ROMILEY

GOLF CLUB

November, December 2017

Newsletter

Mr. Captain and his wife, Anne

New Year’s Eve, 2017

Ladies’ Autumn Meeting and Annual Presentation, Thursday, 2nd November, 2017

Special Hole in One brooch

for Isabel Wright

Stableford Cup,

best score in 2017,

Sally McRoberts, 48 pts

Best reduction and Star

Trophy for best gross score

31-36, Sharon Dineen

Best gross trophy shared between

Hilary Craven and Denise Booth, 85

Eclectic & Birdie Tree

Div 1, Linda Moore Eclectic Div 2

Janet McRoberts

Best 9 Hole Competition

winner, Liz Boycott Birdie Tree Div 2

Francine Walburn

LGU Medal,

Lady Vice Captain

Alison Reed

At the presentation of the annual prizes there were a few ladies who were surprised

that they were in the winnings. Most shocked was Lady Vice Captain when her name

was announced as the winner of the EGU Medal for the best medal scores throughout

the year. Alison now goes forward to the next round in 2018.

Hilary and Denise both had gross scores of 85 and share the trophy this year.

Isabel Wright was delighted to receive a memento brooch for her hole in one earlier in

the year and Sharon took two prizes for her achievements. No surprise that Sally

McRoberts took the best Stableford score with 48 points.

A good night was had by all, even those who didn’t win anything.

Autumn Meeting

There was a full field for this annual event, plus ladies who played on the previous

Sunday. The course was very soggy, as we all know, but the rain stayed away and for

a November day it could have been a lot worse.

The four man 14 hole team competition was best two scores and all on the par 3s. The

par 3s were key to winning and the winning team nailed them.

Denise Booth, Rachel Broster, Liz Wilde and Lynn Schofield

Ladies’ Casino Christmas Party, 7th December, 2017

Ladies with thousands of pounds to spend and a cocktail to start the proceedings is a definite recipe for a successful night! And the punters were very good on the tables too, so much so that they broke all the banks and lots of IOUs had to be issued by the croupiers, Mr Chairman, Derek Worthington and Bill Barrow. Santa made a surprise appearance (even Mrs Claus didn’t know he was coming) and he had a rapturous welcome. As is traditional on these occasions, Francine sat on Santa’s lap and gave him a big hug, though the man in red does look a bit worried whether he would be home before midnight if all the ladies wanted to whisper in his ear!

The winners were the three ladies with most money at the end of the evening. They started with $5,000 worth (the scene was set in Vegas) and Lynn Schofield finished with over $23,000. If only it had been real money! In second place was Denise Booth with around $22,000 and guest Kris Carter, when she finally reckoned it up, came third way below on about $15,000. Thanks to Ken and his team for a lovely meal, and to Pam who made it all (recommend the chocolate tart), and a huge thank you to Lady Captain for sending to Santa a gift for every lady. A great night of much fun and laughter.

Come the big day your stocking

should be full after that, Francine

Croupiers Bill Barrow, Mr Chairman and

Derek Worthington. Thanks a lot

gentlemen. You did a great job.

Winners Kris, Denise and Lynn

Invitation Turkey Trot, Thursday, 9th November, 2017

In the hope of winning a turkey, but most ending up being completely stuffed by the winners, the ladies played a 15 hole shotgun start invitation round, two scores to count. At 11 am the sky was so dark it felt more like 6pm, but then the sky turned blue and all agreed it was good to be out, save one team who took a wrong turning The winners had a terrific score of 68 so some excellent golf was played by those ladies who were 9 points clear of the two teams tying for 2nd.

The winners with a great score of 67, Janet McRoberts, guest

Angela Roberts, Judi Dixon and Sally McRoberts

2nd: Lesley Williams, Angela Slate, Lady Captain Barbara Leith and

Gill Walker, 58 pts, on a cpo

Vets’ Dinner, Friday, 10th November, 2017

On Friday 10th November 50 members and their wives gathered for the Autumn Dinner 2017; a very relaxed evening of fine dining and good company. Retiring Chairman, Harvey Purcer, gave an excellent speech congratulating the vets’ team who had played 16 matches during the year, winning 9 and drawing 1. He congratulated also Ian Bainbridge on winning the singles knockout and the doubles with Peter Milnes. Harvey stated that the vets were in excellent shape, managing in October to turn out 14 players at Disley and 12 to play the Ladies at Romiley on the same day. He himself was in great shape too, telling us that he had managed to play with 50 vets during his year. Harvey told the audience that Vice Chairman Bill had said that he understood the Chairman paid for his guests on his table at this event. The Chairman said that wasn’t in his instructions but he looked forward to joining the Chairman’s table next year. Thanks were expressed to Ken, Pam and all the staff for the wonderful meal and those who had organised the evening. Mike Wilson

