GALLERY: Reading Country Club, a home for Albertonians
Not only is Reading Country Club a beautiful landmark, but it is also a family-orientated home to Albertonians.
Not only is Reading Country Club a beautiful landmark, but it is also a family-orientated home to Albertonians.
It is a safe environment and a place for nature lovers. Apart from relaxing in wonder of natural surroundings, expect to see unexpected visits from meerkats and dassies while enjoying the wonderful birdlife.
The golf course is a historic place which is much loved by golfers and those who simply want to have some peaceful moments to ease their minds.
A rich history
In 1939, the Jewish community was overthrown from many recreational facilities due to prejudice against Jews. This then led to a group of Jewish gentlemen feeling the need to pursue opening their own recreational club, the Reading Country Club.
The name of the club is said to commemorate the late Earl of Reading, formerly known as Sir Rufus Daniel Isaacs.
In 1941, it was decided to embark on building a club house suitable to meet the needs of members.
Then the war had started, building materials were scarce and there was a strict building control imposed by the government.
Due to these constraints, the old homestead was reconstructed at little cost and remained Reading’s club house until 1949 when it was completely destroyed by fire.
Initially, the club did not allow women to share the golf course with men but that changed throughout the years.
For the non-golfers
A person does not have to be a golfer to visit the club. A group of friends can have a game of snooker or an exciting game of darts from among many other things the club has to offer.
The club is also a home to weddings, functions and sporting events.
Marinus Weiss, general manager at Reading Country Club, said: “There’s always been a perception that a golf club has always been an off-limits venue. That perception has changed because clubs are expanding in the way they attract members.”
The club is owned by its members and is a clean and safe environment
Social members
The club is a great place for people to gather for fun and simply to socialise. While the young ones enjoy themselves by either playing golf or taking golf lessons, parents could choose to have drinks at the club or have delicious meals.
To complement the standard of the club, those that visit the club are required to dress decent.
The club accommodates everyone from working class to ordinary individuals on the street.
Weiss said he wanted to make people feel at home when they were there and that the club is open to everyone.
The club has great opportunities for the public to become social members of the club.
Weiss said: “We need to make this place available to the community, this is not only our golf club but also the community’s golf club. By being a member of the club, they’re able to get additional benefits.”
Taking charge
The club also has a committee which is governed by 12 people, an executive of five members and led by the club president.
The committee is elected by full-time members of the club who ensure that the club runs smoothly.
To date, the club has 694 members who consist of golfers, bowlers and social members.
The club is looking at bringing in more social members into the club.
