Club role in transition

Press, 14 April 1989, Page 31

Club role in transition

Riccarton Club Inc., formerly the Riccarton Working Men’s Club, changed its name about two years ago. As Secretary/manager Mr John Mahoney explains, the club had been operating as a mixed club since 1981, and this fact, together with the changing role of women in today’s society, meant that the term “Working Men’s Club” was no longer appropriate. The original purpose of working men’s clubs — a place where the working, that is, labouring man or tradesman could meet his friends over a less expensive jug of beer — has changed considerably. Today’s chartered clubs provide a social and entertainment medium for a wide cross section of men and women, from skilled tradespeople to professionals. The Riccarton Club Inc. is described by John Mahoney as a social, recreational and sporting incorporated society

offering 19 different activity sections such as outdoor bowls, golf, darts, snooker, billiards and cards, etc., so the diverse interests of its 2600 members are well catered for. The Club is one of 350 Clubs belonging to the New Zealand Chartered Clubs Association of which the combined membership totals some 350,000. Members have reciprocal visiting rights with all the clubs belonging to the Association, though there is a certain amount of friendly rivalry amongst the Clubs as is evident during the various interclub sports tournaments which are held on a New Zealand-wide, North, South and local basis. Members of the Riccarton Club Inc. are obliged to abide by the Club’s requirements for behaviour, and a strict disciplinary system operates to ensure that the rules are adhered to. “We have very few problems in this area, so

members are assured of a pleasant, convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy their club facilities,” says Mr Mahoney. The Club is normally open six days a week. However, for special events and visiting entertainers, it also opens on Sundays. Nine full time and 10 to 12 casual staff are responsible for the running of the club’s various facilities. The Club is administered by an executive committee which is elected annually by Club members, In addition there are three trustees who look after the interests of members when necessary. The Club presently has 400 women members, a number which they would like to see increase, says Mr Mahoney. “We would also like to have a greater diversity of age groups and we hope that the new sports hall in particular will attract younger members,”

he adds. Anyone over the age of 20 without any serious criminal conviction may apply for membership. A prospective member is usually proposed and seconded by club members, though in the case of a newcomer to the area who wishes to join the club to meet new friends and extend his or her social activities, the Club requires two recent character references. The annual membership is $33 which includes GST and an affiliation fee to the New Zealand Chartered Clubs Association. Most of the activity sections require only a small subscription fee ranging from $3 to $6 except for golf and outdoor bowls which are slightly more expensive.