Hi Everyone
Well we are in the middle of Winter and it is great to welcome a batch of new members!
Full Members; Gary Clark, Jan and Denis Dobbie
Junior; Harris Jeekson,
Winter; Robbie Paul and Nigel Atkins
Mid Week; Martin Everton
And welcome back to Bryan Mason, Paul Tasker, Edward Morris, Annabel and Scott Perkins and Simon Scott
The good news is the course is surviving our recent wet weather and can only get better.
Quite a lot to talk about this month but I want to start with a word about two of our sponsors.
NBS are running an investment special at the moment, 1.3% for six or nine months. We all know how low investment rates are at the moment and you would be hard pressed to find a more attractive rate than this. So if you have some money sitting around looking for a home, pop in and see Greg and his friendly team at our local branch.
As you know we have a partnership with Bowater Hyundai whereby if one of our members buys a car, new or used, from them they pay our club $250. I want to thank the two members from our club who have purchased vehicles from them in the last couple of weeks. Remember the $250 is paid to us after you have finalised your negotiations so it doesn't effect the price you pay. So if you are looking for a vehicle it would be great if you put Bowater Hyundai on your shopping list.
In line with our Strategic Plan we are continuing to replace our machinery. Our Rough Mower, by far our most used piece of equipment, has proved to be very effective but it has also been very expensive to maintain, and was due for replacement. Like wise we have a very old front end loader that has reached retirement age. In the last week or so we have purchased a new Tractor/Loader which will be a real asset to the club as it will be more versatile, more fuel efficient and less costly to run. The cost of this Tractor/Loader is just on $60k (GST inclusive). I am very pleased to be able to tell you that I applied to the New Zealand Community Trust for assistance with this purchase and they have granted us $30k! We are very grateful for the support and confidence that NZCT have shown in our club!
Now to a few acknowledgements;
First thanks to Barrie Walker and his house committee for all the work they have put into our clubrooms recently. The toilets are now completely refurbished. The interior is completely repainted. New lights have been installed plus all the internal wiring to the lights have been replaced. The new windows are in and we are just waiting for the French Doors to be installed on the western side. The new fireplace is up and going, and going very well! They have more improvements planned but I don't intend to mention them here lets just keep that as a surprise for you all!
Interestingly Shona and I have recently played five courses in the far north. They are all busy successful clubs but, with the notable exception of Kauri Cliffs, I would have to say that our clubrooms are, as good, or better than any of them. Particularly the toilet facilities. And our course also compares very favourably with them all.
While on the subject of the clubrooms I am sure you will have all noticed the fantastic tables and bench seats that now grace our deck. These were all crafted by David Thomas and we are very grateful to him. I did ask David if I could mention him in this newsletter as he is always very reluctant to be acknowledged! He did agree on the condition that he is not taking orders! I am sure you will be interested to know that all the wood came from a Macrocarpa tree we felled in the woodlot by No 11. It was milled on site and we have had it drying down there for the last three years or so, specifically with these tables in mind! Thanks also to Infields engineering, particularly Grant Hamilton, for manufacturing the metal frameworks.
While on the subject of wood, last week we had quite a lot of work done on our trees. Three reasons; To prolong the life of our trees (No 8), to remove limbs etc that we deemed a Health and Safety risk (No 1, No 13 and No 18) and to allow light onto a green (No 17). So THE Woodies need this like a hole in the head as they already have a major task on the go on No 9! This group of guys do a fantastic amount of work for our club and we are so lucky to have their dedication and expertise readily available. As a result of all this wood we are taking orders for firewood. $150 for a high sided trailer load for members, $190 for non-members. Great value and quality wood, just talk to me or any of the Woodies if you are interested.
Now a mention of Keith Dowie. Each year for the last few years he has gone out and picked Kiwi Fruit which he then donates to the club so that you can all buy them at the ridiculously cheap price of $2! However all those $2's accumulate and we try to buy something special with the funds. Last year we renewed the shade cloth behind the seat at the No18 ladies tee and bought a Karcher window cleaner for the clubhouse. This year we have bought the fire surround for our new fire. Plus, wait for it, we will purchase another tree!! Thanks Keith, this is a great example of the way members can contribute to our club and an example of what makes our club so special!
Talking about special, how special was it to be able to celebrate Normas 100th birthday at the club last Saturday. Its a long time since I have seen the clubrooms so full and what a great atmosphere! And what a lovely speech Norma made!
And another big thank you. With Nick recovering from his operation a huge thanks to Ian and the volunteers that are assisting him to keep the course in such great condition. We all know that we have been hammered with a heap of rain this winter and to have the course in the condition it is is an absolute credit to them all. Plus aren't the greens amazing!
Now a little teaser for next months newsletter. There has been some great news in this one and I can absolutely assure you that there is further good news to be delivered next month. But in the meantime my lips are sealed!
So that's a wrap folks. Enjoy your golf and lets hope we get a continuation of the beautiful winter days that we have been experiencing lately.
Cheers
Peter
