Open letter to members of Durban Country Club
Dear Members
In recent times we have been flooded with negativity with regards to our club. Perhaps such feelings are warranted in the eyes of many of the members. However it is not all doom and gloom and I thought perhaps some positive thoughts could change the mindset of some members, perhaps a lot of Members.
Think on these and perhaps other positives I have failed to identify:
We have a hard working and dedicated committee who are pulling out all the stops to address the problems facing the club. Many of the members bring a wealth of expertise to the meetings free of charge. These are dedicated members who could easily walk away from the problem. Support them even if their decisions may not necessary prove popular.
I understand that a group of more fortunate members (financially) are putting together a package to alleviate the Club of the large interest burden facing the club. Where else do you get such generosity. Of course there will be some conditions attached which I am sure will be presented to the members in general meeting prior to being committed.
Where in South Africa, or for that matter the world, do you get golfing facilities such as ours at the price we pay. Chaps, we have to be realistic as to the costs of maintaining our courses in such pristine condition. There are many other cheaper courses in and around Durban but none compare in beauty and condition to ours. Next time you play, take in the scenery and the quality of the courses.
Our restaurants – they offer high quality food at reasonable prices. Yes there are cheaper venues available, but do they offer the value for money that the DCC offers. Recent experience at the Bistro supports a view that both quality and variety are excellent. Personal experience showed that the restaurant offers many options for all tastes and includes a comprehensive kiddies menu. The Grill Room is exclusive and is relatively expensive, but and here is the big BUT, it offers a cuisine of such quality that it is hard to match in Durban.
Other facilities – the club offers a variety of facilities and sporting opportunities not available at one venue elsewhere in Durban. Think of it – the bowls facilities, the swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. not to mention the Pro Shop.
The question I ask is, what are you doing for the club or perhaps what can you do?
May I be so bold as to suggest:
Support our committee and the decisions they may make. Whatever package is put forward is not going to please a number of members. The facts of the matter are if we want to maintain our club and maintain standards, we are going to have to pay for same. It’s the packaging that may vary.
Speak and think positively about our club. Talk of the benefits and facilities on offer.
Most important, support the club by using its facilities. If each member increases the number of times that they visit and use the facility by at least once a month, the impact will be huge.
Use the conference / function facilities. If you or your business is planning a function, think Durban Country Club.
Dave Cruickshank