MARCH 2014
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
The Royal Automobile Club of Australia 111th Birthday Gala Dinner Friday 21st March 6:00pm to 10:30pm You are invited to celebrate another great milestone in our club's history. Join us for an evening of great food, wine and entertainment featuring the sensational Adam Mada; magician, artist, performer, speaker and entertainer as seen on Channel 9's 'The Real Hustle', on ABC's 'Binge' and was the founding artist of the long-running El Circo Cabaret. Pre-dinner drinks will commence from: 6.00pm Dress code: Black Tie Price: $160.00 per person RSVP by: 12th March 2014 Booking essential: Please contact Rebecca on T: 8273 2320 or E: weddings@raca.com.au
New Members
The Confrerie du Sabre d'Or Champagne Dinner Thursday 29th May 5:00pm to 11:00pm Victoria & Albert Room The Confrerie du Sabre d'Or is devoted to promoting the act of Sabrage and the enjoyment of champagne. Come in, savour some wonderful champagne and have fun at this special event hosted by the Confrerie Ambassador in Australia, Mr David Wald. Our special three course dinner will be matched with the following champagnes Philippe Brugnon, Roger Manceaux and Didier Herbert. Dress Code: Black Tie Cost: $230.00 per person for champagne, canapes and a 3 course dinner Please contact Rebecca to make a booking on T: 8273 2320 or E: weddings@raca.com.au
SUB CLUB NEWS AND UPDATES
EST. SYDNEY 1903
New Members Mrs Jane Look Ms Christine Rowell-Miller Mr Mathew Sweeney
Mr Simon Bridger Mr John Kuner Mr Kristian Skovmand
Snooker Club News The RACA Snooker Club is open to ALL Club members. Our group seeks to grow and expand friendships, connections and conviviality. On February 17th, we held our annual AGM. Officers re-nominated and Team Captains were established for Inter-club competitions. A coordinator for Intra-club competitions is still awaiting a star member to step up. In the interim, Club secretary, Carol Langley will assume the role. Plans for 2014 are to expand Interclub comps (against other Clubs) and to introduce interstate comps against our reciprocal clubs, such as Athenaeum in Melbourne. Throughout the year, our RACA Snooker Club held highly attended monthly social gatherings, coaching clinics, Ladies Nights and two fantastic celebratory dinners, following Intra-Club competitions including a brand new Round Robin tournament. Generous handicapping allowed for new members to rise and shine in the Intra-Club competitions this past year, with names on trophies to show. The handicap committee is discussing a revision of the system to better suit all levels of play for this coming year. Our annual Social Snooker membership drive will be under way in March. Back to back socials are scheduled for 11th March, 12th March, 17th March and 18th March from 6pm to 8pm Come and see what all the buzz is about in the Albert Room. Have a drink, have a hit on the newly recovered tables, meet our group, meet other RAC members and socialise! Deadline to express your interest in intra-club competitions (within our club, consisting of Scratch Singles, Handicap Singles, Doubles, and Billiards) is 31st March. Please contact Carol directly stating in which competition you would like to play. Social nights are a great opportunity to mingle and to reacquaint yourselves with the game and to socialise with Club members. Cue sports are a fun, nonthreatening way to enjoy Club life. A table now exists which you will see posted in the Albert Room. Challenge those ahead of you so you can move up the table. Like our FB 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
Mr Alexander Crossley Mr Michael Fletcher Mr Benny Lui
Corks 'n' Forks Dear Members, As I mentioned in the February newsletter, 2014 is shaping up as a great year for Corks ‘n’ Forks. There’ll be a number of gourmet dinners at the Club throughout the year, the first being on Friday 16 May when we’ll feature some superb Spanish wines matched to a degustation dinner specially prepared by Executive Chef Simon Flanders and his team. Other dinners on the drawing board include not only our now annual Rockford and Henschke dinners, but also other Australian icons such as Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley. Wines from France, Italy, and possibly Germany and Austria will also be featured at other degustation dinners. This year we’ll also be introducing monthly wine tastings in the form of a ‘Pop Up Bar’ in the Members Bar on level 3. We’ve called it ‘UnWined at the Club’, and the tastings will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 5.30pm until 8pm beginning Thursday 20 March. There’ll be a different theme each month. This month we’ll be tasting 10 different iconic wines from 10 different Australian wine regions, starting with a trophy winning sparkler from Tasmania and including a range of top quality reds and whites. The cost to taste all ten wines with some accompanying cheese and antipasto platters will be $30 per head. The Club will be sending out email flyers for our events as we go along, however if you would like to book your place now for the Spanish Wine Dinner or the Australian Icons Tasting please contact Rebecca Black at the Club on 8273 2320 or weddings@raca.com.au. Graeme Jones For the Corks ‘n’ Forks Committee
Motoring Enthusiasts Group On 6th April we will have our bi-monthly club run. Please contact Alan Hunt for further details Alan Hunt e:hunts@optushome.com.au Ph: 96512961 On 3rd July our annual dinner will be held in the Club's beautiful flagship Macquarie Room. Our Master of Ceremonies will be the distinguished motoring journalist and broadcaster, Mr David Berthon. Further details of this premier event will be available in the May and June Club newsletters and our Facebook page.
