Old Newsletters Oct/Nov/Dec 2003

October 2003

Kingsley Park Working Men’s Club News October 2003

Entertainment October

Friday 3rd Rendezvous Duo 70’s to 90’s
Saturday 4th Salem Group 80’s to 90’s
Saturday 4th Dinner/Cabaret in the concert room. See main posters.
Tickets available!!!
Sunday 5th Ttoria All girl trio
Friday 10th Mark Lavell Freddie Mercury Tribute
Plus Paula Swann
Saturday 11th Back in Time Trio 60’s
Sunday 12th Two Rare Duo 60’s to 90’s
Friday 17th Silhouettes Duo
Saturday 18th A Night to Remember Great Band
Sunday 19th Mixed Blessing Band 60’s to 80’s
Friday 24th Streams of Whiskey Trio Irish, 60’s
Saturday 25th Smooth & Sweet Trio Motown/ Disco
Sunday 26th Classix Group 60’s
Friday 31st Steve Sinclair Tom Jones Tribute
Plus support act

Bingo every Friday night (eyes down 9.00pm) every Sunday night (eyes down 8.45 pm) and Saturday 18th (eyes down 9.00pm)

For Kingsley read Quality

The quality of the beer that we sell is one of the main cornerstones on which our reputation either stands or falls. It is something we can never take for granted. To be commended for the quality of our beer by professional outside bodies is therefore very important to us.
For several years we have been awarded the Cask Marque for the high quality of the real ales we serve.
In recent weeks some of you have commented on variations in the taste of Carlsberg lager. On 24th September we were visited by the Carlsberg-Tetley tasting panel, a high level and very powerful body, responsible for ensuring the quality of their products sold through their outlets are to C.T.’s high standard. We have not yet had written confirmation but their verbal response was that they are delighted with the quality of all the beer and lager we offer. The only conclusion we can reach is that the lager has been obtained from different manufacturing bases because of the long hot spell, and the different sources have resulted in different tastes.

Once again we must thank Steve Barker for keeping an excellent cellar.
Reader’s Letter

What’s in a name?

Kingsley Park Working Men’s Club or Kingsley Park Club

The difference is two words. Most people would realise that it is the same club; in fact a lot of members already call it Kingsley Club.
There is no shame or loss (of history etc) by making this change, especially if this means the Club will carry on in the future. The shame and loss would only come if the C.I.U. and all affiliated clubs did not survive in the future.
Many companies and institutions have changed their names over the years to be able to survive the changes in society. Why not Working Men’s Clubs?
The C.I.U. has been around for almost 150 years. Members must have the foresight to make small changes to survive.
This is only part of the problem though for the C.I.U. as reported in your May 2003 newsletter.
Lack of money is also threatening the survival of the C.I.U. and affiliated clubs. The two items brought up at the 2003 A.G.M. just failed to gain the necessary majority. These were to grant women Associate membership and pass cards in equality with men and to make the purchase of pass cards compulsory.
Currently men pay £3.75 per year and women £1.25 per year. If this were doubled, would it really cause a financial problem for members?
If the C.I.U. is to survive and still provide all the amenities that it is currently trying to support, you need to increase the intake of money.
Grant women the same status as men and increase the membership fee for all of us.
If the C.I.U. did crumble, a lot of clubs would not be around for very long; and in the present climate of society it would be nearly impossible to set up such a great institution again.
What’s in a name? Everything if the changes take place for the C.I.U. to survive and become better.
What’s in a name? Nothing if you don’t change and the C.I.U. crumbles. You would lose your name, your roots, your history, your heritage and all the good work the C.I.U. has done in its past. You would only be left with memories and even they fade and die.
Please don’t ruin club life for people in the future by not keeping up with modern views and needs.
Make the changes!

K Maclean (M15)

Editors note. Interest in this subject is greatly appreciated. Copies of the letters will be sent to the Union General Secretary for his information.

