Notes of the Senior Section Committee Meeting 7 November 2023

 

Notes of the Senior Section Committee Meeting

7 November 2023

Attendance:

Barry Donovan (BD), Jonathan Lean (JL), Richard Westergreen – Thorne (RWT), Algy Grimes (AG), Tony Lloyd (TL)  Andy Shilton (AS)

+ Dave Wood (DW) for the Annual Dinner item

 

Apologies:

Justin Thomas

Minutes previous 

Accepted

 Matters arising

- current honorarium balance and spending plan

 Since the last meeting JL had ascertained the current balance from the club. This stands at around £600 and a discussion took place about the commitments already made and the spending options available.

 It was agreed that some of the money would be used to put two bottles of wine on each table at the Annual Presentation Dinner. It was also agreed to use some of the funds to purchase some prizes for the Christmas Fayre.

 Action Point: to be an agenda item at the next meeting

 

- communicating that we will use gender neutral tees for competitions in 2024 to members

 It was agreed that this would be shared with members in the next newsletter.

 The implications for handicaps and shots given and received in the knockouts was also discussed.

 Action Point: TL to take advice from the club and report back at the next meeting.

Captain (JL)

Since the last meeting things have really started to slow down with just 2 competitions and the match against the juniors plus the scramble with the Ladies section.

The main issue to report on is the Golf Committee Meeting. The main points to be discussed were as follows.

The 2024 calendar is approved. However, from 2025 onwards, it was reported that all home matches may need to be on Tuesdays to avoid staffing issues for the catering.

It is now officially approved that we can have 15 matches against other clubs. If we want to introduce other clubs into our match schedule, we will have to drop an existing fixture.

We now have approval for an additional 4 competition boards to be placed in the bar area where our existing boards are. These will be: -

Golfer of the Year

Annual Medal

Rex Cleaver

Reg Batson

The issue that I raised some months ago concerning Tee Furniture (ball cleaners, waste bins etc.) has been raised again at the General Committee and is being handled by Justin Thomas.

All concessions to external golfers regarding green fees are under review by the club.

The only other issue to report is that, in case anyone missed it, at the annual dinner Justin Thomas advised that his Vice Captain for next year will be Peter Wade.

A discussion took place about the arrangements for the new boards, their siting and how many years to go back, etc. AG offered to continue to liaise with Paul Marshall who has offered to help with this matter.

Action Point: AG to report back at the next meeting.

A discussion also took place about the 2025 calendar and AS raised several points from his attendance at the recent General Committee Meeting. It was agreed that AS would clarify the minutes from the General Committee Meeting and relay the outcome of this to the committee.

It was agreed that we need clarity about any constraints regarding the 2025 calendar by the time of our AGM in February as this signals the start of the process of making arrangements with other clubs – some of whom will contact us in advance of this date with suggested 2025 dates.

Action Point – AS to follow up and email committee members with the outcome and it will also be an agenda item at the next meeting.

Vice-Captain (RWT)

RWT explained his contact with members since the last meeting who are unwell or injured, etc.

Immediate Past Captain (AG)

 Nothing to report.

Treasurer's Report (BD)

1/ Current Financial Situation. As of 6th November we have a comfortable surplus for the year.

There are still several large costs to incur and some outstanding invoices to and from the Club. The key costs and income to be met by end of the year are:

a. Seniors Dinner. This was budgeted as a zero net cost – but will end up costing the section more than planned income due to subsidised costs of guests' dinners.

b. Christmas Fayre. Costs for this are still to be finalised. However they are significantly higher than 2022. This has been discussed extensively and the committee have agreed a sensible way forward

c. Competition winners' prizes. Minor costs still to be ordered (GOTY/Green Tilley/Holmwood). £260.

d. Staff Christmas box. This covers the Catering and Bar staff.

e. Captain's Charity. Tradition has it that £1 from competition entry is allocated to the Captain's Charity. This year’s entries are 1143 up from a budget of 1077. Additionally, we have several other entries.

i. Captain's Day off course £678

 ii. Donation from member £100

iii. Andy Shilton £30

iv. An alignment with previous years contributions from surplus funds

 

2/ 2024 Matches

Algy and I have met with the Clubhouse manager to discuss next year’s menu options. This will enable me to set a budget for 2024.