Lt. Desmond Woods Mr Eugenio Serravalle Mr Jeff Moore
The Apollo Club 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. (See page 3 for more information.) At our Queen’s Birthday party, on Tuesday, 3rd June 2014, a three course royal themed
feast will be 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. To secure your seats for any or all of these highly sought after events, please contact Rebecca Black on 02 8273 2320 or E: weddings@raca.com.au To join the Apollo Club or for additional information, please contact Megan Lavender on T: 0419 419 269 or E: lavender@hotkey.net.au
Message from the CEO/ Secretary Manager Dear Members, Although trading was slow at the start of the year business has picked up. Nevertheless we have been busy with ongoing works around the building. I would also like to announce some long over due and much needed renovation that will be taking place in the accommodation rooms of the club. We are continuing the window double glazing to all light well rooms and on going replacement of beds. This is the beginning of what will hopefully be a great year for improving the Club's amenities. Our Club calendar of member events for the next twelve months is currently being constructed at present and we are striving to bring together a variety of new and interesting member events for you to be involved in. On another note, I would like to remind members of previous advice regarding the changed policy for CREDIT TERMS on house accounts. This is that charges for expenditure for Club goods and services may be charged to house accounts, up to a maxium running total of $1,500. Where credit is required in excess of this figure, members should approach the CEO to make suitable arrangements. Note there are separate terms where members hold functions at the Club. Regards Markus Friedler
M E M B E R E V E N TS A N D D I N I N G
EST. SYDNEY 1903
Ladies Committee Luncheon Monday 31st March 12:00 pm for a 12:30 pm start Macquarie Room
Join us for a luncheon with guest speaker Linda Ross who will be talking on the subject of ‘Frangipani and the Tropical Garden Style and The Makings of a Catherine Hill Bay Garden’ . Linda is a renowned Landscape Architect, Garden Writer and Radio Broadcaster. Her work has taken her all over the world, with her regular Saturday broadcasts on the Garden Clinic 2GB radio show. She loves to inspire people to create their own unique gardens.
Price: $55.00 per person including 2 course lunch and beverages Limited Seats | Please book early by contacting Catherine on T: 8273 2322 or Functions@raca.com.au
Accommodation
March & April Special When you stay on any Sunday night during March or April you will receive $20.00 off your room rate and enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast the next morning. Subject to availability. Not applicable to existing reservations. Please contact the Reception on T: 8273 2300 to reserve your room
April Fool's Day Dinner & Show Tuesday 1st April 6:30pm to 10:30pm ISC & Macquarie Room It doesn’t matter if your ancestors sailed with the Vikings, whether you remember the 1970s, or even if you are a fan of the pop group ABBA and the hit musical Mamma Mia, there is simply no better excuse for a party than our April Fool’s Day Dinner and Show. The Apollo Club: Entertainment and Events Group invites you and your family, friends and colleagues to Sydney’s premier autumn party featuring Australasia’s ultimate ABBA tribute group, FABBA – where you can ‘go Swedish’ as we recreate the
mass hysteria that encompassed ABBA’s Australian concert tour almost forty years ago. You might even say, the RACA will be ‘Bjorn again’! Sporting wigs and costumes more dazzling than a mirror ball in an electrical storm, FABBA will transport you and your guests back to the decade of flared pants and bouffant hairdos on a fantastic journey to places even the Priscilla bus hasn’t been!
Price | $180.00 per person (includes live show, three course dinner and wine, beer and soft drinks) Limited Seats | Please book early by contacting Rebecca on T: 8273 2320 or E: weddings@raca.com.au Accommodation | Book your overnight stay at Sydney’s premier club on 02 8273 2300
Anzac Day
Friday 25th April
Come in and join us for lunch in the Harbour Dining Room for a 2 course set meal or a 3 course meal including tea and coffee. Price: 2 course- $46.00 per person including tea and coffee 3 course- $58.00 per person including tea and coffee To reserve your table please contact Rebecca on T: 8273 2320 E: Weddings@raca.com.au
Ladies Committee Luncheon Monday 26th May Macquarie Room 12.00pm for a 12.30pm start
Guest Speaker Ms Anne Schofield. Anne is a member of the International Society of Jewellery Historians; A Life Fellow of the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney; An Approved Valuer for the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Programme. Price: $60.00 per person (including 2 course lunch and beverages) Please reserve your place by calling Catherine T: 8273 2322 or Functions@raca.com.au
GET
INVOLVED
Calendar of Member Events
March Every Tuesday in the Members Bar and Harbour Dining Room Grilled Sirloin Steak, Fries and Mushroom Sauce $22.00 per person
March 2014
Fri 21st
Mon 17th
Bridge Club Every Tuesday, $30.00 per person for supervised Bridge game and tuition including light lunch and refreshments. Please meet at 10:30am.
