I have enjoyed my ten year period on Committee but am
stepping down now to make way for someone else to run the Secretarial tasks in
this new regime of P2P.
Most of you will see P2P as a seamless change but I can
assure you it is not for those on Committee.
The administrative workload for me and others has increased
significantly in the lead-up to P2P and is likely to ramp up more now that it
comes into force. We are most fortunate to have Malcolm’s IT expertise to
enable us to conform to the onerous tasks in reporting members details and
results to the EBU - in order that they
can charge us more for the privilege of doing so!
Sylvia’s contribution as Chairman also needs special
accolade. She works tirelessly to cope
with problems unrelated to the game of bridge –not least a rebellious
Secretary, protests by members and even complaints from parents of ballet
school pupils. She is the model of diplomacy and I so admire her calm approach.
Sylvia has extended her 3-year tenure as Chairman for one year because of my
resignation but she will be a hard act to follow when she steps down next year.
How she manages to play bridge and win regularly under such pressure is quite
remarkable.
There are, of course, still the many willing helpers who
set up tables, and distribute paperwork before play and the club depends on
them too. Once again, thanks to Mary,
Helen, Ann and Sylvia who helped me with the Christmas party food and to George
for his great service. I think George has missed only one Tuesday in the seven
years with us - when he was in hospital.
My best wishes to all members for the 2010/11 bridge year
and, in particular, I wish every success to those players who will represent
the Mayfield next year in both the National & County competitions.
Please keep the Secretary informed throughout the year of
any change in address, telephone or your email address. As with all
organisations, the Committee aims to use e-mail as much as possible to reduce
the paperwork and postage costs.
Thank you all for your support to me as Secretary over the
last 5 years. I know that the proposed successor for my role will do a fine job
for the Club - and I look forward very much to handing over the files after the
AGM.
Rosemary Rice
Hon. Secretary