At the EGM on 3rd November the financial position of the Club was stated. In order for the Club to continue operating for the duration of 2010, it was stated that 1,100 members would be required. This number has been subsequently revised to 900 due to anticipated cost savings. Details of these savings can be found in the Committee meeting minutes (available here). However, this membership level would result in the Club going in to 2010 with a manageable £35,000 debt. Membership levels below this number would result in an operation with spiralling debt and inevitable closure, this being an unacceptable way forward.

On November 23, the Committee met to determine if the membership levels had reached 900 and therefore if the Club could remain open. Unfortunately, the current membership level stands at 749, this is 150 short of the target, leaving the Club with a forecast debt of £70,000. Therefore, the Club will need to close at the end of the year.

However, during the Committee meeting, it was clear that the Committee members felt that many former members had not renewed their membership and were waiting for the New Year, and that there are most likely other people ready to sign up as new members.

The Committee agreed to allow a further 7 days to sign up 150 more members. This number will be monitored daily. On November 30 the Committee will meet again. If 150 or more new members are signed up the Club will remain open. Sadly if this number is even one shy of 150, the Club will close.

The Committee agreed to use the notice board in reception to place a tally to monitor progress.

The Committee has pledged to use every resource to sign up members, you are urged to help them and the Club by doing the same - they need your help.

Rajeev Gupte
Head of Communications
Platform Solutions
BAE Systems

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