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Chairman’s Update – One Year On

Twelve months ago, our Club closed its doors. Many people believed it would never reopen. Some even hoped it wouldn’t.

Today, one year later, we’re still here.

That in itself is something every member should be proud of.

The past 12 months have been some of the most challenging in the Club’s history. We’ve lost committee members along the way, some due to family and personal commitments, which is completely understandable, and others because they disagreed with the direction the committee was taking. While opinions may differ, I genuinely believe everyone who stepped forward a year ago did so for the right reasons. Every person has made a contribution to keeping this Club alive, and they deserve our thanks.

The reality is that saving the Club has never been easy. As committee numbers have reduced, the workload has fallen on fewer volunteers. The commitment required has been enormous and, at times, exhausting. Yet those who remain are as determined today as they were a year ago to secure the future of this Club.

When we took over, we inherited approximately £170,000 of debt. We knew from day one that there would be no quick fix. It was always going to be a marathon, not a sprint.

The good news is that we’re making progress.

The Club is solvent. We are paying our bills, meeting our day-to-day running costs and, importantly, reducing the debt we inherited. Every month we move a little closer to putting the mistakes of the past behind us.

Alongside this, we’re continuing to invest our time in organising entertainment, looking at new revenue opportunities and finding ways to make the Club stronger for the future. There is still a great deal to do, but we have a committee that is committed to seeing the job through.

Of course, we know there is a small minority out there who would still rather criticise than contribute. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we won’t be distracted by negativity. Our focus remains on moving the Club forward, not looking backwards. I simply ask members to judge us by what we do, not by what others say. The facts speak for themselves, the Club is open, it is solvent, and the debt is reducing.

So, how can you help?

It’s actually very simple.

We have over 600 members. The more you use your Club, the stronger it becomes. Come in for a drink, support our entertainment, book your family celebrations and events with us, recommend the Club to friends and family, and encourage others to become members. Every pint bought, every event attended and every function booked helps us continue the journey.

The sooner we clear the debt we’ve inherited, the sooner we can start investing in what really matters, improving our facilities, enhancing the Club and creating an even better place for our members and the wider community.

Finally, due to the departure of several committee members, our rules allow us to co-opt new committee members. If you have time, experience, ideas or simply a willingness to help, we’d love to hear from you. The more people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves, the lighter the load becomes for everyone.

This Club belongs to its members. It has survived because people refused to give up on it, and with your continued support, I firmly believe its best days are still ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Club over the past year. Whether you’ve volunteered your time, attended an event, bought a drink, renewed your membership or simply spoken positively about the Club, you’ve played a part in keeping Conwy Comrades Club alive.

Here’s to the next chapter.

Thank you

Martin Craven

Chairman

📢 Stay Connected with the Club – Join Our WhatsApp Updates

We’ve set up an official WhatsApp group to keep members up to date with everything happening at Conwy Comrades.

From key announcements and meeting reminders to events and offers, it’s the easiest way to stay in the loop 👍

👉 Join here:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CO9UGm74bARE8deyG1PSbE

This group is for important updates only, so you won’t be bombarded with messages.

If you want to stay informed and support what’s happening at the Club, make sure you’re in 👇

📣 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (SGM) – MEMBERS NOTICE

We will be holding a Special General Meeting on:

🗓 Thursday 7th May
🕖 7:00pm
📍 Conwy Comrades Club

The purpose of the meeting is to:

• Present the 2024–2025 Club Accounts
• Give members the opportunity to review and ask questions
• Seek formal approval of the accounts

⚠️ Please note: As this is an SGM, no other business can be discussed.

👉 This is your Club. These are your accounts. Please come along, understand where we are, and be part of the decisions moving forward.

