Interclub Volume 27 Issue 2 2021

6 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 27, ISSUE 2 - 2021 c l u b l i f e : W a i u k u C O S M O P O L I T A N C L U B Thriving club looking to the future • BULK CARTAGE • SPREADERS OF BULK LIME & FERTILISERS • BUILDER’S MIX & AGGREGATES • STEELSTONE (SLAG) PRODUCTS • LIVESTOCK CARTAGE • HOUSEHOLDWATER CARTAGE • SAND & DRAINAGE MATERIAL • LIME ROCK CHIP PH: (09) 235 9189 e: opsmanager@kdltd.co.nz | knightanddickey.com Sue Russell K atrina Barnett has worked at the Waiuku Cossie Club for 21 years, the last 7 of those in the role of Secretary/Manager. When asked what her priorities were when she took up the role Katrina says simply – to keep the club afloat. “When I first took over there was a lot of infrastructure that needed to be replaced. The club was built in 1965, opening its doors in October 1967.” With her and the team’s hard work, membership of the club has grown to from 1200 to 1900 during her tenure. Four years ago, the club also took back running the restaurant; she says this decision has also given strength and cer tainty to the club. “We serve good quality food at good prices that works well for this community and as a result the restaurant is thriving.” The club has also introduced monthly ‘challenges’ at the restaurant; to bring some fun and competition and the membership has responded very positively to this. One challenge being the Corn in the Hole, where a bag full of grain is thrown some distance toward a board with a hole in it. If successful the thrower has their meal refunded. This has proven popular with about 70 members on one night alone giving the game a go. In all, Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club engages 23 staff, mostly in par t-time roles and at any one time a team of 5 work on any given day while the restaurant is open every day bar one. “We have upgraded our upstairs and downstairs bar facilities and we’re in the process of getting an extension area for visitors to sit in out the back. It’s a chance for them to watch the train from Glenbrook come steaming in, right behind the club.” At recent Matariki celebrations the train was decorated with lights and the whole community came out to look at it. “We’re for tunate to have the train stop at the back of the club because day-trippers can then come into the club and enjoy what we have to offer,” says Katrina. Like so many clubs, Covid created a substantial challenge and financial pressures on the club but Katrina says the team came back from the lockdown period stronger than ever. “We have an ageing community here and they were a bit gun shy to come back out. The elderly didn’t want to mix on our Thursday club night, so I created a membership draw for them on a Tuesday afternoon which has worked out really well and is well suppor ted.” Enter taining is also a priority and Katrina says she aims to have a show to put on every couple of months. “One of our really big events is centred around Halloween where we host a children’s disco. They get dressed up and there’s afternoon tea and some games we play. It’s an event everyone looks forward to. Halloween is in its 9th year and when it first star ted attracted about 60 children; now each year, over 200 arrive with family to enjoy the afternoon. Waiuku Cossie Club also suppor ts the wider community, making gaming proceeds available to community organisations and schools on application. “These groups can also use our clubroom to run a quiz night to raise funds. This year, for Breast Cancer $3,000 was raised.” The club is open every day of the week, with Shunters Restaurant open from Tuesday through to Sunday. Shunters Restaurant is a popular spot at the Waiuku Cossie Club. The Bottle-OWaiuku 7 Leonard Street | 09 235 2461 WINE • SPIRITS • BEER • RTD • CIDER • PORT Special Offers - Swipe to earn AA Smart fuel Discounts DISCOUNT CARD OUR GIFT TO YOU! Waiuku Real Locals, Real Value. *This card is valid only at Bottle-O Waiuku on regular priced purchases. This excludes tobacco and vape related products and sale items. This card cannot be used in conjunction with any other o ers or redeemed for cash. 5% Scan our card to Earn or Redeem Points Drop into Bottle-O Waiuku to pick up your loyalty card. WAIUKU AUTO ELECTRICAL LTD Tony Simpson 3 Leonard Street, PO Box 114, Waiuku Ph. 09 235 8522 | admin@waiukuautoelectrical.co.nz