Helpline has announced that, due to a number of factors, it is unable to continue as a going concern.
Below is a letter that has been sent to Helpline members to explain what has influenced this decision.
The club would like to place on record its thanks to Helpline chairman Martyn Radnedge and all those who helped to raise almost £1.25million in total since its inception.
Dear Helpline member,
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with much regret that we have to report that as a result of the recent pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis and the financial difficulties that many are experiencing, the number of members has fallen over recent months and continues to fall.
Following in-depth discussions and consultations with the Football Club, it has been agreed that it no longer remains a viable proposition for Helpline to continue. We realise that this news will come with considerable sadness following the tremendous support that you have shown towards Helpline since your membership commenced.
In order to make the closing down procedure as painless as possible, would all members who pay by Standing Order take the necessary steps to cease their payments by the 30-11-2022. The relevant bank account will be closed from this date and will, therefore, not accept any further payments into it after this date.
To those of you who might have credit with their payments, following discussion with members of the Helpline Committee, we are suggesting that all monies remaining in the Helpline account be donated to the Football Club, in line with the terms of the Helpline Constitution. We trust that this proposal meets with your approval. However, should this not be the case, please contact me to arrange recovery of your credit.
Helpline draws will continue to be made until the end of this year, but please be aware that cash prizes may be reduced as a result of the above actions being taken. Obviously, in the circumstances, we will not be holding a Christmas Party this year.
May I take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for your continued and generous support of Helpline. We are all very sorry that this decision has had to be made and we trust that you will understand the reasons.
Yours sincerely,
Martyn Radnedge
(Helpline Chairman)