Omokoroa Boat Club to open new extension

The Omokoroa Boat Club will officially open its extended building, this Saturday November 12, which includes the new TECT Room. Previous Club Commodore, the late Anthony Avery played a pivotal role in the original design concept and technical drawings for the room. Anthony died last October and his brother Steven Avery from United Kingdom will attend the ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of his brother's passing.

Present Commodore Phil Cox said the club committee felt it appropriate that Steven cut the ribbon before moving into the new TECT Room on Saturday - which will be aptly known as Anthony's Bar.

"Anthony was the main instigator of the whole extension project designing and engineering, unfortunately he wasn't able to see it finished due to his untimely death."

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Ross Paterson will be among guests at the opening ceremony.

Over the last 50 years Omokoroa Boat Club has gone from strength to strength and is now a major local focal point, gaining support from and giving support to the village and the surrounding community.

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From humble beginnings, this smoko shed on The Esplanade was where the Omokoroa Boat Club began.

Since the club's last renovation in 2007 the modest growth in the population of Omokoroa has seen membership and its popularity with the local community increase dramatically. Due to this demand the existing building was struggling to accommodate the number of people attending. In order to keep pace with the future expansion plans for the peninsula and to have sufficient room to cater for all requirements, the committee decided to extend the building and double the size of the existing footprint. The capital for this was once again from fund raising events, support from the members and by a generous grant from TECT.

"The Omokoroa Boat Club" was founded in the 1950's by a small group of like-minded people who held their first meeting in a small smoko shed situated on The Esplanade. The membership gradually increased and by the 1980's enough money was accumulated by the members from fundraising events, debentures and donations from local businesses to achieve their dream of having a proper clubhouse.

In 2007 the clubhouse was given a complete renovation, the existing roof was replaced, the outside walls re-clad, and the interior completely redecorated. New toilets were installed and a small extension to the clubroom was built along with a brand new kitchen. The existing fire system was brought up to date along with a new burglar alarm system. Funding for this was achieved once again by judicial saving and by holding fundraising social events.

The new restaurant has proved to be extremely popular with members and their guests dining on a more regular basis.

The community also uses the club as a place to meet friends over coffee and lunch. It has become a popular venue for private functions, birthday parties, corporate events, anniversaries, and weddings.

The community is invited to the opening ceremony this Saturday, November 12 at 2pm with a Karakia at 2.30pm.