Darts Club Relocates to Arrowtown Amid Rising Costs

The Queenstown Darts Club (QDC) has announced its relocation from the Queenstown Bowling Club to the Arrowtown Bowling Club, following dissatisfaction with rising costs and management changes at the former venue. The QDC had been based at the Queenstown Bowling Club for over six years but faced challenges under the new management, which was contracted in September.

Committee member Jonny Yates highlighted significant price increases that prompted the decision. He noted that the cost of a jug of beer rose from $10 to $18, a change he described as excessive. Additionally, he claimed that fees for social players increased from $40 to $60, although Geoff Short, co-manager of the Queenstown Bowling Club, stated that this price hike occurred prior to the new management’s arrival.

Yates expressed that club members felt unwelcome when a scheduled darts night was cancelled due to a conflicting event at the bowling club. “We just got the impression we weren’t kind of welcome there,” he remarked, which led the committee to approach the Arrowtown Bowling Club for a potential new home. After a brief meeting, the Arrowtown club welcomed QDC with open arms.

The shift has already resulted in increased participation, with attendance rising from the 20s and 30s to approximately 45 players per week. Yates explained that the previous location had become increasingly inconvenient, contributing to dwindling attendance on club nights. “It was getting a little bit too hard to get in and out of town,” he stated, adding that the Arrowtown community offers a more vibrant atmosphere, with many existing members residing there.

The Arrowtown Bowling Club also hosts a popular winter league, making it a suitable choice for the darts club’s activities. This move aligns with the desire for a more engaged community and improved accessibility for its members.

In response to QDC’s departure, Short conveyed that it does not significantly impact the Queenstown Bowling Club. “They made the decision [Arrowtown] was going to be a better home for them,” he said. He further explained that the operational model had changed with paid staff now running the facility, contrasting with the previous volunteer setup.

Short remarked on the pricing adjustments, stating that the previous $10 for a jug was “way too cheap.” Current pricing now reflects market standards, with beers priced at $8; he emphasized that these rates remain competitive compared to other establishments in town.

As the Queenstown Darts Club embarks on this new chapter in Arrowtown, it aims to foster a more welcoming and supportive environment for its members while adapting to the challenges posed by changing management and pricing structures.