Doorkeeper vacancy

We have a vacancy for a doorkeeper for about 20hrs per week. If you like meeting people, are smart, courteous and pleasantly assertive, this could be the job for you.
If interested, please contact the Secretary. This vacancy is with immediate effect.

Dates for the Diary

Thursday 2nd October Race Night

These evenings have been sadly missed for the last couple of months. Come along and make up for lost time. First race 8.30ish.

Saturday 4th October Dinner Cabaret

There are still some tickets available from the entertainment committee. This is an excellent value for money evening. If you have not been to one before, come this time and get an idea of what you have missed out on previously. You will kick yourself!

Tuesdays 14th & 28th October Quiz nights

Get there early to make sure you get a seat. We start at 8.30pm approximately prompt. Fun, food and prizes. A great combination for a great night out.

17th to 19th October inclusive Beer festival

Arrangements are well advanced for this weekend. Come and experience a great variety of beers, from the frivolous to the serious. Give your taste buds a treat.

Tuesday 21st October Tony Green’s Bull’s Eye Show

Come on now! Don’t be shy. We have had one volunteer to play Treena Gulliver and none to play the game.

Tickets are now on sale behind the bar at only £3.00. The last time Tony Green came it was a sell-out. Every one who comes on the night will have a chance to either play the game if they want or challenge Treena if they want, with names being drawn from the hat if there are too many wanting a go.

A TV celebrity and a world champion darts player and a chance to make a name for yourself. Who will take up the challenge?


Saturday 25th October Skittle Marathon

Due to Big Kev’s working rota we have had to change the marathon from 18th to 25th.

Sponsorship forms are now available from behind the bar. This club has a reputation for generosity in supporting Local Children in need. Collect a form and help raise a goodly sum for the twelve hours from 9.00am.

Thursday 20th November Men’s Sport Section Supper

Tickets at £10 each will shortly be available from Pete Kirby or section captains. As our after dinner speaker we are pleased to announce Tommy Smith M.B.E. will be with us along with Pete Lucas, a comedian and vocal star Julie Bateman.

Tickets are initially available to members of the sports sections, but any left over will be available to other male members who wish to come and support the sports sections and help celebrate their efforts and achievements through the year.

Saturday 29th November Children in need Gala

Tickets are now available for this fun night out to raise money for local children in need. This is a varied fun-filled night with entertainment thrown in. Tickets are only £6.00 and we do our best to ensure local children get excellent value for your money.


TV Sport

There is some really big sport coming up over the next couple of months. The Rugby World Cup starts October 10th through to November 22nd. See if England can maintain their terrific form. Then there is the Turkey v England European Championship qualifier on October 11th at 6.00pm. Add to that the full Sky coverage of Premiership Games and the Premiership plus channel, we come up with a pretty full programme of sport entertainment through the winter.

And Finally

It has been a great benefit to the newsletter to receive members’ letters. They have provided entertainment and have balanced up points of view. Please keep them coming, either in response to items or as original ideas you would like published.
Thank you!


November 2003

Kingsley Park Working Men’s Club News November


On Saturday 25th October six of our members, Judi, Val, Sally, Dave, Kev and Steve did a twelve- hour skittles marathon to raise money for Local Children in Need. As they are all modest people we have not given their sir names.

They knocked down a total of 8625 skittles and they did not stop for 12 hours.

The actual sum of sponsored money pledged is over £1500 and an additional £180 was raised on the day through the generosity of folk in the club and penalties the skittlers fined themselves for throwing 5 and under, and issuing the odd expletive.

Also Alan, Brian, Dave and Ramish did a five-hour mini marathon playing cribbage. They raised over £70 and were involved in several heart stopping matches. Of course, none of them used expletives all afternoon and therefore the fines did not apply!!

On Thursday 30th October we held a special sponsored race night in aid of the fund. At the time of going to press this had already raised £144.

