July 2010 President's newsletter
The ongoing problem of the proposed marine park in the area from Fraser Island to Double Island Point is still with us but is now in the position of going quiet before a decision is made. Those that are affected are still protesting strongly and hopefully these protests will not fall on deaf ears. Politics is a funny business, as the recent change at the top has shown, and the influence of our local industry may win through.
The winter weather is now upon us with the number of wet days increasing the likelihood of our sporting events being cancelled. On these days your patronage at the club and the companionship of your fellow sports people may get rid of the dreariness of the weather.
Trading. By the time you are reading this newsletter your membership fees should have been paid. If you have not yet renewed your membership please see the staff in reception to complete the process. Any golfer or bowler that has not renewed their membership will have to pay to play as a visitor until fees have been payed.
There has been concern by a few members over the new fee structure for golfers and bowlers. The proposed changes were distributed widely before any decision was made and no feedback was received. They have been set to attempt to spread the cost of playing evenly between members and visitors.
The end of this financial year for the club sees a dramatic change in our fortunes. For the first time in a number of years there will be an operating loss. A number of measures have already been implemented to reduce costs with further changes about to take place. A letter of explanation of the changes that will affect our sporting members will be distributed shortly. The poker machine loyalty program (redeemable points whilst playing the machines) will be terminated until trading improves but points will not be lost. Hopefully this will only be a short term distraction.
Sport. As I have been on holidays recently I managed to miss most of the exciting moments of the last month. I have been told that the annual Mitre 10 championship day held on the Queens Birthday weekend was a huge success. With the state of our local economy in the doldrums it is good to see this organisation still supporting our club and its members.
Our bowlers decided that after giving up the Dodt Cup they would also like
to share the IGA shield for bowls. This shield is fought out between our club
and Cooloola Coast Bowls club and our opposition was just too good on the day.
Hard luck.
The Mens Bowls club will be starting their pennants season on Saturday 31st
July with games further afield this year. Regular visits to Maryborough and
Hervey Bay will occur.
Staff. Rick Clay has departed from his position of bar supervisor after a number of years with the club. Rod Pilkington has now taken over the reins behind the bar and I am sure you will notice some subtle changes the next time you visit. Welcome on board Rod after previous stints in the bar area.
Promotions. Sunday raffles continue to be well patronised
with the jackpot of cash being over $750 and a huge $800 worth of IGA vouchers
on offer. The market day atmosphere of the prizes with meat trays, IGA vouchers,
fruit and vegetable trays, seafood vouchers, restaurant vouchers and the ever
impressive “lolly” packs keeps buyers attentive until the final
draw. All can attend with tickets on sale from 4:30pm and the draw starting
at about 5pm. The Friday Night members draw has now risen to over $2000 at the
time of writing so all members should make sure they are in attendance between
7pm and 8pm for the draw.
The Trivia night held early in the month was enjoyable with over eighty participants.
These nights will continue as long as our patronage remains viable.
There will be live music each Friday night during the month with the bonus of two Saturday performances. On Saturday 10th July local band “Kronic Fatigue” will be performing for the youth of the area. Saturday 31st July sees the ever popular “Red Neck Girls” returning for a performance not to be missed.
The club will be trying to entice families to our restaurant from Saturday 3rd July with family concession meal deals. For $50 two adults and two children will receive main courses with the children receiving a drink each. Great value.
See you at the T.C.B. Country Club.
Stephen Wallis.
President TCBCC.