Geoff Helisma | Bowlo Sports & Leisure Yamba has continued with its business diversification following its recent acquisition of the Yamba Aston Motel, which is located about 100 metres from the club on Coldstream Street. In 2016/17 the club completed construction of its leisure centre, which incorporates 10 pin bowling and a mini golf course; the Boardwalk Bar was extensively upgraded as part of those improvements, too. The club formally took over operations of the motel on January 29. “The Board is delighted with the outcome of the negotiations and believe the motel will be a valuable asset for the club and its members moving forward,” the club’s president, Ian Lauder, said in a media release. “The Aston’s proximity to the club was one of the main attractions for the purchase with guests only having a short walk to the club. “The other feature was its outstanding reputation for well-appointed rooms, excellent service and its quiet, but convenient location off the main road.” The club’s CEO, Phil Boughton, said the motel’s acquisition “will add considerable strategic strength to the club’s overall operations”. “The board recognised the need to diversify the club’s traditional income sources several years ago; and the Aston Motel compliments the club’s activities perfectly,” he said. “Aston Motel guests will now be able to charge meals, drinks and entertainment back to their room and therefore only have to pay the one bill on check out. “This will be a massive convenience for guests and provide another reason to visit our club. “Ultimately the club will strive to grow the Aston’s great reputation, model and personal service standards set by the previous family proprietors, Graham and Bronwyn Lees.” Mr Boughton said the club had retained the motel’s cleaning staff, “ensuring local jobs remain in the Clarence Valley”. He said the club planned “some subtle cosmetic changes” were for the motel later in the year. “We will also be exploring our substantial bowling club networks to extend invitations for social bowls groups to visit Yamba and enjoy everything our beautiful town has to offer,” he said. “We also plan to put together package deals for some of our valuable repeat customers, as well as working closely with other tourism operators in the Clarence Valley.” Similarly, the Maclean Bowling Club has almost completed construction of it adjoining motel.