Vets’ Chairman, Harvey Purcer, with

his wife Jackie Vice-Chairman, Bill Barrow, with his

wife Irene

It was Rachel’s birthday (and as

can be seen nowhere near the 60

years of age that was announced)

and Chris wined and dined her at

the Vets’ Dinner.

He should look a bit happier.

Saturday, 11th November, 2017, 4 man team event

1st Ryan Yates, Rick Evans Al Martin Martin Clarke 81 points

2nd Ian Johnson Ken Fendall Carl Mellor Bill Barrow, 76 points

3rd Nick Madden Derek Young Mike Hanson Rolly Hewitt, 76 points

Life in miniature

Edith’s dolls’ house story began around 1998 when Audrey Tyrer and Brenda

Sykes introduced her to the miniature world.

Ken and Edith started the project with a flatpack kit but the end result is a

stunning handmade masterpiece after years of Ken carefully scaling down and

hand crafting cabinets and desks with opening drawers and Edith painstakingly

making the curtains and bed linen and cross stitching the rugs. Ken installed

electricity and Edith cut out and stuck onto the outside every brick and roof tile!

Close inspection of each room reveals tiny pots and pans and items that have been

collected over the years or donated by interested friends and relations. Denise’s

contribution is the exquisite bathroom and Brenda Sykes lays claim to the leather

golf bag which can be seen at the bottom of the stairs—just behind the tiny

walking sticks in the holder.

The bookcase holds books made from chequebook stubs and the lounge

lampshades were cut from an organza collar which was amongst a bag of sewing

bits and pieces given to Edith by Kath Stafford. A true labour of love with

massive attention to detail.

Edith invited the ladies to view the house, asking only for a donation to the

Captains’ Charity. Many thanks to Jill Woolstencroft and Val Mackinnon who

helped Edith and baked gorgeous scones and fruit cake to have with the tea and

coffee The ladies donated £136—so far.

The bathroom, complete with towel rail,

tiny towels and a wash stand.

The upstairs landing with a beautiful

corner cabinet filled with china

The homely lounge with a fire in the grate

and golf clubs hung on the bannister.

A plate rack and Welsh dresser filled

with pots, plus an ironing board.

An attic bedroom and playroom. Such attention to detail.

Very well done Edith. You and Ken did a great job, and

thank you for sharing it with the ladies.

Edith Clarke

Ladies’ Fashion Show and Pop up Shop, Friday, 17th November, 2017

In aid of St Ann’s Hospice

The bar at RGC was packed to the gunnels with ladies eager to grab a bargain from

this high street fashion show. There was something for everyone, from very short

skirts (in which model Lauren looked fab), leggings, jeggings, jeans and cosy woolly

jumpers to dresses for all occasions, including the lovely outfit worn by Louise from

the host company, Colours. Shoes and bags were on sale as well, and a huge raffle

organised by St Ann’s. Colours also donated an extra raffle prize of £50 to spend on

the night.

Louise’s relaxed and entertaining style of presentation won over everyone and there

was the usual mad rush after the catwalk show to raid the rails downstairs, especially

rail 15 where there were “bum-lifting” jeans! From the length of the queue to pay at

the door, it was a hugely successful night for both Colours and St Ann’s Hospice, not

forgetting how delighted the ladies were with their purchases.

Many thanks to models Sarah and Lauren who worked really hard parading up and

down the length of the bar, in Lauren’s case for most of the time in killer heels, to

show us just some of what was available!

£862 was raised on the night for this very worthy cause. Many thanks from St Ann’s

to all involved.

