Dear Members,
The end of the bridge year is in sight and with the arrival of the new Programme Book members are now able to organise competition partners for 2023. We thank our sponsors for their continued support which helps immensely with the production costs of the booklet.
Membership remains steady at about 785 and we hope that this remains the case now that the 2023 subscriptions have been issued. In the meantime the best way that we as members can support the ongoing strength of the club is to actually attend and to encourage those non-playing friends and/or former bridge partners to return to the fold and play on site. Committee members phoned many members during and after the COVID restrictions to check on their welfare and to help facilitate their return in any way we could. A further ring-around of those we have not seen for some time is currently being undertaken.
Thank you to those who continue to help with the maintenance of the facilities. We recently had a Working Bee to remove several trees which were smothering the camellias along the left-hand side of the building. Our thanks go to Kelvin Tibble and Steve Renall for wielding the chainsaws and to Rex Denley and his team for loading the truck and doing the clean-up. Further trimming of trees will be carried out over the summer.
Unfortunately it is not quite as easy to trim back our rising costs. Table fees at the club have remained at $7.00 per session since 2013. At last month’s committee meeting the committee decided unanimously to increase the amount to $9.00 per session, effective from 1 January 2023. The rate for a concession card will be set at the December meeting. Our Treasurer, Mark Paget, has provided the following comment to clarify the club’s current financial position:
“With the help of government support, the club has been able to effectively manage the effects of COVID on its operations and financial position until now. The club is what we refer to as a “fixed cost business”, meaning that our costs do not change much regardless of how many people attend our sessions. COVID has significantly affected the number of playing members which is currently down by about 20% compared with pre-pandemic levels, despite the best efforts of the committee to encourage players back.
Secondly, the world response to the pandemic has resulted in inflation running at levels in excess of 10%, a figure not seen for many years. This has caused a significant rise in the cost of goods and services. In addition, wages - the club’s biggest expense - have risen over 30% in the past six years for most employees.”
Club members will appreciate that the committee has not made the decision to raise fees without full discussion and consideration. In the final analysis, we must act in a fiscally responsible manner in order to protect the ongoing welfare of the club as a whole.
On a lighter note, we hope that you all enjoy the end of year prize-givings. Significant numbers of our members have achieved outstanding results at club, national and international level. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming you all back in 2023.
Kindest regards,
Marilyn Copland,
Club President.