More members wanted for Sid Vale Association

MEMBERSHIP of Sid Vale Association needs a boost, despite having recruited nearly 100 people last year.

MEMBERSHIP of Sid Vale Association needs a boost, despite having recruited nearly 100 people last year.

"Sadly numbers are dwindling each year," said re-elected chairman, the Reverend Handel Bennett, at its annual meeting at Manor Pavilion Theatre.

Thanking membership secretary Andrew Scott for his first year's work in the role, Mr Bennett said small information cards had been produced to pass to people to encourage them to join the association, founded in 1846.

"There is a need for you all to encourage people locally near you to join the association."

Mr Scott said of the 2,564 SVA members, 2,384 were life members and 180 annual members.

Reporting on a full year of activities, Mr Bennett reported on the contentious issue of the proposal to change the Dove Inn into a gaming centre.

"Our conservation and planning committee objected on the basis that this was something 'totally alien' to holiday makers' expectations of a Regency resort.

"Subsequently I appeared before the Gaming Licence Committee on behalf of almost 100 of our members who live within 150 yards of the Dove, to say how objectionable this would be...

"We also took legal advice to see whether there was any further action we might take to prevent a gambling centre, but were advised against doing so."

Mr Bennett said he also wrote on behalf of the association to express its opposition to the proposed Unitary Authority.

"We have no confidence that contact with a council located more remotely from us will offer better, or less costly, service," he stated.

He also thanked his officers, executive members for their support during 2008.

"Let us hope our members will feel encouraged to be part of SVA's success in 2009," he added.