6 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 29, ISSUE 2 - 2023 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 CLUB LIFE: OAMARU CLUB Sue Russell Good committee, administration making club tick LINDSAYWHYTE Painters & Decorators Ltd 54 Years Experience - Master Painter 0800 242 8611 | 027 242 8611 10 Burn St, Oamaru 03 434 7997 | 423 Thames Highway Oamaru | office@waitakirefrigeration.co.nz For all your heat pump and refrigeration requirements Proud to supply the Oamaru Club with Daikin heat pumps and a new walk in chiller. FIRST CALL WORKSHOP - 40 TEES STREET | 03 434 1166 | rstcall@xtra.co.nz Ray Devlin 0274 318 448 FRIDGES, FREEZERS, LAUNDRY, AUTO WASHERS, DISHWASHERS, RANGES, DRYERS, ELECTRICAL REPAIRS, GENERAL WIRING Steve Begley has been President of Oamaru Club for the past 10 years, so knows the club well. He says that operating any club in this day and age comes with challenges and that having a good committee, administration and duty staff is what makes the club tick. “We lost our manager about 8 weeks ago and have been managing without one, so having experienced office staff has been critical for us at this time,” Steve says, when interviewed in September. The club has been in existence 60 years nd all that time on the same site, though extensive upgrades and refurbishments have taken place to bring the club into its form today. Offering snooker, darts, indoor and outdoor bowls, cards sections, most recently the sports hall has been revamped, at a cost of $400,000. “It was a substantial upgrade and much of the work put in was voluntary to help use our funds wisely.” Oamaru Club is open every day, unlike many clubs who have found it necessary to close on certain days. As the only chartered club in Oamaru, its a gathering place of importance in the town. With a membership of 2500 Steve says the regular tally amounts to around 400 or so, enough to keep the club trading well. A free courtesy van every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday makes sure patrons arrive and get home safely. “Our meat raffles are very popular nights.” With the hall upgrade just about completed Steve says it’s time for a break in further development work, although he says that a planned outdoor garden area will be constructed for members and guests to enjoy. Two years ago the kitchen was upgraded and future-proofed. Steve says a Christmas Party for children will take place toward the beginning of December, along with other club festivities to mark another year. A Dine & Dance for local business members is also planned for December. Membership is growing as well. Steve says most months 30 new members join the club at $25 for ordinary membership. Members of 30-plus years are entitled to a special $10 long-serving annual member rate. The club is home to 18 gaming machines which Steve says provide the means for the club to give money to worthy causes in the town, including junior rugby, cancer society and the hospital. “We feel it’s important to support these causes as a means of recognising their importance in the town.” Asked how much longer he intends to remain President, Steve says he will do two more years and then step down. “I think by then I’ll have done my dash and it’ll be time for someone new to step into the role, with new ideas and energy.” TAIT FLOORING LTD INSTALLATION OF ALL CARPET, VINYL &WOOD FLOORING PRODUCTS Mat 027 325 1671
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