— Committee, Conwy Comrades Club

IMPORTANT NOTICE – CHANGE OF MEETING
Following further review of the Club Rules, the Committee has confirmed that the Annual General Meeting must take place in November, in accordance with Rule 16.2
Club Rules
As a result, the AGM previously advertised for March is formally cancelled.
In its place, the Committee will call a Special General Meeting (SGM) under Rule 16.3
Club Rules.
The purpose of the SGM will be to:
• Present and approve the 2024/25 accounts
• Confirm regulatory compliance matters
• Provide an update on the Club’s financial position and forward plan
A revised date for the SGM will be confirmed and formally posted in accordance with the notice requirements set out in the Rules.
Committee elections will take place at the properly convened AGM in November, in line with the Club’s governing document.
This adjustment ensures we remain fully compliant, protects the integrity of the election process, and maintains stability while the Club continues its recovery and rebuilding phase.
There are currently opportunities for co-option onto the Committee. Any member wishing to get involved before November is encouraged to make contact.
Thank you for your continued support.
Martin Craven
Chairman
Conwy Comrades Sports & Social Club

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

 
Members of Conwy Comrades Sports & Social Club are hereby formally notified that the Club’s Annual General Meeting will take place as follows:
 
🗓 Thursday 12th March
 
🕖 7.00pm
📍 At the Club – 8 Church Street, Conwy
 
In accordance with the Club Rules regarding General Meetings , the AGM will include:
• Presentation of the Committee Report
• Presentation of Accounts
• Election of Officers and Committee
• Appointment of Auditor (if applicable)
• Any motions properly submitted in advance
 
The full agenda will be displayed in the Club in advance of the meeting in line with the required notice period.
⸻
This is one of the most important meetings of the year.
 
If you care about the future direction, governance and financial stability of the Club, be there. Decisions are made by those who show up.
 
The Club belongs to its members.
 
Let’s demonstrate that membership means something.
 
Martin Craven
Chairman
Conwy Comrades Sports & Social Club
It’s been six months since the current committee took over. That isn’t long, and there’s still work to do.

Our first job has been to get a clear picture of where the club stands financially, steady things, and make sure we’re running properly and within the rules. Much of that work happens in the background. It’s not always visible, but it matters if the club is to remain on a solid footing.

This club has always been about the people of Conwy. It should be a place where everyone feels welcome. It belongs to its members, and its future depends on members taking an interest in it.

The AGM will be held on 12 March. The delayed 2024/25 accounts will be presented for approval, and there will be committee elections. Martin will write shortly with the full details.

The committee is elected by the membership and accountable to the membership. That’s exactly how it should be.

At the AGM we will also propose starting a review of the club rules. They are out of date and need to reflect how the club operates today and how we want it to operate going forward. The plan would be to carry out the review properly, give members the chance to shape any changes, and bring proposals back for agreement at the November AGM. The President will oversee that work and ensure members have a clear opportunity to contribute. The aim is simple: clear, up-to-date rules that protect the club and help it move forward.

We would also welcome more members getting involved. If you have an interest in entertainment and events, experience in running things, or simply some time to give, please consider stepping forward. Practical help and fresh ideas are always needed.

I want to thank the current committee for the time and effort they continue to give. They are all volunteers, and a significant amount of work has already been carried out in a short period of time. Some of it has been challenging, but it has been done with the club’s long-term future in mind. That work is ongoing.

I also want to thank you, our 500-plus members for your continued loyalty and support. The club only works because of the people who use it, support it, and take pride in it.
The direction is clear: protect the club, strengthen it, and make sure it continues to serve the whole community.

If you would like to play a part in that, I would encourage you to get involved.

Andy Lewis
President
Conwy Comrades Club

Special General Meeting – Change of Date

Please note that the previously advertised Special General Meeting (SGM) has been rescheduled.

The SGM will now take place on:

📅 Monday 19 January 2026

⏰ 6.00pm

📍 The Comrades Club

This change has been necessary to ensure that the Club’s accountant is available to attend and formally present the 2023–24 accounts.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The meeting is not expected to take long, and copies of the accounts will be available on the night for members to review before the meeting begins.

