Tingira Boat Club Inc. Annual Report August 29, 2015

Tingira Boat Club Inc. Annual Report August 29, 2015 The last 12 months have been very exciting for the Tingira Boat Club Inc. with many new activitie...
Author: David Horn
0 downloads 2 Views 235KB Size
Tingira Boat Club Inc. Annual Report August 29, 2015 The last 12 months have been very exciting for the Tingira Boat Club Inc. with many new activities happening. SAILING AND BOATING Thanks to Sailing Master Peter Fox and his boating committee for their huge effort over the year, particularly for the period just after the last AGM, when sailing activities were massive. Swallows and Amazons First of all we had a visit by the Wooden Boat Association on September 26, 2015 arriving for a barbeque on the Friday night; they sailed to Couchie on the Saturday followed by an Event Dinner to celebrate their visit. Sunday was the big day, with a Mess About through the gap at Garden Island. The line winner should have been Chris Wheeler but he missed the gate. The honours therefore went to Paul Driver who rowed all the way and still found the gate even though he was travelling backwards. The next day those with enough energy left managed to cross to Blaklies. Brian Calvert Memorial Race and Presentation Dinner Brian Calvert Memorial Race is our annual race for the big yachts. It is run in memory of Brian Calvert who was Commodore of our Club for nine years. The race was run on October 11, 2015, in excellent conditions over a triangular course north off Macleay Island. Thirteen boats started, with line honours going to Yani Hai, a Hobie Cat skippered by Ralph Munro. The handicap winner was Beverley, an 18ft Jubilee skippered by Dave Gemmell. The following Saturday night we held the annual dinner to award the trophies to the winners of the Yacht Race. Present were Margaret Calvert and her family along with many competitors and club members. The weather was good and the entertainer, Simone Milton was exceptional. Approximately 59 people attended.

TS Walrus Cadets The later part of October was very busy in regard to boating at the Club. First of all we had a visit from the TS Walrus Cadets, who spent the weekend at the Club. Thanks to Sailing Master Peter Fox and his crew, this was very successful with lots of instruction and sailing being done. The cadets were accompanied by their instructors who managed to keep everyone under control, including the cadets. Good fun was had by all, especially over night, as the cadets camped on the Club’s back lawn. Eagle Academy The very next day, and for the rest of the week, the Club under Peter Fox’s direction conducted a sailing training course for mature age students enrolled in the Eagle Academy. Over the five days, they were taught the theory of sailing, how to tie knots, how to rig the Vagabonds and basic safety on the water. When the tide was right the Vagabonds were launched and the students took to the sea for some practical experience. It was gratifying to see how quickly the students picked up the fundamentals of sailing. The Eagle Academy was obviously happy and donated $2000, which was more than we expected. We also had a refrigerator donated which has been very useful in the bar. Running Wild Our Club has been involved in a program organise by social worker Chook Lawson to provide activities for the children on the Islands. During the Christmas school holidays we held two weekends of kayaking, paddling from the Club up to Dalpura Beach for a swim then back to the Club rooms. Many thanks to Sailing Master Peter Fox and his safety boat crew. 7th Macleay Island Classic Now in its seventh year, the Macleay Island Classic was a great success with 40 entries in the main event, three teams in the relay and this year Ted Upton’s X6 Outrigger was an official entry. Considering that some crafts had multiple paddlers the total number on the water was 66. Between the start and finish of the main race, our new Dragon Boat was launched and the spectators enjoyed paddling out from the Club Rooms. Included on board was our Mayor Karen Williams and Local State Member Matt McEachan MP. They later assisted with the presentations along with local Councillor Mark Edwards. The profit from the event was about $3000.

Many volunteers were in involved in the success of this event. The organising committee made up of Peter Fox, Paul Driver, Helen Driver, Joan Wheeler, Bob Stampton, Stewart Sorby, Jocelyn Shinnie and Geoff Hiley. I thank those people and all the volunteers for giving up their time to make the Canoe Race so successful. We must also thank our sponsors, many of whom have sponsored the event for several years. Gold sponsors were the Redland City Council and Bay Island Golf Club. Bronze Sponsors were Bay Air, Macleay Island Pharmacy, Macleay Island Gifts and Stationery, Lop Chop and Chip, SITA Australia, Aussie Whip Maker, The Haven Gallery, Bay Island Signs, Stradbroke Ferries, Bay Island Early Learning and the Bay Islander. Minor Sponsor was All Things Hair and Beauty. We also recognise the support of the Wynnum/Redlands Canoe Club and Couchiemudlo Surf Life Saving Club. Dragon Boats With the introduction of Dragon Boating, thanks to Loretta and Rob Lewis, we have attracted a large number of new members who are younger and keen to get involved with our Club. We now have two Dragon Boats. One cost us $200 and the other is on permanent loan from the Manly Dragon Boat Club. Training occurs about once a fortnight when the tides and conditions are right along with our regular sailing and canoeing. SOCIAL FUNCTIONS As well the boating events we managed to slip in a few social functions as well. Melbourne Cup Function The Melbourne Cup function attracted 66 people from the Islands. We had our usually fashion parades and sweeps (no of which I won). But everyone had a good time and plenty of bubbly was consumed. Christmas Party A very lively affair thanks to our entertainer Murray O’Shea, who had people up dancing from the very start. Christmas dinner was provided by Jocelyn and Jill and decorations by Ron and Val. Christmas Play Once again Joan Wheeler came up with a very entertaining production, with many of our members were involved. We had a sell-out audience eager to view the performance on December 19, 2015 Set in an ancient oriental location we saw scantily-clad dancing girls, explorers and Sultan Sid, with disappearing and reappearing pimpled sons and lots, lots more. It

