Bartlett upset about ejection from 50 Plus club
Letter to the Editor/April 21, 2023
Dear Editor:
This letter is aimed towards the Worsley Park 50+ membership, the people who own the club.
I was removed from your club as Vice President by the board which consists of President Geraldine Weir, 2nd Vice President Eva Bishop, Secretary Viola Dawe, Past President George Combden, and directors Mary Corbett, Janette Snelgrove, and Shirley Miller.
I did find out later the vote was unanimous. All voted for my removal. Also present was Elaine Hutchings, Avalon Director for the NL 50 Plus Federation.
I was elected by the members, 44 present on May 4, 2022, and was ejected by a board of eight on January 11, 2023.
I came to CBS approximately 10 years ago. I found out I could play cards 10 times a week, so I decided to move here. Things went well for a few years. There was lots of activity, cards, darts, socializing with other people, and I made lots of friends.
I became a member of the Worsley Park 50 Plus Club as well as other clubs in this beautiful town on the salt water. I was happy until May 4, 2022 when happiness disappeared. I got involved in politics. That’s when Worsley Park did their elections. I campaigned for my friend Geri Weir and nominated her for president with the promise to run for Vice President; because I was trained by Memorial University on how to set up committees, how to run them, how to do up constitutions and by-laws and 47 years of volunteer work, I had a lot of knowledge to pass along to her and the board.
I have made many mistakes in my lifetime but that was the biggest I ever made.
On Feb. 5, I celebrated my 87th birthday. As I am in poor health, I thought I would have a party (it might be my last) with my card players, with a cold plate supper, no cost, eight games of cards and no presents. I contacted some of my friends and they agreed it was a wonderful idea.
In the contract with the Town, which is looking after the Worsley building, it states that a member of the club in good standing can have the building for a birthday or anniversary party free of charge.
I met with the Town to make arrangements, and had it booked for Feb. 11, but I was told I would have to get permission from the president, but the president turned it down. I could have it on that date but would have to pay for it, approximately $254.
I have to apologize to the people for the birthday party. We will see what happens if I ever get this straightened out.
On Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the card game, my partner, the past treasurer, attempted to try to get answers as to why I was fired. On March 8, we went to the Worsley Park membership meeting and requested permission to speak to try to get this cleared up.
To the Worsley Park 50 + Club, since elected I have worked hard for your club… I have spent 47 years volunteering on committees province wide, and never saw the like. This Worsley Park is a house divided.