Yesterday 1^st of May would have been our Membership Enrolment Day followed by the Traditional Bar-B-Q Lunch down at the clubhouse. Do not feel downhearted, these are extraordinary times when the world has gone into temporary hibernation; we have been told to social distance, to stay at home, to work from home.

However, we need to mention the here and now; the Club committee has been meeting regularly to deal with the immediate requirements – that of funds to service our current and immediate needs. We are currently in discussions with the Lido Lessee and Tenant the Ferretti Group, who, as you aware were obliged by the Health Authorities to stop the operation of the Bar and Restaurant.  Another important source of revenue to the club’s finances is through Membership fees. All income derived from sports-related activities has grinded to a halt, but the club has to honour its commitments and the wages and salaries have to be settled. The club also has its financial commitments with the bank, as we enter our last year of repayment of a loan taken out in 2011 to construct the Club Premises. This loan is secured by personal guarantees of some members on the committee. On our salaries bill and expenses, the Club also has commitments towards our two full-time coaches; we have applied for a form of subsidy under the Government scheme, however until this very moment we have not received an affirmative reply to our request as well as others relating to contractual obligations with our athletes.

The Committee has decided just the same to launch from the 1^st of May, the Exiles Membership 2020 campaign; this is a bold approach and a topic we have discussed in depth. For this season’s Membership, we shall be retaining last year’s membership rates, however, due to these current surreal circumstances we are appealing  to your loyalty to the Club and the previous summers you enjoyed at the Clubhouse, to pay your membership fee between the 1^st May and up to the 15^th of May 2020 (the Early Bird Rates).  I may add that ALL the Committee members and their Family have already renewed their Membership for 2020, in so doing, leading by example.

We do not know what conditions the Health Authorities will impose on the club once restrictions are lifted and the Clubhouse re-opens its doors. One possibility which is highly likely is that there will be restrictions on the number of persons present on the premises at any given time. This might mean restrictions to facilities on the deck as well as in the restaurant. The Committee has decided to give priority to those members who would have paid their membership by the 15^th of May, should any of these new restrictions relating to a form of limitation be introduced.

At this point, it is presumptuous of us to predict how events will evolve, however in the current situation, the Committee is aiming towards the best outcome for all its membership base.

We shall keep you informed of all the developments as these occur.

Thanks & Regards,

Keep Safe

Mark Vassallo
Secretary
Exiles Sports Club,