Agenda

The sole item of business to be considered at this meeting is:

  • Presentation and approval of the Club accounts for the financial year 2023–2024

No other business will be conducted at this meeting.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

By order of the Committee

Martin Craven

Chairman

Special General Meeting Notice

Members are hereby notified that a Special General Meeting (SGM) of Conwy Comrades Club will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday 17 January 2026

Time: 11.00am

Venue: The Comrades Club

Agenda

The sole item of business to be considered at this meeting is:

  • Presentation and approval of the Club accounts for the financial year 2023–2024

No other business will be conducted at this meeting.

Why This Special General Meeting Is Necessary

Since taking over the running of the Club approximately four months ago, the current committee has made bringing the Club’s finances and statutory obligations back into order a clear priority.

Progress on the outstanding accounts was initially delayed because the Club had been left with a significant unpaid bill owed to the accountants, which prevented work from continuing. Once this matter was resolved, the committee was able to move forward. However, the process has taken time due to the poor condition and incompleteness of the financial records that were inherited.

The appointed accountants have been working using all available information to prepare the 2023–24 accounts. These accounts must be formally approved by the membership and submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by 22 January 2025 in order for the Club to avoid regulatory penalties.

Once the 2023–24 accounts have been submitted, work will immediately continue on preparing the 2024–25 accounts, so that the Club is fully up to date and compliant.

Both sets of accounts relate to periods that were the responsibility of the previous committee, but it is essential that the current committee completes this process so the Club can move forward on a sound, transparent, and compliant footing.

Members are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting so this important matter can be concluded and the Club’s recovery can continue.

By order of the Committee

Martin Craven

Chairman

💙 500 Members. Thank You. 💙

As we head into a new year, we want to take a moment to genuinely thank every single member for your support. Reaching 500 members is a huge milestone for the Club and it simply would not have happened without you backing us, sticking with us, and believing in what we are trying to achieve.

The challenges left behind for us to deal with have not magically disappeared. We have been open from day one about that. However, as a committee we are absolutely confident that we are on the right track, and with the continued support of our members this year will see the Club go from strength to strength.

We also know that January can be a tough month for many people. That is why we have a number of events planned to keep members engaged, bring people together, and help shake off those January blues. Your Club is here for more than just a pint. It is about community, friendship, and shared pride in what we have.

We hope to see as many of you as possible celebrating the New Year with us at our New Year’s Eve Party. Entry will be restricted from 10.30pm, with priority given to members, so please do get in early.

Looking ahead to January, we will need to call a Special General Meeting to present the 2023 to 2024 accounts. Yes, the year is correct. Unfortunately these were not completed by the previous administration. Once this is done, we can finally move forward properly and schedule a full Annual General Meeting.

Thank you again for your trust, your patience, and your continued support. Together, we are rebuilding something special.

Here’s to a positive year ahead and a Club that continues to grow stronger because of its members 💙

Merry Christmas from the Chairman 

As dive into Christmas Day, I just want to say a genuine thank you to everyone who has supported the club over what has been a very busy and challenging year.

Saving and rebuilding the club has not been easy. Every committee member has a full-time career and family commitments, and everything they give to the club is done on top of that. It is tough going at times, but they step up whenever they are needed, and the club is in a far stronger place because of that commitment.

Last night was a perfect example. After the Christmas Eve fireworks, we invited families to pop in and the response was overwhelming. Committee members jumped straight in, unpaid and without hesitation, to make sure everyone was welcomed and looked after. Seeing the club so busy, full of families and community spirit, made every bit of hard work worthwhile.

Over Christmas and into the New Year, I look forward to catching up with many of you in the club. If you have ever thought about helping out, even in a small way, we would really welcome volunteer support as we continue getting the club back on its feet.

Thank you again for your support, enjoy the festive season, and I’ll see you soon.

Merry Christmas
Martin

Chairman’s Update – 04/12/2025

Since the new Committee took over just 12 weeks ago, it is fair to say that the challenges have been far greater than any of us expected. The previous administration left an absolute mess in their wake, with missing information, poor record keeping, and unresolved liabilities that have taken months of intensive work to unravel.
 
