We the members of Queen's Club wish to express our extreme shock and anger of the news that Christian Howgill is being let go as Duty Manager. The Queen’s Club are thinking of making Christian redundant and that they are only doing it because the Club is trying to make the Club more cost effective and to improve member services. I myself have only been a member since November 2006 but since meeting Christian in February 2007 he made a huge difference to my being a member of the club. I knew nobody when I first arrived, but he found out my tennis standard, found others who were similar to me to play with, introduced me to other members and made me feel so welcome. He helped me settle in and get to know many other members, got me to participate in both tennis and social events and I finally started to find my feet. Without him I would have been lost. I don't just see him as Queen's Club Duty Manager, I consider him a true friend. I can't say that many people go out of their way to make you feel so at home and Christian really is one of a kind and I am deeply saddened by this news. I feel as though a part of Queen's Club has died and no longer look forward to playing tennis there as it will just be a constant reminder of his absence. Not only has he done an amazing job as Duty Manager, he has gone out of his way for the club from acting as photographer at social events, most recent being the Bollettieri dinner in June 2009, ensuring the Artois/Aegon runs smoothly every year by dedicating all his time and energy to the event, he has transformed the under 30s monthly tennis tournaments to a popular event that before was not so well known and even has a waiting list to participate in, a great tennis partner, a friend to so many. Queen's Club needs Christian, without him the place will crumble! The second I heard the news I was practically in tears, just thinking that this isn't fair and that he loves the place just like the rest of us. This cannot be the end and I won't sleep at night until he is reinstated, I am truly upset that the club has lost such an important asset. Please sign this petition and send it on to anyone you know who can help get him back ASAP!

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