In attendance: Tony Lloyd (TL), Dave Wood (DW), David Barlow (DB) Algy Grimes (AG) Richard Westergreen – Thorne (RWT) Barry
Donovan (BD) Jonathan Lean (JL), Nigel Underwood (NU)
Apologies: Dave Wood (DW)
Minutes previous
Agreed
Matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda
Roll Up proposal – it was confirmed that the
suggestion discussed previously had been passed to Bill Walker who has
circulated to organisers for use if required.
A further suggestion to use White Tees on JOG in
the summer was not taken forward. The view of the committee was that it would
help some players, and hinder others so would not have an overall benefit.
Competition oversight on the day – NU reported that
he played a little later in the last competition and this made the day easier –
he agreed to return to this topic if he felt further help from committee
members on the day would be needed.
Competition Abandonment Procedure – a final draft
was presented by NU who will take it to the General Manager for his thoughts
before being enacted. He was thanked for his efforts by the committee.
Captain's report (TL)
It’s a cliché, but time flies when you are Captain.
Here we are in June and I am nearly a third of the way through my year with
seven competitions and 12 matches already in the rear view mirror.
Congratulations to all the winners and to those representing us in the matches.
Since our last meeting I attended a Charity Committee
meeting when the major topic for discussion was the Longest Day Challenge
taking place on June 21. It was decided to invite the entire membership to join
the four Captains in playing 36 holes to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s
Society. There will also be a coffee morning and a pro shop prize draw on the day.
A joint Just Giving page has been set up for the event and an appeal for
sponsors sent out.
At this month’s Golf Committee meeting Justin
Thomas presented the initial results of the working party he has been leading
on starters and marshals to address “pinch points” at weekends and competition
days when one course is closed. This will be discussed further at the next golf
committee this evening after our meeting.
We also got to inspect the Titleist balls to be
used at the soon-to-be-opened warm up area. Also clearly marked “practice” they
are the same ball that you might use on the course so that aiming at the new
targets to be set out on the practice ground is realistic. Its opening is imminent.
On June 2 Dave Wood and I acted as starters for the
Club Senior Open and I returned later in the day to present the prizes on
behalf of the club. Both Dave and I received many compliments about the club
and course. Although not a senior section event it was good to get involved.
I attended a new members’ induction session on May
17 when I got to meet three potential new senior section members. There will be
another such session on June 21. Currently, there is a small number of
vacancies for five-day members with a waiting list for seven days.
The way we pay for matches going forward has been
an issue and I am grateful to Barry Donovan for the time he has expended on the
issue to produce, with the club, a workable system.
My thanks also go to Richard Coventry who organised
the Past Captains Away Day for the final time. His “last hurrah” will be at the
much bigger section away day at Thorpe Wood, Peterborough on September 4.
Treasurer's report (BD)
The financials position as at 11/6 is a bank
balance of £7.3k up from £6.4k last month.
There are invoices awaiting payment by the club of
£3.4k. This is not overdue as invoices were delayed whilst the new procedures
were being established. We also await invoices to be paid to the club of
around £2.5k.
After fairly painful delays we seem to have
processes established for Matches now from June going forward. The process changes
slightly for Organisers in that they need to pre alert Wendy of Food choices and
initial team members. This will not be charged to members until the Organiser
confirms the team immediately after play. Hopefully the process will
enable us to effectively complete our fixtures. Competitions and other
events are not impacted.
Clarity over non reciprocals is needed as
organisers and myself are unaware of contact details for each club.
The Forest Pines tour was a success with members
expressing their satisfaction with the venue and golf. Financially
this event broke even. Lots of suggestions for 2026 including many venues and
potential for 2 nights. Hope to put some plans together over July.
Bank Account. No further action on this. Not
currently the priority. Costs are £4.25 per month.
Vice Captain's report (DB)
Nothing to report this month.
IPC report (RWT)
Nothing to report.
Secretary’s report (RWT)
Since the last meeting three people have joined the
mailing list. Two are new to the club and also one current club member about to
retire. Two people have left the list. One has sadly passed away and one has gone to
social membership.
