Newsletter

MARCH 2010

PRESIDENT

Another month has slipped by, but on the bright side the summer is getting better and better so enjoy it while you can. Mark, our new Head Chef, is getting himself established. However, it will take some time before he is fully settled in. During that time I am sure there will be a few hiccups until he is fully conversant with our idiosyncrasies. This is where feedback from you, the member, is so important. We would like to know what you like and don’t like so that we can try and accommodate you as much as possible. The AGM is approaching us fast, so we are busy with the new budgets and preparing for the annual audit. We are endeavouring to make the audit as smooth and painless as possible for our auditor and Dave and the Treasurer are putting a big effort into the preparation of the year-end figures.
We will be having a pre AGM dance again this year so look out for the notice and book your tickets early to be sure of getting seat.
In February we were once again privileged to have the Fashion Show at the club and what a great show it was. Well done to Barry and Marian for such a well run operation. Our thanks to all the sponsors, who put their hands in their pockets, which helped to make it such a fun afternoon.  For all the new members of the club this event was the fourth Fashion Show.  It’s objective this year was to raise funds for The Mairangi Bay Surf Life Savers, who patrol our beaches for us.  This year a marvellous sum of just over $3,200 was raised by this event which is well above that of previous years. I am sure that the Life Savers will be delighted and will put it to good use.
If you want to see photographs of the event go to our web site where Tony Nettleton has done a marvellous job of displaying them.
Link is at: www.baysclub.co.nz/menu/photo_gallery_menu.htm

GENERAL MANAGER

Hi Folks
We are into full swing with the Audit and preparation of the AGM. Below is a time table leading into the AGM and of course you will all get a reminder by mail prior to the 21st of March.
·         Nominations for Office close 4pm Saturday 27 March
·         Notices of motion to Close with the General Manager 4pm Sunday 4 April
·         Notices of Motion to be displayed on notice board by Sunday 11 April
·         The Annual Report will be available from Sunday 11th April
Congratulations to Barry and Marian Humphreys for the efforts they put into organizing the Fashion Show this year. With the final count standing at $3204.40 it was passed on to Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. This is the largest amount raised with the fashion show so far. A big thank you must go to all those that helped, from the Models, back-stage personnel and of course all the people that bought tickets and attended the Show. Well done to all.
For those members that have enquired about paying through our bank account, I’m currently working with the BNZ to set up this payment system which requires us to apply to all the Banks and give them the details that we need so we can identify who is paying what. Along with this it will allow us to process your payments over the telephone through our EFTPOS machines.
St Patrick’s Night. For the first time and after many requests we are running St Patrick’s Night this year with entertainment. In recognition of the fact that it is a week day and most have to go to work the next day we will start the entertainment at 5pm and it will end at 9pm. Also being a week night we will not close the lounge and we will be offering some traditional dishes at good prices.
Well folks that’s about all, remember: it’s not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.
Kind regards
Dave
General Manager.

NEW MEMBERS

Hi there to all members.
Hope you have all enjoyed another month at the club.
A special greeting to the 31 new members who joined us at the New Members day on Sunday 14th Feb. A great turnout, considering it was Valentines Day. We hope those of you who had expressed a wish to stay on for The Valentines Day dinner, were able to do so, and enjoyed it. We also hope that you are now starting to enjoy your membership.
Thanks very much to Barry and Marian Humphreys for their assistance on that day. Also many thanks to Doris our hard worker from the office for her attendance.
Brian and Ruth Foster, who have supported us regularly, were unable to attend this time.
Brian was committed to the monthly golf tournament. We hope you had a great day, and your assistance is very much appreciated when you do attend.
Next New Members day is Sunday 7th of  March.
As said before representatives from Club Sections are most welcome to attend.
Happy clubbing.
Bill and Wendy.

CLUB WELFARE (CWI)

Hello Everybody. What a simply glorious summer we’ve had – haven’t we? However, have you noticed how confused some of our plants and trees are e.g. Cyclamen looking an absolute picture, flowering completely out of season and the Pohutakawas in front of the Club in flower in March!
It is good to see Jean Payn doing so well after surgery on her back which the Surgeons did using a new modus operandi, going in through the tummy rather than the back and making recovery so much quicker. Good on you Jean. May you continue to grow stronger.
We have several members who are experiencing intrusive medical procedures at the moment. You know yourselves to whom I am referring and we wish you very best wishes for a rewarding result for your endurance.
It was with profound sorrow we learnt of our Roden Plimmer’s sudden and senseless death in a road crash so close to his home in Albany. “Rodie” was farewelled with a huge funeral which was testament to a marvellous family man (his motto was “family is everything”) and the loyal sociable friend he was to so many in his variety of interests, including the Travel Industry, Bowls, Horse Racing, and Rugby. He will be sadly missed and fond condolences go to his lovely wife Pat and all their family.
For now, take care.
Cheers – Lynette Sceats.    Ph. 478 7969

