When The Armidale Club held its Annual General Meeting at this time last year, it looked set to go to the wall, with the previous Board primed to call in liquidators. Club President, Christopher Serow announced at the AGM last Wednesday that the club is to survive, with new hope.
A seemingly humble weatherboard building, the Armidale Club is located on Beardy Street, between Marsh and Taylor Streets.
An exhausted but elated Christopher Serow was open and comprehensive as he addressed and chaired the packed AGM “The Armidale Club is going to have a very exciting 2012. The last year has probably been one of the most trying periods for this club,” he said. “At the last AGM, there were proposals that the club no longer continue and that it be placed into liquidation. There were concerns about the club’s ability to pay its debts when due.”
A hard working volunteer Board has significantly increased the club’s membership, to over 380 at present, and has just secured long-term (25 year) financing with the National Australia Bank. “The club is in a strong position but we’re not out of dire straits yet. There is still a lot to do,” Mr Serow said.
The Armidale Club has a special place in the cultural heart of its community. Opened over half a century ago as an exclusive gentlemen’s club, it now plays a niche role as the Armidale area’s preeminent local live music venue. It is an important outlet for local musicians. “It’s the only club where you can be guaranteed of experiencing the finest local bands playing live music.
“It is THE Armidale Club – it is unique. It’s for the Armidale community. It’s not affiliated to any one sporting organisation, faction or sponsor. It is there for a community which doesn’t want to see it go down.”
Mr Serow described the amount of work entailed in cleaning up the considerable mess that the club was in 12 months ago. He disclosed that the clubs books were in such disarray that vital organisational, governance and financial documents could not be found. “We’ve consolidated our debts, had a full auditing process through local firm Roberts and Morrow and seen not just growth in membership but passion to contribute from it.”
In a time when many small clubs have gone to the wall, those who have worked tirelessly for the survival of The Armidale Club, are breathing a little easier after the news they were given at the AGM. “It was a magnificent meeting. We’ve had so much excitement and positive feedback from our members and how they want to contribute. They were talking about pool competitions, local band and general entertainment schedules, further enhancement of the bar facilities,” Mr Serow said. “We want to diversify our membership. We want to involve more uni students, 30 plusses and retirees. We are going for regular entertainment programming, a mid-winter ball and theme nights and more.
“If the community wants to see The Armidale Club continue to survive and thrive, then people have to get behind it, get involved, participate, tell us what you can do to help – your thoughts and contributions are very welcome,” Mr Serow said.
Story: Gary Fry
