Events centre arises from club’s demise

The former manager of the Rangitikei Club has decided to create her own social affiliation.

The Rangitikei Club closed in February after members were advised by its financial officer Michael Beazley that it was tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Beazley and Shar Atkin, who own the Feilding Events Centre, will host members from the club on Friday nights.

Atkin met with the owner of the club’s building, on Bowen St, after the club’s closure, to discuss use of its upstairs area. She then signed a lease.

The centre will deliver regular events, such as live bands and guest speakers, and continue to rely on corporate bookings for the majority of its income. It will operate from the first floor of the club’s building.

Atkin said the bar and restaurant would open to the community on Friday evenings.

The centre has also offered to re-home the Feilding RSA, which had operated out of the Rangitikei Club.

‘‘After the club’s closure, a couple of members approached us and said they felt a bit lost without a place to meet their friends,’’ Atkin said.

The centre is licensed for 350 people.

Atkin said she gave the Rangitikei Club all she had, but needed to find an alternative after losing her job.

‘‘I haven’t landed on my feet at all yet. There’s a few people that are upset in the area, but I was never thinking about this before the club went under. I was dedicated to saving the club.

‘‘I like the industry. I love it. It’s been bloody hard work getting it up and running, but you’ve only got to come in here on Fridays. Seeing people laugh and enjoy themselves – that’s what it’s all about.’’

The centre is planning a midwinter Christmas party for Feilding businesses. They are also holding a poker tournament as part of the North Island series.

Atkin’s venture comes after another small social venture, The Lady Birds, branched off on their own. The small group has 38 members, many of whom came from the Rangitikei Club. They met at the Denbigh Hotel monthly.