Chairman’s
I
t is 13th January and I have abandoned my car at Blacknest Gate in the snow and am now, like an Everest Sherpa, making my way slowly through the Great Park, trying to keep to the Tarmac road under a foot of snow. The Clubhouse is in sight, but it is hard to believe that the first chukkas of 2010 are programmed for just 12 weeks hence. I worry alone, following a meeting with the Grounds Committee who tell me that all is well under the snow – in fact it is much to the grass’s liking!
But looking back to 2009, we had a really good season providing excellent playing surfaces, allowing fast, safe polo and, thankfully, no serious accidents to neither ponies nor players. With our new Clubhouse, opened by Her Majesty The Queen last April, and the refurbishment of the Royal Box, the social side of the Club looks very sharp and I am delighted that members like it. The only complaint has been the slow refilling speed of the cisterns in the ladies’ loos! Charlie drolly told me that if that was the Chairman’s main problem, there was room for a staff cut!
So your Club is in good order and it is thanks to your continued support and loyalty. There is no denying that the financial downturn is having an adverse effect on our 2010 profit forecast but we had expected that. On the positive side, we are displaying no slowdown in our development of the Flemish Farm grounds and our non-playing membership grows apace. I cannot expect a similar growth in the expensive playing members’ figures, but I am very confident that our playing membership will increase over time.
What I find very cheering is being Chairman of a Club that hugely values our Royal connection, our position in the Great Park and the association with Guards. I find no one who doesn’t share my pride in belonging to Guards Polo Club. There is no denying though that we have got to work at our Club. We must fill our stands on the “big” days, we must increase our use of the Dining Room of the Clubhouse and we
12 | GUARDS POLO CLUB OFFICIAL YEARBOOK 2010
Foreword
must use it for our private occasions. This has already happened and I think that those who attended a wedding reception in the Clubhouse last year would agree that it would be hard to find a more peaceful, safe and beautiful setting. The same I felt was experienced at our first Carol Service, attended by 150 members, and I would hope, many more next year. I am also expecting to read in 2010 some praiseworthy press comment about Guards Clubhouse. This year is the 50th anniversary of The Queen’s Cup and we will be celebrating this on semi-finals Day with a Dinner Party. This will be well advertised and open to all categories of membership, but numbers will have to be restricted to about 160 so please book early.
...the social side of the Club looks very sharp and I am delighted that the members like it...
Finally, a word on all our staff. Under Charlie’s guidance, I cannot recall a more harmonious group of people. The permanent staff look exactly that, with many returning year-on-year. Our sub- committees have never been more energetic or determined either to get their particular responsibilities right. So to everyone who keep Guards at the very top of the pack, thank you and you give me great confidence that when I give The President his briefing next week I can speak with confidence and pride.
May we all have a most excellent season in 2010.
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