Dear all,
What a start to the year - so good to see a fabulous attendance by Peninsula members at both the Canberra and Gold Coast congresses with lots of success at the table plus wonderful social and fun times. Congratulations to all our novices who braved the competitive space for the first time and for doing so well.
I would like to thank Alan Davies for being a wonderful Chief Director for the last two and a half years. Alan took on this role in 2017 and kindly continued until January 2019. He has done a wonderful job, keeping all the directors informed of any changes to rules, advising and guiding our directors and helping to mentor our newer directors.
Welcome to David Farmer on his appointment as our new Chief Director - we are fortunate to have such an experienced director within our club membership. The Committee were guided by the opinions of our current directors in making this appointment.
Premises Update
A priority for this year is negotiating with Council about our new premises and I will be updating members each month via the newsletter. Last November, Council informed the Club that it proposes to demolish the Nelson Heather buildings and build a new Warriewood District Facility on the current footprint, and is planning to allocate the Club space in the new building. This month, we held a Premises Strategy Meeting, comprising Committee members and interested non-Committee members.
It was agreed that the club should undertake preliminary investigations of options in addition to the Council Warriewood District Facility so the committee can evaluate the best outcome for the club's members. Whilst we will work collaboratively with Council, we are aware that Council objectives may not align with the club's - for example may involve more shared facilities, less accessibility and higher rent, and would involve a temporary 18 month/2 year relocation. We will be meeting with Council in early March as part of the Community Consultation process to discuss the plans in more detail and I will keep you informed of developments as they unfold.
How you can help
This month, the Council has commenced the Community Consultation process, and seeks feedback from existing facility users and members of the community about their needs for the future community centre.
Please complete the on-line survey before 24 March by clicking on this link https://app.keysurvey.com/f/1393183/42d9/.
Otherwise, please express your views to Katie Kirwan, Community Liaison Officer- Capital Projects:
- by email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - or by post to PO Box 82 Manly, NSW 1655 Australia
It will help our case if you state:
- How important the Bridge Club is to you,
- How it adds to your life, providing recreation and social interaction, and
- How the new facility needs to provide a comparable dedicated and accessible space for the Club to continue to thrive.
We welcome any thoughts or suggestion that you might have regarding future permanent or temporary premises - please contact me or David if you are aware of any interesting opportunities.
Happy bridging!
Sarah