Hi Everyone
Thank you to those members who came along to this year’s AGM. There were 104 members in attendance. It was considered to be a very positive meeting with some very constructive feedback and suggestions coming from the floor. As advised on Sunday we now have a new Executive Committee, President and Treasurer to assist the running of the Club. We welcome some old faces back to the Committee and a couple of new ones also. I’m sure the Committee will work very hard this year to make your Club the one to beat. Naturally your help and support is vital to the success we hope to see coming from our sporting and social sections this year.
Treasurer: Ben Douglas
We welcome Ben as the new Treasurer for the Club. Ben is a Chartered Accountant and Director of Johnston Associates South Chartered Accountants, bringing a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. Ben is very keen to see the Club heading back in the right direction - through growing the membership and revenues; with a goal to have a successful Club we can all be proud to be a part of. Ben looks forward to meeting you over the coming months and if you have any direct queries he can be contacted at bdouglas@jacal.co.nz or http://www.jacalsouthisland.co.nz/ben
Ben is in the process of forming the Finance and Management Board and I will advise who the Board will be in due course.
President: Leigh Bromell
Leigh is the first female President the Club has had in its 44 years; so this is a very exciting time for us all. Leigh will bring a different element to the Club Presidency and we are all looking forward to working with her.
Vice President: Ian Jones.
Committee: Moana Payn, Diane Mihaere, Hamish McWhinnie, Ron Van Der Lem.
As we were two members short for the Committee the following members we nominated from the floor. Liz Aitken, Shirley Dick, Dave Mortimer, Jimmy Barnes. The candidates will be considered by the Executive and two co-opted on.
Levy Update:
Last week the Executive and I made the decision that imposing the levy is not going to be supported by the membership. It is obvious what the effect will be, come July 2015; based on the 1,994 members who failed to renew their membership this year when it was first discussed in July. The decision made at the October EGM was in favor of the Levy and as such gives the Club the ability to impose it. We believe that imposing a compulsory levy would not be accepted by the majority of the members; therefore we would lose more members. Imposing a levy is the last thing we want to do, however; the Executive Committee and I need you all to accept that the Club cannot survive without the financial support of all members through the following means:
- Paying your subscription prior to 31st July annually.
- Annual Loans or donations, preferably donations.
- More regular visits and use of the Club.
- Bringing along and signing up new members.
- Growing our membership again through membership offers and joining incentives.
- Offering voluntary service to help the Club with running Raffles, Housie, Courtesy Van driving & building maintenance work also helps with reduction of expenses.
Every little bit helps. I often feel like a stuck record, however nothing will change for the financial betterment of the Club if we cannot make these things happen. There aren’t many more costs I can manage to cut out of the business. It’s up to everyone to help as they can.
It’s been fantastic to see the amount of members who have already come forward and donated to the Club this year. Thank you again for your support. So far through Loans and Donations we have over $22,000 towards the $200,000 principle mortgage payment we need to raise annually. This is only 10% of the required target though. The funds raised from your support of the Club’s new Lottery and the Jackpot Joker is also going directly into the mortgage fund so again thank you to all members who support these.
In the next week or two there will be a special mail out to members. This document will be asking for your support and how you may choose to help if you can. I held the original document back as it contained language such as compulsory and imposed levy. I did not believe this to be in the best interest of the Club or its membership. A revised letter will be out in the near future.
Courtesy Coach Drivers
As you will already be aware the legal alcohol driving limits will be reduced on December 1st 2014. As a result of this we intend to increase the pickup & drop off service for your convenience. To be able to do this we will need more voluntary drivers. If anyone is able to help by going on the roster then please let me know ASAP. If we cannot get enough drivers we will employ one BUT this will mean we will have to charge for the service to cover the cost of wages.
Christmas Raffle
We have a fantastic bumper Christmas raffle for you all this year. Tickets are in the Main Bar and will cost $5. We have three draws and the total Prize pool is $1,000. Once again the proceeds from this raffle will go directly into the mortgage account.
Christmas Lunch:
Don’t forget to book now for Christmas Lunch. We have the restaurant open on Christmas day from 11.30am and places are filling fast. This is a pre-pay arrangement. The menu is fantastic and great value at only
- $55 for Adults (13+)
- $25 for 9 - 12 year olds
- $15 for 3 - 8 year olds
Bookings are essential before Dec 8th be quick.
That’s all from me folks
Enjoy the week!
Regards
Rob