3/ Christmas Fayre (again!).

I would like to thank Richard , Tony and Algy for their planned assistance ahead of the Fayre.

4/ 2024 Budget

Not yet produced but once we agree the Match fee this can be sorted quickly.

5/ 2023 Annual Accounts.

I have discussed this with Trevor Darrington. I will finalise the year's accounts in December and get the books to him early January. Final report for the AGM will be finalised in January.

6/ 2024 Match Payment process.

As mentioned during the month a new process has been agreed with the Club on Match payments. It is important that Match organisers are made aware of this.

a. Following the conclusion of each game the Match organiser should send the list of JOG players to Paula (ClubhouseManager@JOGGC.Co.UK) – with a cc copy to me

b. Paula will process the IG charge during the same week

c. I will invoice the main club. Sue Bolton (Accounts) can then reconcile IG to our Invoice)

After a discussion it was agreed that the arrangements for payments to and from the club for 2024 as suggested by BD were approved.

Match arrangements and pricing, Christmas Fayre and Annual Presentation Dinner arrangements – see following agenda items.

Action Points:

- BD to bring a draft end of year (2022 – 2023) and 2024 – 2025 budget outlines to the next meeting - BD to provide information for the next meeting to be able to confirm the contribution from funds to the Senior Captain’s charity

Hon. Secretary (RWT)

I have been consulting with Dave Wood regarding the arrangements and publicity for the Annual Presentation Dinner and Dave will attend the meeting to update us and check on the final arrangements for the evening.

I have also been liaising about the arrangements for the roll up with Bill Walker and the plans for next year. Whilst the second trial of the singles stableford roll up was hampered by the weather the general opinion still appears to be favourable from members to continue in 2024 and this is an agenda item for the meeting.

I have also been looking ahead to the AGM and the arrangements for the 2024 season so that we are set up and ready to go from the early part of the year. Once the nominations have closed for officers for 2024 I can then go ahead and share contact details and arrangements both within the membership and with other clubs, etc.

You will see from the Newsletter that I have publicised the 5 remaining senior section ties and Derek Young and I hope that we will find a few members to purchase them. Once the ties have been purchased we should thank Derek for his efforts on our behalf with the clothing stock.

Two new members have joined since the last meeting. One is a club member who joined the club fairly recently and now has more time for golf and the other is the current Ladies Captain who is interested in taking part in 2024.

RWT updated at the meeting that just one tie remained and it is hoped that the final tie will be snapped up shortly.

Competition Secretary (TL)

The past month has seen three competitions played and the conclusion of all three knockout competitions.

The 3 Clubs and a Putter Competition on Oct 10 attracted a field of 60, in line with previous years, and was won by David Tamsitt.

The Autumn Singles Stableford Trophy on Oct 17 was switched on the eve of the competition from a water-logged John O’Gaunt to Carthagena. The winner was Neil Pinnington, recording his first Senior Competition win in 12 years.

The result of the Autumn Singles Stableford confirmed Andy Brown as the Golfer of the Year followed by Richard Knell, Dave Wrench, Rob Bage and David Tamsitt.

The Ladies/Seniors Scramble on October 31 was a resounding success with a full house of 88 entrants playing all 18 holes of John O’Gaunt – the first day the course had been fully open following restrictions imposed due to recent heavy rainfall. The winning team consisted of Andy Brown, Sara Fowler, Catie Heathfield and David Scott.

This month also saw the completion of the three knockout competitions. Clive Bassindale beat Steve Collins in the final of the Green Tilley, Paul Dobson and Jan Murphy beat Paul Beasley and David Tamsitt to clinch the Foursomes Knockout and Paul Jeeves beat Barry Donovan to win the Holmwood Plate.

We have a full house for the Arthur Lucas Cup (bring and win) on Nov 14 and Paula has been briefed to provide a table for the prizes.

We have almost reached the maximum 100 entrants for the Christmas Fayre. Only 75 places are available and priority as in previous years will be given to those with the most GOTY qualifiers.

