On Saturday 20th March 2010 I was de-selected at the Club AGM as the Colne Yacht Club Vice Commodore and as a consequence I have stated that I am no longer prepared to run the cadet section of the club.

As an explanation I am putting forward the what and the why.

Here are the "events" as I saw them.

I was on the top table with Tom Sargeant Commodore, David Cant treasurer, and Margaret Locke club secretary. There were about 60 members in the room.

It was a heated meeting mainly regarding the catering and club losses. Then the moment turned to voting in the officers.  It was decided that it would be an individual vote. Numbers were not counted nor abstentions asked for. Tom was clearly voted in and when it was my turn there were about 10-15 who voted against. The same rule states that there must be a clear 2/3rds majority and although this was not clear, I was told by Tom "sorry Glyn" I then collected my things and left the top table.

The rule is:
If the number of candidates for election is equal to or less than the number of vacancies to be filled then all candidates shall be deemed to be elected  if two thirds of those present at the Annual General Meeting, and entitled to vote, vote in favour of such election.

Here is the email that I subsequently sent to the general committee:

"Bearing in mind the evenings events and that there is a portion of the membership who do not appreciate what I do, I feel that I cannot run the cadet section anymore and also I cease to be the children's welfare officer for the club.

I have had many emails of support including some questioning the count. Frankly it is irrelevant, to run the cadet section needs 100 % support of the club members and it is obvious that I do not have this. I am also aware of the various blocks that would be put in my way by those who voted against me. If it was between myself and another candidate and they got more votes than me that would be fairer. It is interesting to see one's accusers face to face and I hope that they enjoy running the cadet section as much as I did over the 12 years I was involved.

I have copied this email to the other cadet helpers and obviously they will be able to make their own decisions. I will cease the cadet website as I paid for and ran the site on the clubs behalf."

I am sorry to stop doing what I enjoy and I hope the cadets and parents have enjoyed the events I have organised with the whole team but the situation is, as it is, while this small minority exist at the club. I am afraid that 1st May, activity week and the planned sail /camp will not go ahead with me. I leave the rest of the team to make up thier own minds.

Thanks for all the fun we had, I wish it could have continued and I wish you all luck and fair winds for the future.

Glyn Cheeseman

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