Even something as basic as changing the authorised signatories on the Club bank accounts has been an unbelievable task. Our Treasurer, Keren Bond, has been hammering away at this for weeks, dealing with complications that should never have existed. I want to publicly thank her for her patience, persistence, and determination.
 
I am also pleased to report that we have now managed to deal with all priority debts. This has required a huge amount of work behind the scenes, and I want to give thanks to our Secretary, Gary Hughes, who has taken a dogged and professional approach to engaging with creditors and negotiating settlements. His efforts have protected the Club from further risk and allowed us to move forward.
AGM Postponement and Financial Accounts
One of the most serious issues we inherited was the condition of the Club’s statutory accounts.
The previous committee claimed that the 2023 to 2024 accounts had been completed and submitted, but this was not the truth.
Work could not begin until we had cleared the outstanding debt with the accountant. Once this was resolved, the accountant began reconstructing the accounts, and the FCA has now agreed to accept the YE2024 submission by 22 January 2026. The accountant has confirmed that these accounts will be ready for members to scrutinise at a Special General Meeting on 15 January 2026.
We regret having to postpone the AGM, but we genuinely had no choice.
An AGM cannot legally or responsibly take place without complete and accurate accounts, and the condition in which we inherited the Club’s financial records made the postponement unavoidable.
The accountant expects the 2024 to 2025 accounts to be finalised by mid February, allowing us to hold the full Annual General Meeting later that month. This ensures full compliance with the Club Rules and transparency for all members.
Landlord Responsibilities
Another unexpected challenge was the rental property. As landlords, the Club must meet strict regulatory requirements. Nothing had been put in place previously. Our President, Andy Lewis, stepped up immediately, completed the Rent Smart Wales landlord training, and is now ensuring full compliance going forward. This is a major responsibility and we are grateful for the work he has taken on.
Positive Progress and Looking Ahead
Despite the scale of the problems we inherited, we are making real progress. We now have a brand new Premises Licence, free from the restrictions previously imposed on the Club. This is a huge achievement and demonstrates the confidence that the authorities now have in how the Club is being run.
I also want to recognise the excellent work carried out by our Building and Maintenance Committee. The two Ians, Ian Hughes and Ian Pattinson, have brought real professionalism, skill, and dedication to the role. They have already tackled several major repairs that were urgently needed, and the standard of their work has been superb. Thank you both for the time and expertise you have given to support the Club.
We also have a very active Entertainments Committee, who are putting together a wide variety of events to appeal to all members. We now have over four hundred members, and we hope you will make use of the Club, support the events, and come together to celebrate with us over Christmas. Hopefully you will also put a bit of cash over the bar while you are here, because every visit really does help the Club continue its recovery.
A Final Word
A special mention to our Bar Manager, Janet Jones, who has settled in brilliantly and is already making a real difference to the bar operation.
Lastly, I want to say, your current Committee is a fantastic team. Every member is giving up their time voluntarily, working long hours, and dealing with issues that should never have existed. Their commitment to rebuilding the Club is something I am incredibly proud of.
Martin Craven
Chairman
Conwy Comrades Club

📣 CALLING ALL COMMUNITY GROUPS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS & ACTIVITY LEADERS!
We need your help 🙌

As many of you know, when the new Committee took over the Conwy Comrades Club, one of our biggest aims was to turn the building into a true community facility that serves Conwy and the surrounding area.

We’ve had huge interest from all sorts of groups — veterans, wellbeing groups, children’s groups, craft clubs, fitness instructors, social groups, youth leaders, Welsh language groups and many more.

We are now writing an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme to help us refurbish and reopen the upstairs space as a fully accessible community hub.

👉 To complete the application, we must list organisations who want to use the space, along with a contact name, telephone number and email.
(They may contact you to confirm your interest.)

If your group, club, charity, school, service, or organisation would like to use the space — regularly or occasionally — please get in touch.

🟢 We need from you:

  • Organisation name

  • Contact person

  • Telephone number

  • Email address

  • Brief outline of how your group would use the space

📧 Please email these details to:
chairman@conwycomrades.co.uk

This support will make a huge difference to our application and help us secure funding to create a warm, safe, accessible community space for everyone in Conwy.

