Dear Member,

May I start by wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy 2021. It has not started as we all would have hoped; however, I trust that the good services of our medical professionals and the vaccination programme will lead to a swift and successful reduction in the effects of Covid-19 on our society.

It was a delight to get the Club open over the festive period. The feedback from members and staff at being able to enjoy the safe and welcoming hospitality on offer was truly heartening. The efforts that our General Manager, Lorna McCrudden, and her team put into the reopening ensured that it went as smoothly as it did and is a tribute to their commitment and determination. It is unfortunate that the reopening was so brief.

I would like to thank those who have already renewed their Club subscription for doing so, it is the best way in which you can support the Club at this time. Your Management Committee continue to meet via Zoom on a monthly basis and we are ensuring that we are minimising outgoings and maximising the use of any available government support during these difficult times. Our Honorary Treasurer, Adrian Bannon, has had the most difficult of tasks in keeping pace with the ever-changing rules and regulations and preparing budgets for the year ahead. I would like to thank him on your behalf for his contribution over these extraordinary times. The Management Committee will continue to be watchful and react to the changing circumstances with the interests of the URC members, the Club and staff at the centre of their thoughts.

The Club has survived many difficult times during its 135 years and thanks to the financial prudence of our predecessors, we can look forward to days ahead when we can return and enjoy the Ulster Reform Club in its full capacity.

Jonathan McAlpine

President