We have decided to cancel the planned meeting for this week and bring forward the AGM. Over last few weeks the Management Committee and I have presented our recent set of accounts to a number of sections of the club. We wanted to share, in an open forum, the fact that our finances are not in a strong position and that we need to focus on how we can take the club forward in a stable and resilient way.

We also wanted to share our vision for ‘One Club’ - in which we all work together to help our wonderful club have a bright future. I was delighted that many of these meetings finished very positively. A great deal of support and enthusiasm to help was forthcoming from players and volunteers alike. Following these meetings it was our intention to present to the whole club at an EGM this week.

However, it has become clear that some members would prefer to put forward somebody else as Chairman and replace the Management Committee. From a constitutional point of view it therefore makes sense to cancel the scheduled EGM on Wednesday the 18th of April and bring forward the AGM that was scheduled for June.

At that meeting I will put myself up for re-election. Others who may wish to stand will have the opportunity to do so, and to present their vision for the club and leadership team. To be clear, I have no intention of stepping down but if the members vote for change then quite rightly I will completely accept the democratic decision and help that person if requested to do so for the benefit of the club. Work will take place to ensure that the calling notice is accurate and sent out in good time.

The support so many members have given the management committee has been truly magnificent - thank you. And as we draw to the end of the season I am proud of many things:

We have winning teams that great players want to be part of.
Our M&J squads give kids the best start in life - the festival today was an amazing example of what we can achieve.
Every one of our volunteers does an amazing job and we would be nothing without them.
The club has a rich heritage that we are rightly proud of.
And finally everyone has a part to play in making the club the success it is.

The long term future of the club for many generations is what is important now, and as soon as the AGM date is announced I would ask each of you to try and be present to play a crucial role in the future of your club.

Thank you, and I am sorry if the late the cancellation has caused you inconvenience.

Best wishes

Steve