Currently there are 76 entrants with four or more qualifiers so those with four will go into a draw.

Lastly, I informed the Ladies Section of our intention to play all next year’s competitions from gender neutral tees – either white or yellow – with the exception of the two matches with the ladies where red tees will continue to be used for the ladies. I am pleased to say that I received a very positive response from Lady Captain Lorna Jerome.

Match Secretary's Report (AS)

There have not been any matches since the last meeting as the season has been completed and AS supplied a very comprehensive summary of the end of season outcomes at the last meeting.

 

AGM

 RWT shared the draft arrangements for the upcoming AGM and it was agreed that he would circulate the Notice of Meeting in December and Agenda for the meeting in January as proposed.

 Action Point: to be an agenda item at the next meeting where RWT will provide an outline of the arrangements and voting procedures.

 Seniors Annual Presentation Dinner

 DW joined the meeting for this item and outlined the current position regarding numbers – there are some spaces left for the general membership to attend.

 DW also outlined the arrangements for the dinner, and it was agreed (see above) that two bottles of wine would be supplied for each table from the Honorarium.

 DW took the committee through the draft programme for the evening and this included the arrangements for the presentation of trophies to the winners.

 There is currently one trophy unaccounted for.

 DW will continue to liaise with RWT if any issues arise.

 

Matches 2024

 AG and AS outlined the progress with the arrangements for sign up and selection of players for 2024. The use of the matrix is currently being investigated with Alban Macdonald.

 AG and BD have been in liaison with the club over menus and pricing for 2024 home matches and AG updated the meeting. It is hoped that the 2023 cost of playing of £24 can be maintained for 2024 whilst still providing a range of good quality meals.

 BD and AG were thanked for their efforts.

 Action Point:

 It was agreed that AG and AS will continue with the planning for 2024 and at the next meeting the sign up and selection arrangements along with the costings of matches for 2024 will be confirmed to allow time to circulate to members prior to sign up starting.

 It is also hoped that the Match Organisers for 2024 would also be able to be confirmed at the same meeting.

 Christmas Fayre

 BD and AG outlined the work they have undertaken to supply the meat, drinks, and other prizes for the event to date and what needs to be completed. Both were thanked by the committee for their efforts and the final arrangements were agreed.

 TL and RWT to assist on the day before the event with the labelling and storing of prizes and TL is organising a system for distribution of prizes on the day and will call on other committee members for help on the day.

 Arthur Lucas Bring and Win

 The arrangements for collection of cards, leaving of prizes and arrangements at the end of the competition were agreed.

 Rules of Golf session for seniors

 Joan Cocksedge has agreed to run a session for us in the spring.

 AOB

 1/ Peter Imray raised two matters concerning the distribution of stablefords and medals within our competitions and the possibly of additional opportunities to complete cards for handicap purposes.

 After discussion Peter was thanked for his contributions and RWT will respond to him.

 2/ Pace of play in seniors’ events and roll ups was discussed and Bill Walker will be asked to promote speed of play at roll ups via the roll up organisers.

Date and time of next meeting 

Tuesday 16^th January 2024

 

Action Point:

 

At the next meeting RWT will propose dates for meetings in 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Has anyone seen my remote control? November 16 2023

 Everyone knows that you have three minutes to look for a lost ball. But how long do you have to look for a lost remote control for your golf trolley?

That was the question facing Andy Shilton in the roll-up on Thursday. No one was going anywhere as his hi-tech Stewart Golf trolley remained motionless.

To make matters worse Andy was in the first group out and had to face the mirth of another group waiting to tee off.

“Are you sure you haven’t left it in the car,” asked one helpful friend. “No, it won’t work without the remote so I must have had it to get the trolley here from the car park,” replied Andy as he searched his coat pockets and every pocket in his golf bag to no avail.

“You’ve had more than three minutes,” chimed another helpful golfer, only for Andy to eventually find it in the first pocket he had searched.

Normal service was resumed and Andy set off down the Carthagena first fairway … now where did my ball go!???

