There have been several occasions over time when I have sought to understand the reasons for a chronically low turn-out at the Town Arms on club nights. More often than not, the response has been that if some suitable entertainment was provided, then people would come. In reply to this, I have said that the Committee would be very happy to invite guest speakers and arrange other activities but there was no likelihood of such invitations being extended if there was not a probability of a worthwhile number of members supporting these occasions. Last night's monthly gathering was an excellent demonstration of this chicken/egg situation.
Gordon went to considerable trouble to arrange a talk given by a member of the Freewheelers about his association and the important work it does. Despite plenty of advance notice and Gordon having circulated many leaflets advertising the event, only a thirteen people (and two of them were women pressed into service!) bothered to turn up; even the pub dogs were absent on this occasion. I found having to apologise for this lamentable attendance to "Freewheeling Rob" who had ridden to us from Bideford to be an embarrassing experience - one which should have been wholly unnecessary.
The purpose of my comments should be obvious so I shall not labour the point; a word to the wise should be sufficient but as I have said on past occasions, the quality and frequency of club night diversions rests with the membership. It's up to you.
Nevertheless, we were able to make a useful donation to the Frewheelers' coffers and enjoyed an interesting introduction to their work.
