Dear members,
I hope all is well with you and your families.
The last few weeks have been monumental times for us with the VOLDAC being closed for a period of time since it first opened in 1974. With this being unprecedented and unheard of we find ourselves in uncharted waters. The committee have had to adjust and adapt like all members to the “new normal” as it’s been described by the government. VOLDAC have followed and respected the guidelines around managing and minimising the risks to COVID-19. The committee had to make some calculated but prompt decisions like closing the club and its facilities until further notice I would like to thank all members and staff for their support and understanding which led to us being cut off from our livelihoods, hobbies and for some a way of life, our routine!
What’s next for VOLDAC, the staff and their members?
We will continue to take the advice from the government and implement the measures set. We are conscious and hopeful that as the latest 3 weeks of lockdown approaches the end on the 7th May the government may look to ease restrictions we believe that non-contact sports like angling and golf maybe considered and allowed. This will allow us to look at how we start to reopen and in what capacity.
What happens when lockdown is lifted?
Although lockdown measures will be reevaluated on or around the 7th May it has been made clear that some form of restrictions like social distancing will remain for the foreseeable future. The committee must have the safety of all staff and members as their first priority this means that we must look at the club and how it currently functions and operates. Changes and new processes will have to be drawn up and implemented to ensure that the club and its facilities can operate safely and continue to follow government guidelines. We are monitoring the situation closely which will allow us to be proactive and prompt in ensuring that when the club and its facilities reopen we have social distancing measures in place as well as sanitising equipment etc.
As a committee we are keen to get back out angling again as soon as possible and I’m sure all of our membership feel the same. Whether it be fishing on our rivers within the LLAIA membership, fly fishing on the many hill lochs or club fishings. For most getting back out on the loch where many of our members spend their free time, some are on the hunt for Atlantic salmon and some just love to go for a sail with the fishing sticks out enjoying the wonderful scenery which is backed up with a sense of tranquillity. Not to forget the camping trips on the many islands on Loch Lomond.
What has the committee been doing whilst in lockdown?
As you can appreciate many of the committee’s responsibilities and duties are still relevant and important even when the club is closed. The club finances are the lifeblood of the club and our treasurer has been working tirelessly to ensure that the club fees are paid to allow the club to survive whilst we are closed. This coupled by ensuring that all bills are paid and continuing to manage finances in general. Some committee members have contacted all vulnerable and ageing membership to ensure that everyone is ok and to offer help and assistance where possible. For some members it was just good to get a catch up and feel part of something more than just a club or a membership. We have carried out some essential works around the pontoons with the water dropping to summer levels over the last few weeks the pontoon bridges and platforms were lodged on the banks of the river making easy access to our pontoons and boats for some opportunists. We have also tried to maintain the grounds as best we can like cutting the grass and weeding around the club buildings and pathways. This ensures that the club remains maintained for all to see from the very busy cycle path.
I hope some of you find this of interest and it gives you confidence that the club is still very much alive and kicking! We look forward to seeing you all very soon.
“Stay safe”
We are all in this together.
Best regards,
The committee.