Developments on the Club Front
by Alan Harrington, Co-op Manager

Life has certainly changed for me (and others) since Maple Street Co-op took over responsibility for the UpFront Club. Just to remind members, this occurred on 1 December 2005.

Although it is very early in the process, we are working through a complete review of Club operations. Some changes have already been made and I'm sure the differences have been noted. Details of other changes will be made available as they are developed and approved by your Board. These include working towards a single membership for both co-ops and changing the form of the liquor licence (both to occur simultaneously and anticipated in the April–May period) as well as planning, designing and undertaking a number of significant internal structural alterations to the Club premises to increase efficiency, enhance functions and improve conditions for staff.

Directors as well as staff of both cooperatives had an informal "get to know you" gathering at the Club on Tuesday 24 January. This was an initiative of the Co-op's directors and was well organised by outgoing and long-serving Club secretary Ann Jupp in collaboration with Co-op secretary Mary Meadows. Club operations manager Kelly Robson organised the refreshments. The evening was a welcome opportunity to enhance communication between those involved with the two co-ops. It was also an occasion to thank operations co-manager Bernie Gilmour for all her great work for the Club (she couldn't be there on the night). Unfortunately, due to illness and family commitments, Bernie has resigned. We all wish her well.

Meanwhile, Kelly Robson and chef Sonia Allen have introduced a new summer menu at the Club. It provides plenty of variety and is a nice change. I'm sure it will be well received. Robinvale organic wines have been re-introduced and along with other alcoholic beverages are being ably dispensed by new bar supervisor Henri Venturini, who has given up his chef activities for now (he worked at the UpFront Club a couple of years ago). Henri is carrying out a review of the Club's liquor selection and I expect we'll see some positive changes soon. In addition, the Phoenix range of organic soft drinks has been introduced and is proving to be very popular. The Club has enhanced its juicing function with the purchase of a commercial-strength juicer. A new upright freezer has also been bought and is already making life a little easier for the kitchen staff.

One other change that has been introduced is that dogs are no longer allowed on the premises, including the back area. Apart from the health and legal regulations, dogs and children just don't mix in this sort of environment, so we've had to implement this rule. I trust that members will be understanding.

Just a reminder that the Club is open every day as well as on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Danny Rose is doing a commendable job organising the musical entertainment, particularly the special events on Saturday nights. For details on the entertainment line-up, check the Range News, the notices displayed in the Club or the Club's website, www.upfrontclub.org. Club-goers will be pleased to know that musical entertainment has returned on Friday evenings.

That's about all for now, except to point out that the combined Co-op/Club financial membership is a little over the 700 figure. It's interesting that a recent review of the Club's financial membership showed that 52% are also members of Maple Street Co-op.

We encourage Co-op and Club members alike to enjoy what the Club has to offer.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", February/March 2006; published by The Maple Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia,
telephone (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.coop@serv.net.au,
website www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]