AGM 2009 - Minutes

MINUTES OF WYCHWOOD PARK GOLF CLUB
8th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Saturday 5th December 2009


AGM 1.1 Welcome

AGM 1.2 The Hon. Secretary opened the meeting following the presentation to the year’s competition prize winners and welcomed the Members of Wychwood Park Golf Club to this the 8th Annual General Meeting. With in excess of 25 members present the meeting was quorate. A copy of the accounts year ending 30 September 2009 was distributed to all for review.

AGM 2.1 Apologies Received

AGM 2.2 Lee Cole, Nigel Harris, Nigel Edwards, Steve Cooke and Iain Gray

AGM 3.1 Minutes of AGM 2008 & Matters Arising

AGM 3.2 A copy of the minutes of the 2008 AGM had been posted on the Notice Board for review by all Members and with no matters arising. It was proposed by the Club President that these minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record of the 2008 AGM. That proposal was seconded by Paul Siviter. There were no objections.

AGM 4.1 Club Captain’s report followed by presentation of New Captain

AGM 4.2 Mr. Trevor Brennand gave his report as outgoing Captain in which he commented on just how quickly his year as Captain had passed by and how he had thoroughly enjoyed it.

AGM 4.3 Trevor was delighted with the success of the Charity Ball that he and hosted together with Jeannie Mckenna at which over £3,000.00 was raised in aid of the McMillan Cancer Relief Trust.

AGM 4.4 Trevor felt that the year’s competition calendar had proved successful and he wanted to thank all those supported of the Club’s events during the year, including the major competitions and especially Tony Welburn and Titleist for their continued support of the Club Championships.

AGM 4.5 Trevor also thanked his Lady Captain, Jeannie McKenna, for all her help and support throughout the year, the Team Captains, the members of WPGC Committee and the De Vere team. Trevor played in the mixed club championship and even scored a hole in one on the 11th!

AGM 4.6 Finally, Trevor thanked his Vice Captain, Paul Price and wished him the best of success for his Captaincy during 2010.

AGM 4.7 Our new Captain, Paul Price then addressed the meeting, as follows:

AGM 4.8 “Mr President, Past Captains, Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to thank Trevor , De Vere and you the members for giving me the opportunity to be YOUR Captain. You finally got me!

AGM 4.9 It was good to be able to see this year’s winners picking up their trophies. In fact the main reason I decided to accept the Captaincy was that it was the only way I would be able to get my name on a board in the clubhouse..................although recent results may say the contrary. ANOTHER Fiver tomorrow Trevor? Please take a few minutes though to remember that there is a lot of effort that goes into the organisation of these events, so a big thank you to the continued efforts of Paul Siviter!

AGM 4.10 If you will indulge me for a few minutes, I would like to, if I may take you back to October 2001.
• David Beckham scored the last minute free kick against Greece to secure England’s Place in the World Cup
• Aston Villa were top of the Premier League with Manchester United in sixth.......
• Apple Launch the Ipod
• The first Harry Potter film was released
• The USA invaded Afghanistan
• And Tiger Woods Published – Play the Tiger Way – with a chapter called “How to Drive”!
....and I saw an advert in the Sunday Papers for membership at a new course called Wychwood Park.
I sent off a cheque and rang the contact number everyday for 2 weeks to make sure I was in!
I got confirmation and sat back waiting for the course to open!

AGM4.11 Wind the clock forward to March 2002 and I get my details through, Member no. 2. Who on earth could have beaten me to number 1? I had an appointment to meet up with a Mr Frank Kiddie, who was in a show home in Delves Keep, with a chance to whizz round the course on a buggy. I talked to Frank on the phone, but couldn’t meet up with him as I had my Daughters 6th Birthday Party to go to! Wind the Clock forward to 8th July 2009 and I’m in Leighton Hospital witnessing the birth of my Son....Joshua 12lbs, mother and baby doing fine.....a very emotional day........... especially as Wychwood Park Golf Club was opening in two days time! I missed the Inaugrual event, but managed to sneak up the next day to play the Front Nine. Never even walked the course before......Unbelievable! Saturday Played the Back Nine............Unbelievable! I was in golfing Heaven..........and from that day forward, it has been an honour to be a member of this golf club and to be able to Play this course.......and now I’m your Captain! With the emphasis on YOUR.............

