Hardy’s Report March 2006
Welcome back to all owners for a new season in Hardy’s.
The season got off to a slightly rocky start as the much-trumpeted new pass system was not up and running in time and, therefore, the passes weren’t required anyway. However the faults have now been addressed and the system was working fine until some helpful sod managed to rip the electric locking mechanism out of the door frame! Hey Ho!
The floor has been thoroughly cleaned during the closed season and a much better heavy -duty mat installed inside the door. All in all, the place looked well presented to return to. Sadly, there were the usual problems of cold water in pool, Jacuzzi not working etc. Why is it the same every season? Is it not possible to snag and repair prior to the return of the paying customers and not afterwards?
Nevertheless the place quickly came to life with the coffee mornings, breakfasts etc being popular and very well attended. I have grave doubts that the new system of breakfasts will be anything other than an administrative nightmare leading to a lot more problems of people not turning up etc. We have already seen a much higher incidence of people booking and not turning up which will lead to the place being half empty for some sittings although fully booked and people who would have liked to be there turned away due to having booked 2 in a month already. A great shame!! We have also yet to meet more than a handful of people who were in favour of having children in at all sittings. Indeed, in a blatant piece of vote rigging, the survey was carried out during second and third sittings, which would have ensured a ‘yes’ answer. I know of no-one who was a first sitting regular who was asked to take part in this survey. Democracy at it’s finest!
Happily, a coffee machine has now arrived for use out of ‘open hours’ with the drinks being priced at a very reasonable 50p per cup. I hope all owners will respect the situation and make sure they wash up after themselves for the good of all.
The line dancing lessons are off to a reasonable start, but could benefit from a few more ‘twinkle toes’ so come along and have a laugh and free refreshments in good company. Also the Thursday snooker night is gathering support and the Friday quiz night is due to start this week, so all in all, things are coming together nicely for the new season. My only irritation is the amount of times in a week I now have to use the Oasis bar facility when previously Hardy’s was open. As Oasis is more manpower intensive than Hardy’s one assumes this is to ensure the Staff have somewhere to go for a drink. Whilst I don’t see this as a major issue in itself, I do believe that Hardy’s prices on canned beer should be part of this deal.
We have a new member of the OE team now. Amy has arrived as Events Co-ordinator, so please give her your support and be gentle with her. She will trying to organise a varied programme of events during the season.
The pool table has been very nicely re-covered and now just requires marking, which is in hand. Unfortunately, at the first sign of a rain cloud the water came in again right over the table! The place just wouldn’t be the same without the rain water buckets would it? Perhaps all users of the table should ensure they cover it when finished if there is the slightest hint of a cloudy sky. Also beware sticky fingers at Sunday breakfast!
Finally, the used book collection has now grown popular, so please do bring up your old books and have a look what’s on offer.
More later in the season. Enjoy!
