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. |
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THE PRESENT:
The Kapiti Club and its members still enjoy the outstanding beach front location of the clubrooms to this day.
The clubrooms themselves have had several makeovers since their beer crate seat beginnings and now sport modern decor and club facilities for all members to enjoy.
The current facilities include a bar and family restaurant, gaming areas and live entertainment areas, an outdoor deck for enjoying those long lazy summer days, and comfortable indoor socialising spaces with breathtaking views of the Kapiti Coast.
The Kapiti club also offers regular "fun nights" (see the calendar), organised outings and special interest Adjuncts
THE FUTURE:
Some twenty years since the Kapiti Club began 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.
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