Dear All,

It has been heartening to welcome gradually increasing numbers of players back to the club over recent weeks. At our meeting last night, the committee decided that as from Monday 23 May, mask-wearing will no longer be mandatory at the club. Our directors and other staff will continue to use them however, and we recommend that players do likewise as the most effective way to protect both themselves and others. Please continue to stay away from the club if you feel at all unwell and observe robust hygiene practices when you do attend.

As we face the challenges of COVID, the people of Ukraine continue to suffer the ravages of war. Thank you very much to those of you who contributed to the recent collection to help those affected by the conflict. Over $600 was raised and this has been forwarded to the appeal organiser to assist the Ukranian refugees as they arrive in New Zealand. Our thanks also go to Luba Roth for alerting us to this particular appeal.

Meanwhile, maintenance of the club has been an ongoing process. Two bollards have been installed under the entrance portico to help prevent service vehicles and other oversized traffic from travelling too close to the central concrete circle and damaging the upper part of the structure. Our thanks go to Hedley Bamford for carrying out this work. We are also investigating the installation of more robust permanently-attached bikestands at the rear of the building to help prevent theft. Work will also begin soon on cleaning out the spouting and downpipes on our building to remove the potential for blockages and leaking.

To help with the various demands that running a large club entails, the committee has filled the vacancy which has existed since the AGM, by co-opting Ian Southen as a member. Ian will have responsibility for the Tournament Portfolio and will liaise closely with our Head Director, David Stephen. This will enable us to collate and process feedback from events and continue to improve upon their delivery.

Take care everyone,

Marilyn Copland,

Club President.