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KHSC Board Bulletin 24th June 2010

Planning for Kew Heights future is now progressing rapidly.  The board is developing more information around a range of strategic options that may be solutions, solely or in combination.  You can contribute by speaking with board members and giving your information or opinions.  There will be more opportunities to have exchanges about the plans as progress is made toward final recommendations.

The plans aim to meet member needs including better facilities, achieve member growth and sustain financial viability over the long term.  Of the three big challenges, trading losses are the most serious and immediate threat.

Members are aware that losses of $28,394 and $43,475 have been recorded in the last two years.  The results for the new financial year have had a poor start, with losses of $31k for April and May, some $10k worse than the same period last year.  The treasurer will complete a budget as part of the planning process.  However, at this stage, the board does not believe member growth and corporate income growth can change the ingrained loss trend; the lift needed is beyond reality over this next year.  

The board has adopted a robust plan framework and is in the process of gathering facts to complete the task.  The board aims to develop a draft plan by the third week of August.  Member input along the way is welcomed.  The process and product is not a secret.

The board believes the primary purpose for KHSC is as a community sports club providing tennis and bowls, in formal and informal competition, and social activities; for members and those guests of members participating in sports and social events.  The plan will set objectives to achieve this purpose; the objectives will cover where we want to be with Membership, Services, Facilities, Management and Financials.

Even though the foundations of the plan are still being built, the board believes the solutions will come from one or a combination of the following strategies:

1. More of the Same (but faster drive on income)
2. Reduce Overheads
3. Tennis Court Development Proposals
4. Sell Assets 
5. Alliance or Merger
6. Major Indoor Sports Centre

Each strategy or combination, would need to address the three challenges of membership growth, investment in facilities and long term financial viability.  Timing, risk and do-ability will be important considerations.

This financial summary based on 2010 figures give an idea of the challenge with trading.  

In 2009-10, club member numbers grew by 26; bowls +14, tennis -1 and non playing +13.  Income from subscriptions was $46k, down by $4k on the previous year.

Members are reminded they can examine the club’s books if they chose and board minutes are posted on notice boards. The first board bulletin after elections on 3rd June was placed on the club website and is on noticeboards at the club.

Should any club member want to participate, seek information, ask questions or provide answers, each and every board member is willing to discuss the plans in an open and frank manner.

Board Member details so members can talk to them at any time:

The newly elected Kew Heights board met on Thursday 10th June to consider the first steps for its tenure. The board members chose Greg Hamilton as Chairman, Bruce Hexter as Deputy Chairman and Rob Roberts as Treasurer.

All board members accepted standing committee appointments, that with the support of members, run the various functions of the club. Club members are encouraged to be part of the action on these committees in whatever way you can.

The board thanked Don Curnick and Charles Xerri for continuing in the roles of Public Officer and Returning Officer respectively.

The new chairman Greg Hamilton said “the club has a solid foundation of members and facilities; there is a great opportunity to build on this for a stronger club in a way that members want though we must address the operating losses, improve the flow of new members and and upgrade facilities”.

The board committed to regular direct communication. All board members would be delighted to hear from you, their details are below. The board will provide regular updates and information about the club situation and the development of plans so all members can be involved in the future of their club.

The strategic plan development process has started. All members are invited to be fully involved. The board is committed to finding a solution to ensure the long term viability of the club and to this end has agreed that it will consider all options. The preferred options will aim to meet member needs, achieve member growth and sustain financial viability over the long term.

The three big threats received considerable time in discussion:
- The club’s immediate and ongoing financial viability
- The club’s cost base vastly exceeds the current ability to generate income, from members and/or corporate
- The level of corporate income has recently risen sharply, can the trend be maintained and not unduly intrude on member space?
- The insufficient flow and level of membership
- The flow of new members in 2009-10 was vastly improved
- But the club needs many more members to sustain the future well being of the club
- The problems of “rusty” facilities
- How to match the needs to the club’s objectives?
- How to prioritize where work should be done?
- How to fund the spend, over what time period?

Gregg Crane is concentrating his resource on developing more corporate income and actions that develop more members right now. The board expects the priority is on immediate income producing activity. Gregg will need to be less available for some member services. Please be understanding where the club’s needs are right now.

The board acknowledged the contributions of the previous board. Thanks were recorded for Bernard Coburn, the board team and Gregg Crane, recognizing the efforts over the last year.

