[Mr Modifier]

What that seems to prove is that you need one or two really committed people who are prepared to put in the time, effort and not a little cash to make the whole thing run well. This comes as no surprise at all.

Most people will happily turn up if someone else has done all the hard work. I suspect that any club covering whatever subject works on the same principle.

I agree.  The first club track at our club was mine.  It cost a lot and lasted 5 years.  Fortunately my little manufacturing enterprises covered the cost so the Mrs is none the wiser.  Our current track was built by another member and paid for by the club.  Our hall is free.  No weekly race fees and only £45 per year subs.  I guess we are luckier than any other club in that respect and yet we still struggle to find members but have enough of a core to be able to race every week.