Dear Sir,Since when did we lose our freedom of speech? Since when did we lose the right to appeal? Since when did we lose the right to challenge the decision makers and since when did we lose the right to voice our opinions? This is what I did last year in the Newton News regarding the town Badminton Club and it’s letters asking for fresh members. Responding to Darren Clarke’s letter in last week’s edition I would have to say that his recollection of our phone call seems to be a bit hazy and not at all how I remember it. What was his reaction to my call? I remember a well spoken chap who was both sympathetic to my problem and informative. There were no insults or bad comments made as we discussed the issues raised in a civil manner.
The call ended with an invitation by Mr Clarke to Haughton Badminton Club once I had recovered from knee surgery. His comment that I am not community spirited is way off the mark. My letter about Aycliffe Badminton Club was simply a criticism of the way my departure from the club was handled by certain members. Obviously my thoughts about this club are negative given what had happened to me but If I was that bad of a player then why was I getting 4 or 5 games weekly for 10 weeks before being asked to leave? As for holding a grudge, it has been over four years since I played and six months since we spoke on the phone but the whole badminton saga is finished for me now. It seems that Darren Clarke is the one holding the grudge and appears to have used my election address as a platform to express his thoughts. Hidden agenda there I think. Paul Kjenstad