all ended with everyone choosing different partners except the Sultan, whose newlyfound son stole his newly-purchased woman and they all lived happily ever after. I think! Well done Joan and the cast of thousands. New Year’s Eve The on-again, off-gain New Year’s Eve party was a casual affair, indeed a very casual affair. Part way through the night those who wanted it on again, decided they no longer wanted it on again and at 10.00pm declared it was midnight so we all celebrated and went home. I don’t think we are very good at organising New Year’s Eve parties. Valentine’s Night The Valentine’s Party was a wonderful night with many singles as well as couples attending. The three course meal prepared under the guidance of Jocelyn and Jill was superb, as you would expect and the entertainment was provided by Geoff Hiley. He provided an excellent play list which those in attendance enjoyed and, at times, got up and danced. We even heard Geoff sing as he plucked along on his ukulele. People were very generous and deposited $3.00 in his hat plus a number of Valentines. Oysters and Jazz Another successful Oysters and Jazz function was attended on April 12, 2015 by 150 people, not just from Macleay Island but from Russell Island, Lamb Island and the mainland. We had nothing but compliments about the event. The jazz band was excellent. The food was fantastic thanks to Jocelyn and her crew while Joan was involved in organising the shucking team. Four Island Festival Dinner and Four Island Race to Karragarra Our club was very involved with the Four Island Festival. On Saturday August 1, we hosted the Festival dinner with 120 people from the four islands in attendance. The official part of the evening was headed by Craig Tapp, who welcomed us on behalf of the Quandamooka people. Bob Turner responded on behalf of the Sandy Beach Sailing and Kayaking Club (which organised the Festival) followed by Cr. Mark Edwards, who explained how the attitude of the Council had changed to now regarding the Islands as the “Jewell in Crown” of the City of Redland. We were then treated to some excellent traditional aboriginal dancing. Many thanks to Joan Wheeler for coordinating the night, Jocelyn and her team who provided an excellent meal, Elan Jones for selling the tickets and everyone who was involved in such a successful evening. On Sunday August 2, we took part in a boating spectacular to Karragarra Island. We had sailing boats of all sizes, motor boats of all sizes, two Ocean Rowers, our pontoon and Paul Driver in his row boat. Guess who won. I would like to congratulate Peter Fox on his contribution to the Festival. He was involved in

discussions over many months with the organisers from the Sandy Beach Club. Peter was the go-between for both the Festival Dinner and the Sunday boating. I know that the original plans for the trip to Karragarra were not quite acceptable but with Peter’s superb knowledge, an acceptable arrangement was put in place. It was good to see so many boats on the water including non-members and from other clubs. Sundays on the Deck In July, we introduced Sundays on the Deck. Rather than only opening the Club on boating days, it was decided to do so on all Sundays. The bar is open at 12.00 noon and food is available for purchase. These have been a great success with members and others, including the Art Group next door, dropping in for a relaxing hour or two on the deck. This is something the Committee had been considering for some time but needed someone to organise it. Then along came Elan Jones who, with the help of “her girls”, took on this task and made it a huge success. Commodore’s Ball Do we know how to throw a party? The Commodore’s Ball was a great success! The weather was right (this year we opened the screens because it was too hot), the entertainment was great, the food was amazing and everyone enjoyed themselves. The entertainment was provided by Murray O’Shea with everyone on their feet all night. Murray said at one stage “you are wearing me out”. Thanks to John and Carol Lynch, we were treated to another wonderful three course meal. As usual Ron and Val Notley did a magnificent job decorating the club rooms. Elan sold the tickets and as usual an army of volunteers helped out. VALE During the year we have lost two of our members. The first was Jan Smith. Many of us attended the memorial service at Wynnum and later joined family and friends for lunch in Cleveland. The second was our long-term member, Margie Calvert. At Margie’s request, a memorial service was held here at our Club organised by Joan Wheeler and Margie’s daughters. The service was conducted by Father Jim with approximately 200 people in attendance. Several of our members spoke about their memories of Margie along with friends and family. Her ashes were later scattered at the family home on the Island. In memory of Margaret and Brian, their daughters have agreed that the Brian Calvert Race should continue and be renamed the Calvert Memorial Race. They have also requested that they would like to make a donation to the Club in memory of the two. It was suggested by the committee that perhaps a new Honour Board would be

