Hi Everyone,
By now you would have all read articles in the newspapers or heard stories about the Club that would be concerning to you. Unfortunately some of the headlines to the stories you would have read or heard are un-factual. There has never been any talk about the Clubs closure - “last drinks” or “lights out” for the Suburban Club. Sadly those stories come from a small minority of miss-informed members who spread un-factual stories about the Club. It’s a shame that we have a small group of Club members who act this way when instead they should be getting behind the Club and showing it more solidarity and support. That’s human nature for you.
Here are the facts for you.
It is no secret that we are in a difficult position. This is pure and simply due to the inherent debt from borrowings to redevelop the Club back in 2005. Subsequent decline in revenues from bars and gaming over the years have meant the associated costs of running this venue and servicing the loans has become un-sustainable in the long term. If we don’t take evasive action now, then in time; yes - we would be looking at closure. That is the very last option and not one that any of the Management/Board will allow to happen. Very importantly to know is that we have the banks continued support while we work through the process of looking at the options being presented to the Board.
We still have equity in our land and buildings which would leave us in a good position to repay all debt if we were to sell. Should a sale be realised we would still have sufficient funds to lease part of or all of the premises back depending on the purchaser’s requirements for the site. Relocation to other suitable leased premises to operate from, ideally within the Tahuna to Stoke precinct is also another option. We will be considering all opportunities over the next few months and exploring as many as we can. This may include amalgamation or merging with other clubs & organizations. The Board will keep members up to date with progress via bar announcements regularly. A special meeting will not be announced until such time that there has been sufficient due diligence carried out on any confirmed option/s available to us. As per the members constitutional rights we will make a public announcement regarding such meeting.
In the meantime; if you want to know the facts as they are at the present time then please contact myself or any of the Board members who can answer your questions. As explained last week, there will be some information that cannot be released due to the confidentiality surrounding other parties we may be in negotiations with. This does not mean you are being lied too as one member put it. It simply means we do not want to be in breach of any confidentiality clauses we enter into.
The most important thing all of our members can do at this time to see the Club through this, is to get behind it and support it. I know some of you are tentative about coming along; but that just makes the situation all the worse. We do need you, and we certainly need all of our members to show their solidarity and reaffirm their support by renewing their memberships this year.
Club member and longtime avid supporter, Diane Sutherland bravely stood and spoke to you all last Thursday. Her words certainly resonated with all of you and couldn’t have been more truthful.
“Quote”: A building doesn’t make a club. It is the members who are the club. We need to stop fighting what’s happening to the club and start supporting the club. You can’t change the past. All we can do is shape the future. I have renewed my membership in good faith and all I ask is that you all have the conviction to support the Board and do the same.
- Diane Sutherland
I couldn’t agree with Diane more and hope that we continue to have the support of each and every one of our members.
I know that this update won’t get out to each and every one of our members so it is up to all those ones that are reading it to get out there and talk positively about your Club and its future.
If you want to talk to a member of the Finance & Management Board you will need to speak to the following people:
Ross Strawbridge, Jim Reeves, Terry Potter, Valda Holland, Mike Bromell, Graham Woodward.
TAB Update
Congratulations to the lucky club member who won the TAB Super Saturday $1,000.00 Draw for Saturday 7th June.
Another very lucky member from our club won $5,000 by entering the Weekly draw last Saturday. What a great bonus to receive and so easy to take part in. Each Saturday the TAB will do a weekly automated random draw to select one Betting Ticket to win big money from one participating Club’s NZ TAB site. The weekly draw is done at some time between 5.30pm and 6.00pm each Saturday. The TAB will then announce the last 12 digits of the serial number of the selected betting ticket, including the site it was drawn from, on teletext page 610. The prize will jackpot each week by $5,000 if it is not won.
If you are unsure how to use the self-service TAB terminal and would like to give it a go just ask a staff member to help you.
Housie Update
Monday afternoon Housie continues to be a popular outing for many members and visitors with most attendees using the Cafe facilities for a bite to eat before starting. Recently we have had requests for an evening Housie; so we are making arrangements to start another one. We have the support of the current Housie volunteers who are prepared to help run it; however we will need to call for some more voluntary help to train up as the current volunteers already run the Monday Housie. If you would like to be part of the team and can spare a Wednesday evening then we would love to hear from you. Please let myself or Moana Payn know.
Housie will commence on Wednesday evenings in the Sports Hall sometime in July. We will post an update with the commencement date ASAP.
Bar Update
Due to supplier increases coming into effect on the 20th; there will be a small increase across bar prices being implemented by the end of June. We are aware that we need to keep our prices down to be competitive and will endeavor to keep any increase to a minimum. In addition to this and to encourage your continued support we will be commencing a loyalty card system on tap beer and house wine. By using the loyalty card you will make progressive savings throughout your purchases. The rewards cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer so cannot be used while happy hour prices are in effect and loyalty points will not be applied to the purchases that have discount applied. Despite an impending increase overall I believe that we still offer very good value for money here at the Club compared to other venues.
Travel Club by Simply Travel
Do you love to travel? Would you be interested in joining a travel group for likeminded travelers from here at the club? We have been very lucky to be approached by Robyn Neil Chief Navigator of Simply Travel Nelson. Robyn is very keen to talk to anyone who is interested in the concept here at the Club but would like an expression of interest first. If anyone is interested in joining up just let us know and once we have a few names down we will arrange for Robyn to come down and talk to you all. To kick off the start of a partnership offer, Simply Travel is giving a 20% discount off travel Insurance when you book your travel through them. All you need to do is show your membership card.
Nelson Auto Glass Specialists
Here is an easy way to earn funds for the Club by simply going into NELSON AUTO GLASS SPECIALISTS LTD, 84 VANGUARD ST, NELSON when you next require a windscreen repair/replacement or any auto class work. Show your Suburban Club card and every job will earn the Club cash.
If your vehicle is covered by insurance; NELSON AUTO GLASS SPECIALISTS LTD will assist you with the insurance claim once you are at their workshop; or remember to nominate NELSON AUTO GLASS SPECIALISTS LTD as your preferred repairer if you lodge the claim yourself.
A mobile replacement service is available. All Insurance work is welcome and all work is fully guaranteed.
Please spread the word so that the Club can benefit from this cash back offer.
Subs Renewal Notices
Next week you will receive your 2014/15 subs renewal notices. As previously advised we are offering a $5pp early bird discount this year. Subs are due by 31st July so please take advantage of the early bird offer to save money. Payment from August 1st will be $5pp more.
That’s it from me. Keep warm everyone and see you at your Club.
Regards
Rob Finlayson
General Manager