Bar & House Newsletter

New caterers appointed

The current Catering and Bar Management contract expires on 31st August 2008. Following feedback from members and analysis of the Club Survey, your General Committee determined that the contract for Catering and Bar Management should be subject to an open tender process.

A sub-group of the General Committee was formed to manage this process. Following advertising, 21 expressions of interest were received. Eight tenders were subsequently submitted. All applicants were interviewed and it was evident that there were a number of strong contenders for the contract. Assessment of the tenders and interview results reduced the field to a potential 4 contenders, which included 2 front runners. Follow-up meetings were held with the 2 front runners and a recommendation report was tabled to the General Committee meeting held on Tuesday 13th May. The General Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendation paper that the Catering and Bar Management contract should be offered to CHARISMA CATERING LTD.

Charisma Catering has accepted the offer and will provide catering and bar management from the 1st September

We anticipate that Denise will continue to provide services until 31st August. Nevertheless, should the opportunity to take up a new appointment arise, we recognise that she may wish to leave earlier. In this event the General Committee has advised her that it would only require 2 weeks’ notice; should this occur, contingency plans are in place to ensure catering and bar management services continue to be provided. We nevertheless, respect that Denise may wish to fulfil her contract until 31st August and we will continue to work together to provide the Club with the range of catering, bar services and social functions it requires.

Denise and her team have served the Club faithfully for the last 7 years and I am sure you will join me in thanking them for their service. Your Committee will formally express its thanks prior to 31st August or earlier should this be necessary. In the meantime I ask that you continue to support Denise and her team.

Smoking adjacent to the Clubhouse

Members and guests are respectfully reminded that the only designated smoking area is located on the east side of the Clubhouse on the patio area outside the fire door by the snooker table.

Please do not smoke on the patio area on the west side of the Clubhouse or on the adjacent fringes above the 18th green. This patio is used for eating and by non-smokers.

There is a significant number of ‘dog-ends’ littering the areas around the Clubhouse front and rear entrances, which significantly detracts from the appearance of the Club and does not give a good first impression to visitors. Smokers are urged to only smoke in the designated smoking area and here to use the ash trays/receptacles for discarded cigarettes.

Your Committee is committed to maintaining an inclusive Club environment and recognises that the designated smoking area is not ideally situated. Smokers are nevertheless asked to respect the current arrangements. These remain under review and if better arrangements can be identified and funded, they will be considered.

Should any member have any suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me.

With Regards

Ben Benoist
Chair of Bar & House Committee