Message from Pete

Hi All

Chris and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for such a great evening at the DSS Clubhouse recently to mark Chris’s retirement, and my partial step aside, from the Dowty Judo Club. Having had the original date cancelled because of bad weather, we feared that we may have missed the moment, but our fears were totally unfounded as the venue quickly filled up with close to 100 of our past, and present members attending the event. It was truly humbling that so many of our Players from the past took the time to ensure that it was a night that Chris and I will always remember, and there were so many reunions taking place, going back some 40 years or so, which reminded us all, and as Dean Douglas pointed out, the DJC is truly one big family. Mike Woodham, and Steve Organ also spoke of the importance, and value to so many people that the DJC represents.

We would also like to thank everyone for their gifts, and so many kind words that have been spoken, and written, during and after the evening itself, and as I have already said, both Chris, and myself, found the entire event truly humbling.

As you may all imagine, our decision to step aside was a difficult one, with the Club being such a massive part of our lives for so many years, but for various reasons, which I alluded to on the night, we felt that the time was right, and we are confident that we have left things in good hands, and with a sound structure in place. That structure includes myself remaining as Club Chairman, and intending to visit the Club the last Wednesday in each month to take part in the session. Also remaining as Club Chair will hopefully put me in the right place to play an appropriate part in trying to ensure a future for the Dowty Judo Club in the challenging times ahead of us.

Once again, many thanks from both of us for a truly memorable evening.

Pete & Chris