Thanks go to all those who took part and those who contributed to this magnificent effort. It is such shows of selflessness that makes this club one to be proud to be a member of. The skittlers have requested that half the money raised be donated to the Paddington Ward at the general hospital. The Committee has agreed to this and we hope shortly to make a presentation in the Club.


Thank you Mr Chancellor!!


How helpful is the Chancellor of the Exchequer? He is always pleading with employers and employees to show restraint in wage awards so that his inflation target of 2.5% can be maintained and then imposes on employers, many of whom can ill afford it, an increase in the minimum wage of a staggering 7.15% as from 1st October.

Those of this club’s employees who are paid above the national minimum wage have all accepted a wage increase of less than the 30 pence an hour increase in the minimum rate, in support of the club and its members.

Even so, the increase would warrant an increase in bar prices about 3 pence a pint. Your Committee has shown absolute resolve in its determination to hold prices until the New Year and hopefully until the round of brewery increases in February 2004.

So we have a situation where the staff is supporting the Club, and the Committee are supporting the members, so the question remains: What can the members do to make this all-round restraint work?

1. From Monday 3rd November for a trial period of three months the bar will be open all day from Monday to Thursday and the price of draught beers and lagers will be reduced by 20 pence per pint from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Monday to Friday inclusive. Come and join us whenever you can. Enjoy an extra cheap drink, good company, perhaps a nice lunch, a game of snooker or just watch the TV and read a paper.
2. From Wednesday 12th November we will be introducing a full bingo session on Wednesday evenings. Instead of our own in-house flyers, we will be playing a National Televised Game open only to Working Men’s Clubs. The weekly jackpot at the moment is in the region of £1500 and rising. The price of the flyers is £1 for six tickets. As a special promotion for the first night only for every ticket bought you will get one free.
3. When you are at a loose end and do not know what to do, the answer is simple – just pop down to the club.

The truth of the matter is that the more members and associates that visit this club for their social times out, the easier it is to hold back bar prices. If there is a reason you do not come, or if there is something you would like to see changed or improved in the club which would tempt you in more often just talk to a member of the Management Committee or the General Secretary. There are no promises that your proposals will be implemented, but they will all be seriously considered and all ideas count!!!

Catering News

The start of a new era

Over the past couple of weeks you will have noticed that the brightly coloured 1st Choice menus are not on display. After just over two years under their banner your management has decided that we should be able to do even better on our own.

We owe an extreme debt of gratitude to 1st choice through Coors brewery. They provided all the initial staff training, setting up advice and menus over the two years. Mind you, it was on our suggestion that they introduced a children’s menu! There can be no doubt however that a great deal of our success has been down to their support in the early days.

Their principles of excellence in cleanliness, service, quality and presentation of food matched to the best possible value for money remain our principles.

To start with there will be not many changes on the surface, but as time goes on there will be a wider variety of meals on offer and we will be able to react much more flexibly to demand.

Christmas Menu

From 1st to 19th December inclusive we are pleased to offer our 3 course Christmas dinner for just £7.75 per head. The detailed menu will shortly be displayed in the club. If you are coming with a party, please book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Party Night

Following last year’s success, we will be holding our Christmas Party Night on Thursday 18th December starting at 8.00pm. The evening will include a 3 course meal with a Disco so that you can dance the food and the night away. The cost is only £10 per head. Entrance is on a pre-booked basis only. Please book your table with Graham by Monday 15th December.



Games News
Congratulations

Kingsley pool team has won the Northampton Town League and G Williams was runner-up in the town league Air-Gun individuals. Absolutely brilliant!! Well done one and all!!

Bring on the kids!

We are looking for volunteers to give children of any age, who have the physical stature or required powers of concentration to cope, the opportunity to learn the games we play in the Club. We are initially thinking of Pool, Skittles, Darts, Snooker, Cribbage and Dominoes.

It is hoped to start early in the new-year with a Saturday games club from 1.00pm to 3.00pm in the afternoon.

We must make an effort to ensure games do not become a thing of the past in our club, and the main way to do this is to get our children enthusiastic at a young age.

