UMBILO residents are rallying alongside Stella Park Bowling Club members who have agreed to pay a special levy to help stabilise the club’s finances which plunged into the red while awaiting the approval of a liquor licence.

At a community meeting held on Monday, club president Captain Allen Brink said the application for the liquor licence was filed in November, with the phase of advertising for objections to the liquor licensing  ending on the last day of March.

“We are facing a very real challenge and we have since taken steps to rectify it,” said Brink. “We are onto next phase which is the inspection. That is expected to happen within 40 days of the public notice expiring.

“The next step that follow is the inspection, and if they are satisfied, then it goes to the committee. The catch is that the committee only meets when called. This means it could take a lot of time and we don’t know when that will be. We anticipate that it could be by June,” said Brink

Also Read: Stella Park Bowling Club turns to community for support

In the meantime, while not having their primary source of income through the bar and liquor sales, Stella Park has appealed for community support in keeping the club doors opened.

“This is short-term support to remain operational while the liquor licence process is being finalised,” said Brink. “The members of the club have already met and agreed to contribute towards this through a special levy. However, the reality is that the future of the club affects more than just members, it affects the entire surrounding community.”

In rallying for support the Stella Park Bowling Club, secretary Lara Richards encouraged the community to pledge their support and sign up for various memberships, including social membership, where one does not have to play bowls to be part of the club.

This was welcomed by community members like Ryan Hendra and Mboneni Bhekiswayo who asked if the venue was open for private function hire and how the community could assist the club.

Also Read: Urgent meeting called as Stella Park Bowling Club faces closure

“We are open to private hire and fundraising initiatives that can bring money to the club. There is catering available, you just have to bring your own alcohol as we cannot sell it at the premises at the moment,” said Brink.

“The aim is to keep the club doors open. With your support, we believe the club can not only survive but grow and become an even stronger part of the Umbilo community.”

As part of their many fundraising ideas, Stella Park will host an Easter Monday Fun Day Bowls event on April 6 from 09:30. The entry fee is R25. Those who wish to contribute to the club’s fundraising effort can donate to the Stella Park BC account at Standard Bank: 52670791 with your name as reference, or click on the fundraising link. https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/stella-park-bowling-club-fundraising

For more information contact Lara on 076 336 2499, Judy on 082 485 8347 or Glenda on 084 556 1016.

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