Chairman’s Message (February)

I am afraid that this month’s message has a down beat theme.

This month has begun with the very unfortunate postponement of the Phoenix Night due to lack of support. The night was to herald the New Year with what was hoping to be our major fund raising event of the whole year itself. It was obvious that with two weeks to go to the event,the numbers of tickets that had been sold were not sufficient to justify the work that still had to be done to try and ensure a successful night. Reluctantly the decision was made to cancel.

The Management Committee meets this month to discuss the way forward to look for funding alternatives.

It is of great concern to the Committee that certain club members seem to think that once the cricket season finishes in September the club goes into hibernation until April when the next season begins. This club functions 12 months of the year and needs support throughout that period. Even though our club membership is substantial, in recent months club events such as race nights, quiz nights and others have been not supported at all. I could reel off the members who you can always guarantee with attend these and whilst I realise that we cannot expect 100% support at all these events some effort to come to some of these would be appreciated.

Our AGM where club policies and posts are determined is always poorly attended. This is a major indication as to the apathy some club members have towards the club. During the course of the season the club treasurer has to harang players to pay their subs and at this moment some still haven’t paid last year’s monies. A disgrace to all those concerned.

My committee is open to any suggestions as to what any club member wants from the club but we can do nothing unless members make their views heard.

We are to shortly have the club history published and would hope that we are able to sell the first run through club members,relatives and friends. Mike Rogers has put a monumental amount of work into the publication and I would hope that his efforts will be rewarded. Please start your new commitment to the club by booking some advanced copies now.

Michael Kelly will be performing at the club on 27^th February with FREE tickets now available. Even if Michael is not to your taste please put some effort in asking family as to whether they would want to come.

It grieves me having to write this article but I again appeal for more support. If this is not forthcoming there may be a time when you return to the club in April and no one will be there!!!!!