No amalgamation for Sporties

A majority 66 votes to 24 meant that over two thirds of the club were not on-board with the amalgamation, and there will be no further meeting on the matter.

Club member Veronica Hannelly came out of the meeting worried for the future of the club.

“It’s probably an expected result, going from the previous meetings. We think people probably had already made up their mind on what they wanted to vote for.

“I think the amalgamation was a good idea. I think they need the input of a bigger club to run it, I don’t think things are the same as what they were 20-years-ago. So, I’m disappointed to a certain extent, but not because I expected to be having the amalgamation tonight,” said Mrs Hannelly.

After the night’s outcome, some board members will be reconsidering their position with the club. Treasurer Guy Mcanally-Elwin has said it is “doubtful” that he will remain on the board after this.

“Just because I think it should be going one way, and members think it should be going another. I don’t think it’s right that I should be on the board. I think that somebody who wants it to go the way majority of members want should be on the board.”

Club member Graeme Lewis was feeling elated at the outcome.

“I feel over the moon. This is an old standing club, I’ve been here for a long time, and a lot of people have put a lot of work into it, and a lot of people would turn in their graves today if it was to be taken over or something like that. And that is terrible. It doesn’t show anything towards our usual members and patronism to this club,” said Mr Lewis. Members who voted for the amalgamation are concerned for the financial situation of the club, as they are currently over $100,000 in deficit, and have been for the past several years.

However, members against the amalgamation don’t want to see the club disappear, and believe there are many more ways to bring more people to the club that haven’t been explored yet. The club will remain as it is for the time being, and the next members meeting should be held sometime in August.