Thank you to everyone who has already shown interest — this is your chance to help shape the next stage of the Club’s future ❤️

Please share widely so we can include as many groups as possible!

PUBLIC NOTICE

As required under licensing regulations, we are sharing the attached Public Notice for our Premises Licence application.

A quick update from your Committee
We wanted to take a moment to thank all our members for the fantastic support you’ve shown since the Club reopened. It’s been an incredibly busy eight weeks, getting the doors open again, rebuilding systems, sorting finances, and planning for the future of the Comrades.
Every member of the Committee is an unpaid volunteer who gives up their own time, evenings, weekends, and family time to help get the Club back on its feet. There’s a huge amount happening quietly behind the scenes, and the progress so far is down to the hard work and commitment of this small but dedicated team.
We know some members have been asking about the Loan Stock Certificates. These haven’t been sent out yet, but please rest assured that every application and payment is fully recorded and secure. Certificates will be issued once all details have been checked and verified, we just want to make sure everything is accurate and transparent before they’re released.
We’re still welcoming new Loan Stock applications up until Saturday 20th December, so if you’d like to take part and invest in the Club’s future, there’s still time to apply. Your support makes a real difference and helps strengthen the Club for the long term.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. The Club is being rebuilt by its members, for its members and together, we’re making something very special for Conwy’s community.

🎉 150 Members and Counting! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who has renewed or joined as new members — we’ve officially reached 150 members! Your support means everything as we work together to rebuild and secure the future of Conwy Comrades Sports & Social Club. 💪

📅 Member Update Presentation
Join us this Saturday, 11th October at 11:00am for a short 30-minute presentation where we’ll share updates on the Club’s progress, plans for reopening, and next steps in our journey.

🧹 The Big Clear Out & Clean Up!
After the presentation, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves for the Big Clear Out and Clean Up. If any members would like to stay and help, you’re more than welcome — many hands make light work!

Thank you again for your continued support — together we’re keeping the Comrades spirit alive in Conwy. 🇬🇧❤️

CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT THE FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE?

Any members out there who we could use your experience and expertise?

🎉 Over 100 Members and Counting! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who’s renewed or joined as a new member, in just over a week we’ve now passed 100 paid members already! 👏
Your support means so much as we work to bring the Comrades back stronger than ever.

If you haven’t renewed yet, we’re holding membership sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 7.30pm, pop in for a chat and to get your membership sorted.

Just a gentle reminder that use of the car park is for current paid members only. We do seem to have acquired some abandoned vehicles which we may have to have towed away!

See you soon at the Club! 🍻
Conwy Comrades Committee

Be Part of the Team Bringing Conwy Comrades Back to Life! 

We’re relaunching the Club and building a team to make it thrive again at the heart of our community. 💪🍻

👉 We’re now recruiting for:

  • Bar Manager (£30,000 pro rata, 30 hours/week to start)

  • Part-Time Bar Staff (£12.50/hr, minimum 15 hours/week, weekends)

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to play a vital role in saving and rebuilding a historic community & veterans’ club that has served Conwy for nearly 100 years.

📧 To apply, email your CV and covering letter to: secretary@conwycomrades.co.uk
📍 Or drop it into the Club at 8 Church Street, Conwy, LL32 8AF

Join us, and be part of something special. Together we can make the Comrades thrive again. ❤️

Chairman’s Update 27/09/25
Overcoming Challenges, Building Momentum
It has been a very busy and productive fortnight for the committee, and I want to take a moment to update you on where we are.
 
All of our creditors have now been contacted, and our Secretary, Gary Hughes has worked hard to produce a priority list which we are now actioning. I also want to thank Sarah Moorcroft, our volunteer administrator, who continues to go above and beyond in supporting this work.
 
The Treasurer and I have met with the bank to complete the transfer of accounts to the new committee, and we are now just waiting for everything to be finalised.
Our President, Andy Lewis, has successfully completed his landlord training with Rent Wales. This is an important step in making sure that, as a Club, we are responsible landlords when managing the flat above the premises, ensuring it is handled properly and professionally going forward.
 