Compere Louise looking great in a

stunning outfit

Hard working

model Sarah

great in anything Model Lauren,

sparkly and poised

Dr John Clive Smith 4th April 1932 - 3rd November 2017

John was born in the Aspland Maternity Home to Gladys and Jack Smith. He was raised in Hyde and was the last surviving of three brothers the others being Victor and David. He went to Leigh Street Primary School and Hyde Grammar School where he was quite an athlete, winning many of the sprint races. He then attended Medical School at the University of Manchester and eventually became a GP in Hyde, firstly in the practice at Norbury House but then at the group practice in Donneybrook House where he worked up to his retirement twenty two years ago., This was the first group practice in the country and the BBC featured this in a documentary on Panorama, which included interviews with John and his colleagues. He met Maureen at St Mary's Hospital and they married in July 1959. They had three children Rosalind, Michael and Alison and five grandchildren Martha, Hannah, Toby, Joseph and Leah, all of whom he was very proud. He was a great family man and his children all remember especially their lovely summer holidays every year. Outside of work he was a Freemason and also enjoyed gardening, especially landscaping and building features including ponds and rockeries. He loved his walking holidays with friends and also played golf at Romiley. His four ball had kind permission to play on Thursday afternoons as this was his half day. Following a fall which shattered his shoulder he did still manage to play golf, proving the surgeons wrong. As he got older he was happy attending social events at the golf club, such as fish and chip nights. John loved his holidays enjoying tours across the USA, Russia and Europe. In later years, particularly after Maureen had died and after suffering a minor stroke, his trips were principally around the UK. He had a very positive outlook on life and always enjoyed meeting with friends new and old, some of whom he had known from primary school. He was a great character, loyal friend and caring family man who will be greatly missed. Ros Hale

Lottery Winners, Saturday, 18th November, 2017

1st: Mike Cope, £99 2nd: Martin Clark £59.40 3rd: Jen Higgins, £39.60

BIG CHRISTMAS DRAW, SATURDAY, 16TH DECEMBER, 2017

IN IT TO WIN IT!

Vets’ 9 Hole Stableford, Friday, 24th November, 2017

1st Rolly Hewitt 20 pts 2nd Tony Hunt 18 pts 3rd Peter Gregson 18 pts

Russian Pairs, Saturday, 18th November, 2017

1st Brook and Bradley Snape 75 points

2nd Nick Collins and Eddie Howson, 67 points

3rd Kevin Jones and Simon Tipping, 65 points

Waltz Stableford, 19th and 23rd November, 2017

1st: Pauline Walker, Maureen Codling and Carolyn Brinsley, 56 points

2nd: Sally Hebden, Lynn Schofield and Astrid Ceelen, 52 points

3rd: Irene Barrow, Val Bonser and Joan Mellor, 49 points

A Legacy

Until his death two years ago Fred Wibberley was a much admired and very well respected member of Romiley Golf Club. He had a superb knowledge of the rules of golf and golf etiquette and took a keen interest in the Junior Section.

Fred frequently assisted with transport and supervision at Junior away fixtures and frequently gave valuable advice and guidance to Junior Members. He donated what is now known as the “Wibberley Cup” which is now presented annually to the Junior winner of “Mr Captain’s Prize”.

Last month I received the most lovely letter from Fred’s widow, Julia, together with a cheque for £2,000 “to be used to benefit the Juniors.” This is a wonderful gesture and I will ensure the money is used prudently to develop the golfing ability and personal qualities of young members of the Club, particularly those who show promise and commitment.

I urge you all to read the letter which is displayed on

the notice board in the Club foyer.

Bob Blundell, Junior Organiser

Fred Wibberley Wibberley Cup

Thursday, 30th November, 2017

Ladies’ 9 hole Roll-up

This was the first time a roll-up 9 hole draw for partners competition had been

held for the ladies and it was a bitterly cold day with frost covering the course as

thickly as snow, but the ladies turned out in force for the shotgun start.

With the ball jumping around the “greens” and shooting straight through and

the frost binding to the ball for the putts, it was anybody’s game. The format

was a team of three, 1 score on the par 3s, 2 scores on par 4s and all 3 on the par

5s, which was another first but well received.

Once the welcome baked potatoes had been eaten it was then time for a rules

quiz, just ten questions but they were tricky. No team scored ten points but

Teresa, Joan and Jill

scored 9 and won the

balls prize.

A successful format and

very enjoyable game

which, given the

temperature, was quite

an achievement.

The winners: Hilary Craven, Jackie Purcer and Gill Walker

Jill Johnson, Joan Mellor and Teresa Hogg

Future Development

The Development Committee is aware that it is several months since the proposals

were presented and overwhelmingly supported by members.

