At the Board meeting on September 19th the Board agreed the following announcement:-

Best Behaviour for the Office

Members will be aware that we have recently implemented a new policy to remove bad behaviour at the bridge table, known as “Best Behaviour @ Bridge”. This has been done in order to strengthen control over the excesses of the small minority of our members who misbehave at the bridge table.

Similar considerations apply to communications to and from Aylesbury, whether by phone, letter or email. Sensibly worded complaints and even better constructive criticism will of course be investigated and dealt with as appropriate.

What are not acceptable are deliberately abusive statements directed either at the EBU or worse still one or more members of staff. Just as any staff found to be rude or unhelpful would be subject to disciplinary action, members should be aware that there are disciplinary routes available to the EBU in the event of serious or repetitive abuse of the nature described. Any such communications will be brought to the General Manager’s attention and may well also result in action on the subject matter being delayed.

It is disappointing for me to find it necessary to remind members of the value of politeness in all communications, but regrettably a number of off-key approaches in recent weeks have made it necessary.

Barry Capal, September 2006