I also met with the Council Licensing team. Unfortunately, our club licence had been withdrawn previously and not appealed at the time, meaning we must now reapply. While this is another obstacle, the licensing officers were very supportive and the application is already being prepared.
 
Andy and I also met with local residents to listen to their concerns and reassure them about the direction of the Club. As both a member and your newly appointed Chairman, I have to say I was embarrassed to hear what some had been put through in the past, what they witnessed was not acceptable. We are determined to put this right and make sure the Club is once again a source of pride for members and the community.
 
On Saturday we held an open morning for new and returning members to pay their subscriptions. The atmosphere was fantastic, warm, friendly, and full of positivity. Many people commented that they had not felt welcome in the Club for years, and it was heartening to see them returning. The turnout was incredible and a real show of trust in the committee. It was great to share a coffee and a chat with so many of you.
 
Following the open morning, the committee met to discuss next steps. One frustration was receiving an unexpected invoice of over £1,000 for Sports TV, which could have been avoided had the contract been cancelled when the Club closed. But onwards and upwards, we will deal with each obstacle as it comes. We also agreed to aim for a members-only Halloween Party on the 31st October as our official reopening, with the possibility of a small soft opening beforehand to make sure everything is running smoothly.
 
Our new website is now up and running, providing a useful source of information including minutes of our meetings.
 
Finally a quick word on our Loan Stock Scheme. It has started really well, with over £20,000 already pledged. With your support, I am confident we can reach our target of £90,000 to provide the working capital needed to run the Club at its best again.
Chairman’s Update – 15th September 2025
A fresh start with energy, optimism, and commitment
I want to take a moment to update you all following our first formal Committee Meeting we held on Saturday 13th September.
It was fantastic to see such an enthusiastic group of people around the table, each bringing their own experience and skills to help move the Club forward. The commitment and energy on display gives me great confidence that, together, we can restore the Club to its rightful place in the community.
 
Since being voted in just over a week ago, we have been working hard every day to stabilise the financial situation. Unfortunately, this has been made more difficult by what we inherited: unopened bills, court letters left unanswered, and serious delays with HMRC access. After many hours on the phone, the secretary was finally able to get us into the HMRC portal, only to find the VAT owing is far higher than we had been told on handover. A large portion of this debt is made up of fines and penalties from late or missing returns and payments.
 
At the same time, we have begun the physical clean-up of the Club itself, which was sadly not left in a good state. Although we continue to face some challenges and a lot of misinformation, I want to reassure members that we remain positive and determined. Importantly, we have contacted all creditors and I am very pleased to say that they are willing to work with us to get the Club back on track.
 
The Loan Stock Scheme will be finalised next week and ready to roll out to members. 

At the Committee Meeting we also agreed on annual subscriptions. While we carefully considered the suggestions from members, we felt the fairest approach to encourage new members was to set the rate at:
• £20 for both renewals and new members
• £15 for OAPs and veterans
These rates will, of course, be reviewed once the Club is back on its feet.

We have also now launched our new website, www.conwycomrades.co.uk. This will be a useful place to find out information about the club, updates, rules, upcoming events.

 
Looking ahead, we are working towards a provisional timeline. Our aim is to have the Club fully open in time for Remembrance Sunday, with some “soft openings” in October if we can get everything in place. It’s going to be tough, but I am fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable team beside me.
 
I also want to give a special thank you to Ian Lennon, who gave up his time to clear the weeds and plants in the Club car park. Small contributions like this make a huge difference, and we are very grateful. also a thank you to North Wales Recovery for supplying the refreshments for the committee meeting.
 
Finally, I want to say this: please don’t listen to the rumour mills. If you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact me directly. I can assure you that my only aim, shared by the whole Committee, is to rebuild the Club into the great place it once was. With your support, I am confident we will succeed.
 
Thank you all for your patience and encouragement. Together, we are making progress.
 
Martin Craven
Chairman