Hi All, we have officially started back with Darts – you can tell that some of the players haven’t been practicing over the Christmas/New Year break – but then some of them look like they haven’t left ever. We haven’t seen many big scores coming through, but I guess it is only the beginning of the season.  Steve Goldsmith seems to be raining supreme with who ever gets put with him as a partner – I must also add that he hasn’t partnered with me as yet so that might change in the near future.
We started to play for our first trophy for the year this week – the Jason Burberry Trophy.  We normally play this tournament around June or July, but have decided to play it first as it is quite a mission to get through the rounds, as everybody that registers for the year play a round robin to see who comes out top.  After the first night, Steve looks like he might keep his crown on this one, but you never know what will happen in the next two weeks.
The North Harbour Darts league still hasn’t started as yet – but the first meeting was held this week and a possible start date is the 16th of March – we will then play three rounds and finish up with the tournaments and prize giving.  We have lost a team in this league this year – Warkworth RSA are stepping down for a year to have a break, but hopefully we will have a new team in their place – Chances in Glenfield.  Should be a great season and hopefully Bays Club Darts will keep the winners plate again.
Coming Events:
February 23rd – 2nd half of the Jason Burberry
March 2nd – final night of Jason Burberry
March 16th – start of NHDL (possibly)
Debs

FISHING

I am having difficulty wrapping my mind around something constructive to write this month and there is a very good reason for that. With five other Club Members, I am about to fulfil a life time ambition by spending four days fishing the Ranfurly Banks, off East Cape and perhaps other very fishable places such as Lottin Point, White Island and the Volkner Rocks. In fact, by the time you read this I will have been back a few days, hopefully struggling under the weight of the catch. .Meanwhile the weather reports for the first three days appear to be better than we could have wished for (mostly fine, light winds and sea breezes) and excitement is rising.
The trip is a private one, arranged via the Fishing Club, aboard MV “Enchanter” out of Whakatane and after initial bookings had been made we found that the chosen dates coincided with the NZBGFC National championships and as all six of us are Bays Fishing Club members, we have registered as a six man team to compete in the Championships in the name of The Bays Club Inc., and we shall do our best to honour you in the results lists.
When we arrive in Whakatane we are to meet with the Skipper and Crew to form a ‘Battle Plan’ before motoring through most of the night to Hicks Bay where, for safety and comfort reasons we will anchor each evening. It seems that the plan is likely to be to target Hapuku and/or Blue Nose on the first day (towing Marlin lures to and from between the anchorage and fishing grounds,) target Kingfish on the second day (possibly at White island or Volkner Rocks,) and play it by ear on the 3rd day, .Much of day 4 will be spent returning to Whakatane, but there should be time to top up the storage tanks with some Snapper fishing en route, As affiliated members of the N.Z. Big Game Fishing Council (name now changed to N.Z.Sport Fishing Council) we will have the right to make use of the Weigh Stations and other facilities of the Waihau Bay, Te Kaha and Whakatane Fishing Clubs, should the need arise.
Upcoming events:
3rd March 2010 – Evening Charter trip aboard “Kiwi Angler’ ex Gulf Harbour. Depart 5.30 pm (prompt,) returning about 9.30 – Cost $90 p.p.
13th March 2010 – Boat Owners’ Outing. Fishing club members without boats may register for space on board. Shared cost in the vicinity of $50/60 p.p. plus $10 entry fee. Weigh-in at Bays Club 4.30 – 5.30 pm.
23rd March 2010 – Evening charter “Gulf Raider” ex Gulf Harbour. Departs 4.30 pm return about 9 pm – Cost $95 p.p.
Full details are on the Notice Board. March is a prime time to fish; Spawning should be  about finished by then and the fish will be ready to eat their way into good condition before the onset of winter, so get your names on the lists and don’t miss out on these ones,
Species of the month – Snapper. 1 weighed so far – 2.91 kg – John le Compte.
Cheers – Bob Towersey.

