Chairmans 12 Monthly Board Report 2008
It is my pleasure to present my last Annual report of the Kaiapoi Golf Club.
I have been a Board Member for 6 years including 4 years as Chairman and I believe it is timely that I take a well earned break and work on reducing my handicap.
Murray Garven is also standing down and I wish to thank him for his 3 years service on the Board.
Firstly, I wish to quell any rumours and newspaper reports that this Board intends to or has any intention to sell the golf course. As you will have read, the author of newspaper article had no contact with the Board before writing the article so therefore she did not have the correct facts.
We were advised to put a submission into the Waimakariri District Council if we had any development plans, during the next 30 years. This included relocating or building any new green keeping facilities, sheds, pro shops or subdividing off sections.
We as a Board have worked hard all year to improve the financial situation of the club. In the May newsletter we called for ideas from members to help address this matter. Proposals were presented and among them included two options for selling a small number of sections.
The Board called together a meeting of those people who had responded to our call to discuss the next actions. We were really impressed by the number of other suggestions that were put forward that may increase income and help reduce costs and they have all been given much thought. Decisions will be made that may be right or wrong in some people’s minds but the Board believes they are all in the best interest of our club.
Subdividing cannot and will not be done unless the members agree. We are guided by the constitution to present to the club members all the information available so the correct decision will be made. This information will be presented at an AGM or a special AGM called by the Board, when all the facts and figures become available.
Once again the weather has interfered with the Board’s plans in reducing debt with the course closed for 29 days during the wet, cold winter. This has had a considerable impact on the club’s income. Current subscriptions do not cover the cost of the Green keepers’ contract therefore the green fees are used to run the club.
If we can reduce the $219,000 mortgage and the floating loans of $180,000 then running
costs of the club will become more manageable. Removing the interest costs of $40,000 is the main objective.
Income was down across the board as was evident by the Internal Affairs Department closing down our gaming machines. However this may well have a positive effect as we may now be more successful with funding applications.
We were extremely lucky to receive two substantial grants to cover $30,000 towards a new irrigation pump. This was an unforeseen expense but the modern technology installed with the pump should save $3,000 a year in power costs.
The Secretary Manager and staff must be congratulated on applying for and gaining grants to the value of $60,000 to help offset clubs costs. They have also continued to manage the club extremely well and have contributed to the efficient running of the club which has struggled with lack of committee members.
These are difficult times financially for all of us and we as a Board are trying to keep the Kaiapoi Golf Club viable and strong, with the future in mind.
It is extremely disappointing to see vacancies on the playing committees again this year. Surely there must be members out there who can spare a couple of hours a month to help run your club.
Congratulations to the Woodward Cup team and their manager Tricia Taylor. Being back in the top Canterbury competition for the first time in 38 years and making the semi-finals is a huge advertisement for our club. The many supporters witnessed some excellent golf and eagerly look forward to next year.
Two members from this team were selected for Canterbury Teams and we offer our congratulations to Jason Sincock and Scott Fox.
Shaun Allan has been selected for Canterbury under 19 coaching camp and Scott will also be attending the Canterbury Golf District coaching school in December. These three players are representing your club and value your support.
Congratulations to the Women’s Weekend Interclub team who were successful once again, winning two years in a row.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all those members who have stood on the Board, Men’s and Women’s Playing Committees, Greens and Centennial Committees along with all the selfless volunteers who have donated countless hours. Your support for the Kaiapoi Golf Club and me over the past 6 years is sincerely appreciated.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Board Chairman