DONALD PETRIE

[Gross]

Seems Donald has resigned from his position of Proffessional Officer in Scotland. He's going to be very, very hard to replace. Interesting times! (SOA website says he has new position as Access Officer)

[graeme]

Donald Petrie: Best professional admin. person. Ever. By miles.

Disaster for SOA!

[AndyO]

Donald will be a hard act to follow, but he's not lost to the sport, as he'll be able to take on more planning and controlling roles.

He'll also be working nearer home so will be able to spend more time with his family. Good luck Donald, you deserve every success.

[plain lazy]

It's definitely a big loss for the SOA but it's not a disaster. There is a new executive committee and a lot of fresh ideas on the way.

It will take time but give them a chance and I'm positive things will move forward. I'm sure Donald himself knows the SOA is in good hands.

[graeme]

I'm sure the new (volunteer) Executive committee will be fine. If you read my praise for Donald as some kind of backhanded sleight on the Exec you're mistaken. What I really doubt is we'll find a Professional Officer as good as Donald, who, of course, was not a member of the executive.

Donald had an ability to identify what needs doing and get it done, rather than identifying who should have done it and passing the buck. And, equally important, a great ability to spot what didn't need doing, and not doing it. Uniquely, in my experience of professional sports admin, he was able to fill the role for 15 years without ever featherbedding his own position to insulate himself from the less pleasant jobs.

[plain lazy]

Graeme

Certainly did not see your comments in any negative light. Just trying to make the point that the new executive will be looking to bring in some fresh ideas, including a new professional officer. I agree though it will be hard to replace Donald.

[PeteL]

I'm sure this is asking SOA exec to suck eggs but whoever replaces Donald must be able to undertake a mind-meld to acquire all his Six-Days experience. Undoubtedly he is the single most important reason why the event has grown more successful every time and, in my experience, provided calm and re-assuring support to us amateurs prepared to listen.

Fresh ideas are great and no doubt the Six Days can, and will, improve but the continuity that Donald has provided has to my knowledge avoided a lot of wheel-re-inventing over the years.

Good luck Donald; are you willing to act as a mentor for Tay 2009

[mharky]

Can someone send me Donal's email,

Thanks