DECEMBER 2013
RACANEWS ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AUSTRALIA Incorporating Imperial Service Club Limited ABN 44 000 016 144 89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia T: 02 8273 2300 F: 02 8273 2301 raca@raca.com.au www.raca.com.au
New Year's Eve Celebrations Tuesday 31st December 6:30pm to 12:30am Celebrate in style, while enjoying a lavish 5 course dinner and beverages in the Harbour Dining Room, enjoy the view of the harbour. Watch the 9pm and midnight fireworks from our Harbour Dining Room or rooftop.
New Members
Adults $210.00pp Young Adults (13-17yrs) $170.00pp Children (2-12) $70.00pp For bookings please contact Courtney on T: 8273 2320 or E: courtney@raca.com.au
Christmas Day Buffet
Wednesday 25th December Celebrate in style, while enjoying a lavish Christmas Luncheon in the Harbour Dining Room or Macquarie Room. We pride ourselves in serving you the finest Christmas fare in Sydney. This year our menu includes the freshest local seafood, festive roast meat, a wonderful selection of summer salads, as well as the traditional favourites like turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas puddings and mince pies! Adults $139.00 per person, Young Adults(13-17yrs) $98.00 per person, Children 4-12yrs $67.00 per person Please register to attend by calling Courtney T: 8273 - 2320 or E: courtney@raca.com.au
Staff Christmas Gratuity Throughout the year the RACA staff both front of house and behind the scenes have served Members at the Club. We invite you to recognise their efforts by making a contribution to the Staff Christmas Fund. This may be paid in cash, cheque, credit card or attending the club in person, alternatively you can call our accounts team on T: 8273 2317 or complete the attached form and return this to the Club. Thank you.
EST. SYDNEY 1903 Mr Mr Mr
SUB CLUB NEWS AND UPDATES New Members
Chris Greieneder Paul N Chadwick James Snodgrass
Snooker Club News The RACA Snooker Club is open to all members. Our group seeks to grow and expand friendships, connections and conviviality. The Training night with Glen Wilkinson on 20 November again proved tremendous value for the cost. What a treat to have been in the presence of the current State, Australian and Oceania Women’s champion, Jessica Woods! Social nights are a great opportunity to mingle and to reacquaint yourselves with the game and to socialise in your Club. Cue sports are a non-threatening way to mingle and enjoy Club life. The “Round Robin” tournament forges on and will culminate in a celebratory dinner in the ISC room, following the Finals match. This night replaces our monthly Social night, though all are welcomed to attend, watch and even have a hit. During the year, we have Intraclub competitions as well as Interclub (vs other Clubs). We seek to improve the way that we can connect via Snooker, and a list will emerge in the form of a table. You may challenge players on the list to improve your own standings. Details will follow. Like our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook. com/pages/RACASnookerClub/176432675819255 RACA club members are invited to make contact with the Snooker Club by email to Secretary, Carol Langley at clangleydc@gmail.com.
The Apollo Club
The Entertainment and Events Group, the RACA Apollo Club, will host our second evening event, The Elvis White Christmas Show and Dinner– featuring the world’s greatest Elvis, Allen McDonald from New Zealand, Santa Claus and their friends – on Tuesday, December 10th, 2013. Our third event, The Horsepower Dinner – celebrating the lunar Year of the Horse and supporting the National Museum of Australia’s upcoming Horses in Australia Exhibition – will be held on Tuesday, February 25th, 2014, and is expected to attract equine enthusiasts and regular race goers alike. (See page 3 for more information.) At our April Fool’s Day Party, on Tuesday, April 1st, 2014, executive chef Simon Flanders will apply the tricks of his trade to treat you and your guests with a tantalising three course dinner and drinks as the prelude to a performance by Australasia’s ultimate ABBA tribute group, FABBA.
