2021-22 subscriptions
If you have paid your subs for 2021-22, many thanks, but many members have yet to pay, and we ask please that you do so before the end of November. An email reminder will soon go out to all who have not yet paid. If you get the reminder but have paid, our apologies, but please do send your proof of payment to info@mbabaneclub.co.sz so that our records can be updated.
And for everyone who has paid, we will be sending out an email letting you know that the door and gate keypad access code will change at the end of the month.
If you’re not sure you have paid, there is a current member listing on the club’s website www.mbabaneclub.co.sz.
Annual General Meeting
For the third year running we had in excess of 40 members at the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 26th October 2021. The President’s and Treasurer’s reports will be part of the AGM draft minutes and together with the financial statements for 2020-21 these will be posted on the website in the near future.
Despite the current restrictions placed on all of us because of Covid19, the club’s membership has shown a small increase and our financial position continues to improve.
Other good news to report is that members voted unanimously to adopt a revised constitution. Key changes made included: — streamlining our membership categories; a flexible rather than a fixed number of members to form a quorum at general meetings; introduction of proxy voting and voting by senior members; revised rules on guests, the AGM, nominations for the general committee, and various procedural matters.
The following members were elected to serve on the 2021-22 General Committee:
- Mduduzi Nyoni – President
- Lean Drinkwater – Vice president
- Jennifer Neves – Secretary
- Sean Johnson – Treasurer
- Nellie Nyawo – Lady member
- Ali Resting – Gentleman member
Martin Forsyth-Thompson was elected to serve another 3-year term as Trustee.
New Members
A big welcome goes out to…
- Walter and Shorayi Sande
- Ndzingeko Dlamini
- Sintayehu Temesgen
- Nomvuyo Hlophe
Events
The next instalment of the monthly pub quiz hosted by Peter Dixon will be on the last Wednesday of the month, so diarise the 24th November (6.30pm to 8.30pm) if you plan to join and test your general knowledge. More info from Peter at petedixon49@gmail.com.
Carols by Candlelight will be held once again on Wednesday 8th December starting at 6pm on the lawn in front of the Albert Millin.
There are rumours about a Christmas party at the club, and these may be true. More info to follow.
Sports
A little more love and attention spent on spring treatment of the greens should improve conditions for some good golf in the coming months. Check them out now and sign up for a round at the golf clubhouse.
The squash courts have also been receiving a lot of attention, and court 2 more so than envisaged. Some problems were found behind the plaster and more time was required for proper repairs. Court 1 is open and court 2 will see some action within the next couple of weeks.
It’s good to see two courts now being used for Saturday afternoon social tennis. All are welcome to play social tennis between 2pm and 5pm on Saturdays – let’s see all 3 courts in use! At other times the tennis courts must be booked in advance using a sticker that can be purchased at the office or bar. Regular players, who use courts 1 and 2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4pm and 6pm (3pm to 5pm in the winter months) have a block booking and pay a lump sum in advance. Tennis court fees are used to maintain the courts, purchase new nets, etc., just as the golf section charges green fees and tokens must be purchased to use the squash courts.
Plants and Flowers for the Club Gardens
We wish to continually improve the Club grounds and gardens with a diverse, indigenous flora that creates an aesthetic environment and enhances the wellness experience for members and guests. If you have any suitable, preferably low maintenance, plants and flower cuttings or seedlings that you can donate to further enhance our landscaping plans, we would very much appreciate it. Jim Black is providing his expertise to ensure your plants will flourish!
General Committee
On the agenda over the coming months will be proposed byelaws for the club. The club’s constitution provides for byelaws but there are none at the moment, and the feeling is that some info and guidance for members on various matters would be a good thing. These might include clarification on what constitutes family membership, signing in and conduct of guests, dress code in the Lang bar, use of the swimming pool, etc. Your suggestions for suitable ‘rules’ to include in the byelaws to help improve the running and ambiance of club are most welcome.
Until next time…take care and see you at the club!