PRESIDENTS OVERALL REVIEW OF 2022/23
There is always a difficulty in writing a review like this: being accused of taking credit for everything that went well and passing on the blame for anything that went badly. This is just my honest try at summing up the 2022/23 year in as impartial a way as possible; focussing on the Club overall and leaving the individual officers and chairs of committees to fill the details.
As always there have been notable successes, as well as a few things that could have gone better. But overall, a successful year!
We have recruited 4 new full members and 1 associate; all of them younger and more active that some, but not all, of us. Given that most clubs are having difficulties in this area - a very welcome achievement that bodes well for our future.
We go into 2023/24 and 2024/25 with a capable, enthusiastic and experienced ‘management team’.
Attendances at our meetings is stable and at a sustainable level. We have had a wide range of interesting speakers and events. Our move to Middlemore, though forced on us, has been widely accepted as an overall better venue, especially as regards the food.
All these successes are clearly visible; what is less obvious, but I think widely appreciated, is an ongoing transition to a less formal and more action-focussed way of organising and working day-to-day.
All this has only been possible by the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of the officers and committee chairs; we all thank them – their efforts are very much appreciated.
There is only one overall area where we have been less successful that we would have wished: we have not been able to find more worthwhile community projects to spend our time and money on. We end the year with a large war chest of money waiting to be well and wisely spent; something positive for the future but a shame that it has not already been put to good use.
Finally, a big thank you from me for all the support you have given me; very much appreciated.
Thank you,
Jim Shoesmith
President of RCoDD 2022/23