President’s Update- December
Published on 19th December 2024 in Members News
The AGM was held on Monday 25th November 2024 with 91 financial members in attendance. This was a great turnout, and overall, a positive meeting, from those who provided some feedback. The AGM approved Life Membership for Club stalwart Del MacNeill in recognition of her many years of service, coaching and mentorship for new women members. Congratulations Del on this deserving award in recognition of the significant work you have done for the benefit of our Club. Current serving Life Members are:- Celio Novel, Kevin Stott, Ron Newberry, Helen Newberry, Bevin Martin, Geoff Fuller, Peter Martinson, John Fielding and Del MacNeill. I also look forward to working with the newly elected Board in 2025 with seven of the current members being returned unopposed along the new addition of Bevin Martin who will replace outgoing Director of Finance, Mark Thomas. Welcome Bevin and thank you to Mark for his great service with the Board.
It is pleasing to see the conditions of our great golf course improve significantly following coring, fertilising and spraying in the Spring. In my view the fairways are looking as good as I can recall and the greens have improved significantly. The bunkers are still not as good as hoped and further efforts are being explored to improve the presentation and condition of the bunkers. Thanks to Dave Brennan, Course Superintendent and his team as well as Director of Grounds, Alan Grist and the SODS Squad for the ongoing work in the care and maintenance of all matters affecting the Course. The new Green at hole No 10 is really starting to take shape along with the new concrete pathways linking with the tee at No 11. The new green should be ready for play by the middle of January 2025.
Recent Board considerations have included a proposal for the members bar to be renamed the “Terry Veale Members Bar” in recognition of the substantial support and sponsorship provided by the Veale Family over many years. This proposition has arisen following the passing of Terry earlier this year, along with further additional financial assistance gifted to the Club, to continue current sponsorship of key events for now and into the future. The Board has given ‘in-principal’ support to the naming of the Bar as proposed. A new initiative by Travis Lord to arrange a SW Golfing Tour for the Birdies Group was very successful. Travis is now looking at a possible Mens trip to SA and a Womens tour of the SW. Both of these trips will be available to all members on a first in nomination basis, as numbers will be limited. Keep your eyes open for further details in due course.
I would also like to extend the Club’s respects to the family and friends of Roger Houghton who passed away recently. A member of this Club for over 56 years, Roger was a very popular golfer who will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Roger.
In conclusion. I wish all members, Des and our much valued staff at the Club, a Happy Christmas and the very best for the New Year. See you in 2025.