Ms Ms Mr
Julie H Ankers Kylie Hammond Mark Bolster
Mrs Mr Mr
Lorraine Carter Michael Bramble James D Graves
A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS FROM THE CEO/SECRETARY MANAGER Dear Members, It has been a while since I last posted a message from the CEO so I would like to update you on certain matters happening in the club. As last year we will be closing the club again at the beginning of next year from the 2nd of January till the 11th of January to be able to take care of certain maintenance issues and give the club a good clean. There have been some changes in regards to staff here at the club. Mr Chris Schmidt our Financial Controller and Ms Lisa Harris our Membership & Marketing Manager are unfortunately no longer with us. Both Chris and Lisa were with us for many years and we appreciate all their hard work and efforts during their employment with the club. The club will take this as an opportunity to look at possible restructuring measures taking into consideration the needs for the future of the club. The club is constantly looking at possible investments into maintenance matters that the club has and this is ongoing. This year we managed to get the lifts upgraded and refurbished which was urgently needed. There are different projects that are being looked into currently and we will hopefully be able to make certain decisions on larger projects soon. In the meanwhile we have completed the cabling of the entire club to have wireless internet connection throughout. To bring the Club into the 21st century we found it necessary to upgrade our computer system to make it possible for members to receive our monthly newsletter and statements via email. Members will also be able to update their personal details on our website, view their statements online and will also be able to pay your accounts online as well as book and pay for club events. We would appreciate your assistance in this process by filling out the attached information sheet so we are already able to update all your information in our data base. If you could send this sheet back to Lisa Reading via email on eam@raca.com.au or via post to the club. All those members that do not have the possibility of receiving emails would you be so kind and note this down for us and also give us your postal address. This year we once again had a postal ballot to vote for Board Directors for 2013-2014. Many thanks to all candidates and all voters that took part. The names of the successful candidates were announced at the AGM on the 17th of October 2013. The positions of President, Vice President and Treasurer were determined at the Board meeting that followed the AGM. Mr. Gavin Thomas President Ms Megan Lavender Director Mr. Michael Callanan Vice President Mr Fabian Marsden Director Mr Jim Warren Treasurer Mr Robert Armitage Director Mr Lindsay Coleman Director Mr Nigel Renton Director Mr Graeme Jones Director Yet another year has nearly passed and I would like to thank all members for your support and contribution to the club throughout the past 12 months. May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you next year hopefully on many occasions throughout the year 2014.
Valentine's Day Pacakge
• Weekend accommodation for 2
(Queen, King, Deluxe) • Enjoy live Jazz music in the Members Bar on Friday Evening incl. 2 welcome drinks and tapas plate • Dinner for 2 in the Harbour Dining Room
• Continental and plated hot breakfast for two in the Harbour Dining Room
• Access to the Health Club including the
use of gymnasium, sauna and steam room. • Late checkout at 12:00pm • Valet Parking
Total $570 for 2 pax for 2 days
At our Queen’s Birthday Party, on Tuesday, June Package details are valid from the 14th Feb till the 16th Feb for Friday and Saturday 3rd, 2014, a three course royal themed feast will be Accommodation and Restaurant bookings subject to availability followed by the southern hemisphere’s most authentic sounding Beatles tribute group, Beatle Magic, who will play the very best of British rock and roll. Take the opportunity to make 14th Ferbruary a day to remember by spoiling the special person in your life with our To secure your seats for any or all of these highly sought romantic Valentines Day Dinner with a wonderful 6 course menu over a glass o sparkling on arrival, while you watch Sydney Harbour come to life from the Harbour Dining Room after events, please contact :
Valentine's Day Dinner
Courtney Rae on T:8273 2320 or Courtney@raca.com.au
Motoring Enthusiasts Group
Please make your reservation by Monday10th February to ensure you dont miss out on this wonderful experience.