During this time we have undertaken meetings with additional interested

developers, following Story Homes withdrawal. We are currently in negotiation

with a preferred developer and addressing the terms of its offer and it is hoped

that negotiations will be sufficiently progressed for a Special General Meeting to

be held in the New Year for members to vote and approve the proposal.

Steve Hogg

Development Director

Romiley Foursomes, Saturday, 2nd December, 2017

1st Geoff Dixon and Rick Manock 39

2nd Colin Davies and Simon Hebden 36

3rd Dave Loughman and Rick Downes 36

Big birthday for Beryl—80 years of age

Beryl Reade has been a member of Romiley Golf Club since 1980 when Margaret Booth was Lady Captain. Beryl still loves her golf after all these years, and hits a mean ball. Over the course of her membership she has had a hole in one and managed to have her name engraved on all the major trophies - the Nellie Oldham, the Challenge Bowl, the Rose Bowl and the Trippers’ Trophy—and she’s won Lady Captain's Day. The family birthday celebrations were held at a restaurant in Prestbury followed by a party at home. Beryl’s husband, Bob, is a well known figure at the Club. Last March the couple celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Bob’s anniversary gift to Beryl was new set of golf clubs, so Beryl is intending to play for a good few more years yet. Happy Birthday, Beryl, and best of luck with next year’s golf using the new clubs.

Beryl’s bouquet and card presented by

Lady Captain, Barbara

Ladies two scores to count, Thursday, 21st December, 2017

The winners: Heather Denton, Sharon Dineen and Lesley Williams, 40 points.

2nd, on a cpo with 38 pts, Sally Hebden, Hilary Craven and Edith Clarke.

3rd, Audrey Jones, Anne Harrison and Alison Reed.

Vets Stableford, Friday, 10th November, 2017

1st Gordon Tavernor 15 pts 2nd Carl Mellor 15 pts 3rd Ken Fendall 15 pts

Christmas Lottery

Third prize, £40.95, was won by Shirley Fletcher, owner of Fletcher’s Chip Shop in the village. Since 2016 the proceeds from the Lottery Fund have been used to purchase:

• Following a near accident in one of the ponds whilst attempting to clear out the noxious weeds, the Brash Lads requested the purchase of a boat to make the job safer and easier. A boat was purchased out of Lottery funds. • Additional chairs. • The blinds in the back bar had disintegrated over the years so the Lottery fund purchased new ones to match the existing blinds at the front of the building. • Signs giving directions to the Club from Compstall Road and Sandy Lane have been purchased. They are at present are being made and will be erected by Stockport MBC early next year.

There are plans in the spring to donate a substantial amount towards refurbishment of the clubhouse, which I’m sure members will appreciate. In the Bonus Christmas Draw on 16

th December the winner scooped a fabulous

£262.50, plus there were the three prizes of £102.38, £61.43 and £40.95. Happy Christmas to those winners! Why not have a chance of winning by subscribing monthly by standing order or by cash.

IN IT TO WIN IT!

Standing Order forms and copies of the Terms and Conditions are available in the Perspex lottery box in the bar or on the romileygolfclub.org website - Club - Lottery. Happy New Year to all members from the Lottery Committee, Joyce Glynn, Audrey Jones, Anne Harrison and Martin Clark.

Christmas Draw winner and 2nd monthly prize winner: Sandra

McRoberts, £262.50

Monthly draw 1st Prize winner:

Peter Howcroft, £102.38

Christmas Draw. 10th December, 2017

Lady Captain Mr. Chairman Lady Vice Captain Vice Captain

The Social Committee were delighted that the Christmas Draw raised 700 pounds to go into its funds. The weather ensured there was no golf but around 50 people made it to the Club for some food and the draw. Pictured above is Peter Wagstaff with the widest of grins having won the first prize; a superb Garmin Golf Watch. The 100 pound lesson voucher was won by Barrie Hughes and Bill Barrow as thrilled to win the Man Utd v Huddersfield package. Thanks to all those members who donated prizes; 38 of them. It really is appreciated.

Ladies Bonanza, Thursday, 14th December 2017

The annual Bonanza competition may have been cancelled due to the rain but that didn't dampen the ladies’ spirits. Lady Captain very kindly provided some alternative festive spirit and everyone enjoyed a warming glass of mulled wine. A good time was had by all - Cheers!

A Christmas gathering, good even without golf

Your editor could not resist putting this “cute” picture of Mike Wilson in the magazine. It was taken on the occasion of 12 of the Brash Lads enjoying a Christmas dinner at the Indigo in Romiley and Mike felt he should add some elegance and colour.

