 Little Ship Club
Commodore's Comments
Greetings everyone,
Time just seems to slip by these days with so much going on and I have to take a deep breath and try to
catch up.
Now that the security cameras have been installed the management can be assured of constant surveillance of
all activities throughout the Club precinct and have instant recall of any incident in any part of the area.
Although CCTV is not mandatory in Club situations it has always been recommended as a sure-fire way of
assessing any situation which may occur. We have now reached that goal.
Although the Blues and Roots Festival was a huge success, the annual Little Ship Club Jazz Festival is still
the paramount musical event in our year and it will be held on the 8th June. The renowned Caxton Street Jazz
Band will be ably supported by Manjamin, The Sweet Souls, and into the evening by our own Shag Rock. Admission
is still FREE and the gates open at 10.00am. The jumping castle will be set up for the children and good food
and drinks will be available all day. It is coming up quickly so make a note on your calendar so as not to miss
the day.
The last Bay outing was a cracker, destination the Redland Bay RSL fishing huts at the lower end of Canaipa
Passage. Good weather and good company were the ingredients for a great time for the nineteen boats who
arrived, plus three visitors, culminating in a champagne breakfast on the Sunday morning. John Klose is putting
a lot of effort to encourage as many members as possible to join in with the happy crowd, and you can read a
comprehensive report in his column.
Fishing has been taking a battering of late with some serious bad weather, but the next comp. is the one not
to miss. It will be held down at the ‘Pin` and, as most everyone knows, it is the most sheltered spot in the
Bay. Friday 20th start with weigh-in on Sunday morning. The Section is particularly interested in attracting as
many children participants as possible as sponsors have prizes for all those who enter. It is a great weekend
so why not take the kids fishing that weekend and enjoy the company of like minded people.
BUT ---- the Sunday before that competition we would like your undivided attention and attendance at the
Redland Bay RSL hall at Middle St. Cleveland for the Special General Meeting to ratify the re-vamped
Constitution. The current Constitution has been in use since the Club was formed 56 years ago and an update is
necessary to bring us into the Twentyfirst Century. We really do need your support on the day, it should not
take too long and refreshments will be supplied afterwards.
For those who enjoy the Inter Club Bay Cruise the plans are coming together for the run in September so be
on the lookout for the timetable and entry form when it becomes available.
If you have been reading the e news you will have seen the notice of a working beeon the last weekend of the
month. I hope I was able to have seen you there.
Until next Month
Rod Johnston
Commodore
John, Cam, Mau & Kath at the recent Bay Outing |
Membership Report
Greetings for the month of June. I have put a couple of issues to the board at our May Meeting and one of
these issues which keeps raising its ugly head is the use of the pontoon. I know there is a huge set of rules
about how to use our pontoon and mooring facilities but, in life, if everyone followed rules and regulations,
I don’t think we would need a police force. So, yes, we do have problems. I have to say that any difficulties
with the pontoon or moorings are not seen at all during slack times. But if the weather is good and there are
activities around the club , this is when it is more likely to occur.
Some of the problems encountered include:
- Non members believing our pontoon is a public jetty and tying up without notification to the club.
- Members and non members alike booking the pontoon and failing to turn up. Quite often, if there is an e
vent taking place, people book months in advance do not confirm and often fail to show.
- Members and non members who are booked and leave the club grounds and cannot be contacted for any
reason including emergencies (water ambulance, fire or change of weather conditions to name a few).
- Members and non members who are either not aware or choose not to follow our pontoon/mooring
conditions. Particularly about leaving times.
These are just a few problems encountered and really quite easily can be fixed by a full time person running
the pontoon. This is not a good solution as we are very cost oriented and it is not a viable solution.
Vice Commodore Mark Lopez, Manager Noel Martin and myself had a meeting prior to the last Board meeting so
as to put suggestions to the board to answer a problem encountered from one of our members. There was general
agreement we could be doing it better, some of the work in progress includes signage on both the pontoon and
gate in relation to this being a private mooring, investigating reintroducing a key system available to members
and paying guests to use our facilities, a registration system at the office to obtain details of persons using
the pontoon and mooring facilities (insurance details etc). Locking the shower and washing facilities and to be
only available to key holders.
I believe by tightening up some of the items previously mentioned it will help, but not fix, all the
problems encountered at the pontoon during busy times. Administration will be a problem as there are times
Noel, your Manager, is simply not available. Either through rostered days off, absolutely flat out at the bar,
driving people on the courtesy bus which at times is not booked either (but that’s another problem), filling in
for either bar staff or kitchen staff failing to arrive and countless other things which crop up running an
Island Club. Handballing some of the requirements to run the pontoon to other persons within the bar staff is,
as I appreciate through the many conversations with Noel, not an easy solution. But as I said WE CAN DO IT
BETTER.
I have a passion to ensure that members of our club have more rights and privileges than people who walk off
the street. Some tightening of the pontoon usage may make people who use our facilities without paying, make
it worthwhile to be a member.