No report this month
Peter Angell

GOLF

The Bays Club golf section played at Huapai on Sunday 14th February with 36 players teeing off in threatening weather conditions.  The day turned out to be quite muggy, but at least we didn't get wet.  The greens were in really good condition, and there was lots of run on the fairways which were quite bare in places.
Division one stableford was won by Dave Hewitson with 46 points and a fantastic gross of 77, with the runner up being Mike Graham on a count back with John Sheehan on 39.  Graham Ward won Division 2 with 40 points and a score of 96, with runner up being Dave Bentham on 39.  The men's longest drive was taken out by Dave Hewitson with a great shot, but unfortunately the ladies wasn't claimed as the three contenders were all off the fairway.  The men's closest to the pin was won by Boon Leano, who got the only 2 of the day after his good tee shot.  The ladies was won by Vicki Reid, with a measure being required as Chrissie also got her tee shot quite close.  The 'Oh shit' trophy was won by a guest on the day, Daniel Graham.  Don't despair Daniel, as it was great to have you out there with us. 
The winner of the lucky draw for a free game next month was John Sheehan.  This will be played at Mangawhai golf course on Sunday 14th March.  A bus will leave from the Bays Club at 8.00 am, with breakfast for those that want it prior to teeing off for the first group at 10.30 am.  We anticipate returning on the bus about 4.30 pm.  Just a reminder for stableford competitions - if you are not likely to score then please pick up to speed up play, and just put an adjusted score on your card.  A round of golf should take 4 hours, so please try to keep up with the group in front. 
See you on the 14th - happy golfing.
Vicki Reid

POOL

Being the holiday period this has been a quiet month for us.  However we do welcome Leanne Burfield to our section and trust we will see you amongst us regularly. 
Our next get together is the AGM on March 3rd and we hope to see you all there.  There is little to report but we wish to acknowledge the great Fashion Show and thank all those that put it together and those that participated in it's presentation.  WAGS too deserves a mention for the Winesong evening, a resounding success.  Also Cricket deserves mentioning.  John Sheehan and the team have settled on 21st March; watch the noticeboard for more details.  There may also be a game against the Brownsy. 
Regards
John Capon

WAGS

WAGS (Wine Appreciation Group)
Our next tasting will be held on Thursday 11th March at 6.45pm.   This tasting will involve deciding on the variety of the wine and which of the 2 wines being presented you prefer.  Following a count, you will be advised which of the wines was the AUSTRALIAN wine and which was the NEW ZEALAND wine.   We will endeavour to obtain wines of the same vintage and at the same NZ retail price.   A blind DRINK-OFF !!........Oz vs NZ?
Our WINESONG tasting held on 11th February attracted an attendance of over 100, who all enjoyed the programme.   Our member TONY NETTLETON amazed us by the volume of his voice which filled the lounge without the assistance of a microphone!  The excerpts from Operas and other popular wine associated songs was greatly appreciated.  DAVE HALLAM on keyboard assisted in making this a most memorable evening.
The quiz relating to each item, devised by Tony, resulted in Life Member John Fitzgerald's visiting daughter Noeline, winning first prize, which was a selection from the Italian wines being tasted.
The Italian wines supplied by Sapori d' Italia were well received, particularly the reds.   Their Ripasso Valpolicella, Barbera d'Asti, and Palagio Chianti all scored about equal, with the Asti being the Wine of the Night.
Cheers,  Harry Hobin.  CON-venor.
Ph 478-3414.  email Harryhobin@xtra.co.nz

WEBSITE  www.baysclub.co.nz

A recent automatic update to my computer has caused some of my emails to be sent out in an almost illegible upper-case font.  Apologies if you are one of the sufferers.
In spite of the massive surge of visitor numbers in January, there has been no falling off of interest in our Club website.  At the time of writing, half way through the first quarter, we have virtually the same number of hits and visitors as we had for the entire first quarter last year.  Is the website giving YOU what you want?  If not, please yell.
Tony Nettleton tony@netart.co.nz

POKER

Another Poker ladder is in full swing as this goes to press.  We are halfway through our ninth ladder and continuing to grow.  We have modified our tournament format to include a one-off mid-season tournament which we hope will provide a little extra fun for those that wish to try their luck.  It is designed to be a social evening with a "Theme" to tempt the creative side of our players.
Additional Changes to the Tuesday night format include prizes for the "High Hand of the Night" and a jackpot for any player that gets a "Royal Flush" (only 649739 to 1 odds), we've only seen two occurrences of this in three years.
Weekly winners for the current ladder have been:
Miles Usher
Brent Ewins
Darren Raumati
Alan Cliffe
Alan MacLeod
Well done guys!
We have also re-vamped our Poker Section website using the free utilities offered by Google.  See http://sites.google.com/site/bcpcpoker/ for details. This is updated weekly with our results as each tournament is completed. We look forward to you all joining us on any given Tuesday.
Regards
Neil Modrich
Poker Section Chairman
021 289 1088