He certainly looked the picture of “elf” and Mike admitted to feeling gnome from gnome and thinks that elf is a mis-gnomer as he feels the picture shows his Irish leprechaun heritage.

Mike Wilson

4 Men’s Team Yellowball. Saturday, 16th December, 2017

1st Steve Brown Steve Kidd Dave Skillington Jim Millington 74

2nd Paul Wagstaff Kevin Jones Nick Gorman Simon Tipping 71 pts

3rd Tom Bartlett Nick Collins Colin Granby Steve Lawton 71 pts

George and his wife, Margaret, joined RGC in 1968. They would be regularly seen both on and off the course, often having dinner at RGC on a Saturday evening. Margaret was honoured to be Lady Captain in 1976.

Born in 1926 in Rochdale, George attended Rochdale Grammar School for Boys before gaining a place at Manchester University to study medicine. He met Margaret in 1949 at the obstetrics department at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, where he was practising as a medical student and Margaret was a State Registered Midwife.

They married in Meir Heath in Staffordshire in 1953, after which George was conscripted into the British Army as a doctor in the Medical Corps. After several postings across Europe, in 1957 George entered the General Practice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where he would be a highly successful General Practitioner for the next 36 years.

George and Margaret travelled the world together and experienced many different cultures. Both were keen members of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS). As dog lovers, they nurtured a succession of breeds and in recent years George could often be seen walking Alfie round Moadlock.

George enjoyed many sports, playing at Greave Tennis Club and taking several trips to Wimbledon and Eastbourne with Margaret. They also took great pleasure watching grandchildren, Nick and Charlie, play cricket across Cheshire and all over the country.

George’s daughter, Rosemary, son-in-law Martin and grandsons, Nick and Charlie, have been touched by the tributes and kind messages from RGC members in recent weeks.

Nick Reid, grandson

George Hamlet

29th September, 1926—28th November, 2017

Margaret Alfie George

Men’s Foursomes Stableford, Saturday, 23rd December, 2017

1st Brook and Bradley Snape 38

2nd Daniel Pearson & Graeme Nuttall 36 3rd Gordon Harmon & Mark Kitchen 35

3 Club Challenge, Tuesday, 26th December, 2017

On a bitterly cold, damp, drizzling Boxing Day morning 32 people made the effort to take on the 3 club challenge. Hilary Craven and Carl Mellor were the individual Ladies’ and Men’s winners and got first choice at the prize table. And so the prize presentation progressed as players eagerly grabbed either wine or chocolate or golf balls. How could they lose? Everyone a winner. Yet again our Club is indebted to Irene Barrow, not only the organiser of the competition but the provider of the mince pies. Such talent.

Hilary Craven 19 Carl Mellor 23! Simon Tipping Paul Mellor

Alison Reed Irene Barrow Angela Slate Bobby and Stuart Clarke

Your editor (and President) had waited for this day for sometime; to play golf with his grandson, 10 year old Bobby, and Bobby’s dad, Stuart. What misery as the President trudged off after 3 holes, unable to cope with the weather and having scored “nul points.” They have the bragging rights for a year, having scored 14 and 16 points respectively.

1. On 20th January Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the USA. Which

number President was he? 2. Jack Nicklaus won the U.S. Master a record number of times. How many?

3. In February, Queen Elizabeth II became first UK monarch to reach how many years on the throne?

4. To within 10 yards, how much longer is RGC’s front half than the back (white tees)?

5. On 29th March the UK invoked which article of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the formal withdrawal process?

6. In March, Barcelona became the first team to overturn a first-leg 4–0 deficit in the Champions’ League as they knocked which team out of the competition, 6-1?

7. Gorden Kaye died in April. He was most famous for playing the café owner _ _ _ Artois in ‘’Allo ‘Allo!’

8. Who did Anthony Joshua beat on April 29th to become World Heavyweight Boxing Champion?

9. Who was performing at The Manchester Arena on the night of May’s suicide attack?

10. Who did Arsenal beat in the FA Cup Final?

11. How many seats did UKIP win in the General Election? 12. The England Under 20 football team won the FIFA Under 20 World Cup for the

first time. Which South American team (not the usuals) did they beat 1-0 in the final?

