Minutes of AGM of Golf Society held on the 10thJanuary 2017

In the chair. John Owens

In attendance. Ron Arnold, G Boyes, K Baker, L Mumford, D Walsh, John Pigeon,

P Walsh, P Horrocks, I Piper, Doug Slade, Phil Bird, Jonathan Hatt.

Apologies for absence. Paul Tissiman, Alan Littmoden, Dave Mander

Minutes of the previous AGM were made available and agreed.

Treasurers Report

Copies of the accounts were circulated by L Mumford, who advised there were no new members in 2016 and with 3 dropping out this left 22 active although 20 of these attended the first meeting at Chelmsford. The lowest attendance was 12 at Abridge. Overall the average attendance was just under 16. Guestattendance was similar to previous years apart from Thorndon Park where guests outnumbered members by 17 to 16, a number of these were past members so some may rejoin this coming year. Prize money increased in 2016 but thanks to sponsorship by Alan Tappin, Phil Walsh & Phil Bird and Chris Jones, the total amount was covered by annual subscriptions. The rounding up of the cost of meetings was more than enough to cover other expenses so the end of year bank balance was in credit by £117 and therefore it was proposed and agreed to keep the annual subscription at £25.
J Owens and all at meeting offered their huge appreciation to Laurie for his continued support on the society finances.

Secretary’s Report

2016 was anothersuccessful year for the society with good weather and reasonable attendance by mainly the ‘core’ players with some guests during the year and an incredible 16 at Thorndon Park! 3 members attended all 7 golf days, Peter Horrocks, Alan Littmoden & John Owens.
The year did not start very well with the cancellation of the March golf day at Sundridge Park due to a flooded course, but days at Chelmsford, Clacton, Woodbridge (27 holes), Langley Park (an AGM suggestion), Kings Hill & Abridge (late replacement for Verulam) were well received. The lack of golf buggies at Woodbridge emphasized the need to ensure availability when booking golf days. The only negative aspect was the poor quality of food at Kings Hill & Abridge.

Winners of Trophies as follows:-

April: Chelmsford (Byfield Cup):Kevin Baker

May: Clacton (Joan Horrocks Bowl):Alan Tappin

June: Woodbridge (Secretary’s Cup): Gary Cornell
President’s Shield: Gary Boyes

Tom Mellish Trophy: Kevin Baker

July: Langley Park (David Green Shield):Phil Bird

September: Kings Hill (Whitbread Cup):Alan Littmoden

October: Abridge (Robbo Cup): Mickey Dye
December: Thorndon (Tony Charter Cup):Gary Boyes

Champion of Champions:Gary Cornell

Captain’s Trophy: Phil Bird

Match Play: Steve Phil Bird

Progress Trophy:n/a

The meeting thanked John for his first year as Secretary.

Appointment of Officers

All of the following were proposed and seconded:-

Treasurer Laurie Mumford

Secretary John Owens

Captain Ian Piper

Vice-Captain Chris Jones

Dan Walsh was thanked for his captaincy of 2016.

Golf days for 2017

J Owens advised that the following golf days have been booked with July & September to be decided.

Friday 10th March – Sundridge Park (East) – winter deal @ £45 (normally £90) – Chilli & Pint
Thursday 6th April – West Essex - £45 (£2 extra for full English)
Thursday 11th May – Clacton - £40 including full English
Thursday 8th June – Hever Castle (27 holes) - £67.50 option for outside BBQ (min 20)
Friday 1st December – Thorndon Park

It was agreed that:-

  • Where the full English breakfast was offered at reasonable cost this should be included.
  • Suggestions for July golf day included Dale Hill, Bishops Stortford, Toot Hill, Harpendon, Rayleigh, Purdes Heath The Shires & Saffron Waldon.
    J Owens to check availability from proposed courses.
  • J Owens offered a suggestion for the September event to be a 2 day overnight stay with several options and costings. It was well received and agreed that Dale Hill would be the preferred choice.Attendance for just one of the days would still be possible
  • Format of day to continue as coffee & bacon roll/full English, 18 holes and 2 course evening meal.
  • Handicap system to remain as nowwith 2016 ending handicaps carried over to 2017.
  • Match Play completion to continue but the final should be encouraged to be played if at all possible.

Sponsorships

Our new captain agreed to sponsor a ‘Captains Day’, others to be encouraged.

Any other Business

It was agreed the Champion of Champions Trophy would remain a stroke play competition.

Meeting closed at 20:50