The NHIA had an EGM last night (Thu, 28 Jul) as they desperately need committee members. I attended to learn more. It immediately became obvious that there were two main problems, both now all too common. The first was the age of the members who attended. I'd guess the average age was some 55 years. The second was the reluctance of those attending to volunteer to join the committee.

I looked around and could not see a single pétanquer tho' I knew some of us had joined. I, like others, must have felt that as we knew we would be using NHIA hospitality we should be Members.

I queried how many of us had joined. The chairman said "Quite a few." but went on to say that voting in this matter was limited to members of at least 3 years standing. I said that the various clubs playing at the NHIA had members who were considerably younger than those present and hence were just the sort of members needed.

Whatever -- the meeting were told that the future was uncertain (even closure being a possibility) if we couldn't find people to volunteer to join the Committee. The Members voted to have another Election, several Members putting their names forward to fill posts --but they still need more.

I didn't mention that I was disappointed that there were not more players present but asked around and found out that there were gaps in the circulation of the announcement of the EGM. So I said I'd put this notice/report/plea or W.H.Y? on the website.

Then, as the meeting continued, I found there was one other pétanquer present - and one who did support the NHIA!

Come on the rest of you pétanquers who use the NHIA!

Support the Association that has given us
one of the best venues in the district!

Pop in this evening and put you name forward!