Seniors Arthur Lucas Cup (Bring and Win) November 14 2023

Seniors Captain Jonathan Lean presents winner Bob Isaacson with the Arthur Lucas Cup

 Everyone’s a winner in the Arthur Lucas Cup whether you score 39 points or 21. That was the range of scores in the clubhouse after a great day’s golf on Carthagena only marred by a prolonged spell of drizzle.

Seventy-three seniors tee’d off in a 10am shotgun start and were back in the dry, more or less at the same time,  for the presentation.

 Entrants had been asked to bring a prize worth a minimum of £7.50 but many were much more generous, giving those higher up the leaderboard a handsome choice of gifts.

Bob Isaacson carried off the Arthur Lucas Cup with 39 points and got first choice from the groaning table of prizes.

One shot back on 38 points was Andy Brown, followed by Paul Jones on 37.

Commiserations to David Crosby who also scored 37 points but lost out on countback.

Second place: Andy Brown

Third place: Paul Jones

Chris Walker and the British Golf Collectors Society November 3 2023

One of our members, namely Chris Walker, also belongs to the British Golf Collectors Society (BGCS) and after he scored a hole in one with a hickory club in the Three Clubs and a Putter Competition in October we asked him to write something about the BGCS.  He hopes that one or two of you might even join up !!

Chris at St Andrews in 2021 for the Hickory Grail, the biennial hickory match between European and American members of the BGCS

By Chris Walker

The British Golf Collectors Society was formed in 1987 but has subsequently grown to have approximately 780 members worldwide.  A subset of these play golf with original hickory shafted golf clubs dating from before 1935 but all BGCS members have an interest in the history of golf.

 The majority join so as to obtain copies of the BGCS’s quarterly magazine, Through The Green.  This covers activities of the society but also well researched articles on golf history. Chris has offered to lend back copies of this magazine to anyone who is interested.

 For more information on the BGCS, go to https://www.golfcollectors.co.uk/.  Membership costs only £50 per annum but applications have to be proposed and seconded.  Talk to Chris if you are interested or email him on chris@seiswise.com.

Jenny Hunt showing how to drive with a hickory club at Aberdovey’s 16th hole 

Advert for the BGCS Collectors’ Fair in 2021. 

Below: Through the Green contents December 2018 and March 2019, plus an extract from a book on early members of the PGA - note Alfred Vardon at North Bedfordshire Biggleswade 1905-1909

Ladies and Seniors Scramble October 31 2023

 

Seniors Captain Jonathan Lean and Lady Captain Lorna Jerome with winners David Scott, Catie Heathfield, Sara Fowler and Andy Brown

It’s easy to get your hopes up when you are among the four teams in the clubhouse with 59 net points in the Ladies and Seniors Scramble. The leaderboard hadn’t changed for quite a while … until two later starting teams came in with even more impressive scores.

So victory went to Andy Brown, Sara Fowler, Catie Heathfield and David Scott who got off to a terrific start with birdies on the 1st and 2nd to come in with 56 points.

In second place on 58 points were Joan Cocksedge, Alban Macdonald, Derek Weller and Sue Zirnis.

And in third place with 59 points were early clubhouse leaders Pauline Gauge, Jane Hector, Ian Maddison and Jim McIlwaine.

Commiserations to the three other teams on 59 points who were beaten on countback.

The 88 entrants enjoyed fine sunny conditions on a John O’Gaunt course that had recovered from the recent heavy rainfall to such an extent that the 13th hole, previously under water, was now fully in play.

Only those who were hoping to use a buggy were disappointed … and weary!

Thanks go to Julia Cottenden and Jackie McGeady for signing people in and running the raffle which raised a handsome £362 to be shared between the two captains’ charities.

Second: Jonathan and Lorna with Derek Weller, Joan Cocksedge, Sue Zirnis and Alban Macdonald

Third: Jim McIlwaine, Pauline Gauge and Jane Hector whose fourth player was Ian Maddison

Jonathan presents Lorna with a bouquet

Knockout Finals Thursday October 26 2023

The Senior Section Knockout competitions are now completed. Congratulations to both the winners and runners-up. All the details for the Green Tilley, Foursomes and Holmwood Plate are below

 Clive Bassindale, above right, beat Steve Collins 6 and 5 to win the final of the Senior Section Green Tilley Knockout Competition. The score card, below, shows how the match was won. It was refereed by Dave Gauge.