AGM 4.12 I joined the Committee in 2004 as Handicap Secretary, a role that I reluctantly leave, and have served on the committee under all but one Captain......so I go into this year’s Captaincy with my Eyes Wide Open.........I know I have learned from all of the previous Captains and various colleagues on those committees and it will stand me in good stead for the year ahead. We all know the structure of the Club and the fact that our facilities are provided by Devere and I hope you agree that the course has left very little to complain about. We all need to understand that the Management here are part of a large organisation and it is not always easy to administer to our every need, but I will endeavour to continue the work that previous Captains and committees have done in supporting the members interests with Devere. There are a number of things I wish to focus on over the next 12 months, firstly to work with the Committee and with Devere on behalf of all members of the club to enable you enjoy your golf and get value from your membership. GOLF FOR ALL

AGM 4.13 We have a number of formal sections within the Club, the Ladies , The seniors and the Juniors obviously all of whom I intend to support. We also have the teams, who have been successful and have raised the profile of the Club and long may it continue. But we also have the social golfers......those who don’t want to play in the arranged events and we need to make sure we cater for them.

AGM 4.14 We as a committee can only do this by ensuring that we are aware of what you want and what needs to be sorted for you, so the second thing I want to focus on is improving communication between ourselves and providing everyone with the opportunity to have a say in the running of OUR Club. We already have a number of ways of communicating, we need to use them. We have the members’ website and the members’ forum, both of which enable you to interact with the committee and other members, please use them. I also want to invite a volunteer member to each committee meeting so that the operation of the committee is open to everyone.

AGM 4.15 I will also run, if the need is there, open clinics where myself and other committee members are available in the clubhouse to answer any questions members may have! If we do something wrong and you don’t tell us we have both failed.
AGM 4.16 Finally, we have a joint Captains Charity again this year, the banner may be a giveaway, but the New Lady Captain will formally announce the details, but we have a number of events in mind to solicit your support and I, with the support of a few members, will be cycling in at least one charity event this summer in aid of the Charity. ...................I know it’s hard to believe. I just ask that you give myself, the Lady Captain and the Committee your full support and I wish you all an enjoyable and successful years golf, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Thank You”

AGM 5.1 Lady Captain’s report followed by presentation of New Lady Captain

AGM 5.2 Jeannie McKenna gave her outgoing report as follows: “I was delighted when June Walton asked me to be her Lady Vice on a wet and cold Saturday morning way back in June 2007. She did give me a few days to consider her invitation and three days later I said yes.

AGM 5.3 At the time it seemed a very long way off but here I am on my last day as Lady Captain I can't believe were the times gone. We started the year with a very successful Charity Ball in aid of the Macmillan Unit based at Leighton Hospital. It was a great night but sadly tinged having to say good bye to Frank Kiddie who was at the heart of this club and has been sorley missed.

AGM 5.4 Once again our ladies had another successful run in the MOS only to be knocked out in the 7th round at Abergele. We also have a new Club Champion in Michelle Smith. The best news is that the golfing ability of all our ladies has improved and we have had 14 different competition winners during the season.

AGM 5.5 The ladies presentation evening was a social highlight to end our golfing year and the Devere team were excellent on the night. I would like to say a special thank you to Lorna who has supported Trevor and myself in all our social events throughout 2009. But all good things come to an end and I am now happy to take a back seat and look forward to concentrating on hopefully playing some decent golf in 2010.

AGM 5.6 Thank you to all who supported me its greatly appreciated. I could not have been Lady Captain without you. However, I do need to say a huge thank you to Pete who gave me 100% support and I can definitely recommend his PA skills. Thanks Pete.

AGM 5.7 All remains now is to introduce you to our new Lady Captain Elaine Stubbs.”

AGM 5.8 The 2010 Lady Captain, Elaine Stubbs addressed the meeting as follows: I feel very honoured and privileged to be standing here as your Lady Captain especially as I am a relatively new member to Wychwood Park. Thank you for this honour.

AGM 5.9 At Wychwood we have quite a small ladies section which is shrinking and this is a shame. We may be small, but we have quality and I am particularly proud of the results we have had, especially in the Mail on Sunday competition in the last few years. Wychwood has developed a reputation with the local clubs, that it is a difficult course but I think this reputation really comes from, the length of the men’s course, where off the blue tees it is a true championship course. The course off the ladies tees compares with most others around here, but the quality of the course and greens, does set itself aside, from these.

AGM 5.10 So this year we hope to put Wychwood Park Ladies section back on the map and build our profile.