13. Which beautiful area of England was, rather belatedly, recognised as a UNESCO Heritage Site on 9th July?

14. Lewis Hamilton wins the British Grand Prix for the … th time. How many?

15. Why will the area round Westminster be a bit quieter for the next four years (estimated)?

16. With which sport is Anya Shrubsole, nominated for SPOTY, associated?

17. On 14th September a new polymer £10 note was issued, featuring whom? No peeping!

18. In September, Julie Inkster & Annika Sörenstam captained teams in which biennial contest? (and who won?)

19. Which airline, the UK’s 5th biggest, was placed into administration on 2nd October?

20. In which indoor pastime would you be engaged if you were using a squidger? It has its own governing associations in England & North America!

21. Robert Mugabe ‘resigned’ as President of Zimbabwe. By what animal nickname is his successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, known?

22. The Rugby League World Cup ran throughout November. Which nation won? (beating England)

23. Why was Georgia Toffolo in the news at the start of December?

24. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 6th UK Snooker Championship matched the record of which former player?

Keith Selby—answers on page 31

RGC’s Just for Fun Quiz of 2017 … with sporty bits

… and finally, which football club’s name is an anagram of ‘Uncouth President?’

Vets’ AGM and Xmas Dinner, Friday, 23rd December, 2017

Pictured left is the wonderful out-going secretary, Geoff Higgins: always in control and super efficient. What a superb job he has done for so many years. Thank you, Geoff.

It would be remiss not to thank the McRoberts family for its generosity on this annual

occasion. Your President was unaware that we had so many vets!!

So it is finally “Purcer Out” and doesn’t he look happy about it. Bill Barrow takes on the Chairman’s role for the next year. As always the Vets’ Treasury is in a very good state, watched over by the careful scrutiny of Mike Andrew.

Our incoming secretary, Ian Bainbridge, was like a yo-yo as he trotted to and fro collecting all the prizes that he had won during the year. Our top-class pro, Alex White was amongst the guests, looked after by Barry Johnson.

Jimmy Jeff Bob Trevor Peter Dave Gallagher Brown Lawton Wright Drinkwater Heyward

A wonderful New Year’s celebration, 2017

Just for Fun Quiz Answers 1. 45

th . Pres

2. 2. 6 wins 3. 65 years 4. 201 yards ( 191-211 ) 5. Article 50 6. PSG. 7. René Artois 8. Wladimir Klitschko 9. Ariana Grande 10. Chelsea 11. 0 (too many) 12. Venezuela

13. The Lake District 14. 5

th Aug.

15. Renovation of Big Ben 16. Cricket 17. Jane Austen 18. Solheim Cup (US won) 19. Monarch 20. Tiddlywinks 21. The Crocodile 22. Australia 23. Won I’m a Celebrity (?) etc. 24. Steve Davis

And finally: Scunthorpe United

Thanks to Rachel Broster for organising, to Anne Harrison for the photos, to Ken and Pam Turney for the food and drink and for you, our members, who supported this most enjoyable occasion.

The Blue Moon quintet?

Editorial Team

John Glynn Audrey Jones Phil Roberts

President’s Ponderings

By the time you are reading this it will have been two months since the last newsletter. Rather than news it will seem like ancient history. Ah well. It still provides a most full archive for the future generations. Is this the wettest weather our Club has ever experienced? The cancelled competitions really hurts our income; in competition fees and over the bar. For Ken and Pam Turney and their catering staff it will hurt even more. Can’t be fun for Alex, Graham and Matt. I did suggest to them that it gives them the opportunity to learn the Rules of Golf by heart!! Thank goodness for the swing room. I am looking forward to the next meeting to be called by the Development Committee where we will see what stage our proposed development has reached. It is very exciting. BUT!! It is not going to happen next week. As a Club we have to keep focused on membership. Each one of us has a responsibility to seek out new members and try to support all the initiatives from that Committee. There is a decline in golfing membership of 19 per cent since the peak of 2006. Sobering figures. In marketing the adage is “First, get your customer. Second, keep your customer.” So whilst we must keep our efforts to attract new members it is absolutely essential that our existing membership comes first. I have looked into the crystal ball and wish I could offer definitive answers. However, here goes……. It takes too long to play 18 holes. Time is a major issue. There is going to have to be more flexibility. Old people are the majority of members. What will happen as this generation dies off? We have to make it a family sport. We have to make it fun. The Club House has to reflect this and accommodate this. It has to be seen as MORE than a golf club. John Glynn President