Supporters' Club Under Threat

Two leading figures in the South East Point-to-Point Supporters’ Club are standing down at the forthcoming annual meeting. Howard Jarvis, long-standing chairman, and Alan Cowing, effectively the club’s general secretary for the past seven years, both feel they should step aside to make way for new people and ideas.

The Supporters’ Club, originally established in 1996 when the hunting ban was looming and point-to-pointing’s future was in doubt, pledged itself to raise money to help every racing fixture in the South East Area. An estimated £75,000 has since been distributed in donations to cover a wide range of costs, including safety equipment, radios, individual race sponsorship and even the renovation of the Tote caravan. The money came from membership subscriptions and sponsorship raised by Alan Cowing and his predecessors on the club committee.

In its first year there were more than 400 members, a figure that has now fallen to less than 200. With the resignation of two key officers it is now the future of the club itself that is threatened.

Howard Jarvis said: “Having been Chairman since the formation of the Supporters’ Club and now in my 70th year, I feel it is time for a change and perhaps a younger outlook. I would like to thank all my committee, old and new, for their efforts and support during my tenure. My main cause of regret is that despite all our endeavours, membership continues to fall. Membership to the Club does not carry any great benefits, it is for the good of the sport in our area and all for a £20 donation, not a lot to ask but still too many owners, jockeys, officials and hunt subscribers are not members. Why?”

Alan Cowing said: “Having served on the committee for a considerable period which has been very enjoyable, I recognize that the Club must move ahead with new initiatives if it is to survive. Much needed changes to communications between both existing members and the PTP community in general are already underway, thanks to the efforts of Mark Siggers and others and I believe that a new team of people, perhaps with more in-depth knowledge of our sport eg jockeys, trainers and Hunt secretary’s combined with those having business or marketing skills is required to take advantage of these new opportunities.

“Sponsorship has become more difficult to find and the problem will probably increase whilst the current economic climate persists and therefore fundraising will be a major issue if the Club is to continue to give financial support. We need a substantial increase in membership and more emphasis on social events both of which will inevitably have to come from the younger generation and it is committee members from this group that are required. It is time for the “old farts” to make way for this fresh blood and enthusiasm.”

Nick Bowman, who has been treasurer of the club since its formation, said: “Frankly the departure of these two leading players places the club in great difficulty. They have been our driving force and their contribution has been immeasurable. The club still has a role to play, but perhaps it will be a very different one from now on. We are going to talk to the Area in a bid to introduce some new ideas that will help all concerned, at the same time hoping that we can generate increased membership by making it a more attractive proposition for the racegoer.”

Meanwhile the club urgently seeks candidates and nominations to replace Jarvis and Cowing. The AGM is being held at Howard’s home in Toys Hill on Sunday September 7th.