From The Chair

I am delighted that HKCC continues to be such a popular place for Members and that so many of you are choosing to enjoy your leisure and free time at the Club.

We are now entering our busiest time of the year as we reach the peak of our winter sporting season with all Club teams competing well to ensure good league table positions. I am delighted that our sportsmen and women are enjoying success at the highest levels with the recent selection of a number of our cricketers, rugby and netball players to our national teams at both senior and junior levels. Congratulations to you all ! I am even more pleased to see all the good work and fantastic espirit de corps in the sporting sections and our youth development programmes thriving, where they all continue to consolidate the Club's position and reputation as a leading force in providing and developing sport at all levels in Hong Kong.

Thanks to our investment in upgrading the ground drainage and turf, our precious ground continues to hold up to the heavy demands we place on it. In addition to the regular cricket, the 400 odd junior Gappers and lawn bowlers, we were pleased to host the recent International Mixed Pairs Lawn Bowls Tournament and, most importantly, the Annual Garden Party - this despite the terrible weather in the lead-up to the weekend.

Thanks is accorded to the weather and all the Members who attended the Garden Party for their wonderful support of the Event. Importantly, thanks go to our dedicated staff and all those involved in organising such a fantastic fun day. Considering all the bouncy castles and active fun, a special mention goes to F&B teams for offering a feast of delicious food that went down so well and well done to those of you who managed to snack through the 141 kgs of crab legs - the penchant for seafood at the HKCC remains strong. On that point, our new chef at Dot Cod has a delicious new menu on offer. Please try it out and let us know what you think!

Despite the global economy continuing to look rather wobbly at the moment and the hope that Hong Kong does not have to brace too hard in the event of a downturn, I am pleased to report that, on the operating front, we continue to remain on a healthy and stable footing. Management has done well and is achieving operating targets, as we look to offer value to Members, particularly in light of high food cost inflation.

As promised, we continue to work on expanding our facilities on offer to Members. You will have all seen that the Ten Pin Bowling Centre is up and running and enjoying good use and positive feedback. The new carpet in the Sports Annexe, in my view, definitely lifts the bar area décor.

I am sure that all the ladies will be delighted at the completion of the upgrading of their changing rooms in the main building. I do hope that you like the improved layout and the new look.

The squash courts have enjoyed a significant upgrade and look fantastic. I am also pleased to report that the hoarding for the slope-work has been removed and the road boundary is now looking decidedly improved. Once the new cricket net is built and the Astroturf laid, we will once more be able to enjoy that space. You will also have noticed that the new Ground Pavilion has been completed and is due to officially open soon, green roof and all. A naming competition is underway and I am sure that you will have many great suggestions for the new addition to the Gap boundary.

In closing, I would like to thank Andy Phillips for his service to the Club, for all his work on the General Committee as the Squash Convenor and to wish his replacement, Steve Ellis, all the best in taking Squash forward.

As is often the case in our transient society, we say a sad goodbye to our current Captain of Cricket, Michael Jamieson and his family who, after nearly a decade as HKCC stalwarts, are returning to Melbourne. Our thanks go to Michael for all his contributions to cricket and the Club, both on and off the field, and best wishes for the future. I am sure that the new Captain of Cricket, Darren Tucker, will continue to take Cricket in the Club forward and on to even greater things.

Gavin Erasmus
Chairman