In the final of the Foursomes Knockout, Paul Dobson and Jan Murphy, pictured below in the semifinals,  beat Paul Beasley and David Tamsitt in a closely fought match which went to two extra holes on the John O’Gaunt course.

The Holmwood Plate, open to those knocked out in the first round of the Green Tilley, was won by Paul Jeeves in a very close game with Barry Donovan - Paul finishing one up on the 18th.

In a topsy turvy match, Paul went six up on the 10th and clung on to halve the last.

It was the second year running that Barry has been pipped at the post. Congratulations to Paul for a very steady performance.

TSB Trophy October 24 2023

 Jonathan Lean presents Nathan Church with the TSB Trophy

Seniors Captain Jonathan Lean reports on the annual match between the Seniors and Juniors

On a decidedly cool, damp and grey morning, 10 intrepid seniors presented themselves for potential humiliation at the hands of the Junior section.  Thankfully, our Competitions Secretary had pity on us and moved the start time back 20 minutes so we could start in full daylight and enjoy an extra few minutes in bed!

The tone was set when, on arrival, some seniors were enjoying the likes of bacon baps and coffee whereas the juniors were limbering up in the nets!

Captain Jonathan Lean was paired with Algy Grimes against the current Junior captain, Nathan Church (HI 5.3) and Charlie Cunningham (HI 19).  Charlie informed us, having creamed his 3 wood a good 200 yards down the middle of the first, that he had only taken up the game 4 months previously!  This was slightly softened by his admission later that he used to play when he was 7 years old but gave up as he did not think he was good enough.

Algy and I thought that we would start with a win on the first as Nathan managed to find the trees on the right with his drive.  Algy unfortunately found Nathan’s ball after about 2 minutes 59 seconds and then Nathan chipped out and got up and down for a par to halve the hole.

Nathan managed to birdie the 3^rd to go 1 up but then Algy and I entered that ever-narrowing window of opportunity between being warmed up and worn out whereby we managed to win 3 holes in a row to go 2 up after 7.  This was short lived bliss as we then lost 3 holes in a row.  Nathan and Charlie managed to hold onto this lead until the 17^th where Nathan birdied for a 2 and 1 win.  A thoroughly enjoyable game.

Second out were John Church and Andy Brown against William Gilbert and Chloe Church.  Spot the surnames?!!  There was a rumour, strongly denied, that John Church had a foot in both camps!  Two grandchildren playing for the Juniors must have given him divided loyalties.

My words of instruction to Andy Brown ‘show them no mercy’ fell on deaf ears though as Andy got par on the first 4 holes but the team was still 4 down at this stage.  They lost the 5^th also so it is some sort of credit to the seniors that, being 5 down after 5 holes they eventually only managed to lose 6 and 5.  Chloe Church sealed the win on the 13^th with a 3 net 1!

Celia and Greg Whitecross challenged marital harmony by agreeing to play together against Lucy Edwards and Ryan Brister.  There was a suggestion that Celia was perhaps ineligible to play for the seniors because of age but a quick check of her birth certificate cleared her.

There was little detail given about this match except Lucy obviously played very well and complained of ‘sore shoulders’ having carried Ryan to a 4 and 3 win.

3 down after 3 matches.  This could get embarrassing!

David Crosby and Bill Walker played against Georgia Gordon and Harry Smead.  Despite Bill having a bit of a senior moment picking his ball up thinking that the hole was halved but actually he had to sink the putt to halve the hole, David and Bill managed a win, triumphing 3 and 2.

Bringing up the rear were Michael Newstead and Graham Gadsden against Ixie Akpan (HI 1.4!) and Albert Watts.  Little detail was forthcoming about this match.  Perhaps Graham’s normally loud trousers put their opponents off but some pride was restored with the Seniors winning 4 and 3.

So, the overall score was Juniors 3 – Seniors 2.  Not a whitewash.  Just a thoroughly enjoyable morning’s golf.

The TSB Trophy was duly presented to the Junior Captain, Nathan Church.  I noted that the last time that the Seniors won was 2018!  I look forward to trying again next year.

