David first of all well done for stepping up to the post which is an important one at club level because it is the chairman that has the most influence over the running of the club. A strong Chairman will delegate to good committee members and hopefully all will pull together to make the club a success. I think when you are in that position certain standards have to be maintained and sadly representing the club at funerals just happens to be one of those standards. But you should feel comfortable knowing that your members were happy in the knowledge that they were represented but also your deceased member's family and friends were probably happy that someone from the club came along. I was chairman at my club in Trowbridge and atttended more than enough funerals of club members .but with it also comes sometimes with the added responsibility of valueing and helping to clear workshops and tools and it is a reflection on your integrity of how that is carried out. I handed over the reins of my club to a new chairman a couple of years ago and he is doing a good job, but I try to make his job easier (and that of the committee) by helping to put the chairs out/away, taking my turn to sweep up and wash up, demonstrating or just introducing new members to existing members. When suggestions are called for from the committee I am happy to make mine. Personally I think it should be compulsory for club members to spend time on the committee.
