MINUTES OF RYE HILL SENIORS
AGM 16 OCTOBER 2013
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Jim Bryan was elected to the position of Chairman with no opposition. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Eric Barlow, Chris Franklin, Colin Croft, and Brian Luker & Mike Wollerton.
22 members attended the meeting which commenced at 2.30pm.
LAST YEAR'S MINUTES
Norman King proposed that last year's minutes were an accurate record
of that meeting, seconded by Ricki McGarry.and carried unanimously,
COMMITTEE REPORT
Captains Report
Graham began by saying how much he has enjoyed his three years as Rye Hill Senior's Captain and that his task had been greatly eased by the invaluable assistance and help of several members.
He wished to express his thanks to Egon Winkler for his diligence in taking money from us all on Wednesday mornings.
To express his gratitude for the help given by Derek Delsini in collecting and drawing out the cards on a Wednesday.
Also thanks to Norman King for his organisation of our internal fixtures, away days and inter club matches, for his use of computer skills in creating the team sheets and fixture lists, and finally for being our Official Photographer.
He mentioned that Norman has also played a leading role in the creation of the Rye Hill Senior's web site. The big danger is he believes that a
website is created and then allowed to go out of date, but Norman has continued throughout the year to keep it up to date with results and fixtures. It is a web site to be proud of and is already helping to recruit new members.
Matches
We played 16 matches, winning 5, halving 8 and losing 3. Silverstone was a new venue. We were undefeated at home, three losses being the lowest for the past 3 years. There was increased eagerness to play.
Brian Luker played in all 16 games, Roger Tyler 15, and Chris Franklin 14. Graham thanked Brian , Roger and Chris for their support and also the other 25 players.
He commented that it required far less chasing around this year to secure 12 players for each match.
He also wished to thank the very able substitutes who stood in as Captain in his absence.
Captains Trophy
The Captains Trophy, which was held for the second time, was well attended, both for the golf and the evening get together. Graham Lester won the competition and his name will go up on the Senior Board in the entrance to the Club along with that of the Seniors Captain for 2014.
This Trophy will continue to be a major golf and social event in the Seniors' Calendar.
Graham mentioned that £250 has been collected for Tony Pennock and wine vouchers have been purchased from S.H. Jones. These will be handed to Tony as a thank you for all he did for the Club and the Seniors' over the years he spent here. Some members will meet with Tony in the local pub next Tuesday 22nd October at 7.30.
Graham thanked everyone for their support during his three years as Captain and expressed the hope that everyone would have an enjoyable Golfing Year in 2014. From the Chair he was thanked for all that he has contributed as Captain.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Dick Brennan gave a very full and detailed report of the Seniors' finances for the year, the results of which have left us with a current credit balance of £1,014.70, up more than £400 on last year. The Presentation Lunch in the New Year is likely to cost between £300 and £400.
The money spent on prizes for the year amounted to £2,493.
AWAY DAYS
The Away Days at Kidlington and Silverstone were successful and enjoyed by those who took part. Norman King said that there will be two Away Days next year in May and September.
Senior Matches have been arranged for 2014 and details of these will be given in due course.
COMPETITIONS
All the usual competitions were successful with the weather being generally kind to us during the year.
As mentioned the Senior Captain's Trophy Competition proved once again to be successful in both golf and social terms.
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Last year's committee members all agreed to remain in post for the coming year. Derek Delsini proposed that this offer be adopted and EgonWinkler seconded the proposal. The meeting agreed. No other members wished to join the committee. Mick Ball is confirmed as incoming Captain
The current committee therefore consists of:
Mick Ball Captain Norman King
Grahame Lester Previous Captain Ian Walton
Dick Brennan Treasurer Graham Hillier
Maurice Proctor Handicaps Kevin Wheeler
Jim Bryan
COMMITTEE PROPOSALS
1. Change age criteria to 50+
There was considerable debate about this and the main point in favour was that more people would be available for matches. Maurice Proctor pointed out that the EGU ruling for Seniors' was 55+.