The club is now inviting prospective new members
who apply to the club for membership to what will probably end up being
quarterly induction events and both Tony and I have attended recent sessions. You may
have seen that there is also now a New Member Induction Pack that is
distributed when people are accepted with the club aiming for a more seamless
transition for new members including contact with the Seniors for those who are
eligible.
I am pleased to report that the draft calendar is
ready for us to review at the meeting. All of the matches are included with just the Swap
Day to confirm and the Away Day to add. All of the competitions are also included
but a couple of match date changes from this current year have affected the date and
course of a couple of competitions, and this is on the agenda to discuss at the
meeting. It might be worth a tweak. Nigel Tarn has also run his eye over the draft calendar,
and he is happy with the dates. I have managed to move all home matches to a Tuesday
which was top of his wish list from us.
As I know from past experience you can never say ‘finished’
at this stage as something always crops up but I can always hope.
I attended a brief photo opportunity with Justin Thomas
and Chris Ellis to showcase the funds raised for Macmillan jointly by the captains
in 2025 and also highlighting the charity contributions across all sections
during the year and this is being used for publicity purposes.
The Swap Day venue for 2027 and the offer to play
from Bedfordshire G.C are on the agenda as separate items.
Competition Secretary’s report (NU)
Since we last met the only competition to have
taken place was the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy, incorporating the Bessant
East scratch trophy.
The results were as follows:
1st Paul Jones, net 67
2nd Eric Macintyre, net 68 and best scratch score.
3rd Sam Standen, net 71.
Very commendable scoring with the JOG playing its
length and a gusty wind. Both knockout competitions are well under way with
no problems as yet.
The next batch of competitions are:
Annual Stableford on July 8th. Available
places filled very quickly, I have negotiated 2 extra starts, one early and one late
which will clear the reserve list for now. Entry closes on July 1st.
Reg Batson Trophy on July 15th There
were 49 people who competed in both qualifying competitions. Of those the best 40
scorers plus last year’s winner and the Seniors Captain have received invitations.
Two have declined thus far so the next two on the “reserve” list have been
invited. No replies from them at time of writing.
Senior Member and Guest Day. Good to go. See
earlier agenda item and (slightly) amended attachment.
Senior Captains Day on August 5th Entry opens at
7.00 am. on June 29th. All in place and good to go from this end.
The issue of collecting cards and finalising
competitions has eased a little. Some players are VERY reluctant to part with their
scorecards……. I have what I hope will be at least part of a solution.
Match Secretary’s Report (AG)
Since our last committee meeting, the Seniors team
has played six matches, securing two victories while facing four defeats. The
closest contest in the defeats was a narrow 5-3 loss at home to Millbrook with
two good wins at home to South Beds and St Neots, demonstrating the teams
resilience and competitive spirit.
The running totals now stand at Won 6, Lost 6, and
One Half, showing a balanced performance overall. While challenges remain, the
team continues to show determination and moments of strong play.
Tranche 3 selections are progressing well, although
one or two matches are close to the required player numbers. With Tranche 4
open until 6th July, there is optimism that enough players will sign up to meet
the team quotas. The actual numbers so far being:
Cambridge Country Club away – 14
Letchworth away – 21 incl 5 Jokers
Luffenham Heath home – 16
Northampton home – 18
Saffron Walden home – 15
Wellingborough away – 21 incl 6 Jokers
Despite setbacks, the squad remains committed to
refining its approach and strengthening its tactics. Encouragement,
preparation, and strategic adjustments will be crucial in securing improved
results moving forward.
Trophy Custodian's Report (DW)
Swap days:
With help from RWT I have put together a
spreadsheet of requirements for arrangements for Swap Days. I am working
through my list for both clubs and will report back to the committee once I
have collated the results
I have been in contact with the organisers Robert
at Newmarket and Darell at Stoke Rochford. We are in agreement regarding the
reciprocal payment of the meals.
Newmarket:
The date and Tee times are booked in the Club Diary
and confirmed by Nigel Tarn.
