The representation of a particular period as a 'watershed' is often quite dangerous, as one normally needs a certain amount of time to elapse before reaching such a view (an Historian speaking!). However, it is with a certain degree of confidence that I apply this word to our Club's last financial year. After two very difficult years, in which your Committee had to work overtime, and consistently so, to ensure viability and a strong future for the Club, we have now found ourselves on a very sound financial footing. We have an excellent new manager in the form of Mr Thomas O'Gorman, of whom so many members have said so many good things, and who has settled in remarkably quickly since his move here from the Public Schools Club. He has brought some most interesting and valuable changes to the way in which the Club functions, and has introduced a Chef to us who produces a first-rate menu.
Our membership is growing, but at the (we hope entirely palatable!) expense of diminishing returns from membership fees; the result of our having revised downward our membership dues and widened the range of more affordable annual fees, so that we can attract members from the full cross-section of the University community. A very great plus in that respect is the financial involvement and most welcome support we are receiving from the Chancellery of the University. This has allowed potentially the entire postgraduate student population of the University to enjoy our facilities through the highly subsidised membership open to it. I am pleased to announce that a very healthy proportion of that population has taken this up, and is making full use of the Club. Our sincere thanks, therefore, are due to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) for their involvement and assistance. Our thanks too to the President of the PGSA and her Committee for the sterling work they are doing in meshing the Postgraduate student life with that of our Club. The level of co-operation and common purpose between so many branches of the University's community is really most promising for our future as an important and valuable University Institution!
Finally, I would like to say that a vote of thanks should be expressed to the Club Staff, who have all done so much to help us to arrive at the watershed I mentioned earlier. Their loyalty, good spirits and friendliness helps to complete the process of making the Club what it is today - an immensely attractive environment within which to work, rest and play. And in doing so, I would also like to thank the members of your Committee, who have done an excellent job in steering the Club to calmer waters. Although the Committee as a whole has done terrific work in this respect, I would like to make a special note here of the Honorary Treasurer, Paquita Bulbeck, and Committee Members Greg de Cure and Ray Choate, who have devoted much time. and great energy to allow me to offer such a positive report to you.
Felix Patrikeeff
(Chair)
29 May 2003
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