Notes of Open Meeting 23 Jan 2014 Looking at Options For Improving The Clubhouse Attendance was in excess of the 49 who signed in. There were several who did not sign in possibly as many as 20. The evening was generally very positive with a lot of interest shown in what was being considered. 1. The meeting was introduced to the Development Group members of: Tony Quinn (Captain), Paul Helliwell (Vice Captain), John Holbourn (Club Treasurer), Jim Hughes(member), Paul Draycott(member), Grenville Jones(Member), Mick Paxton (Architect). Apologies from Paul Richings (Member). 2. Tony Quinn and Mick Paxton gave a presentation outlining the reasons for calling the meeting and some of the options for discussion. 3. The meeting split into three groups who were all asked to write and discuss their thoughts / ideas in response to the following questions: • What improvements / new facilities would you like to see? Can we make alterations without extending? • How do you think we could raise the funds to pay for any improvements? Please consider external and internal sources of finance and how we could increase our income. • Other than the cost, what other barriers might prevent us achieving a new improved clubhouse? 4. The 3 groups then re-convened for a run through of what the groups had discussed and a short question and answer session before the meeting ended at 9.30pm. Those present were asked to forward any further ideas to Jo Duck the Secretary. 5. The Development Group will now take away the feedback from the meeting and: • Agree which options should be further developed • Draw up working plans for the agreed options • Obtain estimated costs of the options • Explore the options for raising the necessary finance including a business plan aimed at increasing revenues sufficient to cover the costs of any new build • Report back to the Club Management Committee. The responses to the questions at 3 above are as follows: What improvements / new facilities would you like to see? Can we make alterations without extending? The responses included: New showers and changing facilities, new lockers, Snooker or Pool table, new lounge furniture, new Pro shop incorporated into the main building, a gym, Sky sports, a ‘quality’ restaurant, larger clubhouse facilities, combine the Office, 19th and TV lounge to create a spike bar / players area and a new main entrance, more toilets, a refurbished clubhouse, extend out on to the patio and create a balcony (with awning), a better dining room atmosphere by adding soft lighting and background music, a side extension, create office and meeting space upstairs, a walk thru from Burniston Road car park, utilise the wasted space at the side and entrance to the ladies lockers, a function room upstairs with balcony overlooking the sea, a balcony above the TV lounge area looking out to the course, An internal practice area with golf simulator, If Pro shop is moved to the main building use the existing shop for a golf simulator. The idea of creating a spike bar or similar by combining the 19th and TV lounge was the most supported idea as it was generally thought to provide the separate space required to allow better utilisation of the function room whilst maintaining space for golfers and at the least cost. The idea was also attractive in that it provided the possibility of games room facilities, TV and views towards the course. It was further seen as a first step which would still allow any of the other suggestions to be progressed in the future. Improving the changing rooms, re furbishing the clubhouse and installing a gym were all well supported. Several comments asked us not to forget the course and suggested improvements to: the chipping and putting area, our practice facilities and the 5 holes on seaward side. How do you think we could raise the funds to pay for any improvements? Please consider external and internal sources of finance and how we could increase our income. Contributions from members including interest free loans or loans linked to reduced annual subs (debentures), Lottery grants, council loan / grant, other grants Advertise for outside investment, Advertise golf in hotels, holiday camps etc, Partnerships with hotels Open up club facilities for us by non-members, Create accommodation for golf parties, Better use of the website and social media to promote the club, More weddings, christenings, parties, conferences, Allow other clubs and community groups to use / share facilities (new house members?) Pilates / Yoga and other similar classes for members and non-members Create life Vice Presidents / patrons who will donate monies to the club / Life members Gifts in kind and other donations which allow tax relief Work in kind where members donate time and skills e.g the working group Negotiate deals with specific organisations such as The Sands Management Company Group offers for play when course it quiet Event days / More Pro –Ams Two tier drinks / food prices for members and visitors / membership purchasing card system Flexible memberships Joint ventures with other sports clubs More sponsorship Fundraising schemes amongst members including ‘buy a brick’, coffee mornings, raffles etc Enter teams into local pool and darts league to increase use of bar facilities Other than the cost, what other barriers might prevent us achieving a new improved clubhouse? Lack of funds No lease after 2026 Parking Lethargy / disinterest / negativity Planning Risk to core golf from too much diversity.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 16:25:54 +0000