One British institution that remains treasured in Hong Kong is that timeless and venerable organisation, the club. Nine years after the handover, clubs continue to thrive. In terms of membership and finances, they are healthier than ever.
But with our ageing population, some clubs and their members are facing trying times; people are staying alive and remaining healthier for many years more than in the past.
For many people, their club is the cornerstone of their lives. Especially for members of sporting clubs, the institution is the focus around which life revolves. Without their club, there is a huge gap.
What happens to these people as they get older? How do they cope when they retire and money begins to get scarce? Frequently, people have to budget; one non-essential item is the club's monthly dues. Sadly, they face the prospect of cutting membership; many would sooner lose a limb.
What are clubs doing to help long-time members? Often, not much. At the swank Hong Kong Jockey Club, a member has to pay dues for 50 years before being designated a life member. Then monthly fees are waived.
In reality, of course, virtually no loyal members reach this landmark. Most people are 30 to 40 before they can afford to join. After a half century of paying monthly fees they are likely to be at least octogenarians. If they are still tottering and living in Hong Kong, they can then go to the races and use the clubhouses without paying the monthly $1,000 dues.