If anyone is interested in either training the children or helping out on the afternoon please see the General Secretary as soon as possible so that we can get things moving. Without the help of experienced players this project will not get off the ground.

Thank you.

Entertainment November 2003

Saturday 1st Koko Band 70’s to 90’s
Sunday 2nd Brothers in Soul 60’s to 70’s
Friday 7th Kenny Lavis & The Repo Men Band 60’s to 90’s
Saturday 8th The Graduates Band 60’s
Sunday 9th Taylor Made Band 70’s to 90’s
Friday 14th Groove Jets Duo 60’s to 90’s
Saturday 15th Hot or Wat Band Modern
Sunday 16th Coupe De Ville Trio Rock n Roll, 60’s
Friday 21st Obsession Duo 60’s to 90’s
Saturday 22nd Full Circle Band 70’s to 90’s
Sunday 23rd Pure Dreams All Girl Trio
Friday 28th Time to Meat. Tribute to Meatloaf. With support vocalist Melody Jay.
Saturday 29th Pleasure House Band 70’s to 90’s
Sunday 30th Impromptu Duo 70’s to 90’s

Bingo will be played every Friday night (eyes down 9.00pm) every Sunday night (eyes down 8.45pm) Saturdays 8th & 22nd (eyes down 9.00pm) and Wednesdays 12th, 19th & 26th with the televised national game (eyes down 9.00pm). The doors will open for the Wednesday sessions at 7.45pm


Dates for the diary

Tuesdays 11th & 25th October Quiz Nights

Two more nights of fun, frivolity and brain busting angst ideal for any fun loving masochists. Come and join in the fun. We start at 8.30 pm

Thursday 20th November Men’s Sports Section Supper

The latest report from our Games Section Secretary is that tickets are going better than last year already. Tommy Smith is obviously causing a lot of interest as a topping to what promises to be an excellent evening of eating entertainment and celebration.

Tickets are on sale from Pete Kirby or your games captains at only £10. Come and celebrate your club mates’ efforts and achievements over the last year.

Saturday 29th November Local Children in need Christmas Gala

This year we are having a Motown night with Tony Gee. The Copycats, a great drag, act will also be with us. Add to that a prize raffle, Father Christmas and who knows what else. Add to that that every surplus penny from the evening will go to local children in need. Add to that the tickets are now on sale behind the bar for only £6 each. After you have added all this up, the result must surely be a rush to get your tickets. Please remember that this is an adult only night.

Tuesday 9th December Grand Christmas Draw

The draw will take place at 8.00pm with a top prize of £1000, second prize of £500 and third prize of £300 plus many more prizes of spirits, electrical goods and who knows what else.

Tickets are on sale now. If you do miss this one you could miss out - Big Time!

Thursday 11th December Senior Citizen’s Christmas Free-n-Easy

Tickets will be available from Brian Dolby from 3rd November onwards. There is a £5 deposit payable that will be refunded on attendance. This has always proved a popular night, so see Brian as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss out as numbers are strictly limited.

Saturday 20th December Children’s Pantomime

This year we are proud to present Chaplin’s Pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Tickets will be available shortly. Date and times will be on the posters. Please remember that numbers are limited and be sure to get in quick for your child to have a chance to see this free show. Because of its
tremendous popularity tickets are restricted to the children and grandchildren of members only.

VANDALISM

What is clever about vandalising toilets? What is clever about stripping wallpaper off walls? What is clever about deliberately spreading chewing gum on carpets? What is clever about deliberately vandalising seating?

The answer is absolutely nothing!! These constantly occurring mindless acts are the acts of a small minority of mindless people, not all of them children!

Please help by bringing to the attention of Committeemen or the Secretary anyone you see deliberately setting out to ruin your club. This behaviour will not be tolerated.

