“Message from The Chairman.
Dear Fellow Members,
Greetings again from the Antipodes!🦘🦘🦘
As we draw 2022 to a close it is perhaps an opportune time to reflect on what has proved to be a challenging year both globally and for us, more closer to home. Just when we were seeing a recovery from the privations of COVID-19, we have seen a Russian invasion and subsequent repulse from Ukraine with the conflict still continuing. A dramatic economic downturn at home with rising prices not least of all within the energy sector having a considerable impact on us all! If that wasn’t enough, we have recently been enduring considerable disruption nationally with ongoing strikes and industrial disputes.
Closer to home we have faired somewhat better, but even then we have not been immune from these external influences. As you are aware we recently had to take the difficult decision to look towards closing the Club and thereby facilitating the sale of our building to relieve the Branch of the burden of ongoing maintenance and sustainability. Clearly, not a proposal that was not made without some considerable soul-searching and indeed sleepless nights by your stalwart committee member volunteers, who must be congratulated for having worked tirelessly throughout the year to build on the efforts of their predecessors in keeping the Branch thriving and in preparing it for an exciting time ahead.
Whilst we look forward to 2023 and the challenges that there will undoubtedly be, I would like to take this opportunity to remember the members and friends who we sadly lost in 2022 and who are no longer with us. Particularly, this is perhaps a poignant time for their family members who continue to mourn their loss? If it is of any comfort, they may be gone, but certainly not forgotten.
I believe that with your continuing support, the year 2023 will prove to be a special milestone in moving the RAFA Newark and District Branch forward where we are unconstrained in refocusing our charitable aims and efforts for the benefit of you our members!
Happy New Year to you and your families.
Yours sincerely,
Allan Hildage
Chairman
RAFA Newark & District Branch. 1st January 2023”
