THE Camden Haven Golf Club and Laurieton United Servicemen’s Club are a step closer to becoming one, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which details the terms of their amalgamation.
LUSC president Wayne Poll and CHGC chairman Albert Johnston signed the document last Wednesday before their board members and golf club patron Rob Oakeshott.
“It gave me great pleasure, as the final act in my 12 years in State Parliament, to join with the boards of the two clubs as they finalised their Memorandum of Understanding for the future amalgamation of the clubs,” Mr Oakeshott said.
"I was certainly impressed by the growth plans for the golf club, and there should be a few bowlers in the Camden Haven who should be starting to get pretty excited.”
LUSC secretary manager Robert Dwyer said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was an important document in securing the future of the amalgamation ahead of the move being put to the membership for voting at a later date.
“The MOU includes the commitment of the Laurieton United Servicemen’s Club to maintain the golf, bowling and social facilities of the Camden Haven Golf Club,” Mr Dwyer said.
“The MOU also details other important matters including that all members will enjoy dual membership benefits, with existing life membership and years of service recognised, Camden Haven Golf Club Sub Clubs will remain unchanged, all staff currently employed by Camden Haven Golf Club will be offered employment by Laurieton United Servicemen’s Club combining our administration and other similar roles, and all assets will be protected under the MOU. Rumours that the LUSC intend to subdivide the land are untrue and this is also protected under the MOU.
“The LUSC is committed to constructing additional bowling greens on the Camden Haven Golf Club premises following the completion of an independent feasibility study along with the relocation of the course maintenance shed and cart sheds.”
Mr Dwyer said membership fees will be reduced for Camden Haven Golf Club members to be in line with major local competitors and bar prices will also be reduced in line with prices at the LUSC.
“The Camden Haven Golf Club will also keep its name,” Mr Dwyer said.
“It’s a win-win for both clubs: the LUSC members gain a wonderful asset with a business that will continue to sustain itself bringing greater member benefits and the golf club members gain future security for their club with a view to improvements in the future.”
An open forum will be held on Thursday August 28 at 5pm in the LUSC’s Anzac Room for anyone interested in discussing the amalgamation.