Big decision needed from members
As members are only too well aware, we have been having trouble over recent months getting the hotel to commit to a definite day each week when we can meet.
Ideally, we would like to meet on Wednesdays and in the past, we have moved around from room to room to accommodate the hotel’s needs for function rooms.
This year, given the high demand for rooms (and a shortage while the Amora remains closed, and with the Sofitel shut for a long period), we’ve had to cancel meetings or meet on a Tuesday. Very unsatisfactory for members.
The bad news is that the Intercontinental tells us it’s not likely to get any better next year. Our most recent discussions with their representatives have confirmed that the same problems of not being able to guarantee a room each week will continue into the new year.
Put simply, the problem from their side is we don’t pay for the meeting room, and with the shortage of function rooms around the town, the hotel would like to rent out the space at commercial rates. We have been asked if we would like to pay those rates, or take some other course of action.
So, at our next meeting - Wednesday 13 December, the last for the year, I am really keen to get members’ views on what we should do now.
Christopher Robertson, who is our point man with the hotel, will make a short presentation about the options we have, following his considerable discussions with the Intercontinental Hotel, and also with an alternative venue. We will discuss those options and I will ask for a show of hands of members’ preferences.
Your board is meeting on Monday 18 December, and will decide then what is to happen, as the new arrangements will apply from when we resume meetings in 2018.
Currently the first meeting of 2018 is set down for 24 January (subject to confirmation), although we will meet informally at Arabica the week prior – as usual.
I am asking that each and every member make a big effort to come to the club meeting on 13 December. The decision we have to make really is an important one.
.JPG)