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PLAYERS, WE HAVE NOW REVERTED BACK TO PLAYING ON THE FIRST AND THE THIRD THURSDAYS IN THE MONTH. So this month we play on the 4th and 18th of March commencing at 7:30pm. Currently the “Snowball House” stands at $272.50 plus 10% of the takings from the night on 50 numbers or less, so why not come along and try your luck and bring your friends with you by all means, but remember to sign them in!!
See you there!!
Your caller,
Kelly’s Eye 
Brian

QUIZ NIGHT

This is to remind you that the last Thursday of each month, we hold a Trivial Quiz night. The format for the evening is four sessions of 20 questions in the general knowledge category, You may enter a team of between 2 and 6 players and the cost is $10 per player, which is all paid out as follows - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed teams, and up to four drawn prizes from the remainder of the teams taking part. So you do not have to be brilliant quizzers, as you still have a chance to win.
So why not form a team of family or friends and come along to our next quiz night on Thursday 25th March. Although we welcome you to bring guests along, please play by the rules and ensure you sign them in, as this is a legal requirement and to abuse it, could result in our club losing its license to operate and we certainly would not like that to happen.  
Your learned friend.

Business Network International

BNI  is a business referral and networking organisation that has been in operation throughout the world for 24 years. Our local chapter meet at the Bays Club each Thursday morning and we are currently looking to grow our group with like-minded, progressive business people wishing to grow their businesses.
Joining a BNI chapter is like instantly acquiring a new team of sales people who are constantly on the lookout for referral opportunities for your business and is driven by the concept of Givers Gain – by giving more referrals you will receive more business.
Our chapter meets every Thursday morning from 7.00 – 8.30 am at the Bays Club which includes a fine cooked breakfast. If you would be interested in seeing what this is all about please either come along on a Thursday morning or contact

Tony Gribble
Vice President
(021) 853-463
tony@nzinsuranceconsultants.co.nz

Mark Greenslade
Visitor Host
(021) 444-575
mark@edgemortgages.co.nz

BAYS CLUB MEMBERS CORPORATE GOLF FACILITY

The Bays Club currently hold corporate membership to the Muriwai Golf  Club on the west coast of the Greater Auckland area, situated approximately  45 minutes drive from  our Club.
So to our newly joined members and our valued old members, this is a reminder of the facilities available to any member that plays golf, either as a registered member of a golf club, or just a social golfer.
We are able to make bookings seven days a week, unless the Muriwai Club has a restricted golf tournament being run.
So what it all means very briefly, is that you as a financial member of the Bays Club, may form a group of four players or less, that may be your friends, fellow members or business associates, and book a round of golf at this first rate golf course. As a golfer you know the general standard of dress required when playing golf.
So the procedure is to form your group, then contact Brian Foster on phone no. 473 9465, who will then contact the golf club and make the booking time as near as possible to the time you want, of course the more notice that you give, the better the chances you have of getting close to the time you would like.
The cost for each player is a very reasonable $15, so if you are up for it, just contact Brian and he will explain the procedure for paying and collecting the corporate cards from the Bays Club.
So with the better weather coming along and maybe with your own course closed for maintenance, why not take up this great opportunity!!
 
Happy Golfing!!
From the Editors.

CORPORATE GOLF BOOKINGS
 
TO AVOID DOUBLE BOOKINGS, ALL BOOKINGS MUST BE BOOKED THROUGH BRIAN FOSTER ON 473 9465. WE ARE ONLY ALLOWED ONE 4 BALL PER DAY, SO ONLY GAMES BOOKED THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS, WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY.

KIDS CLUB

We look forward to seeing you in the Club.
Just fill out the application form below to join KIDZ CLUB, if you are not already a “member”.
On your Birthday, you will receive a Birthday card inviting you to the Club (with an adult), for a free kid’s meal in the Restaurant, an ice cream and a complimentary drink or two.  You will also get a membership card from KIDZ CLUB.

PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE (and much more) for Members
More info on Notice Board

NEWSLETTER by Email?
Would you like to receive the Newsletter by email each month? (MS Word doc.)
Please send your Name, Membership Number and email address to us here Email

CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS
Please advise us of any change of contact details.  Include your Name, Membership Number and the appropriate changes here Email (don't forget Kidz Club members too, we hate having Birthday Cards returned to us.)