Castle News - January 2010
CASTLE VIEWS - An official publication of Clevedon Golf Club keeping the membership informed
CHAIRMANS PIECE
What a start to the new year with the weather causing us to lose eighteen
days of golf during December and January. In spite of this our Captain,
Charles Griffiths has got off to a great start with his social programme -
the New Year's Eve party, the Captains' drive-in on New Year's day and a
Burns Supper just a week ago. It was good to see some new faces at these
events and I believe the social programme for 2010 contains something for
everybody so do come along and enjoy the fun.
Our Winter Membership promotion has yielded 23 new members, compared to 17
last year - an excellent result. We now have the challenge of converting
them to full members in the Spring.
To date we have already signed up thirty-five societies (we had 20 in the
whole of 2009) which is a terrific response to the promotion driven by
Richard Dix and Martyn Mills.
Despite the bad weather, all is not gloom and doom but we will have to work
hard to deliver our priorities and budget. Let us hope that we soon see the
end of the poor weather for this year.
Club Forums will be conducted again this year, the first one being in the
Spring. Notices and the agenda for this will be issued nearer the time.
Finally, a happy New Year to you all and success in your golf whatever your
handicap.
Roy Quipp - Chairman
PROFILE - OUR NEW CAPTAIN
Our Captain Charles Griffiths was born at Hambrook, north Bristol
and along with his brother John, attended Bristol Grammar School before
reading Maths and Geography at Newcastle University.
After graduation Charles returned to Bristol, joined Price
Waterhouse and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1974.
For the majority of his working life Charles has worked in the
clothing industry and currently he is the owner of Monsoon Marketing which
specialises in embroidered garments.
Charles is married to the lovely Vanessa and they have three
children - two golfing sons, Robin and Nigel and one daughter Charlotte, who
is getting married in September at St Enodoc near to the family's holiday
home.
Charles was introduced to golf by his father and he can recall, at a
very young age coming to Clevedon and playing amongst the Castle ruins.
Charles joined Clevedon as a junior in 1965 and currently plays off
a handicap of 13 with the ambition of getting down to single figures (is
there still time, he asks!).
Charles spends much of his spare time helping a number of charities
and is a member of the council of St Monica Trust and chairman of the Cote
Charity. Both are involved with care for the elderly.
AROUND THE COURSE
The start of another year for Clevedon Golf Club following on from a good
year in 2009 with the course being in good order for most of the year.
We start the year on a sad note, however with one of our Green staff Brian
Gray retiring due to ill health after 17 years working with us at Clevedon.
We wish Brian well for the future and hope that he recovers from his illness
sufficiently to enjoy his retirement and many thanks from all at the Golf
club for your efforts over the last 17 years.
As we look forward to 2010 the Golf Club is in a good position to continue
the minor improvements we have been making recently by improving paths,
installing better and larger winter teeing areas and generally improving the
appearance of the course. We will continue with these minor changes as funds
allow but will concentrate, as always in producing the course in the best
possible condition that the elements will allow.
There has been lots of discussion over the speed of greens over the last few
years and many comments as to the relative speeds of different Golf Course
greens. Given the layout of Clevedon and the very different settings and
age of our greens our aim is firstly to provide greens that are of a
consistent pace and a speed that makes the greens playable with different
pin placements. It is fair to say that Clevedon will probably never have
greens as fast as some other courses are at present, but we will continue
to maintain our greens to highest possible standard improving the quality of
the grass and provide the best possible playing surface that will give an
excellent consistent playing surface.
We will still have the problems in the spring with a bumpy surface for a
week or two as the different grasses begin to grow even though we will be
cutting the greens daily at this time. Our new machinery from last year has
made a great difference particularly to the fairways and with a good growing
year in 2010 the course should show some improvement.
There will be some obvious changes to the course in 2010 with changes to the
ladies tees at the 10th and 12th. The fairways at the 9th, 15th and 17th
will have minor changes to improve the playability of these holes and the
bunker at the second should be one large bunker if the weather is good
enough for construction before the end of the winter.
The coming year will hopefully bring good weather which should allow us to
continue with the steady improvement in our course's condition with minor
improvements year-on-year as stated at the various forums over the past few
years. There will be an up-date at the Spring Forum, mentioned by the
Chairman when all developments needed to respond to any changes relevant to
the course will be outlined and discussed.
I wish all who play at Clevedon Golf Club during 2010 an enjoyable year. I
for one will be doing my best to reduce my handicap and to that end I want
the course to be as good as possible and I can assure all members and guests
that myself and everyone else associated with the Club will be doing their
utmost to achieve this.
Martin Reid (Course Director)
FINANCIAL NEWS
This financial update for 'Castle Views' could almost be a rewrite of any of
last year's reports, except that after last year's results we now know if we
continue with the same financial approach and controls we can achieve a
small surplus at the year end.
After three months our finances are on track with our budget and we are
projecting a small surplus at the year end. However, we still have a long
way to go!
