ALBURY councillor Henk van de Ven has copped another ban from the Commercial Club.
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The former deputy mayor fronted the licensed club’s board of directors on Wednesday to answer a case of unbecoming conduct by a member.
He had been suspended from the club pending the hearing following an incident at the club’s golf course over the Easter weekend.
“I’ve had my membership cancelled and I am absolutely gutted,” Cr van de Ven said.
“I can’t put it any more strongly than that.
“But I’m over it and just want to move on.”
The incident which led to the unbecoming conduct charge being levelled against him occurred on Easter Saturday.
The Border Mail understands Cr van de Ven questioned pro-shop staff about the size of a playing group he was placed in for the competition round and suggested an alternative to ensure there was no slow play.
Cr van de Ven was also required to attend the National Rugby League clash between Manly and Canberra at Lavington Oval the same day in his official capacity as a councillor.
He was notified of his suspension when he arrived to play in a midweek competition four days later.
Commercial Club chief executive officer Bruce Duck declined to comment when contacted yesterday.
Cr van de Ven also declined to comment on the length of his ban or any aspects of the hearing.
In early 2011, Cr van de Ven was found guilty by the board on two of four charges of unbecoming conduct and his 25-year membership of the club was cancelled.
Cr van de Ven has had a long association with the golf club which pre-dates its takeover by the Commercial Club more than a decade ago.
He is a multiple club champion and represented the club in the Murray District Golf Association pennant competition for more than 10 years.
Cr van de Ven has been on Albury Council for more than a decade.
