26/04/2026
I’m sorry Abbie, that is an incorrect statement. I was Secretary of the Club for 40 years until I retired from the post just over two years ago. At the last two AGM’s that I chaired I highlighted in the ‘Secretary’s Report’ that the. Club was losing money and needed the support of its Members, I also highlighted the consequences if the trend continued. This was verified by the Clubs accountants in a letter which always accompanies their annual financial report. The financial report and the Accountants letter was read to the meeting, so everyone who attended the AGM was fully aware of the financial situation. Unfortunately, out of a Membership of approximately 750 people at that time, only 35 people attended, which has been the average attendance over the last few years.
In addition to the meeting, the Club accounts are posted in the Club room for a minimum of 10 days prior to the AGM in accordance with Club rules, consequently Members had every opportunity to peruse the financial report and see for themselves the state of play. Members were also aware that I was available at any time to answer any questions they may have.
The last two AGM’s that Tracey chaired, she followed exactly the same format because I trained her in the duties. Sadly, Tracey has been receiving some Godawful abuse on social media. Not only is this very hurtful for her, it is also unwarranted and unfounded. In my honest opinion she has been doing an excellent job in testing and impossible circumstances.
Sadly emotions are masking the actual reality of the situation and much of the criticism is borne out of ignorance of the facts.
Several people have also commented that should I have still been in charge it wouldn’t have happened and I would have found ways to keep the Club open. Whilst their comments are flattering, I’m afraid their trust in me is misplaced. The Club has gone from a worrying situation to a critical situation in such a short time, even with my 40 years experience I could not have saved the Club faced with the financial Tsunami that Tracey and the Committee have been subjected to.
I hope I have gone some way in explaining an alternative view of the situation and perhaps made you and anyone else reading this response a little more aware and go some way to stopping some of the disgraceful abuse that Tracey is being subjected to. Although I no longer have anything to do with the business side of the Club, I am more than happy to answer answer any questions you may have. Best wishes Ray Singleton.
