Club news
Club Secretary’s Corner Club Secretary Donna Redford reports on her first year…
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can’t believe that almost a year has passed since I joined Royal Southampton. It has been a very busy year during which several of the team have changed. We said goodbye to Carly who took some much needed ‘time out’ and spent some time in sunny Spain. Carly is now working more sociable hours in a very different role. We have welcomed Mike Bull as Front of House Manager with 6 years’ hospitality management experience. Mike’s team has been enhanced by Krista Ireland who has some 11 years’ experience in restaurant and bar service.
Club Secretary – Donna Redford
Charlie Coleman left us in August to pursue a new career path in Insurance. Charlie joined the Club straight from School in 2014 and was supported through an Apprenticeship and NVQs 2 and 3 in Business Administration. We have been fortunate in recruiting Nikki Ganter to replace Charlie. Nikki brings a background in Administration and comes from a Sailing family, having grown up sailing with her parents on their Moody 36. Nikki has been involved with the Southampton Boat Show in the past and was able to bring initiatives and experience to the RSYC show stand this year. SMART Training joined me this year to provide role specific training to the entire Front of House team. This has improved the way we look after our members and visitors to ensure that we deliver a memorable and inclusive experience. We are proud to invest in our staff to motivate them and recognise their potential. One of the team has recently embarked on a BIIAB Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership (QCF) and a second member of staff is about to commence a Diploma in Hospitality Management (QCF) Level 4 - City & Guilds 7148-41 Higher Apprenticeship. The Wine List was enhanced in the Spring with an intention to regularly introduce new wines by the glass. This process is in its infancy and we hope to introduce wine and spirit tasting experiences for our members in the New Year. We are launching this initiative with a ‘Port and Game’ night at Gins on 2nd December 2017. By now I hope many of you have been over to Gins Clubhouse and enjoyed the best spot on the Beaulieu waterfront, perhaps sitting on the balcony with a chilled glass of Cotes de Provence. Following the departure of Chef Bob Owen, who was looking for a role better suited to his family responsibilities, our recently appointed Exec Chef Nigel Popperwell stepped in and introduced new enticing menus and has regularly filled the Clubhouse to capacity with the ever popular Sunday Carvery. The kitchen at Gins is now headed up by Chef Robert Thomson who has some great ideas for the autumn and winter menus: you can look forward to game and other seasonal dining experiences. June and her small team have welcomed members, rallies and visiting yachtsmen (and women) as well as coordinating three weddings this summer. The feedback has been exceptional. All in all we have had an exciting and challenging year but we continue to rise to the occasion – And are resolved to do all we can to continually improve our offer to all our members over the festive season and in 2018! Donna Redford Club Secretary
CLUB NOTICES • Members are respectfully reminded of the importance of checking bills they wish to be
From the Top, Mike Bull, Krista Ireland, Nikki Ganter and Robert Thomson
www.rsyc.org.uk
charged to their Club Account before leaving. Any concerns about incorrect allocations of food or drink should be clarified with the serving staff prior to departure, as it is regrettably very diffficult to ascertain the facts at a later date. • Please be aware that the Club Pool at Ocean Village will not be available for berthing over the winter months, due to the works currently being undertaken by MDL. • Please also note that during the closed season at Gins the electricity and water supplies to the pontoon will be switched off. yachter Autumn/Winter 2017
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