|
NEWSLETTER February 2010
Over the last year we have had to cope with difficult economic circumstances and, as we were already committed to finish the bunker and drainage programmes, to replace some of the course machinery and refurbish the bar and lounge area it left little room to manoeuvre and so we took the view that only absolutely necessary expenditure should be undertaken. There are costs over which we have little control including fertilizers, with top dressing increasing by some 12%, but the condition of the course fully justified the outlay and congratulations to Mike Lake and his staff for all their hard work.
Subscription increases for 2010 have been kept to around 2%, with some categories (notably younger members) being held at last year's level and an additional category created for the 21-25 age group.
Continuous winters of bunker and drainage work have now come to an end with no major work this winter, other than improving the drainage of the bunkers on the 18th. The Greens programme has been completely revised but we will still be subject to the vagaries of the weather. Playing the full course throughout the winter causes problems and we now have a situation, due to legislation, where it is virtually impossible to ban trolleys and buggies without shutting the course completely.
Of the many golfing highlights, perhaps the greatest revolved around the juniors. No-one could have predicted the success of the club's first venture into junior competitive golf. The team of Ollie Smith, Matthew Tibenham and Benn Gilbert won the S.U.G.C. Junior Team Championship with Jonathan Crossthwaite, Jake Hutchinson and Chris Weatherall contributing in the qualifying rounds. They also only lost the Yorkshire Team Championship by just one point. Further testament to this success was when 17 year-old Ollie (the club's first Junior Captain) made his debut for the scratch team in the last two matches of the season, winning both and helping the team to finish second in Division 3 with promotion to Division 2. Congratulations also to the team of experienced campaigners, Nigel Athorn, Ian Clarke, Sean Needham, John Wordsworth and another debutant Richard Kay. Thanks for all your time, effort and commitment. The juniors' success reflects the prodigious work and effort put in by Patrick, Simon and Nigel.
Charity Day was well supported despite the credit crunch biting. Thanks to Chris Littlewood and his committee and to everyone else who helped to make the event a success, including all who entered teams or contributed funds and, above all, the members and helpers who worked so hard to help raise around £8,500.
The Social programme is an important part of the life of the club. Highlights this year were Frank Stone's recollections of the Great Escape, the Race Night, the Elvis evening, the Jazz Night, the Curry & Quiz event and the New Year's Party. Christine Young and her team have done a sterling job and many thanks to them.
My sincere thanks to Andrew, Mel, Tracy, Matthew and their staff who maintain our extraordinarily high standard of hospitality and catering, and to Pauline, Sally, Ken and Tonia who keep the clubhouse and its surrounds looking so neat and tidy. This year has been notable for the number of visitors who have contacted us to compliment the club on the course and the friendliness of our staff and members. There is a steady stream of applications to join the club and it is gratifying that the overwhelming reason for wanting to join, apart from our course, is the club's atmosphere.
Sadly I have to report the deaths of Dennis Payne, Chris Etches, Derek Hickinson and Alan Thorne, all popular and long-standing members. We will miss them and our thoughts are with their families.
Congratulations to Captains Mick Cartwright and Alisma Clark on a job well done and best wishes for a happy and successful year to Barry Butler and Helen Lilley who will assume the Captains' duties for 2010.
Finally, I am indebted to Patrick, ably supported by Joanna and Simon. He has done remarkable work to maintain our revenues and manage our costs. How he manages to cope with us all whilst still maintaining his good humour is a miracle! It has been a privilege to serve my first year as President and, on behalf of Heather and myself, may I wish you a Prosperous and Peaceful New Year.
Ian Whitehouse
President
February 2010
|
|