And finally

It is with great regret that we announce the retirement of Dave Halliday as a Trustee of the Club. Dave has been on the Committee for seventeen years without a break. With an ever-increasing workload in his day job he feels unable to do justice to his responsibilities as a Trustee. His constant presence, dry wit, and carefully measured contributions to management meetings will be sorely missed. On behalf of the members and Management Committee, thank you Dave for your loyalty and unfailing friendship to the Club over so many years that we know will continue.

A special meeting is being called for Sunday 16th November at 11.45am to appoint a replacement Trustee. A formal notice may be seen on the notice board in the Foyer and main bar


December 2003

Kingsley Park Working Men’s Club News December 2003

The CIU in deep grief!!

Our May newsletter reported two major setbacks for the CIU’s finances and future at its Annual General Meeting in Blackpool. The Union wanted to make the purchase of pass cards compulsory and give ladies the right to hold associate and pass cards. Both of these motions were narrowly defeated.

Because of the extreme urgency of addressing the finances of the Union a special national meeting was called on 1st November. The National Executive decided that the only item on the agenda should be the making compulsory of pass cards. Busloads of delegates came to the meeting with the sole purpose of ensuring that their members should not be forced to pay £2.00 per year that is needed to ensure the vital services supplied by the CIU are maintained.

These short sighted and ill-informed delegates easily won the day on a show of hands. It would be a waste of time to analyse why things went so badly wrong. Over the coming months, as a direct result of this decision, we will be seeing unpalatable actions issuing from the Union’s head office as the Union is now into a fight for survival.

It should be stressed that these problems will have no impact on this club’s day-to-day life in the short to medium term. However, if the fight is lost, the benefits we as members enjoy in our special status as non-profit making clubs will be in severe jeopardy.

In December this year elections are being held for the National Executive. Your Management Committee feels that new blood is needed on the Executive. They, together with three other Clubs in Northampton, have nominated Barry Slasberg as the representative for the South East Midlands Branch in the hope that, as a serving Secretary with first hand knowledge of Clubs and their problems, he will be able to make a positive contribution to getting things back on an even keel.

Barry’s Comment

I am honoured by the nomination, but that is a long way from being elected!

I assure all members of this club that, if elected, my commitment to Kingsley Park WMC as its General Secretary will not in any way be diminished.

Festive Season Entertainment

24th December In the bar Three Penny Bit (Band)
In the Concert Room Skyline (Band)
26th December Lunch In the bar Groove Jets (Duo)
In the Concert Room Paul Duncan Road Show (Disco)
26th December Night In the bar Krys (Band)
In the Concert Room Tony Gee Disco
31st December In the bar Platinum Jar (Band)
In the Concert Room Apollo Disco




Entertainment December 03

Friday 5th Freeway Band 60’s to 90’s
Saturday 6th Sorted Band 60’s to 90’s
Sunday 7th Two C.H.E. Great Duo
Friday 12th Easy Band 60’s & 70’s
Saturday 13th Jels Male& Female Duo
Sunday 14th Two C-T Fantastic Duo
Friday 19th U-B-4-T Tribute Band
Saturday 20th To be arranged
Sunday 21st Burglar’s Dog Male Duo 70’s to 90’s
Saturday 27th Desire Group 70’s to 90’s
Sunday 28th Avant Garde Brilliant Duo

Bingo will be played Wednesdays 3rd 10th & 17th including the national flyer. Eyes down 9.00pm
Fridays 5th 12th & 19th . Eyes down 9.00pm
Saturdays 6th 20th & 27th . Eyes down 9.00pm
Sundays 7th 14th 21st & 28th eyes down 8.45pm

Welfare Section

All people who have been financial members of Kingsley Park Working Men’s Club for at least twelve months are welcome to join the welfare section.

From January 2004 the subscription will be £4.00.

The benefits are: -

Sickness pay for time off work of £15.00 per week up to a maximum of eight weeks a year subject to doctor’s certification and certain limitation for long-term sickness. For members joining in 2004, no benefits will be payable until 2005.