Price: $95.00 per person including sparkling on arrival
For bookings please contact Courtney on T: 8273 2320 or E: courtney@raca.com.au
The first MEG's meeting in 2014 will be on The MEGs will not have a Christmas function but Wednesday 5 March, meeting in the Members Bar we encourage all MEGs and partners to come The RACA Members Bar will be open for members together for a Christmas drink in the Members and friends on Australia Day for drinks and light meals, The second RACA Motoring Dinner will be held on Bar on Friday 13 December from 6:30pm Sunday 26 January 2014, Macquarie Street will feature Thursday 3 July 2014. CARnivale where over 1500 classic cars will be on Visit our new Motoring Enthusiasts Group Facebook To get involved please contact Mr Alan Hunt display. page www.facebook.com/RACAMEG on T: 9651 2961 or E:hunts@optushome.com.au
M E M B E R E V E N TS A N D D I N I N G
EST. SYDNEY 1903
As Christmas fever starts to sprinkle its festive magic why not let us help make it easier for you with some of the following suggestions!
Christmas Parties and Events The Club is the perfect location for your Christmas Party or Event.
New Summer Harbour Dining Room Menu
Whether you are planning a Christmas party for friends or your workplace, the Club is the ideal location for a stylish festive season event.
Appetisers to Share
To ensure your Christmas party or event is truly impressive, please contact our dedicated coordinator, Catherine on T:8273 2322 or E:functions@raca.com.au
‘Open’ Steamed Bun with Duck, Shallots, Cucumber and Plum Sauce Flash Fried Zucchini Blossoms with a Tomato and Goats Curd Dip
Christmas Hampers Our hampers make great gifts for your work collegues, family members and friends, to order from our range please see the enclosed order form or contact our Stores Manager, Manur on T: 8273 2315 For more information please see Order Form Attached
Christmas Period SetEntree Menu- Harbour Room
Entrée Soup du Jour Sydney Rock Oysters with a Vodka, Lime and Cucumber ‘Shot’ West Australian Blue Swimmer Crab with Fresh Coconut, Pear, Chilli, Mint and Lime Main Salmon with a Scallop and Oyster Veloute, candied Chilli and Ginger Salad Tajima Wagyu Skirt Steak ‘Bordelaise’ Harissa Braised Lamb Neck Fillet, Carrot Puree, Caviar Lentils and Coriander
House Smoked Ocean Trout, with Fennel, Capers and Kipfler Potatoes or Poached Prawn Salad with Avocado, Cucumber, Lime and Roma Tomato
Grill Sirloin, Rib Eye Kipfler Chips, Buttered Spinach Choice of Sauce Green Peppercorn or Red Wine
Main Pan-fried Duck Breast, with a Fresh Cherry, Heirloom Tomato and Mint Salsa or Angus Beef Tenderloin, Sauteed Black Cabbage, Chestnuts and Smoked Bacon Desserts Plum Pudding infused Creme Brulee, Mango Sorbet or Raspberry and Mascapone Trifle 2 course $55.00 3 course $65.00
Dessert Dark Chocolate Pave, Coconut Ice cream and Salted Caramel Sauce, Vanilla Bean Panna cotta, Hazelnut Tuille and Fresh Berries Iced Zabaglione Parfait, Chocolate Sauce For the full range of the Summer A La Carte Menu Please visit our website www.raca.com.au
Inaugural Horsepower Dinner- Celebrating the Year of the Horse Tuesday 25th February 2014
On Tuesday, February 25th, 2014, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia Equine Enthusiasts Group, the RACA Pegasus Club, and the Entertainment and Events Group, the RACA Apollo Club, request the pleasure of your company at the Inaugural Horsepower Dinner celebrating the Year of the Horse. This occasion – in support of the National Museum of Australia’s Horses in Australia Exhibition – will also feature a presentation on the history of horses in Australia by the Head Curator, Dr Kirsten Wehner, as well as information on the exhibition which is scheduled to open in Canberra in late 2014. (The RACA will donate $30 for each person booked into this event directly to the National Museum of Australia’s Horses in Australia Exhibition.) When 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Pre Dinner Drinks and National Museum of Australia Display The Imperial Service Club Room 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm Three Course Dinner including Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks | The Macquarie Room Price | $150.00 per person (includes three course dinner and wine, beer and soft drinks) Accommodation | Book your overnight stay at Sydney’s premier club on 02 8273 2300 For bookings please contact Courtney on T: 8273 2320 or E: courtney@raca.com.au
GET
INVOLVED
Calendar of Member Events
Monthly Member Events
December Fri 13th Entertainment in the Members Bar Ellipsis Jazz To attend contact Catherine T: 8273 2322
Tue 10th Elvis White Christmas Show & Dinner Pre-dinner drinks 3 course dinner, Live Show Price: $180 per person To attend contact Courtney on T:8273 2320 or E: Courtney@raca.com.au Wed 25th Christmas Day Buffet $139.00 per person Please see front page for more details
January
Tuesday 31st New Year's Eve Carnivale
See page 2 for more details
Genealogy There will not be a December Geneology Club Luncheon Regular Army Officers Friday 13th Meet in the Members Bar at 12:00 noon. Please book to attend, call Courtney on T: 8273 2320.
