It is disconcerting to read in the press the failure of the club to seek change of use of the players lounge to café should appear front page before official notification is officially received by the club, but perhaps the P.A.’s informant had another agenda. The reporters visit to the café somehow omitted to state that on offer on the Monday was Home made soup, a pasta bake dish, baked potato, salad rolls, sugar free drinks, smoothies, mineral water. There were no sign of fries, sugar drinks etc
We have on prominent display Healthy Eating charts outlining what is healthy and what is not. It also should be noted that other Council Departments have been so impressed with our initiative that we were encouraged to open up the premises for the benefit of the community so that it would become a community asset. As a community club we welcomed the idea. In turn the longer term view that the facility would be open 7 days a week and not just refined to training night and match days. The end product would not only be a sustainable source of income but also to provide a facility of training the unemployed, providing employment, an environment of promoting better lifestyles in the community through education and most importantly providing a safe and secure retreat for the older and young alike to enjoy a meeting place which does not exist at present. It is a pity that the reporter did not seek the views of the users of the café, parents of players and players regarding the club’s new venture. Sure, neither ourselves, local or national bodies believe we can cure the problems of obesity or unhealthy lifestyles overnight but at least give us the credit for being the first sports club in the region to try and educate the users.



The reporter also omitted to comment on the fact that as part of our education process we not only issue to our players but also have on display in prominent positions the following guidelines and publications.
Sports Nutrition (A Letham Document issued to players)
Healthy Eating charts
Nutrition Advice for Football players
Sports Drinks
With regard to Councillor John Flynn’s comments we first of all acknowledge and confirm his support of the club over the years which now boast 16 active teams and a soccer school for under 8’s. We differ on his opinions of being badly thought out. First of all the club has continually updated the Councillor on the club’s progress and I have attended his last two surgeries held at Letham Primary School including the cafe. He even recommended a local contact in the catering trade. Hardly a stealthy approach. Neither is his description of the premises being a greasy spoon an accurate assessment. Of course we accept that not everyone shares the same objectives and some are happy to continue with existing lifestyles. The encouraging fact is that on a survey the club enjoys massive support for what it is trying to do from the Letham Community and its 350 members. The club for the past 7 years has expressed concerns on road safety adjacent to Seven Acres and welcomes the improvements planned.
Finally an application for a change of use was being submitted on Thursday, 5th, March and the club would adhere to the closure advice pending submission and determination of the retrospective planning application.

Ken Drummond