Senior Citizen’s payout of £15 per quarter payable to all members over 65. this becomes payable after five years membership of the section.

The Section also runs the tote. This is open to all members and associates. The numbers are drawn Sunday lunchtimes with the exception of 21st December when there is no tote drawn.

The Welfare Committee sits in the main bar every Friday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm and Sunday from noon to 1.00pm.

D Yates
(Welfare Secretary)

Festive Season Opening Times

The club will be open the following times over the Christmas/ New Year period

The Bar

Tuesday 23rd December 11.00am to 11.00pm
Wednesday 24th December 11.00am to 11.30pm
Thursday 25th December 11.00am to 1.30pm
Friday 26th December 11.00am to 11.00pm
Saturday 27th December 11.00am to 11.00pm
Sunday 28th December Noon to 10.30pm
Monday 29th December 11.00am to 11.00pm
Tuesday 30th December 11.00am to 11.00pm
Wednesday 31st December 11.00am to 1.00am
Thursday 1st January Noon to 11.00pm

The Kitchen

The kitchen will be closed for the following sessions: -

Wednesday 24th December Evening session
Thursday 25th December All day
Friday 26th December All day
Wednesday 31st December Evening session
Thursday 1st January All day

A limited supply of sandwiches, rolls and cold snacks will be available at lunchtimes on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Subscriptions 2004

In accordance with Club rules all subscriptions should be paid by 28th January 2004.

The subscription rates as agreed at this year’s A.G.M. are as follows: -

Men £4.50
Men Senior Citizens £4.00
Men Life Members £2.00
Ladies £1.50

Payment times in January 2004 are as follows: -

Sundays 4th 11th 18th & 25th 11.00am to 1.00pm
Mondays 5th 12th 19th & 26th 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Tuesdays 6th 13th 20th & 27th 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Wednesdays 7th 14th 21st & 28th 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Fridays 9th 16th & 23rd 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Saturdays 10th 17th & 24th 11.30am to 1.00pm

If subscriptions are not paid by this date, members become members in arrears and are not able to use the Club facilities. They do however have a further 28 days in which to pay their subscription after which they cease to be members of the Club.

To help jog memories there will be a card show from 29th January 2004 to 28th February 2004 inclusive. During this period every person entering the club shall be required to show their membership cards every time they enter the club. No 2004 pass cards will mean no entry. Bona fide guests and associate members with 2004 pass cards will be welcome.

There will be restricted times in February to pay subs that will be posted on the notice board.

This information is given in the hope that nobody will have to be refused entry because of non-payment of subscriptions.

Well-done Dave Birch!! Our intrepid treasurer has this year passed the Union exams in bookkeeping and, having passed the law exam last year, is now the proud holder of the Club Management Diploma. He can now sign himself as D T Birch CMD. To get this qualification takes a lot of hard work, dedication and nerve for sitting exams. You have done yourself and your club proud Dave. In recognition of the achievement Dave has been granted Life Membership of Kingsley Park Working Men’s Club by the Management Committee: a tribute well earned.

Congratulations also go to Ramesh Chudasama on his election as a Trustee. Ramesh has served on the Finance Committee for almost five years. Ramesh is no wallflower and his enquiring mind and searching questions over that time have been most valuable in the running of finances of the Club. No doubt, this attitude will be carried to his new post where it will be equally welcome.

Games News

Congratulations to Sharon Billingham on scoring one hundred and eighty in a recent ladies darts league match. May this be the first of many now she knows how it is done.

The Pool team has done us proud again this year having won the town league.

The Air-Gun team has come second in the town league again. It seems like always the bridesmaid but never the bride. Until next year!!!!

Non-Smoking Area

Following a request from a member, it has been decided by the Management Committee that the section of the lounge furthest from the bar shall be a non-smoking area at all times. This is an extension of the current limitation which to date has only been in force when food was being served.

Your cooperation in observing this arrangement in consideration of non-smokers in the club would be very much appreciated.