Hot on the heels of the match was a final match in one of the Ladies’ singles competitions.  Lorna Jerome has asked me to thank all the seniors and juniors who allowed this match to play through.

Notes of the Senior Section Committee Meeting 5 October 2023

 

Attendance:

Barry Donovan (BD), Jonathan Lean (JL), Richard Westergreen – Thorne (RWT), Algy Grimes (AG), Tony Lloyd (TL)  Andy Shilton (AS)

 

Apologies:

None

Minutes previous 

Accepted

 Matters arising

All actions were completed or found elsewhere on the agenda.

 

Justin Thomas

 

JT joined the meeting to discuss items of mutual interest. These included the progress with the patio area development, subscriptions for 2024 and various club events and activities.

Captain (JL)

Since the last meeting I have played in 7 matches, one away day and one competition. Little time for social golf but great fun.

I have also hosted the past Senior Captains' lunch. A great opportunity to meet Peter Morris and Colin Poole who were Senior Captain long before I joined the club.

There has been a Golf committee meeting in September. The main issue discussed concerning the Senior Section is the number of matches that we are allowed to have each year. After some discussion, it was agreed that we should be allowed 15 matches but any additional clubs that we want to play will require us to drop one of the existing matches. Although this was agreed in the Golf committee, it still needs to be ratified by the General Committee.

There was some discussion also about whether or not the home matches should be held on Mondays. This is because kitchen staff are already on duty on Tuesday afternoons but not so many on Monday afternoons which is generally quieter. No firm instructions though.

The issue of honours boards was held over until the next meeting, but clarity is still required as to which boards we would like to have.

I have given Rob Earles a copy of our position paper on ‘staggered starts’ for matches but told him that I don’t want this to be on the agenda until after the next Club AGM. I am just doing a bit of lobbying.

Further to the report JL has held a telephone conversation with Rob Earles regarding the agreement on matches going forward and there are a couple of points to be finalised.

The committee agreed that if the club agrees to additional Honours Boards then the preference would be:

GOTY

Annual Medal

Rex Cleaver

Reg Batson

 

This discussion, and the siting of any additional boards, will be continued with the club.

Vice-Captain (RWT)

RWT outlined the recent engagement with fellow seniors who are unwell and/or not playing and the cards that have been sent on behalf of the seniors.

Immediate Past Captain (AG)

 Nothing to report.

Treasurer's Report (BD)

As there has only been a short period since the previous meeting there was no update on the overall financial position for the meeting.

 BD discussed issues with tracking, paying and monitoring match fees with the club and there followed a discussion regarding the processes involved. BD will pursue and update the committee as appropriate.

 There was also a discussion regarding the use of the Honorarium and the amount remaining this year.

 

Action point: JL to follow up on the balances with the club to aid the use of the remaining funds during the rest of the year.

Hon. Secretary (RWT)

Not a great deal to report this time.

There has been no contact with other clubs since the last meeting apart from Jonathan and I meeting and playing with the Luffenham Heath Senior Captain and Vice Captain when we took the opportunity to discus the arrangements for the matches next year. These arrangements will be included in the documents I will pass on to the Match Secretary the information about contacts at each club and the arrangements for the matches that have been made as we prepare for the new year.

I have not received any recent enquiries for membership of the seniors and expect it to be quiet until the club admits new members for 2024 and some existing club members may wish to become involved in what we do for 2024.

The roll up single stableford trial went well and Bill Walker is ready to come forward with dates and arrangements for 2024 once we have had the second trial and considered the feedback from it.

The calendar for next year is completed and I will bring one possible suggestion for a switch, prior to finalising, to the meeting.

Lorna Jerome proposed an informal meeting between the three club Captains and Vice Captains to share and get to know each other better. I attended and Jonathan was unable to come along as he was at a match. It was suggested that an opportunity such as this to meet each other was repeated in the future.

After the massive, for us, feedback from members regarding the roll up trial the feedback from members following each subsequent newsletter has fallen back to the usual trickle.

Finally, my thoughts are now turning to the arrangements for the AGM and Officers for 2024 and this is covered elsewhere on the agenda.

