Hello to all ECC members, I would like to provide an update on the status of the new outdoor nets project as follows...
Through a fantastic effort by you our members we have raised £34k, in addition the Club Committee agreed last year to commit £22k of our cash reserves & we have secured an ECB grant of £10k meaning that we have raised £66k toward the £85k required.
Given this we have enough confidence to place an order for the new net system with the preferred supplier which we have done today (a 3 net system vs the original planned 4 net system due to increased costs). We have agreed on a location for the nets - behind the ITC and we have submitted a Planning Application.
The Supplier could install the new nets late April in readiness for the summer season, however this would mean that we would have to pay the total cost at that point and we are £19k short. We could take out an ECB interest free loan but without the £19k our cash reserves would be very thin and we do not want to take that risk, we believe it is important for the club to carry a reserve in the case of.
Therefore we need to "re ignite" the fund raising for a final push to achieve the final £19k & the £85k total we set ourselves just over a year ago.
The sooner we raise this money the sooner we will have the nets in place.
The Crowdfunding site is still open, we will be organising some more club events, we have sponsorship opportunities, we will be exploring further Grant opportunities & we are totally open to any ideas you may have..
PLEASE get involved, it would be terrific to see the new nets in place at some point this summer.
Regards
Dave Howorth