Subscriptions and joining fees account for approximately 80% of our income
so an increase or decrease in this area has a major bearing on our finances.
With this in mind every effort is required by everybody to introduce new
members to our Club. With the current economic situation we are not
anticipating an increase in membership levels so it is imperative that every
effort is made to maintain our existing levels. All golf Clubs are
experiencing the same challenges and we will have to work hard to keep ahead
of the other clubs in the area.
Our budget does not allow for any capital expenditure so we will not be able
to carry out any major projects or refurbishments. We must hope breakdowns
requiring expensive repairs do not occur and that the weather is kind to us
so that we get plenty of visitors to boost our green fee income.
This year we will benefit from the rent reduction negotiated with our
landlord and this will go some way to off-setting this year's payment for
our new greens machinery.
On the positive side, we achieved a small surplus last year and there is no
reason why we should not do the same again this year. There is a need for us
taking a more commercial approach if we are to thrive and survive. Green fee
income, whether from casual visitors, members' guests, societies or
participants in Opens is our second biggest area of revenue so we must take
every opportunity to increase this. To supplement our income steps are now
being taken to increase the number of societies visiting us and, at the same
time an 'Opens' week will be held in August. Both will generate much needed
revenue for us.
Alan Wignall - Director (Finance)
COMPETITIONS AND HANDICAPS
BOOKING ONLINE
Starting in February members will be able to book for Club and Men's
competitions online and the following arrangements will apply:
at 5pm on the Friday two weeks before the competition the computer
in the lounge will go 'live' to receive bookings.
a week later it will be possible to access the booking sheet on
the internet and it will remain there until the following Thursday. It will
then be removed to facilitate preparation of the scorecards and once this is
carried out a full display will appear.
late bookings will still be possible via the office or the Pro'
shop.
In the meantime, would each member please email Richard Dix
(richarddix@clevedongolfclub.co.uk) putting as the Subject
"Confirmation of Email" and in the text provide (1) your full name (2) the
number on your green Club card (3) your home
telephone number and (4) any other contact details to enable the Office to
send you start sheets.
TEAM NEWS
Steve Lawrence and Craig Andrews have again been appointed Captain's of the
1st and 2nd teams respectively and I am sure we wish them every success.
There will be two team trials (dates to be announced) and the second will
incorporate qualification for the Bristol & District Hi-Lo competition.
In the Daily Mail competition we have been drawn at home against Henbury -
again, date to be arranged.
HANDICAP REVIEW
This will be carried out early in February and those members whose handicaps
have become inactive (failure to submit three qualifying cards) will not be
eligible to enter Club competitions.
RYDER CUP
As an increase in visitor numbers (and their welcome income) is anticipated
during Ryder Cup fortnight later this year consideration is being given to
allocation of tee times during this period.
16TH HOLE
A reminder that it is a player's responsibility should their ball cause
damage, especially to property outside the course.
Willy Rowlinson - Director (Competitions & Handicaps)
HOUSE MATTERS
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
The inaugural photographic competition, which closed on the 1st of November,
has now been judged by the Lady Captain and the Seniors Captain. Without
exception all entries were of a very high standard and showed imagination
and a good eye for their subjects. The results were:-
1 'New Bridge over the 2nd tee' : Peter Rose
2.''The 16th through the trees' : Colin Maskell
3. 'Pin at Dusk' : Rosemary Fife
(I have made up titles so that the winning photographs can be identified)
Thank you to all the members who submitted photographs and I hope this
becomes an annual event so that our Dining Room wall is filled with the
stunning views we are all privileged to see every time we play.
BUSINESS ROOM HIRE
If your Club or business is looking for a meeting room to hire, I would like
to remind all that we have that facility. The clubhouse has wi-fi and the
Board room makes an ideal setting for a place to take your clients. Access
is easy and we have ample car parking and good catering. Please contact the
office for more details.
Ron Conway - Director (House)
LADIES
What an excellent start to the New Year with the Captains' drive-in taking
place in brilliant sunshine and with so many people in attendance. Thank you
to all that participated!!! Take a look at the pictures in the 'News'
section of the website.
The golfing programme is almost complete but please make a note in your
diaries for the Spring Dinner on 18 March where our guest speaker will be
Dr. Kitrina Douglas. Twice European Masters Champion and the youngest
professional to be awarded 'Master Professional' by the PGA, Kitrina is
based at Bristol University researching and teaching on women's motivation,
performance and mind/body issues. I am sure she will give us all lots to
think about.
April will see a number of ladies attending the away weekend at Woodbury
Park and on 3 June there will be another away-day at Stover.
The Rogers Cup
is to be played at Wheathill by 4th May against Burnham and Berrow and the
Centenary Plate is also to be played at Wheathill by 8 June against Oake
Manor.
The first round of the BDLGA Scratch Foursomes will be played against Bath
at Knowle before 18th April and the Handicap Foursomes against The Mendip at
Stockwood Vale also before 18th April.