suitable. They have agreed and it will be unveiled at the Calvert Memorial Dinner in October. OTHER CLUB MATTERS New Shed The grant for the new shed was received on January 13 this year. The amount received was $35,000, which was the full amount requested according to our quotes, to replace our current shed with a bigger and better one. At Vice-Commodore Max’s suggestion, Jim Tenberg, a member of our club and director of Freedom Homes, was approached. He agreed to manage the project without charging for his services. After a short delay convincing the Council to allow us to build a metre or two closer to the water, both the Planning and Building permits are in place. This puts us well ahead of our deadline of January 13, 2016, to complete the project and before too much longer the slab will be laid. Members will be invited to help with the laying of the slab. Elk Horn Ferns A spin-off from the new shed is that Jim is demolishing the building where the new medical centre is to be located by George Economous from the Macleay Island Pharmacy. When George asked for a new home for the Elk Horns, Jim immediately suggested the Tingira Boat Club. These are now attached to the trees located between the shed and the water. We have also been promised a second truck load. Heather Sorby, who oversaw the placement of the ferns, plans to develop this area into a rain forest. Thanks to both George and Jim. Deck Screens At this stage it would be opportune to thank Max Keily for organising the screens to weather-proof the deck. This has been an excellent choice and everybody loves them. Grants This year we have received the following grants: $1000 Sponsorship grant from Redland City Council for the Canoe Race; $35,000 from the Gaming Community Fund for a new shed; $1000 from the Redland Foundation for First Aid Courses.

CONCLUSIONS In a club like ours, which is based on contributions by volunteers, it is very difficult to thank everyone personally. We would be here all day and most would have been thanked in various reports throughout the year. There are of course members like Barry Williamson and Sid Cooper who are here each month to cook the fish and

chips; Heather and Stewart Sorby who take care of our gardens; Elan Jones who is everywhere, but is our Assistant Secretary and takes the minutes at our meetings; Val and Ron Notley who decorate our club rooms for our functions; Norm Black who puts out the rubbish bins each week; Cheryl Gerner who provides many of the prizes for our functions; Geoff Hiley who looks after the bar plus people like Sid &Barb Cooper and Ivan Scott who are always there to lend a hand. To the many helpers in the kitchen, on the bus and bar rosters, set-up crews prior to our dinners, clean-up crews after our dinners and Sundays on the Deck, members of working bees and, of course, our on-water volunteers who have helped Peter throughout the year, we thank you sincerely. In conclusion, I would like to thank my team, the members of the Management Committee. And I do mean team, for you need to all be team players for the Management Committee to operate well. They have been a delight to work with and I will miss those who are leaving the Committee. I would like to thank them all personally. Max Keily First of all, Vice-Commodore Max Keily, an excellent second in charge. As well as standing in for me when I was away, especially on Fish and Chip nights, where he always managed to attract a much greater crowd than I could. He was able to take on projects that were always successful. Examples are the deck screens and the right person to manage the new shed project. Unfortunately Max has decided to take a rest from the committee but I am sure he will be available when requested. Especially demonstrating his skills on the Barbeque. Joan Wheeler Joan took over the position of Secretary after Tereska Hart resigned due to ill health. Since becoming Secretary, Joan has mastered the dreaded computer and taken on the administration with great zeal and charm. I would like to thank Joan for doing such a great job and performing magnificently. Joan has agreed to stay on for another year.

Bob Stampton Bob also took on the position of Treasurer after the duly-elected member, Tony Warren, resigned. With the elected Treasurer resigning two years in a row due to difficulty with the accounting system, Bob saw the need to find a system that anyone could use. He has done that and, with the help of Loretta Lewis (our Dragon Boat

leader and a chartered accountant) looking over his shoulder, has found a very simple program that has been approved by our auditor. If fact, Club’s auditor complimented him on the improvement in the record keeping. Thank you Bob! Peter Fox Sailing Master (perhaps one day we should change that to Boating Master) Peter Fox has been my mentor since I became Commodore. Peter and I have had many a cup of coffee and jam drop discussing the pros and cons of the Club. When I joined the Committee Peter was Secretary, and damn good one at that, and has been exemplary as Sailing Master. I have had a talk with Moya to allow Peter to stay on the Committee. “That’s not going to happen”. All the best Peter and Moya for your adventures overseas. Have a good time and I will look forward to seeing you on your return to hear about your experiences over a cup of coffee and a jam drop. Jocelyn Shinnie Our Provedore Jocelyn: self-named the “tough old chook”, who keeps on going regardless. She took over the kitchen last year and has never looked back. Neither has the kitchen. Jocelyn is a team player both on the Committee and in the kitchen, where she has a multitude of helpers all fighting to help out - not just on a Friday nights but for our many functions as well. Brian Sutton Brian has served the Club as Facilities Coordinator for several years and although he did not make it to the AGM, he did do a wonderful job keeping our facilities in order. He has decided not to stand and I wish him well in the future. Thank you all or your support throughout the year. Neville Prosser Commodoere