WELLINGTON and District Conservative Club, on the brink of closure 12 months ago, looks set for a much better year after holding its annual meeting at the club last Saturday - an event attended by 52 members.

The President of the club, Roger Lane, opened the meeting and said the last two years had been a difficult time for everyone due to the pandemic. However, from the club’s perspective there is hope around the corner. Last month, in particular, had seen a return to near normality.

Members were asked to stand for a minute’s silence in memory of those members who had departed in the last year.

The minutes of the previous AGM were approved by the members and signed by the President. Roger then handed over to the Chairman, Sam Berg, for his report.

Sam opened his report by stating that the committee were making good progress, particularly in the area of club governance. He said the current steward had tendered his resignation to pursue other opportunities and that while they were sad to see him go, the committee and members wished hime (Wayne) all the best in his future endeavours. Recruitment for the steward’s role has gone well. A job offer has been made and accepted and the new steward and his wife should be in place in late April. The committee were very excited about this new chapter in the club’s life, particularly as it is anticipated that the kitchen will reopen.

Sam went on to thank the House Committee for the tremendous amount of work that has been carried out on the fabric of the building, thanking Derrick and Andy for their efforts.

He stated that opening hours should increase shortly as more staff came on board, acknowledging that members want to see the club open on Sundays and lunchtimes, including the hope that lunches would soon be on offer.

The committee was still short of members and they still need a secretary; while all the committee members were very active and working hard, Sam encouraged anyone interested in serving on the Committee to step forward.

A new officer role of Membership/Communications Officer has been created, formalising the work that Pete (Reading) had been doing, to reduce the workload of the secretary role when that position is filled.

A new fundraising sub-committee had been created with the remit to raise funds to enhance the club décor and improve the member experience.

Supplier contracts are under review, with the brewery contract already having been considered and recently awarded to St Austell Brewery.

Sam thanked the membership for supporting the necessary increase in membership subscription fees at the Special General Meeting held last year.

He mentioned that the new parking system has not necessarily been welcomed by some, but it had been welcomed by many, particularly those who pay for permits who know now that the system won’t be abused by those that don’t pay.

The committee was working hard to finalise the club’s events in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee and in conjunction with the town’s events.

The primary events will be on Saturday, June 4, and doors will be opened to the public during the day.  The club was planning a Super Meat Draw followed by 1950s dance lessons & music.  There is also music planned for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Volunteers were required and requested leading up to and on the day, to work with the fundraising and social committees to help decorate, be present to welcome and sign in members of the public and generally celebrate the service of the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom’s history.

If anyone would like to get involved with the Jubilee celebrations, contact [email protected].

Sam wrapped up his report by looking forward to a successful future for the Club.

Pete Reading