AS the saying goes: there's a right time for everything.
And so it is that, through the Letters page, I am announcing that the right time is now for me to stand down as chairman of Crowndale Recreational Association, since its inception in April 1994.
As can be seen at Crowndale, the works there are nearing completion and the management of the new facilities will be the responsibility of Tavistock Community Football Club; a mix of football clubs and representatives from the local authorities, together with the Football Association. Most of these people also served on the CRA.
Sue Hammond is the chairperson. It's a challenging role. Sue and TCFC are now responsible for managing the new facilities, while the CRA will remain leaseholder, under the stewardship of a new panel of trustees, yet to be appointed. TCFC will also be responsible for ensuring the viability of the facilities; and I can only ask that the people of Tavistock and District suppport them as wholeheartedly as the CRA was supported, whereby the CRA raised over £100,000 in our first TEN years. That huge effort, through a small band of local volunteers, provided the platform for what is taking place at Crowndale today.
With that in mind, I have asked the CRA's officers to honour the pledge we made, long ago, to those who gave or raised £100 or more: to be recognised in a permanent form in the new TCFC clubhouse. Perhaps, suitably, in the new community room that will be a bonus facility for local people.
There are so many people I would like to thank; but far too many than I can mention herewith. Save to say, they will know who they are.
However, I pay great tribute to the CRA Committee, especially in its first ten years; and for the substantial financial support, inter alia, from the Football Foundation, West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Town Council, The Bill Butlin Trust, Tavistock Lions and Tavistock Round Table. Down to the dear old lady, no longer with us, who gave me the only £5 note from her purse, as sponsorship for a 20 miles fundraising walk I was undertaking over Dartmoor in 1994.
I will remember you all with gratitude and affection.
John Warne