Competition Secretary (TL)

Only one competition since our last meeting – the Gordon Percival Team Trophy, which attracted 87 entries.

The individual winner of the Martin Ives Trophy was Phil Odell with 38 points. Winning the hidden team trophy were Chris Saunders, Phil Armstrong and Terry Domagala with a total of 98 points. But the highlight of the day was a hole in one on the 16th by Chris Walker using a hickory club.

Coming up on October 10 is the Three Clubs and a Putter competition which currently has a field of 61 followed by the Autumn Stableford on October 17 (90 entrants) and the seniors scramble with the ladies on October 24. Senior entries currently stand at 43 with only 27 ladies signed up.

The new score cards are now in use and, as promised at our last meeting, I asked Gordon how gender neutral tees would affect senior section competitions. In particular, could ladies and seniors play from the same tees? My inquiry has been passed on to the Golf Sub Committee and the Handicap Committee but I am not aware of their deliberations.

Since then I note that the Roy Davies Memorial has been billed as the first mixed competition to be played from the same (yellow) tees.

I have also been advised by Nigel Tarn that we can move to “same tee” competitions for competitions which have not been already set up for this year as reds and yellows, so we might like to discuss how this affects next year’s events.

The arrangements for forthcoming competitions were discussed. Based upon current entries there may be fewer Ladies entering the Mixed Scramble than Seniors. Should we have teams of three males or limit the field to get equal numbers are matters to be agreed with the Ladies.

It was agreed that, following guidance from the club, gender neutral tees will be in place for all seniors’ competitions in 2024.

Action Points:

·       TL to make all seniors competitions gender neutral tees set up for 2024 on IG

·       TL to share this with the Ladies Captain and Vice Captain.

·       Communications on this matter to the membership to be an item for the next agenda

Match Secretaries Report (AS)

We have now completed all our matches for 2023.  Since the last report we have played 7 matches, winning 2, losing 4 and drawing 1.  The results were as follows: 

 

 

 

Millbrook                         (A)         Lost 7-1

 

Gog Magog                      (A)         Lost 5.5-2.5

 

South Beds                      (A)         Draw 4-4

 

Harpenden Common      (A)         Lost 5.5-2.5

 

Bedford & County           (H)         Won 4.5-3.5

 

Leighton Buzzard            (A)         Lost 5-3

 

Northampton                  (A)         Won 4.5-3.5

 

 Player turnover remained high for this last group of fixtures with us struggling to field teams for South Beds (a), Bedford & County (h), and Leighton Buzzard (a).

 Overall, our season performance was Played 28, Won 11, Drawn 6 Lost 11.  As with last year the final group of mainly away games took the shine off our bright start to the season.  But it was positive to finish with an even number of wins and losses especially as we lost both of the ‘extra fixtures’ to Brocket Hall.  It should also be noted that this was an improvement on last season’s 9 wins, 4 draws, and 13 losses.

 The season will also be remembered for some cracking jokes (was this an improvement on last year – I can’t remember).

 Costs

 At £24 (and not charging a match fee), we were easily the most expensive club for match fees and meal costs with Leighton Buzzard, Northampton, and Saffron Walden still only charging £17 and seeming to be able to supply a meal of equivalence.  And others charging £18-£20.

 Next Year

From the findings of the player survey there is a majority in favour of returning to a batch-based approach.  My suggestion would be to do it in 5 batches, March/April as the first batch, then because of the frequency of fixtures, monthly a month in advance.  I think that this would help with communication and management of the availability. 

 The downside of the multiple batch approach is being able to make sure that equitable distribution has been made, especially because we do have a front-loaded home match bias.  I think that the Match Secretary should be able to manage this and avoid any suspicion, albeit historical, of organisers picking their friends.

 All the matches have now been set up in IG for next year, the only question is the start time for the Northampton match at home which I have set up as 9:30 but this needs to be confirmed with Northampton.  There are now 30 matches to be played.

 Various matters were discussed regarding the arrangements for 2024 and the matters outstanding that need to be confirmed and agreed. These included the cost of meals for home matches and the fee to play in matches which will be followed up prior to the next meeting.

