At the financial year end it is appropriate to provide an update on management and staffing issues over the past six months.
In November 2021 Martin Hothersall resigned as Chairman and Treasurer and within a month Louise Williams, resigned as Financial Manager. Although the two were not connected, taking account of the commitment and long service of both individuals, it brought about the end of a period of stability.
Hugh Duckworth was appointed as Chairman and Paul Carroll as Treasurer. The prompt and successful appointment of a replacement Financial Manager in January was regrettably short lived. Sharon Judge resigned as Office Administrator in the same month.
There followed a period of inadequate management cover, particularly in respect of the finance and marketing functions. Ciara Jones, partner of Chris Taylor, provided efficient temporary cover for the role of Office Administrator until the end of May.
Glenn Jones was appointed as Assistant Chef to Allan Nutter in March. The recruitment of additional members to the hospitality team remains an ongoing challenge.
During May, Michelle Grindrod was appointed as Finance and Commercial Manager and Lisa Tiernan as Office Administrator – both on fixed term contracts, allowing the opportunity to review roles and plan the management structure going forward. Michelle and Lisa are settling in well and liaising effectively with Victoria Yu, Operations Manager.
It is hoped members will welcome Michelle and Lisa, and offer full support to Victoria and the hospitality team.
Finally Richard Ellis has stood down from his role as General Manager, having returned in a part-time temporary role to manage the club through the post pandemic period, and most recently covering the role of accountant. Once again the Management Committee is indebted to Richard for his commitment to the club.
HUGH DUCKWORTH – Chairman
