Dojo update 19th July 2022

Earlier in the year I wrote to make you all aware of recent developments at Staverton with regard to a change of ownership of the land which is currently home to Dowty Sports and Social, and of course the Dowty Dojo. I made you aware, see below of the situation at that time, and having had one meeting with the new owners at that time, we were then looking toward to a follow up meeting, suggested by our new Landlord, to take place in the Spring, after which I would provide an update.

Unfortunately, this proposed meeting has not taken place despite some prompting from the DSS Board, and indeed from myself. Whilst there is nothing necessarily sinister in this delay, it also has not helped in providing us with any clarity on the situation, with the current Lease due to expire at the end of 2023. However, we are continuing to pursue this follow up meeting, and have mailed Ashville with some further suggested dates, albeit now nearer the end of the summer. We have also held two meetings of the DJC Committee to discuss various outcomes, we have a clear view of our preferred outcomes, and we have formed a sub-Committee of three Senior members from the main Club Committee ranks, in order to facilitate an acceptable conclusion, which safeguards the future of the Dowty Judo Club.

I will of course keep everyone appraised of any future developments, and by the end of the summer, I shall also be able to detail the future structure of the Club, which we have agreed in order to facilitate the previously announced full retirement by Chris as Club Secretary, and Treasurer, and the partial step back by myself, but continuing of course with such as any future negotiating with the new Landlord.

Pete