Crisis talks have offered a limited reprieve for Batemans Bay’s embattled bowling club, with the chance some facilities will continue when last drinks are called on December 31.
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ClubCatalina Sports and Leisure Club members are reeling after a web posting on September 12 that the licensed premises would close at the year’s end.
Bowlers (pictured above) attended an impromptu meeting on the greens on Monday afternoon, angry that ClubCatalina Country Club’s rescue of the struggling club via an amalgamation had foundered.
Bowling representatives Pat Bill, Yvonne Huddleston and Greg Wale later met ClubCatalina officials and issued a statement that “they intend to close the bars, gaming, auditorium and restaurant (already closed)”.
However, bowls would “continue on the site with an offer to provide limited clubhouse facilities and greens”, subject to “the bowling club presenting a blueprint of requirements”.
“Part of being a bowler is the comradeship and activities in the clubhouse,” Mr Wale said. “Without these, did ClubCatalina really believe the membership would survive?”
He said they were told “expressions of interest were being examined”.
“We are required to put the bowling club into a holding pattern and try to survive the next 12 months when our future is decided,” he said.
Under the terms of an earlier agreement, bowls was due to continue until September next year.
“Plans will be drawn up for a clubhouse area within the existing rooms, a licence for providing liquor will be sought and bar lounge and ladies’ locker rooms established,” Mr Wale said.
“Volunteers will keep the club alive, the greens will be maintained by the ClubCatalina contractors and two greens will be shaved and refurbished, financed by bowls management.
“We will survive this setback.”
On the web, ClubCatalina president Robert Soper said the highway venue’s licensed premises had “a trading loss of $592,000”, offsetting a profit of $607,000 at ClubCatalina, and was losing $8000 weekly.
However Neville Armstrong wants the books thrown open.
“We have not seen the figures,” the retired accountant said.
“We need an independent person. I could have a look if they gave me access to see if those figures are right, and how much of our money has been staying here and how much has been going up there.”
Social bowler Brian Vickers feared the club would be “closed by attrition” while, for Don Hulm, it was “downright rude that the members were not forewarned”.
George Murray and Bill Baker feared ClubCatalina’s own position was not fully disclosed at the merger.
“They were more in the red than we were aware of,” Mr Murray said.
Noel Merryfull said he felt like “a mushroom”.
“You need the amenities to bring people in, but they are closing it in the middle of the holidays. Why?”
He said closing on Mondays could save money “if they were serious about keeping this place”.
Maureen Higgins felt “misled and betrayed”.
“We want our club back,” she said, to a round of applause.
