A Raglan Club packed with members voted for the club to remain at its Bow St location, at the Special General Meeting on Sunday 10th. The meeting was chaired by the General Manager of Clubs NZ.
In a secret ballot, members gave a clear indication that they want the club to remain where it is and its building maintenance and cost issues solved.
The voting for the three resolutions was:
1. Sell the property at 22-24 Bow Street and relocate. Majority NO
2. Sell a portion of the property at 22-24 Bow Street and build a new clubroom on the current grassed garden bar area. Majority NO
3. Sell half the Bowling Club, 21 James Street, and use the money to invest into improving the Club. Majority NO
A number of people spoke for and against the proposals. Everything from parking problems to sewage was covered. The club’s poor financial position was outlined. One speaker advocated not selling and said that people should follow their heart. Another said that the operational side was not working. Mention was made of the Ladies Nights and the revamped LHB Club Kitchen as the type of positive change needed to attract more members to the club.
One person suggested a ‘Save the Club’ bond. Interest free and repayable in the future. This type of bond was used to finance the rugby club.
Debbie Dalbeth outlined how an employment and business plan review was underway. She said this needed to continue whatever the vote on the resolutions.
Pablo Rickard said that people are the club’s assets. He went on to say that he came from a background used to keeping assets, not selling them. In his view having the Raglan Club as a chartered club is not working. He said he believes the club needs to become a fishing, recreational and sports club.
Looking at the club’s finances there is clearly a problem. In 2017 the net bar income was $154,000 while the bar wages were $150,000 and cleaning was another $11,000. So the bar/ lounge ran at a loss of $7,000.
As was pointed out during the meeting WDC licensing and regulatory costs are substantial. The rough cost of a typical drink (bottle of beer or glass of wine sold at a bar in a club or tavern) is:
Then maybe it’s time for a real person to take over. One that knows hospitality