THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND FEDERATION OF CLUBS Club ReviewVOLUME 28 - Issue 7, 2015 COORS LIGHT: NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO. 1 BOTTLED BEER* SEARCH ‘COORS LIGHT ICE BAR’ *AC Nielsen NI MAT July 2015. ASK YOUR REP ABOUT OUR FULL RANGE OF CRAFT BEERS: AWARD-WINNING HILLSTOWN BREWERY, HILDEN, McGARGLES, YARDSMAN, BREWDOG & INNIS & GUNN T: 028 9066 7744 E: [email protected] T: 028 9066 7744 E: [email protected] HOSPITALITY REVIEW BANNERS (SEPT 2015).indd 2 29/09/2015 15:27 Minutes of the Executive meeting Held in the H&W Welders FSC, Belfast Practice makes... on Tuesday 13th October 2015 The Chairman, John Davidson, said percentage is not reached by a clubs deeds etc. This matter will McCartney, which referred to the opened the meeting following the deadline, clubs which have be further investigated, although cost of the mobile phones used which the minutes of the signed-up could well be met with we understand that government for our helplines. It was explained September executive meeting a higher cost. This may of course grants are being reduced. by Gerry Gallagher that this was were read out and subsequently not be the case. Nevertheless, it due to a misunderstanding as passed as a true record, being is our wish to focus on the NAV On the matter of banking, the to the most cost effective means proposed and seconded by Gerry applicable to the area or areas Chairman provided an overview of use. Thankfully this has been Gallagher and Tommy McMinn. within a registered sports club of a meeting with Bank of resolved. which provides the BSkyB service. Ireland in relation to his own Correspondence from clubs It is fair to say that a snooker or club but which may have wider With the meeting completed, a via email and the helplines was darts room is included in the NI implications for all clubs with a presentation was made by Jim covered. In the main, this related Rating list as a prescribed sport Bank of Ireland association. O’Brien of Botl on a new brand to HR issues and the proposed or leisure activity and as such, ‘Butterfly Rum’. Jim is of course amendments to the clubs order is technically no different to a The long-standing arrangement well known in club circles and which awaits passing by the cricket, soccer or GAA pitch. with Bank of Ireland appears to together with Joan Kelly details Legislative Assembly. be still in place to some extent. of the new product was conveyed We await further information However, free banking is no to members. It was explained The Chairman relayed details from Rory Clark on this and are longer an option. The Chairman that clubs can purchase the new of his discussion with Mr Rory hopeful we will have more detail is hopeful that Bank of Ireland brand via their chosen supplier Clark of McConnell Clark on this issue in time for our will nevertheless continue to or direct from Botl, the choice is Chartered Surveyors, who is a November executive committee provide a competitive service entirely in their hands. in line with the long-standing member of the rating forum. The meeting. association with Federation As this concluded matters thanks said discussion was based on the clubs having a Bank of Ireland was extended to H&W Welders rating of clubs and in particular, Another energy company MJU affiliation. FSC for hosting the meeting to the effect Nav’s (net annual Energy made an impressive and for the hospitality which valuations) have on such things as presentation on the service they At this point the Treasurer, followed. the BSkyB tariff. provide in respect to monitoring Davy Larmour, presented a club energy costs. The important comprehensive financial report Harry Beckinsale In a meeting with BSkyB, the element of their service is the which was passed as a true Public Relations Officer said tariffs were discussed in monitoring as a club moves record. One item was raised by On behalf of the Secretary, an attempt to bring additional through its contract period. It the Assistant Chairman, Brian Bob McGlone clubs into the BSkyB service at was highlighted, that although the most beneficial cost. The a renewal date could be some association developed with BSkyB months away, energy could be is helping matters and it is our secured at the most beneficial desire to work together to provide rate some months earlier. This what is best for our members. is naturally interesting and will hopefully provide savings for our The Chairman highlighted members. the package available to the Association of Conservative The Chairman touched Clubs, which appears to rely on on Solar Energy which also 75% of the said clubs signing-up has the potential to provide to the agreed tariff. savings, although it can cause Find more refreshing perfection complications with some banks, at