Hi Guys and Girls
I’ve thought long and hard about writing this as I have no real desire to put myself forwards as a magnet for some of the hate that flies around this forum, however I can’t really look at myself in the mirror if I don’t say something.
The AGM is coming up. Just like last year, and the year before it, and probably many years before I became a member of the TRF, opinions are rife and emotions are high. That’s understandable. However amongst those emotions, where are the facts?
What has been achieved?
New website - overseen by Mario
New brand - initiated by Mario
Hexham Lane crowdfunding raised £14k - initiated by John V
Hexham Lane TRO overturned - led by John V
TRF shop - overseen by Mario
Membership up from approx 3000 to 4000 (£45k) - led by Mario
32 TROs successfully fought - led by John V
+ more that I may not be aware of
What has lagged behind?
Membership IT system
Forum update
Trail next steps
+ more that I may not be aware of
Of course I’m not impartial here, I’ve been involved in lots of the above and I’m proud to have done a good job, but I don’t do this alone. I work with Directors who have the vision and leadership to direct their team to get stuff done and move the TRF forwards. Their hand has been in all of this.
Sure they don’t always get it right. Mistakes have been made. Not everyone will agree with the decisions that have been made. But the point is, at least decisions ARE being made and they are being done in the best interests of the club. Those who make these decisions have the courage to stand by them and learn from them. Those who look to always make the right decision often never make a decision at all, though they probably have lots of opinions.
This forum has become a beating ground where very little is celebrated. When was the last time anything positive was said about the TRF? Despite all the good work that has been achieved, who on this forum has held up their hand and said well done? Every single week positive stories are published about the TRF yet the only comments here are to highlight problems or mistakes. What kind of culture does that create? Do you reap what you sow?
Ask yourself, who would willingly stand up and volunteer to lead this club knowing that this was what awaits them? Look yourself in the mirror, would you? At work are you motivated by the crap that is fired your way? Is it any different here?
I don’t really expect this to change everyone’s opinion, a lot have made their minds up already. However, what I see on here really is only one side of the story and this is my small attempt to try and put forwards the other side.
If you want change, that’s fine, but be clear about what the alternative is and be prepared to step up to take the place of those who you disagree with. It’s easy to talk, action is hard. Action takes courage and has consequences.
I’m spending the rest of the day to work on a campaign to get people to object to the Washgate TRO which incidentally was commissioned by John V.