At its May meeting, the past board approved a major refurbishment of the lights on the synthetic bowls green to be completed before the new night pennant season. This will be a good interim solution until the overall long term plans for the club are decided.

In summarizing how the first meeting went, Greg Hamilton said “It is an enthusiastic start, good teamwork in evidence and plenty of general good intent; when the actual specifics arrive on the table over the next couple of months we are all confident of an exciting future for the club and its members”.

Board Member details so members can talk to them at any time:

Posted 16/06/10

The Club is holding Bowls Coaching Sessions every Monday at 1.30pm. All Kew Heights Members are welcome to join in each week free of charge.

Posted 07/06/10

A junior Disco was held at the Club on Friday 4th June. It was a great night with some great dancing (and running) going on. Thanks to the volunteers who helped out.

Posted 18/05/10

Notice is hereby given that the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Kew Heights Sports Club Inc.

will be held at 397 Barkers Road, Kew on Thursday 3rd June 2010 at 7.30pm.

Posted 14/05/10

You may have noticed two new computers and desks in the lounge area in the Clubhouse. It is apart of the national Broadband for Seniors Program. The computers and internet are available for our members to use and if you would like to learn how to use the internet classes can be arranged.

Posted 12/05/10

Kew Heights is running a Junior Disco on June 4th from 5.30pm-8.30pm for 6-12 year olds. Tickets available through office or at the door unless sold out. CLICK HERE for more info.

Posted 05/06/10

Kew Heights Club Member Betty Collins OAM has been elected to the Board of Bowls Victoria for an initial two year stint as Vice President. Betty received the highest number of votes of all nominees. Congratulations Betty!

Posted 19/04/10

Eight players required each week. (Male & or female)

After a highly successul inaugural season, winter pennant bowls makes it's return on Saturday 8th May.

Last season there were 12 clubs.

This winter, 21 team entries have been received, which will form 3 divisions comprising 7 teams.

The event is independently run by John Adams and a match committee, not connected with Bowls Victoria.

Kew Heights will be in Division-1.

Match Format is;

1.  2 rinks x 4's. (8 players per team.)

2.  2 x 10 end matches.

3.  1pm start.

4.  Rinks swap after first 10-end round.

5.  Rink positions can then change around if preferred.

6.  Dress mufti,

7.  Green fee $5 (Retained by host club)

8.  No tea break @ changeover.

9.  Jack spotted. (Left, right or centre)

10. Six rounds. (Fixture includes x one bye)

11. Final 4 & playoff.

12. Rink wins score 2-points. 10 points for team score win as per Summer RVBA pennant.

Members wishing to participate are required to write their name on the notice board sheet displayed with the event entries, or let Con Doherty know your availability for one, two or more of the rounds.

Con is the sole selector & Captain of the team.

Females are permitted to be a part of the team.

To qualilfy to play in the finals, one must have played x 2 matches.

Round 1,Sat 8th May.

Division-1 Teams Include:

Richmond Union

Melbourne

St.Kilda

City of Melb

Albert Park VRI

Middle Park

Kew Heights

All results and progressive information will be displayed on the www.bowlsworld.com Forum website within hours of the completion of each round.

This winter event is sponsored by the www.bowlsworld.com forum website.

Geoff Mathers. 

Posted 19/4/10

Luckily the weather gods looked upon us favourably on Sunday 18th April, providing a sunny and mild afternoon.

Sixteen teams, skippered by a lady, competed in this Tournament generously sponsored by Le Pine Funeral Services. A light tea was provided at the conclusion of play. 

Greg Downes, representing Le Pine presented the prizes to the following teams:-

Winner   -     Team from Ivanhoe skipped by Magdalena Lyczewska

Runner Up  -  Team from Doncaster skipped by Sylvia Stacey

Best 2nd Game  -  Team from Ivanhoe skipped by Meredith Norton

Best 3rd Game   -  Team from Kew Heights skipped by Fran Jeffers

From the many comments received everyone enjoyed this Tournament and the tea that followed. One of these comments was 'We always like coming to Kew Heights because of the food' !!!

A very big thank you to all the members who helped set up, the ladies who provided the food and their time to ensure this day was so successful.

