March 2010 President's newsletter
This is the first newsletter in the new format. As a cost cutting measure the newsletter will be printed on one page in black only and will be available for pickup from the reception area of the club. We will be saving on the colour printing, the number created and the delivery cost. Don’t forget to pick up your copy from the club each month. It is also available on our website www.tcbcc.com.au under News.
The club has now taken over the running of the restaurant but we have managed to retain the services of our premier chef Craig Stelmack. The quality food that you have been receiving over the past 8 months will still be available. In order to effectively operate the restaurant the Board has decided that the operating times for the restaurant had to be reduced and it will operate for dinner Wednesday to Sunday inclusive and lunch will be available on Wednesday only. As demand for service outside these times increases we will review our operating times. If you want to hold a function at any time please talk to management and I’m sure we can accommodate you. Our cost structure for meals has been changed and members will receive a discount on all meals – make sure you show your member card before paying for your meal.
I mentioned last month of the heart attack incident involving one of our regular golfers and course ranger, Ray Harris. Ray has made a remarkable recovery and has been seen a number of times irritating other golfers, although he has not yet made the big step of playing himself. As this was good news for those involved in promoting the education of the public in CPR practices we were inundated by reporters recently to record the details and take photos of where the incident occurred. Recognition for Mark Hehir and Bob Staer for their quick response was most appreciated. It has been noticed that the two have become popular playing partners for those golfers who have any qualms about their hearts.
The TVs that were not functioning due to a virus have been replaced by new ones and thanks go to HiSense for eventually performing the swap at no cost to the club.
There are always members at clubs who are more willing than others to help when it is required. A number of members of the golf club, the mens and ladies bowls clubs and general members of the club will always be there with their hand up to volunteer. I would like to thank the member (name withheld) who organised the cleaning of the insides of the barbecue after a flare-up had caused concern amongst those using it.
The club, in the next couple of months, will be starting this years round of charity days. These days give much needed funds to those organisations that are always short of cash. The first charity day to mark down on your calendar will be the ANZAC Day golf and bowls day (Sunday 25th April with the following day being a declared public holiday) with all money raised being donated to Legacy. The next golf and bowls charity day will be Sunday 2nd May (May Day holiday weekend) when all funds will be directed to our local organisation Medical Transport. This organisation is responsible for taking patients to their appointments in major hospitals at a reasonable cost. Last year their vehicles covered 197,000 km as well as those drivers who occasionally used their own vehicles. This charity day will also be running a huge raffle, similar to previous years, so make sure you mark it in your diary.
Trading. As you can gather from the item above the club is struggling slightly at the moment with trade down. Our income is not as high as it was last year and costs have risen slightly as they always do. The Board has reviewed our cost structure and we are trying to reduce the figure wherever possible. A number of steps have been taken as mentioned above and other facilities will be reviewed if necessary. We are NOT in any downward spiral at the moment and hopefully the local economy will increase spending shortly. We know that we are not the only business suffering at the moment and we can only hope that it improves for all of us. A review of the fee structure for the 2010-11 year will take place over the next couple of months.
Sport. What a great start. The bowlers (men and women) played their first four matches in the “Super Challenge” with four wins each. They beat Cooloola Coast, Across the Waves, Moore Park and Elliot Heads with varying scores. Then came last weekend with an away game against Hervey Bay, when both teams were beaten, and a home game against Burrum Heads when the mens team regained their confidence and had a win but the ladies team suffered their second loss. This probably leaves the ladies team out of the playoffs but gives the mens team a slight chance of making the playoffs if the results of the final matches go their way. Our final match of this year’s competition will be at home on Saturday 6th March against Urangan. Best of luck to both teams. We can show other competitors the best of our club when the Super Challenge playoffs are held at Tin Can Bay Country Club on Saturday 20th March and Sunday 21st March (the furthest venue north in Queensland for the playoffs) - I hope our club will be represented. For all bowling fanatics this will be a couple of days of brilliant bowls – don’t miss it.
The men’s golf pennant team commenced their season, after hosting the
first round. The results, so far, are encouraging with a 5 – 2 loss, a
4 – 3 loss followed by a 5 – 2 win – we’re on the way
up. Hopefully the last win will inspire the team to more wins.
The ladies pennant golf teams will be starting their competition shortly. Other
golf competitions will be starting shortly so get your hands on the new fixture
book when it becomes available.
The combined bowls clubs will be holding the Chocka’s Lawn Bowls Day on Sunday 28th March commencing at 12:30pm. This is a fun remembrance day for a past president of the bowls club. There will be a driving competition followed by 21 ends of triples competition. There will be trophies for wins and lucky draws throughout the competition with special picnic refreshments being served. This is a special day for local bowlers and all are welcome.
Developments. The eighteenth tee is receiving the tender loving care of our head greenkeeper Mick Hall and should be ready for play shortly. Changes to the ninth green have been delayed until next season. Dangerous trees or limbs of trees will be removed shortly as a safety measure.
Staffing. Our bar attendant/bus driver Luke Butt has left us to further his career on the Sunshine Coast and we wish him well. You may have already noticed our latest acquisition behind the bar Bill McKechnie and if you haven’t then make a point of introducing yourself to him.
Promotions. Have you got your table of knowledge together for the Trivia night to be held on Saturday 13th March. Tables of six will compete for the prize money on offer. For bookings see Leisa at reception and she will compile tables for those that haven’t a full table. These nights are not to be missed. Tin Can Bay P-10 State School P & C will be running raffles on the night to raise funds.
Do you sing like a canary or are you more like a bull frog? Either way, come along to the Karaoke Night on Saturday 27th March. After a couple of glasses of Dutch Courage we can all become unknown talents like Susan Boyle. It promises to be loads of fun.
See you at the T.C.B. Country Club.
Stephen Wallis.
President TCBCC.