Now the cost of running our printed magazine has been reduced by relying on computer technology some
interesting challenges have occurred. Particularly with our web site. Your Secretary Kel Berry has been working
very hard with the Webmaster to bring it in line with other sites and it may be some weeks before we get it
right. But the good thing is that we have the E News and you are not in the dark. What a terrific way of
communicating. An example of this is, we had our monthly fishing meeting and instead of waiting weeks (some
time many) Fishing Captain Jim Roberts had the news out to members within days of the event happening. Also by
the time you read this report you will have a report from me in relation to the last bay outing. Very up to
date way of communicating.
Probably won’t see many of you until our special general meeting on the 15th June.
Cheers,
John Klose
Membership Chairman |
| Bay Cruise Bigger than Ben Hur |
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Well if you missed this one, people with more knowledge than me can
attest that it was one of the best trips in a long while. The weather for a change was terrific and
the number attending was far more than expected. I would like to thank the boat owners who
registered early and I am sure that by them doing that only encouraged even more to attend. The
Club's personal thanks to Fishing Captain Jim Roberts who organised the venue and for all members
who turned up to support the event. Before the sledging begins I would like to mention the boats
who attended. If I missed you I do apologize as it was pretty hectic but that doesn't mean your
presence was not appreciated.
Boats that attended the event: Gitana, Northern Trek, Diablo, Sarato,
Maltese Cross, La Vie En Rose, Nextfriday, Trixie B, Samarinda, Misty Morn, Sou' Wester, Amity B,
Alina, Just Us, Lady Nelson, Doctor Blue, Further Down the Line, Venture, One Direction.
Guests From Fairway Owner's Group: Mystique Princess, Dionysius, Sarah Kate.
The Party Too
Well I'm not sure whether the fun idea of a bottle of champagne per boat got us excited or not
but what a weekend. Thanks for Commodore Rod giving me the O.K. to organize a couple of bottles of
complimentary wines. Well I was able to get a couple of days off work and was a guest on Arthur and
Pam's boat Alina. We left around 1.00 p.m. on the Friday and with all provisions on board headed
off to meet those who had the luxury of a head start down the bay. We were fortunate to meet up
with 'Gitana', 'Northern Trek', 'Samarinda', 'Doctor Blue' at Canaipa and the hospitality
was outstanding. On coming back to 'Alina' Arthur noticed the Gen set was cutting in and
out. Well for those who know Arthur he was not impressed to say the least and after donning his
work clothes was unable to fix the problem. I put my two bobs worth in but to those who know my
mechanical experience you would understand it was a bit of a joke. Eventually pride dropped in and
he contacted Watpac from 'Gitana' and I was very impressed at the lateness of the night he
arrived and his arrange of tools. Well these blokes worked half way through the night and I was
only able to help by passing myself red wines and eventually had to call it quits. To keep a long
story short I woke up in the morning to only find after all the experiments these ardent workers
followed through, there was a simple reset switch very predominately displayed that said words to
the effect if Gen Set cuts out please use this switch. Onya you Arthur you have only had the boat
for 4 years.
In the morning we headed off to what we thought was relevantly early to arrive at our venue to
find at least 10 boats already moored up. At his stage I thought it might be a bit bigger than
expected and it was. Calls through the radio ensured that we had a joint Barbeque on Saturday and
all was relaxing pretty well. The food was shared between our members and I felt proud of the
comradeship displayed. Fisher Queen Maureen provided some superb garlic prawns as well as everyone
being a part of the cook up. At this stage it was slowing down a little bit then out of the blue
Lisa Neilson who I might add was very organised and had a competition known as Celebrity heads.
This went over very well and made the afternoon go pretty quickly with many laughs. Lisa will be
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presenting some trophies to the winners and I will look forward to
that. Nice to see a few younger folk there participating but I saw a real opportunity for more
children to be about. I guess that this gives me and also the board of directors more thoughts in
this regard.
Vessels attending the Bay Outing
After a great day people went off in different directions but my understanding is that Blair and
Diane from the Fairway Owners group stayed a little later to enjoy a nice warm fire and discuss the
finer points of nuts presented to them my Doc from TRIXIE B. It was all done in good fun and if you
are not sure what is going on here you have to BE THERE.
Next day the Champaign breakfast went off really well. Commodore Rod couldn't make Saturday but
he certainly was up early with his wife June to make it to our 9 am start. I sledged him a little
about him having to be there as there was hardly any boats but when he came around the corner and
saw so many boats I am sure it made his day. The champagne and orange was flowing and Commodore
Rod made a welcoming speech thanking for all for their attendance and welcoming members from the
Fairway Owners Club. I have to say that the guys from the Fairway Owners Group mixed in really well
and be assured they were sledged boots and all on both days (Hey Blair and Di) Cheers to Kevin and
Margot who are history within their group.
Jim, Julie & Kath
The day slowed down a little but I had the impression not too many people wanted to leave.
Fishing Captain Jim Roberts ensured that the grounds of the RSL Fishing hut were left in a better
state that we found it and organised people to bring in rubbish bags and clean up. I noticed Greg
Neilson taking more than his fair share and thank him for that.
