GCM members enhance solidarity at CNY gathering
MIRI: Gymkhana Club Miri ( GCM), one of the oldest club in the city held its Chinese New Year gathering on Saturday night to nurture the rich cultural heritage and enhance solidarity among members and the public.
Club president Vincent Lu and several exco members including organising chairman Yong Chew Loo and the club manager Murugayah Veloo were among some 100 members and families as well as invited guests at the gathering.
In keeping with the tradition of the Chinese New Year celebration, there was the tossing of Yee Sang ( food of prosperity), lion dance performance, traditional dances and karaoke session by club members and staff as well as family members.
Many came dressed in Chinese traditional costumes while Kho Tong Siang came in dressed as the God of Fortune.
Lu in his speech said the annual celebration was a tradition of the club.
“As you know, GCM is a family club that allows everybody to enjoy the facilities and activities planned.
“This year, I am very thankful that the club members have chosen me to lead the new management committee. In the last few years you have seen improvement especially in the management of the club and its facilities,” he said.
“Give us a little bit of time, we proposed to build a new gym and sauna for both female and male.
“We also intend to convert one of the tennis courts into basketball and futsal court. Hopefully we can also put add a badminton court outside so that more people can enjoy the facilities,” said Lu.
He urged members to provide input on how best to manage and improve facilities for the club which everyone can be proud off.
Currently he said the club is on a membership promotional drive with RM1,000 off the total RM2,500 membership fee. Upon registering, a member also get a RM500 refundable deposit with 6 per cent GST.
“Those who have resigned can reinstate their membership with no entrance fee by paying a refundable deposit of RM500, and subscription fees of RM95 per month plus 6 per cent GST,” Lau added.
GCM which was set up in 1913 and strategically located in the centre of the town at Lot 732, Block 10, Dato Abang Indeh Road is currently one of the centres of interests among the locals here.
Currently the club has 500 members mostly government employees and businessmen.
Among its facilities are an Olympic- sized swimming pool, a multipurpose hall, courts for tennis and squash, snooker room, a gym, a bar, restaurant and libraries for children and adults.