St Patricks Day Members Bar and Harbour Dining Room Beef Guinness Pie, Colcannon Mash $18.00 per person
111th Birthday Gala Dinner
Mon 31st Ladies Committee with Linda Ross
Price $160.00 per person Pre-dinner drinks will commence from 6.00pm
Luncheon $55.00 per person
including 2 course lunch and beverages
April
Monthly Member Events
See front page for more details Every Tuesday in the Members Bar and Harbour Dining Room
Tue 1st April Fool's Day Dinner & Show featuring FABBA Price: $180.00
Seafood Linguine $22.00 per person
Includes live show, 3 Course dinner and beverages
Wed 23rd St Georges Day Cumberland Sausages, Bubble & Squeak and Onion Gravy $22.00 per person
To book contact Harbour Dining Room on T:8273 2370
May Mon 26th
The Confrerie du Sabre d'Oe Champagne Dinner
Ladies Committee Luncheon
The Confrerie du Sabre d'Or is devoted to promoting the act of Sabrage and the enjoyment of Champagne. Thurs 29th May 5.00pm - 11.00pm $230.00 per person see front page for more details
Guest Speaker Ms Anne Schofield Price: $60.00 (including 2 Course lunch and beverages)
Please reserve your place by calling Catherine T: 8273 2322
Trading Times Over Easter and ANZAC Day Date
Harbour Dining Room
Member Bar
Garage
Date
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lunch
Dinner
Opening times
Good Friday 18th April
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Saturday 19th April
Open
Closed
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Sunday 20th April
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Monday 21st April
Open
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Friday 25th April ANZAC DAY
Open
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Closed
11:00am4.00pm
Closed
9.00am - 5.00pm
Wine Of The Month Mt Lawson Mt Lawson Chardonnay 2012 Mt Lawson Merlot 2011 Mt Lawson Rose 2013 Mt Lawson SSB 2011 Mt Lawson Shiraz 2012 Mt Lawson Cuvee 2013
$155.00 (12 bottles) $155.00 (12 bottles) $155.00 (12 bottles) $155.00 (12 bottles) $155.00 (12 bottles) $155.00 (12 bottles)
*Penna Lane Semillon– Clare Valley 2010 *Maxwell Little Demon Verdello – McLaren Vale 2012 *Bunnamagoo Sauvignon– Mudgee 2012 *Feet First Cabernet Merlot– Margaret River 2012 *Stanley Lambert Tempranillo– Barossa Valley *Masseno Primitivo– Barossa Valley 2010
Regular Army Officers Friday 14th Meet in the Members Bar at 12:00noon Please book to attend, call Rebecca Black T: 8273 2320 Womens Pioneer Society Wednesday 19th Light lunch plus Beverages $27.00 per person Please call Mrs Stone T: 9522 8924
Fri 25th Anzac Day Lunch- Harbour Room 2 course lunch $46.00 per person 3 course lunch $58.00 per person Members Bar will be open from 11am to 4pm
Please see page 3 for more details
Genealogy Group Wednesday 12th Meet in the Members Bar at 10:30am Please book to attend, call Ian Palmer on T: 9522 8317
$35.00 p/bottle $28.00 p/bottle $28.00 p/bottle $28.00 p/bottle $38.00 p/bottle $38.00 p/bottle
*Limited stock, pick up from the club ONLY (limited stock only) To order the wines please call T: 8273 2315 or see form attached
Ladies Committee Luncheon Monday 31st Guest Speaker Linda Ross $55.00 per person 2 course lunch and beverages. Please reserve your place by calling Catherine T: 8273 2322
April 2014
Bridge Club Every Tuesday, $30.00 per person for supervised Bridge game and tuition including light lunch and refreshments. Please meet at 10:30am. Genealogy Group Wednesday 9th Meet in the Members Bar at 10:30am Please book to attend, call Ian Palmer on T: 9522 8317. Regular Army Officers Friday 11th Meet in the Members Bar at 12:00 noon. Please book to attend please call Rebecca Black T: 8273 2320 Womens Pioneer Society Wednesday 16th Light lunch plus beverages $27.00 per person Please call Mrs Stone T: 9522 8924 Ladies Committee Luncheon There will be no Ladies Luncheon this month