Plenty of discussions were had for our next bay outing and there is no doubt about it we need to
find a land based venue to allow interaction between members. As such I am happy to announce our
next bay outing in August will be held at Blakesleys subject to weather patterns. We will have an
alternate venue organised (won't we Arthur). Lisa Neilson has offered her services to organize some
sought of Olympic game theme but stand by for further information.
Well that it's from me for now. Great to see The Commodore, Rod Johnson, Vice Commodore Mark
Lopez , Rear Commodore John Klose . Director and past Commodore Arthur Mobsby Director John Nelson
Fishing Captain Jim Roberts in attendance.
This weekend went over extremely well and it came about from you, our members for attending.
Well done we need you.
Cheers
John Klose |
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New Members day & Fishing Section report
Sunday, 20 April 2008.
Well what a huge day in more ways than one so perhaps a little background beforehand. I started off the
weekend leaving with my good mate John Nelson on his boat ‘Lady Nelson’ around Saturday lunchtime to
participate in the Fishing Club’s weekend fishing competition. The weather forecast was poor to say the least
but your intrepid duo proceeded on regardless to participate in the great competition which brings boats from
far and very far.
Whilst being very excited about participating in this great monthly event I was also contemplating the
celebrated new member’s function that was set down for the following day, Sunday. As Membership chairman, I
packed my official uniform to maintain the naval tradition which is attached to all of the Club’s ceremonial
days.
Back to the fishing - Klosey on ‘Lady Nelson’, caught an old crab pot weighing in at about 3.00 kg,
a grinner which was absolutely massive with some saying it was heavier than the crab pot, and also a knot eel
which is rated, in some circles, more highly than coral trout. Unfortunately the Fisher Queen, Maureen, refused
to award any points at all for the catch. An official investigation team has been appointed to consider
Maureen’s decision, with the skipper of ‘Lady Nelson’ - John Nelson - being the main arbitrator - and
as he said to me “winners are grinners, ‘Lady Nelson’ will score”. I therefore have the utmost faith
in the outcome.
Now the new member’s day. I would really like to thank all those new members who attended. It was terrific
to see so many present, especially considering the poor weather forecast. Hearing the new members discussing
their reasons for joining the Club reminded me of my motivation to join.
My enjoyment of the Club has only increased with time and I trust that this will be the case with the new
members who came along on Sunday the twentieth.
The New Member’s Day went well with a welcome speech by Commodore Rod followed by introductions and the
presentation of the ‘New Member’s Package’. Unfortunately my colleague on the Membership Sub-Committee, Donny
Broadhurst, could not attend due to work commitments.
All the new members were then invited to participate in a joint barbeque held
in conjunction with the fishing club where we were able to mingle and get to know everybody.
It was great to see the Flag Officers and board members (some of them in disguise) at the event. Well done
also for all club member‘s who turned up to support our new member’s day. Thanks also to Noel and his staff who
ensured all our needs were met.
The New Member’s Day turned out to be a much longer day for some of us. Greg Neilson’s ‘Misty Morn’
, Jim Robert’s new vessel, ‘Aquation’ and John Nelson’s ‘Lady Nelson’ grouped together on the
northern end of the pontoon to make room for a contingent of visiting sailing catamarans. Subsequently the
aforementioned vessels were left high and dry at the low tide and unfortunately(?) did not set sail for home
until around 2100 Hrs.
Much more happens at these events than can be recorded here so come along to the next New Member’s Day which
will be held in October. Watch the web-site and the E-News for the actual date. All Welcome.
(Note: For space requirements this report has been edited by the secretary – for further information or
amplification please contact Rear Commodore John). |
Guidelines for the use of The Little Ship Club’s
Swing Moorings
1. Use of the swing moorings is STRICTLY for current financial members of the LSC and members
using these facilities MUST display the club burgee. Failure to display the club burgee while
using the swing moorings negates the privilege of using the swing moorings even though the person
is a financial member.
2. Booking of the swing mooring is allowed. Vessels who have booked must be tied up by 12 midday
of the day of booking. Failure to be tied up by Midday allows members to use the swing moorings on
a first come first serve basis. In other words if a member finds a club mooring vacant after midday
the mooring is deemed not to be booked. HOWEVER, AFTER TYING UP, IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, MEMBERS MUST
REPORT THEIR PRESENCE TO THE CLUB MANAGER TO ENSURE HE IS KEPT UP TO DATE ON CURRENT
CIRCUMSTANCES.
3. Members arriving before midday and seeing a vacant buoy need to check with the manager to
ascertain whether this mooring is booked.
4. Bookings can be made for a maximum of two days and all bookings must be confirmed by
telephoning the Manager 24 hours before the date required. Failure to confirm a booking means that
the booking is cancelled and the mooring open to use of all members.
5. Members using the swing moorings must vacate by 10.30 a.m. unless booked in advance for the
maximum of two days and in that case leave by 10 30 a.m. at the finish of their booking.
6. Members who observe boats using our Club swing moorings NOT flying the Club Burgee MUST
check with the Manager first before protecting the clubs assets.
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