Seven years ago, the Drake members gave everything they had to Ramsgate RSL. The clubhouse, the land, and two residential properties (originally developed by Francis Drake), being a townhouse and a villa.
In return for these assets, Ramsgate management agreed to the upkeep of the Drake and continued operations of the club for 10 years.
This agreement included installation of a bistro, refurbishment of the clubhouse, and maintaining the bowling greens and surrounds.
Over the past seven years their part of the agreement is: no refurbishment, no bistro and the removal of all poker machines. In return they provided a "Keno" terminal.
A significant reduction in trading hours, combined with an increase in rates for function room hire, has reduced the ability of the Drake to operate as a financially sustainable business.
To top it all off, Ramsgate RSL management closed the Francis Drake Bowling Club on March 24, three years earlier than the agreement.
The administrator at Ramsgate RSL wants Francis Drake's land rezoned to residential status, and sold before Ramsgate's new board is elected in May 2014.
Ramsgate has already borrowed heavily against the equity of the Drake. And how was this money spent? It certainly was not invested in the Drake to make good on the agreement.
It seems the RSL management want Francis Drake closed regardless of the agreement in place.
Let honesty, transparency and common sense prevail, for the good of all our members.
Ray King, Kogarah