CEO report - AGM 2015
About a year ago I said that we were going to deliver on the second phase of the work on our facilities, the extension of the Clubhouse.
Even though I have been involved from the outset I find it difficult to believe just how far we have come in such a short time.
We now have facilities the envy of all visitors and I am confident better than the vast majority of English hockey clubs.
We have had some well – publicised problems over the Summer but are working on preventing those reoccurring. We are supported in all those matters by Culture & Leisure and I intend to work hard to make sure that doesn’t change with the proposed new structure in the States.
Rob has already referred to the new administrator who has been appointed and will be a big part of the Club, building on the great work of others and not least Sally Bushell. For someone nominally with a Junior Development role, Sally picked up and dealt with so many other things around Guernsey Hockey for which she has all our thanks. That is not meant to suggest she is no longer involved, rather it is an acknowledgement and thanks for all she has done. I am pleased to say she is continuing in her Junior Development role and as part of the Junior Committee.
I am sure you will all agree that the Bar has been a great success over the last year, thanks to the work of Kristy and others, not least Andy Orme. The hours they put in here are just part of their contribution. Any ideas for promoting use (and of course revenue) are very welcome.
We want the Club to be used for and by the members, and as before we need your support to make it work. We want you to use and enjoy these great facilities, on and off the new pitch, so please do.
You have already seen the questionnaire that we circulated to all members, which we asked for replies and comments ahead of the AGM. I am pleased to say we have already had a number but that does not mean you have missed your chance. We want to hear from as many of you as possible.
I don’t intend us to rest on what we have achieved but to continue to develop and promote hockey. I would hope we can get more people playing, whether returning or new, and build up the number of teams and opportunities. All of that though is in your hands as we need your support and involvement.
I don’t intend GHB to become an unwieldy bureaucracy, but if we are to develop as we could (some might say should) that will mean some committee and other organizational involvement. In general we are volunteers and we need more if we are to carry on progressing.
Guernsey Hockey is well respected and admired for what it has already done both on and off island, so let’s ensure that continues.
There will be some costs involved but I am sure all will agree that so long as there are results and the costs are explained, they are justified.
We have managed to achieve all we have recently despite the current economic climate. I am sure we would not be able to do so again, so part of the future is preparing for the next pitch and clubhouse work. If we don’t recognize now the need to consider and plan that will never happen.
Enough gloom for now. I am confident that with your support Guernsey Hockey will continue to build and be something all of us, and lots of others want to be part of.
I hope you all feel as positive and enthusiastic about what we have done and what we can do as I am.