Terri Mallett

Tournament Co-ordinator

State's top districts do battle over two days at Kew Heights

The Sunraysia quintet of Betty Minter and Patty Russell from Nangiloc, Merbein’s Delwyn Milner, Joy Jones from Mildura and Gwen Summerfield from the Workingman’s Club overcame the odds to claim victory in the 5th Betty Collins District Challenge at Kew Heights Bowls Club today.

 This prestigious tournament honours the lifetime contribution to the sport of Betty Collins OAM, a proud Kew Heights bowler; life member and past president of the Victorian Ladies Bowling Association; former president of the Australian Women's Bowls Council; and life member and immediate past president of World Bowls, the global governing body of the sport.

A total of thirty-four representative teams arrived at Kew Heights yesterday to compete in this year's showcase, and after eight rounds - two of each discipline – only four teams topped the tally board with six wins apiece.

 However, the end result was always in the balance as the top fancies jockeyed for position during the annual two-day medley extravaganza’s closing stages.
Going into the eighth and final round Sunraysia sat in third place behind Gippsland and Bellarine, with former dual winners Yarra positioned marginally behind.

But a straight sets loss in the triples rubber by both the Gippsland and Bellarine teams, coupled to a win by the Sunraysia trio of Jones, Summerfield and Milner clinched victory for the most-travelled District in the field.

In the reshuffle at the head of the leader board Yarra’s Lyn Collins, Jodie Nevill, Ronnie Pope, Meredith Norton and Mary Tragardh slipped into second, while Bendigo’s Dawn Jennings, Mardi Chisholm, Patti Pain, Judy Eddy and Yvonne Boyd claimed third place.

The fourth six-game winner was the Gippsland representative side of Mary Smethurst, Margaret Ratcliffe, Denise Hamilton, Iris Russell and Mary Dyke.

Bendigo Bank - Betty Collins OAM Perpetual District Challenge
at Kew Heights Bowls Club

1st Sunraysia (B Minter, D Milner, J Jones, P Russell, G Summerfield) 6 wins, 23 points; 2nd Yarra (L Collins, J Nevill, R Pope, M Norton, M Tragardh) 6, 20 (+27 shots); 3rd Bendigo (D Jennings, M Chisholm, P Pain, J Eddy, Y Body) 6, 20 (+21); 4th Gippsland (M Smethurst, D Hamilton, I Russell, M Ratcliffe, M Dyke) 6, 18; 5th Central Wimmera (C Isbel, E Bardell, B Cozens, T Funcke, J Arnold) 5, 21 (+31); 6th Bellarine (B Gilbert, V Crumbie, L Hunt, M Dower, J Walter) 5, 21 (+28); 7th North Eastern (J Fisher, J Sims, G Pearce, C Flanagan, J Deas) 5, 21 (+12); 8th North Gippsland (L van der Merwe, S Hodge, H Scullen, G McKenzie, L Dalli) 5, 20; 9th Flinders (C Spencer, G Hildebrand, G Hewlitt, J Bradford, K Bailey) 5, 19 (+20); 10th Ovens & Murray (L Clarke, A Miles, K Le Fevre, L Smith, J Johnson) 5, 19 (+19).

Pictured: Betty Collins OAM presents her perpetual trophy to Sunraysia's Betty Minter, Joy Jones, Patty Russell, Gwen Summerfield and Delwyn Milner.

ComfitPro Monster Raffle Winners: (Drawn Sat 27th March 2010)

1. K. Bailey

2. C. Muttock

3. E. Luyters

4. M. Ratcliffe

5. B. Cooper

6. F. Kajtazi

7. F. Daniels

8. D. Robinson

9. J. Towers

10. M. Spence

11. D. Tutton

Huge thanks to Walter at ComfitPro/Taylor Bowls for their support of this monster raffle!!!

Posted 22/03/10

DATES & TIMES OF AGM’s

 -       Ladies Bowls Section:        Thursday 6th May 2010 at 10.00am

-       Men’s Bowls Section:         Thursday 6th May 2010 at 7.00pm

-       Tennis Section:                    Monday 19th April 2010 at 7.00pm

-       Club AGM:                            Thursday 3rd June at 7.00pm 

Posted 10/03/10

I called into the club to watch the two's play the first 'knockout' semi final against Fitzroy/Victoria (27/2).

It was a critical must-win match because if we lost it's another year in Division-6, - so win it we must, and we did in emphatic fashion being rewarded with promotion back up to Division-5.