Please see front page for more details
Womens Pioneer Society Wednesday 18th Come in and celebrate the festive season with the Women's Pioneer Society. $27.00 per person light lunch and beverages. Please call Marlene Reid T: 9969 2186
Sat 22nd- Seafood Buffet
Tues 25th- Horsepower Dinner
on T:8273 2370
Please see page 3 for more details
Pre-dinner Drinks & Museum Display Price $79.00 per person 3 Course Dinner including Beverages To book contact Harbour Dining Room Price | $150.00 per person
Fri 14th- Valentines Dinner
Bridge Club Every Tuesday, $28.00 per person for supervised Bridge game and tuition including light lunch and refreshments. Please meet at 10:30am.
Celebrate in style, while enjoying a lavish New Year's 5 course dinner and beverages in the Harbour Dining Room or Macquarie Room where you will have live music and carnivale dancers to entertain you.
Sunday 26th Austalia Day Members Bar will be Open
February
DECEMBER 2013
Ladies Committee Luncheon There will be no December Luncheon
January 2014
Bridge Club Every Tuesday, $28.00 per person for supervised Bridge game and tuition including light lunch and refreshments. Please meet at 10:30am.
Wine Of The Month- Tyrrell's Old Winery Old Winery Brut $75.00 per case of 6 bottles Chardonnay 2012 $75.00per case of 6 bottles Sauvignon Blanc 2013 , $75.00 per case of 6 bottles Pinot Noir 2011 $75.00 per case of 6 bottles Shiraz 2011 $75.00 per case of 6 bottles Cabernet Merlot 2012 $75.00 per case of 6 bottles To order the wines please call T:8273 2315 or see form attached
Genealogy There will not be a January Geneology Club Luncheon
CLUB TRADING HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR Garage Members Bar Harbour Dining Room Date
Day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lunch
Dinner
Opening Hours
23 Dec
Monday
Open
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
6:30 - 23:30
24 Dec
Tuesday
Open
Open
Open
Closed
Closed
16:00 - 23:00
25 Dec
Wednesday
Open
Club Function
Closed
Closed
Closed
11:00 - 16:00
26 Dec
Thursday
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
27 Dec
Friday
Open
Open
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
28 Dec
Saturday
Open
Closed
Open
Closed
Closed
6:30 - 23:00
29 Dec
Sunday
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
6:30 - 23:00
30 Dec
Monday
Open
Open
Open
Closed
Closed
6:30 - 23:00
31 Dec
Tuesday
Open
Closed
Club Function
Closed
Closed
10:00 - 24:00
1 Jan
Wednesday
Open
Closed
Club Function
Closed
Closed
Closed
2 Jan
Thursday
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Dear Members, the Club will be closed from the 2nd of January 2014 and will reopen on Saturday 11th of January 2014.
Regular Army Officers There will be no January event for the Regular Army Officers. Womens Pioneer Society There will be no January event for the Women's Pioneer Society. Ladies Committee Luncheon There will be no January Luncheon