I like others saw the rejection of the Sapphire Club/RSL merger as a step backwards in both their futures.

To me it somewhat resembled the concept of an ageing pharaoh being entombed with all their treasures for the afterlife.

Although the ageing population is an issue for all clubs, it makes no sense to follow the dinosaurs and become extinct because the world in which they lived changed too quickly for their adaptation.

The golf club is to be commended on their pragmatic approach to this, by making it an issue of public concern.

Merimbula Tennis Club should seriously think about the matter from their own perspective.

I have long thought that an umbrella South Coast sporting association with ancillary/reciprocal memberships would benefit members from all involved parties.

This can be achieved without clubs losing their identities, modus operandi, or character and there may be synergies as the tennis club may be able to generate membership for the golf club for consideration of some lesser membership fee.

Many of the tennis club’s members play golf. I have been both president of a golf club (Katoomba) and chairman of a tennis club (the Miramar club in Wellington). In these capacities I have also grappled with the dynamics of memberships.

I intend to canvas the issue with members of the club board, because even if nothing comes out of it, it doesn’t hurt to talk about these issues on a club to club basis. 

As it is said “ A problem shared is a problem halved”

Jonathan Vincent

Merimbula