FROM THE PRESIDENT (Joan Bonser) After a long, wet winter it is good to look forward to this coming season and to welcome both “old” and “new” members. The club has had a busy winter period, as usual, with the replacement of our roof and also the need for a new pump to operate the bore. Fortunately, with the South Perth Council undertaking the roof replacement and our insurance policy covering the pump we have not fared too badly in the financial stakes in these departments. It has forced us to re-evaluate some “enhancements” to the new area in front of the clubhouse but I am sure we will find a way to make this area more attractive in the immediate future.
Those of you who continue to play throughout the year would be aware of the extensive grasscourt renovation programme undertaken by our new greenkeeper. Under the close supervision of Arnold Jones, the courts have been looked at, turned around and moved upside-down – whatever is necessary – to get them right from the bottom up. This should provide a much better playing surface this season and for many seasons to come.
Your Board continues to work towards the smooth running of all facets of the club and certainly deserves our great appreciation for their dedication to the task at hand on a number of fronts. This season we welcome Ian Rundle (Finance) and look forward to his expert assistance in this area. Ian has taken over from Julie Strack who has managed the financial portfolio for the past few years and I wish to thank her, on behalf of everyone at the club, for her tireless and valuable contribution through many interesting times. Thanks also to remaining Board members Graham Walker (Administration), Trish Haffenden (Juniors), Pat Collins (Ladies Captain), Arnold Jones (Grounds & Hall), Cec Gardiner (Men’s Captain), Shirley Davies (Social Tennis), Ian Hutchison (Sponsorship).
There are many volunteers at the club who just do things that need to be done and their contribution is invaluable. Arnie’s Army have worked tirelessly around the club, particularly the surrounds of the new hard courts. Others have offered help whenever and wherever it is needed and for their willing help, which often goes unnoticed, we are eternally grateful. Among these volunteers are a number who have been willing to do a course on Responsible Service of Alcohol at Fremantle TAFE which has meant giving up a day to attend the course and also taking on the responsibility of the operation of our bar. Those members are Chris Kennedy, Graham Walker, Jenny Coad, Gail Westlund, Trish Haffenden, Doug Webster, Tony Fitzgerald and Colin Napier. Hopefully, this should cover us for the periods at the club when the bar is open. We have been granted an exemption to Section 103A of the Liquor Control Act 1988 and Regulation 14AD stating that one of the above mentioned members must be at the club to supervise the bar whenever it is open. This will require co-operation from all members to ensure we are compliant at all times and to assist those who have put themselves “on the line”. At least one of the Approved Managers must be present when the bar is open and, therefore, it will be necessary for one of them to open the bar and remain at the club in order that the bar remains open on any given day. I know this all sounds very cumbersome but the penalties are high for any misdemeanour and we have already had one visit from the powers that be.
Finally, thanks to Jenny Collett who has taken on a lot of the tasks associated with Opening Day during my absence for the month of September. Without her keen eye and diligence a lot of the “smooth” running would not exist! Special thanks also to the Board for the extra load taken on during this period. I look forward to catching up with everyone on opening day, 18 October 2008. See you there!