facebook.com/CarlingIreland However, we see difficulties which some of which have concern due may arise with this, in that if the to the possible complication with Carling is a registered trade mark of Molson Coors Brewing Company (UK) Limited. nifederationofclubs.com Issue 7 2015 Club Review 3 Club Review is published by Media Marketing, Unit B7, Portview Trade Centre, Belfast BT4 1HE - Tel: 028 9045 9864 • Fax: 028 9045 9034 • Email: [email protected] Club News pursuit of their chosen sport, N.I. Federation of Clubs remain firmly which is the very foundation of Clubs warned to be vigilant sporting successes enjoyed by a country, recognised throughout Gaming machine thefts on the rise focused on rating review the world as punching well above its weight. While I appreciate the Minister NI, Professor Eric Saunders, More recently, the Minister, As outlined by Professor We have been informed of a • Active engagement feels that an alternative proposal acknowledged, and I quote, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Saunders, the contribution to worrying spike in the number from staff is essential will more appropriately address “This survey is an indication of the Minister, Martin McGuinness, sport provided by the private of gaming machine thefts on as the proximity of the the issue, I nevertheless feel it economic importance of sporting outlined that sports tourism has member sports, social and mainland UK. machine to the bar is important to remind members clubs in Northern Ireland. the potential to raise up to £1 recreational clubs sector, directly not a deterrent. that we have lobbied for the billion. and in-directly cannot, and Even though these incidents • If in any doubt, additional 20% relief over several “It complements previous economic are not in Northern Ireland, should not, be underestimated. simply ask players years, having been supported by studies undertaken by the Sports Is an already impoverished all clubs should nevertheless to play those at the Legislative Assembly, Council and reinforces the Legislative Assembly in a be very alert to strangers It has always been our aim to existing which has in general been significance of sport across the position to replace the substantial to prevent the same thing games financial support of sport already remain outside the political John Davidson, Chairman, sympathetic to our request. community in Northern Ireland happening here. off, in terms of the employment/ provided by registered sports, arena, rather preferring to rely N.I. Federation of Clubs on the continued cross-party and It should be remembered, that engagement of almost 13,000 (to social and recreational clubs? The crime proceeds as then support of our representatives at As Chairman of the Northern wishes to secure the additional include full-time, part-time, trainees follows: switch the Northern Ireland Legislative Ireland Federation of Clubs, it is 20% rates relief to sports clubs and volunteers) people, the creation It is essential that appropriate A gang of three to five people the Assembly. If this support was incumbent upon me to express is only to the sports & leisure of over £100 million of wealth recognition is afforded to the go into a club and block the machine concern upon learning of the facilities they provide, with other for the economy each year and a number of children, young not to be forthcoming it would view of the target machine off until ‘Petition of Concern’ lodged areas being no different to other consumer expenditure of £500,000 people supported by parents, naturally be incumbent upon us whilst the theft is performed. they have in regard to the proposal to premises. each day on sport. The Sports grandparents and coaches, to make an informed decision on They usually have one moved afford registered sports clubs the Council is working with clubs to totalling thousands, who use their the best way forward. member of the gang distract on. additional 20% rates reduction As long ago as 2001, the then ensure this healthy economic picture own transportation and hired the bar staff/door staff whilst on their sporting facilities. Chief Executive of Sport endures and grows”. buses, giving of their time in the Hospitality Ulster are perceived the theft is occurring and the to have a platform from which victim may not be aware that to promote their interests against they have been robbed until those of others. Under direct rule, the gang has left the club, as it was perceived they had the ear they conceal visible signs of of those framing legislation, with forced entry. the media in general appearing to be of the view that they are able There is no reason why this to speak for everyone, when quite sort of activity can’t take place in Northern Ireland the opposite was, and remains, and we advise the following: the case.