 The Match Survey suggested that members preferred a batch selection system for matches in 2024 and this was the advice of AS as well. It was agreed to move to a batch availability and selection system for 2024 and to explore greater use if IG in the process.

 Action Points:

AG to follow up with the club the costings and menus for 2024 and consult with BD

  f

· BD, AG and AS to consult with the club on payment arrangements and processes for matches in 2024

·       AG and AS to explore various sign up and selection options for 2024

·       AG to discuss with Alban Macdonald the use of the matrix in 2024

·       To be an agenda item at the next meeting

 

Roll Up Proposal

 A paper was circulated from Bill Walker (BW) and RWT regarding the first trial roll up and lessons learned. 21 players had taken part of whom 17 submitted a card.

 It was agreed the first trial had been a success and to proceed with the second trial on 26^th October and to send people out on the 26^th asap on arrival in 3’s to aid speed of play and the time spent waiting to go out.

 It was also agreed that, subject to the success of the second trial, BW be tasked to find 6/8 dates on which single Stableford roll ups could take place in 2024.

 

Action Point:

 

-          To be an agenda item at the next meeting

 

Handicap Presentation

 

Keith Howlett (KH) attended for this item and presented a paper regarding handicaps. KH had done some research on the qualifying rounds played by seniors and club and national averages for comparison. He also analysed handicaps and cards submitted in a variety of ways to give a background to the current position.

 There was a discussion of the role of the Club Handicap Committee and how the Senior Section Committee could liaise with it. It was agreed that the committee should encourage members to submit cards so that their handicap is based upon their current play.

 Encouraging members to submit qualifying cards was debated and the new individual  stableford roll ups will help get more cards submitted so that members have a more accurate current handicap.

 KH explained that England Golf do not allow qualifying cards to be submitted via 4BBB rounds as these rounds are played under different conditions than singles. You play with a partner and shots that are played may be tailored to your partner's play on that hole and also the play of your opponents. For example, if you have to sink a putt for a half on the hole, or lag a putt to win a hole, this may influence your score.

 KH also recommended the England Golf Volunteers Facebook Page as a source of information.

 KH was thanked for his presentation and contribution to the meeting.

 

Action Points:

 

·       KH to produce a note regarding playing a 4BBB round and submitting a card for RWT to circulate to members

·       KH to be invited to future committee meetings

 

 

AGM

 

RWT outlined that arrangements will soon need to be put in place for the 2023 which will be held in February 2024.

 

Action Point: After discussion it was agreed that this item should appear on the next agenda.

 

Seniors Annual Presentation Dinner

 

Dave Wood (DW) had presented an outline of the arrangements for the Dinner prior to the meeting raising a number of matters to be agreed.

 

The meeting agreed to all of the suggestions made by DW and also agreed on:

-          The names of JOG staff and Captains, etc. to be invited as our guests

-          The cost to members of £28 per head which is the cost of the two course Xmas meal

-          Timings

 

BD will liaise will DW re the cost of the event and any section subsidy from funds.

 

Action Points:

-          RWT to confirm what was agreed with DW and ask him to proceed to invite winners and guests and then open it out to other section members

-          To be an item on the next agenda

 

Christmas Fayre

 

Arrangements were discussed, particularly regarding the prizes, costings and the arrangements on the day.

 

Action Points:

-          BD to start looking at prize options and sources for the meat

-          TL to look at the options for the arrangements on the day

-          To return to at the next meeting

 

Volunteer assistance    

 

The discussion at the previous meeting was continued and the committee will seek to encourage other members to help with the running of the section, matches, competitions and events, roll ups, etc.

 

Calendar 2024 

 

RWT circulated the latest draft. Since this had been produced the Juniors had asked for a switch of dates for the TSB Trophy and this has been agreed. It was also agreed to switch the date of the Autumn Stableford to get a better spread of competitions across the two courses during the year.

 

These points and a couple of other minor amendments will be made by RWT and the new version of the calendar circulated to the committee.

 

AOB

 

It was agreed to look to offer a Rules of Golf session for seniors and to make enquiries with Joan Cocksedge about the possibility of running one.

Date and time of next meeting 

Tuesday 7^th November

Tuesday 16^th January 2024