F&B Manager is due to come back to me with meal
choices. Paula has agreed to
restrict the cost to £25.00pp for Bacon Sandwich and coffee/tea on arrival with
a 2-course meal following the golf. I discussed with Paula the possibility of
similar meals we have had at Seniors Club Matches, Trio of sausages, Lasagne
and chips or similar. She is discussing the options with Marcus.
We should advertise the Swap Day before the end of
July in order to ensure we achieve the 40 required players.
The notice should include the following:
|
Entrants to let me know if they need a buggy so
that I can team them up to share buggies. (RWT has provisionally booked all
buggies at Newmarket).
|
|
|
E mail me with any dietary requirements and if they
are travelling with anyone else so that I can pair them up on the same tee
time.
The golf will be a first tee start.
No “Gimmees”
Play off Yellow tees
85% of Course handicap
Prize for nearest the pin
|
|
Stoke Rochford
Provisionally in the Club Diary for 5th October
2026.
RWT has previously invited the club Captain and
their swap day organiser to a round of golf at John O Gaunt to set things in
motion and to discuss arrangements. I have asked Darrel and Steven Major for
their availability. I will arrange the round when I have their response.
Following this meeting I will commence with the finer details of the swap day.
Trophies:
All trophies are accounted for and are either in
the trophy cabinet or residing with their respective competition winners.
Seniors Member and Guest Day, July 29th 2025 (NU)
NU confirmed the arrangements for the day which had
been agreed in outline at a previous meeting. The spaces for the event filled
up very quickly and there is a Reserve List.
Senior 'Day Arrangements (DB)
·
We have agreed that the entry fee will be £12.
·
NU will set up, sort out the golf prizes and distribute
cards. I will be there nice and early too, to assist him and the raffle, if
needed. No change to the format i.e. 9am shotgun start, fourballs, individual
stableford (95%), yellow tees, JOG.
·
There will be a raffle. We will provide the
prizes.
·
There will be two skills competitions.
Fee to enter £1 a go. Card preferred, but cash will be accepted.
1) A putting competition. Prize, a magnum of champagne.
2) A virtual nearest the pin in the swing studio. Prize a 1 hour playing lesson
with Tom Simm.
(Dave Gauge and Sam Barlow will be on hand to 'collar people' as they come in
in after their round - before food)
·
There will be a 'Guess the Captain's drive'
which will also be £1 a go.
RWT to plug in the newsletter with the message that I will be starting to ask
people for their guesses .... whenever I see them (roll up, matches, car park,
wherever I go....
).
50% of the 'take' will go to the charity and 50% will go to the winning guess.
(AG will measure on the day).
·
We agreed no food buggy on the day and no
giveaway of soft drink and chocolate.
·
Menu to be confirmed but options have been
presented to us within budget.
Match Fees (BD)
As briefly noted in the Treasurers Report a way of
collecting payments has been agreed with the club and we hope that this will
work well.
Away Day and Past Captains Away Day 2026 (AG)
AG has approached a number of clubs for provisional
prices and availability, and he outlined several options. A discussion took place,
and AG will follow up and report back on progress at the next meeting.
Action Point: Agenda Item at the next meeting
Calendar 2026
A discussion took place about the draft calendar
for 2026. The current dates for competitions and matches mean that the two
medals will both be on JOG in 2026. Moving things around is very tight and so
various options were discussed. It was agreed that one of the two medals should
be on Carthagena as in previous years and RWT will follow up and amend the
calendar as appropriate to accommodate this.
The Bedfordshire GC have approached the seniors
seeking to play us in regular matches. It was agreed that with the 2026
arrangements already in place that we should honour our commitments already
made with other clubs. However, looking ahead to 2027 this was considered to be
a possibility and so RWT will follow up offering a chance to meet them for a
round of golf with a view to discuss a regular fixture from 2027.
On Course Foundation (DB)
DB outlined his experience of attending one of
their events and suggested that JOG should consider hosting an event in the
future. It was agreed that this would need to be a club initiative rather than
senior initiative if followed up and so DB to take up with the club.
AOB
None
Dates of Future Meetings
Thurs July 17
Thurs Aug 14
Tues Sep 16
Thurs Oct 16
Thurs Nov 13
Thurs Jan 13 2026
Thurs Feb 3 2026 (AGM)
