Club History

THE BEGINNING:

Many great things grow from small beginnings and in this case it was the Kapiti Club.

In early February 1967 two gentlemen found themselves in a minor event such as “closing time” at the local pub. Enjoying a social drink after a Rotary meeting they found themselves having to leave as closing time was announced, shortly after their arrival.

This triggered thoughts of a Men’s Club in the area, and on Sunday 12th February 1967 a group of NINE men met to consider the idea. Some meetings later and following an ad, in the local paper to gauge support for such a venture, the formation of the Kapiti Club took place.

This inaugural meeting on May 7th at Hyde’s Motor Camp was attended by 30 people with 20 apologies, and with the draft rules and election of officer’s taken place the first President was Mr. N.A. Jones. The club was on its way.

The question of land purchase and building plans was being investigated and the matter of raising finance in the form of debentures was under action. The loyalty of members and the tenacity of the committee during this period are to be admired, for it was to be FOUR YEARS from inception before the Kapiti Club established a permanent abode.

After four years of uncertain existence the opportunity came to lease half of the upper floor of the Lombard building situated on the corner of McLean Street and Marine Parade.

The initial meeting to consider its suitability took place on the premises using beer crates with planks on them as seats. Not exactly the surroundings in which to establish the club of their dreams.

Finally in late December 1971 the licence was received and the "Kapiti Club" who had a home at last sold the first beers.

A special General Meeting held on 16th February 1983, (following 16 yrs of endeavour) gave its approval to purchase the Lombard building; the Kapiti club at last had its own permanent home.

THE FUTURE:

Some twenty years later we ask the question “What of our Future" and this requires to be addressed very seriously.

Having achieved so much to date we must not sit back and rest on our laurels, we must not let things stagnate and undo all the great work done by so many in the past.

The future lies in the hands of the club members and what they want for their CLUB.

Whatever is suggested, whatever is investigated, it is essential that we start planning now. If nothing else we have learnt that it takes time to make changes, however it’s essential that we plan ahead and then we will indeed have a facility of which we can all be proud of.

Come and join the club, take part and help make a significant contribution to your community.