Once the dates have been finalised I shall be contacting prospective players
and we are currently waiting for dates for the 'Mail on Sunday' competition.
To continue the success of last year in encouraging new golfers and those
wishing to improve their standard, past Captain Rosemary has agreed to look
after the 'Ladybirds Are Go' meetings, the first of which will be for coffee
and a chat on Sunday 7th February at 10 a.m. Alison Leatt and Debbie
Quinn-Hall have kindly offered to assist Rosemary so please check the notice
board in the entrance hall for details.
I look forward to seeing you all in the Clubhouse and to playing with you on
the course during this year.
Susie Gibbins - Ladies' Captain
SENIORS SAY
I am looking forward to being Seniors' Captain in 2010. I look forward to a
year of competitive golf but one played in the fun spirit that makes
Seniors' golf, and especially Clevedon Seniors' golf, so enjoyable.
My thanks to everyone who turned out for the Captains' drive-in on New
Year's day and in particular Bob Latham and the Sun Life boys. It gave me a
chance to wear the shirt of the football team that is the 'apple of my eye'
so watch out now for my Stoke City hat around the course - it was a
Christmas present from my 90-year old Mum (yes, she is a little eccentric!).
We have a full list of matches and competitions arranged for 2010 so please
put your names down on the lists on the Seniors' notice board in the locker
room and enjoy playing golf with your fellow Seniors. My thanks to all those
on the Seniors Committee for the time they spend (which is more than you may
think) to ensure that we all have a great year of golf.
Seniors Ladies Night is to be held on Friday 26th. March - a great evening
is in store. The Seniors Away-Day is on Wednesday 19th May. This year we are
going to Raglan Parc which is a relatively flat but challenging course for
all handicaps. Careful thought is being given to our travel arrangements to
ensure we do not have another run-in with the Welsh Constabulary!
The Seniors' Captain/Vice Captain Challenge is well under way. To date Bob
Latham and I are undefeated in the five matches played - with 2 matches to
be re-arranged due to the course closures.
Hopefully the weather will improve soon so that we can all enjoy some golf.
Paul Smith - Seniors' Captain
JUNIORS
2009 was yet another successful year for our Juniors, ably led by captain
Adam Williams and I am sure their development and achievements will continue
under the new captain Toby Chapman. We wish him and his deputy Tom Rowlinson
well over the next twelve months. Both of them will represent the Club in
the best possible way, a trademark of the Juniors Section.
The highlights of last year were:
- a clean sweep in the Clevedon Junior Open by Myles Angell, Ali
Balcombe & Ed Cawse
- Lizzie Stevens & Myles Angell representing the County in Junior
matches
- Cara Swift & Jamie Tompkins being selected for County coaching
- Myles Angell, jetting off to Abu Dhabi to compete in the Daily
Telegraph Junior Final
- the Junior Team reaching the League Final for the second year
running
- and myself being awarded the 'Volunteer of the Year' by the Somerset
Golf Union - I was so surprised and feel very honoured.
Over the winter twenty of our Juniors - beginners and those with more
experience - have been attending coaching sessions both at our Club with Rob
Scanlan and at Tickenham with Sarah Jarrett. Others have received County
Coaching. At the same time a group of eight girls have also started
pre-season coaching with Sarah Jarrett.
The future of Clevedon Golf Club is our Juniors and the Club's ability to
retain existing members and encourage new ones. To this end the Club has
decided to aim for 'Golf Mark' which is a national scheme that identifies
and recognises junior and beginner-friendly golf facilities. Much of what is
required is already in place with Coaching and Playing, Club Environment,
Child Protection & Duty of Care. More information about this will follow in
the Spring.
Tony Brown - Junior Co-ordinator
PRO SHOP NEWS
Firstly, I would like to thank all the members for their kind wishes and
support after my accident in August. My physiotherapy sessions are going
well and I hope to be back playing golf soon. I am still able to give
lessons so please feel free to come in and book one.
We will soon commence the Captain-Pro Challenge on Sundays and Ashley will
be doing a Captain-Assistant Challenge on Tuesdays - dates are already
posted on the notice boarding the foyer.
During the Spring there will be both a Cobra-demo day and a Ping-Demo week.
The dates of these will be arranged soon and I will keep you posted about
them.
If anyone would like their Powakaddy serviced, ready for the new season, now
is the time to do so. The cut off point for servicing is February, after
which it will be repairs only.
The Pro-Shop Christmas Draw has been done, so congratulations to:
1st) John Mays - Ping G15 Driver
2nd) Sue Liddeatt - Odyssey Putter
3rd) Tony Bradley - Powakaddy Deluxe 2 Bag
4th) Roy Quipp - Titleist Vokey Wedge
5th) Jon Mansell - Footjoy Shirt
6th) Linda Mills - 1 Dozen Titleist Balls
Thank you for supporting this year's draw - the prizes can be collected from
the pro-shop.
My best wishes for the forthcoming season to you all.
Rob and the Pro-Shop Team
Newsletter Editor - Paul Middleton