Streetview.

 

[chaser]

Just ask what you want to know and you will get numerous replys from many folks not just one.
Uttoxeter or tractors, I'm your LHR, don't need to be nominated.
Edit, add gravelines to that

 

[Winger]

The more people in authority means more people to argue with. I’d say leave it to Jim .
Clear and concise and everyone knows the consequences if they don’t agree to differ

 

[chaser]

The more people in authority means more people to argue with. I’d say leave it to Jim .
Clear and concise and everyone knows the consequences if they don’t agree to differ

That's true, why would you just have one person to ask when you can ask the whole forum?

 

[suavecarve]

Just ask what you want to know and you will get numerous replys from many folks not just one.
Uttoxeter or tractors, I'm your LHR, don't need to be nominated.
Edit, add gravelines to that

I can second this nomination but his knowledge on Uttoxeter horse racing winners is a tad dodgy.

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[Kannon Fodda]

Fun has many members who volunteer their services advice assistance whether that be for a locality or some other specialism such as wiring. The point is they do this without obligation and can dip in and out to suit their availability and other whims.

Nomination and acceptance would create an commitment. Many funsters already volunteer and are very happy to do so but probably would not welcome a label or obligation to have to respond