Sutton society is on the brink of disaster!  John Brown, the current Hon.
Secretary and Dave Churchley the Magazine Editor are due to step down at the AGM on 9th May.

At the time of writing no one has come forward to fill these important positions.  One or two prospective candidates have been approached by the committee but all have declined.  If no one volunteers by the AGM, the Sutton society will, to all intents and purposes, cease to exist.

In recent times similar situations have arisen at other societies but as yet none have failed.  Lets hope the same can be said for Sutton.

Of course, the Secretary's position is essential, and the Society cannot continue without one.  However, the Editors job is not so crucial, but still an important position.

The main purpose of the Magazine Editor is to get information to the membership.  This is usually provided to him electronically (email) from the society secretary, committee officers and members and also from David Crick at the RA.  Another source of information is from other society magazines, this usually needs to be re typed, but can sometimes be cut and pasted.

Distribution is by post but it could be worth looking into email distribution for the future.

You will have noticed that this months 'Touchlines' is a very different format.  The purpose of this is to demonstrate that a good looking magazine can be produces very simply.  This particular issue was produced entirely on equipment which is available in many homes and just about every office in the country.

It has been set on a domestic PC and printed on a desk top printer, the whole process took no more than a couple of hours.

Is there not one person within Sutton Society who is prepared to give a couple of hour each month for the benefit of their fellow referees?

The Secretary's job probably takes no more time but is totally pivotal to the society.  The main task is to be a focal point for the RA, the FA, other societies and the members of Sutton society.

The Secretary needs to be able to write clear legible letters, read and understand correspondence and decide what the membership needs or doesn't need to know.  He/she should be able to attend, if not all, most Society meetings, and above all, to be a good communicator.

Both these positions come with great benefits;  Pay - none, thanks - not much, job satisfaction - priceless.

Dave Churchley