A vote was taken and the majority were in favour of retaining 55+ It was also agreed that people we know who have been playing in Senior events could continue to do so.
2. Play all major/trophy competitions off White tees and utilise Blue tees more in Winter.
The majority voted in favour of playing all major/trophy competitions off the White tees with two members voting against.
To date the Blue tees have been used for non-qualifying events and the suggestion was made that perhaps they could be used on some occasions for Stableford qualifying events . Tony Bastable was not in favour because of the lay out of the course and the way holes change. Ian Walton said that the Standard Scratch of 68 would counterbalance this.
A vote was taken and a majority were in favour of utilising the Blue tees more than previously in the Winter months.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Marc Wheeler
Marc had to field a number of questions relating to the tees. Derek Delsini asked about positioning of tees on the 4th and 5th holes and Marc said that tees could be moved within 100 yards. His view is that if a suggestion is made it could be passed on to Ian and his Ground Staff team for consideration.
Other matters raised included use of temporary tees, damage to tees, and the maintenance of mowers. Chris Moulton suggested that there could be yardage sheets for the Academy course.
Marc emphasised that he is very willing to talk about matters affecting the course . However, the cost of implementing any proposed changes and the time factor would have to be taken into account.
Practice net
The need for a practice net was discussed. Ian Walton was not in favour as the noise from hitting balls, should it be erected near the 1st Tee, would disturb those players commencing a round and possibly members finishing their round on the 18th Green. The point was made that there are adequate practice facilities at Rye Hill.
The view of most members at the meeting was that a practice net is not a pressing requirement.
Broken tees
Graham Lester mentioned that the Tee Areas were sometimes untidy because of broken tees left lying about. There was discussion about the use of containers which could be fitted into the ground. Marc thinks that this is a good idea but there would need to be discussion with Gregg and Ian about the cost.
Bunkers
Ian Walton said that the condition of bunkers was a key issue. Tony Bastable said that in his opinion use of machines in bunkers impacted the sand and use of manpower to prepare the sand is much better. Marc did not disagree but the ground staff quite simply did not have the time.
As regards the 16th bunker Marc explained that water from the pond washes the sand away as it drains into the ditch. He said that a decision has been made to turn this bunker into a grass bunker. The grass will be cut in such a way as to facilitate chipping onto the green.
Practice Area
Gowan McCormack asked whether 5 day members could use the Practice Area and the Academy on Saturdays and Sundays. Marc said this was not allowed but some discussion might be possible regarding a small charge for such use.
Corner of 5th & 6th Tees
Tony Bastable asked whether the corner between 5th & 6th tees could be tidied up.
Marc said that this is in hand.
Maurice Proctor congratulated Marc, Ian and the ground staff for the condition of the course, especially the greens.
GREGG
Meals
There was criticism about the standard of Match meals as portions are small and Gregg was asked whether it would be possible on occasion to provide a carvery by way of a change. Gregg pointed out that he has been asked not to put up prices.
He said that the way forward is to sit down with Mark, the Head Chef, in order to decide the price and standard of the meals.
The Shop
No decision has been made about the stocking up of the Shop as historical information relating to cost/profit is poor. He would expect to stock items which are generally needed.
The bunkers
Gregg was asked about new sand for the bunkers, which may cost about £6,000, and he regards this need as a first priority when there are funds available.
The future
Gregg explained that the Club has made losses over the past 12 months which he has underwritten. He clearly hopes to turn things around as he has a great team of people to assist him.
His lease still has two and a half years to ran and he would expect to be able to renew this with Jonathan Spencer, the owner of the Club, in due course.
Finally Gregg thanked all Senior members for their continuing support. SENIOR CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR
The election of the Senior Clubman of the Year resulted in a win for Norman King. (two years in a row ) Congratulations Norman.
The meeting closed at 3.30pm.