Dates for the Diary

Thursday 4th December Race Night

It is the sport of kings. So why don’t you come with your queens and enjoy a right royal bonanza. The first race is about 8.30pm and is a perfect chance to declare the opening of the sprint to Christmas.

Tuesday 9th December Grand Christmas Draw

The draw will take place at 8.00pm. Come along and see if your ticket is drawn for £1000 first prize or any of the other numerous prizes, some of which are quite special!!

Thursday 11th December Senior Citizen’s Free-n-Easy

Tickets are still available from Brian Dolby if you want to come to this annual party. Judging by previous events, everyone who comes will have a good time. There is £5 deposit which will be refunded on the evening to those who attend.

Tuesday 16th December Quiz Night

Only one this month, but we thought you would rather this than cancelling Christmas. We will try and make it a little different this time in the spirit of the season. We start at 8.30pm

Thursday 18th December Christmas party Night

For just £10 per head you can enjoy a three course Christmas dinner and a disco. Entrance is on a pre-booked basis only. Please see Graham, our Steward, to make the booking. Last year was a great success; so should this year be. Go on, pamper yourselves!!

Saturday 20th December Children’s Pantomime

You were warned in the last letter to get your tickets early. Obviously the warning was heeded as all tickets have been distributed. We are sorry for any children who have missed out on this great afternoon of entertainment.

Monday1st to Friday 19th inclusive Christmas dinner being served

You really will kick yourself if you do not set aside one day for this three-course meal for only £7.50. It is available seven days a week. Try one and you might not be able to resist coming back for another.

Member’s Complaint

Mr K Williams has written a complaint about the election of Trustee for which he has requested a response in the newsletter. So that readers may be fully aware of the total content of Mr William’s letter a photocopy follows this paragraph followed by the Secretary’s response as requested together with the response of the Committee.

Herewith is the Secretary’s response to Mr William’s letter of 17th November 03.

1. Concerning item 1. Mr Chudasama did write to the management before the meeting to state his willingness to stand. In hindsight, it would have been better if the letter had been read out, but the fact that it was not has no bearing on the validity of the election.
2. Concerning item 2. This item has no impact on the election. However, whilst Union Rules may permit one person to hold two posts, our club rules specifically do not allow this, as it would result in less than the specified number of people being on the Committee.
3. Concerning item 3. At least one person arrived after the start of the meeting and was allowed to vote. Those who were not allowed to vote tried to enter the room whilst counting of the vote was in progress. Neither I nor the Chairman of the meeting were aware of these attempted late arrivals. Had the Chairman been aware he would have confirmed the ruling that as voting had already started they could not join the meeting.

My response as Secretary to all the points of complaint is that they are without foundation. In my opinion the election was carried out both to the letter and in the spirit of our rules.

Regarding Mr William’s two pennorth, I would answer as follows. The count of members was taken at the beginning of the meeting, and additional votes were allowed to those arriving before the counting started. It is not correct that one Trustee counted one candidate’s votes and one the other. Both counted both, and both testify that they agreed the count as published. It was interesting to note that Mr Williams did not use his vote to vote for himself as allowed by the rules.

It is good to see that there is no animosity towards Mr Chudasama from Mr Williams.

Finally, as a Secretary of 20 years standing, Mr Williams must have been fully aware that if he was not satisfied with any procedures at the meeting he was entitled to raise the matter there and then on points of order. In other words his problems with the meeting’s organisation could have been sorted on the spot. The fact that he decided to wait until after the meeting only makes his motive for creating this spectacle subject to speculation.

Barry Slasberg

Committee Response

Having thoroughly reviewed the procedures followed at the meeting to elect a Trustee, the Committee is unanimous in its conclusion that the election was run in accordance with Club rules. The Secretary has properly fulfilled his obligations and there is no case for any form of reprimand.


And Finally

On a happier note, the Committee would like to wish all Members, Associates and Guests who have used the Club during 2003, a very happy Christmas, and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.