I wasn't intending to stay for the whole match, but I was simply riveted to the events unfolding.

By the 25th end, a quarter way into the match, KHSC led 39/12, then 51/14 (after 36) and left the green for the tea-break with the main score board boasting a 50 shot lead at 75/25. Simply sensational and certainly uncatchable. I could have left then knowing we had done enough already to win promotion, - but it just got better when the teams went back onto the green running about 14 seconds.

The teams,  & rink scores at the break after 59 ends were;

19/9 (19 ends)

(S) Norm Roughley, (3) Bruce Hexter, (2) Rod Donaldson, (L) Kevin Fowler

22/7 (15 ends)

(S) John Joyce, (2) Neil Hookey, (2) Noel Sayers, (L) Greg Hamilton

24/4 (19 ends)

(S) Mark Stoney, (3) Neil Stoney, (2) Phyl Major, (L) Peter Lambert

17/6 (15 ends)

(S) Con Doherty, (3) Dennis Parks, (2) Geoff Birch, (L) Cheryl Muttock

The fun & excitement didn't end there. It just got worse for Fitzroy/Victoria as they'd virtually been stopped in their tracks by 786th end trailing by 66 shots, and ended the day being belted mercilessly by 97 shots.

97 shots is damn near a record thrashing, - certainly in a finals match one would have thought.

It was a brilliant day for the club. Promotion to Division-5, and the Section final against Bundoora-RSL the following day at Alphington.

Final rink scores;

* Norm Roughley 30/12

* John Joyce 38/14

* Mark Stoney 38/5

* Con Doherty 33/11

Final Total Score 139/42

Posted 23/2/10

Well done to all who competed for Kew Heights in Season 2009-2010 and good luck to the "Two's" who will be playing finals.

Posted 23/2/10

Gordon Duxbury selected as sexiest man on his table?  Bowls President (Bruce Hexter) and General Manager (Gregg Crane) running the length of the club sans shirts, a range of other people seemingly having seizures in an attempt to imitate Pamela Anderson, what was happening at Kew Heights Sports?  Of course, just another fun night on the Melbourne adult party scene.

The Aces over Jacks social event at Kew Heights Sports last Saturday night was an absolute success.  The club was full of members and guests having fun, competing at trivia and snapping up bargains at the silent auction.  And the sexiest man selection and “Baywatch” imitations were just part of the fun.

Over 130 people attended, many of them new to the club.  All the auction items sold.  The club rocked with laughter in between the intensity of trivia competition.  Con Doherty’s auction masquerade managed to sell and entertain.

A full house, tremendous fun for members and guests and $7500 raised to fund member’s future.  Well done.

Bruce Hexter led the way in delivering the event with support from the Hamiltons, and tremendous work on the night by “cashier” Terri O’Brien and Gregg Crane.  Thanks to all members who supported the event with auction items, with other support and with attendance.

Posted 18/02/10

A triples combination of 'Deadly' Doug O'Connell (Skip), Ray 'Rowdy' Jansen (Second), Ron 'Prez' Makin (Lead) travelled out Wellington Road on Valentine's Day to take on 41 other teams in the annual Mulgrave CC Triples Tournament (2-Bowls).

They combined brilliantly, showing their class by winning all 3 games of 15 ends (x 8, 16 & 13) for a net shots-up total of 37+ on the excellent Mulgrave lawn greens running at 15+ seconds.

They were a class above the rest taking the $750 cash prize and then ran straight into Mulgraves gaming room to celebrate for a few hours... and deservedly so!

Geoff Mathers

Posted 15/02/10

Junior Tennis Member, William Nichols, our section 2 number 1 player, won the Under 12 Schoolboys Championships Tournament before Christmas and has now been picked to be in the top 25 squad in the state by Tennis Victoria.

Robert Leaver also played in the Championships. Well done Will and of course his wonderful coaches Renni and Bill. (Bill was silly enough to say he would buy Robert or Will a new racquet if they won the schoolboys tournament so is rather out of pocket). Robert is hoping the same deal will be on next year! 

Posted 15/02/10

A group of volunteers from Kew Heights manned the BBQ at Bunnings Hawthorn on Sunday. The sizzle was very popular and kept us busy from 9am right through to 4pm. A big thank you for all who help raise over $800 for the Club.