AGM 5.11 We have spoken to Joanne Morley, who is the European Solheim Cup Vice Captain 2009. She has offered to hold a Ladies golf clinic here at Wychwood, along with a talk in the evening speaking on her Solheim Cup experiences. Hopefully, along with the full support of Jon and Iain and some strong advertising this will be a very successful event, and by inviting other local golf clubs along in the evening, we may be able to attract and poach some of their Lady members. (holding 2 opens, because dates have been set earlier, we hope for a better response).

AGM 5.12 I am looking forward to working alongside Paul and supporting all the golfing events throughout the year.

AGM 5.13 You may have guessed by now, that Paul and I have chosen to support Help for Heroes as our charity for 2010. The charity was formed in 2007 and is aimed at helping the men and women of our Armed Forces who are injured while serving our county. The funds raised will help improve the facilities at Selly Oak hospital and Headley Court rehab. Centre, which is where all the casualties are flown back to, in the UK. These men and women gave for us, let’s give for them. This charity is particularly special to me as my son Daniel was in the army for 5 years. He was deployed to Iraq on his 20 birthday, he did his 6 month tour and fortunately he returned home safe and uninjured. We are the lucky ones.

AGM 5.14 Mr Captain, Paul has decided to do a cycle ride (along with one or two other members) in aid of the charity. I am sure there must be one or two more enthusiastic cyclists out there who would like to keep them company. Our club championship weekend will also be tied in with a National Golf Day challenge, which is supporting the charity.

AGM 5.15 We had thought we would have a charity bunker this year, but instead Paul and I thought we would have a charity “ditch” this will in fact include any water on the 14th hole. There will be an honesty box in the shop and on the bar for anyone unfortunate enough to enter any water on the 14th.

AGM 5.16 I would like to thank you again for giving me the honour of being your lady captain and finally I would just like to introduce our Lady Vice captain for 2010 – Michelle Smith.”

AGM 6.1 Management Report from DeVere Venues

AGM 6.2 Jon Farmer registered the apologies of Iain Gray who was unfortunately unable to attend as hoped. Jon shared his views regarding the golf course and where the club is heading as a venue for quality golf.

AGM 6.3 Jon noted that in 2009 the Club staged a second televised Euro Pro Tour event. He was confident that the Club would stage a third in 2010 and host the European Tour Qualifying School in September

AGM 6.4 The rough had been cut back twice and steps had been taken with the use of green tees for visitors to improve playability and speed of play for non member guests. He acknowledged there was still work to be done and that the bunkers especially need work to see a long term improvement. Jon asked all members present to please observe the roped off areas of the course and all signposting.

AGM 7.1 Club Accounts

AGM 7.2 The Hon. Secretary presented the Club Accounts in the absence of our Treasurer, Nigel Harris.

AGM 7.3 The club accounts for 2009 remained to be certified but the draft in circulation were presented by the Treasurer who gave his report. The Club Accounts opened with a credit balance of £9,918.46 and closed with a credit balance for the year of £9,518.46.

AGM 7.4 The accounts were proposed by the Captain, Paul Price and seconded by the President. There were no objections.

AGM 7.5 The Hon. Secretary noted that this AGM marked the end of Nigel Harris’s position as Treasurer and, in Nigel’s absence conveyed his thanks to the past Captains of WPGC and to the Committee members with whom he has served for their help and support throughout. The Captain also conveyed his thanks to Nigel on behalf of the Club.


AGM 8.1 Changes to Club Rules

AGM 8.2 No material changes have been made in the year.

AGM 9.1 Elections to the General Committee for 2010

AGM 9.2 Wesley Jones was elected (unopposed) as an ordinary member of the General Committee.

AGM 10.1 Member’s correspondence received

AGM 10.2 None

AGM 11.1 AOB

AGM 11.2 The meeting was opened up to any questions, as follows. :

1. Were there any specific agreed plans in place to carry out improvements to the course bunkering ? Answer (JF): We are waiting for moneys to be signed off for release;
2. Could there be greater investment in active on-course marshalling in the year ahead as slow play is still a problem for many members ? Answer (JF): Slow play may be the biggest problem that the course faces. We would like to invest in new signage, advising players of the optimum times for reaching certain points in their rounds of golf. The pace of play did improve in 2009 but more can and will be done ?
3. Can we look at introducing minimum handicaps? Answer (JF) No, this is something that has been considered but ruled out.
4. Is the new starters hut actually used? Answer (JF): Yes, though the greatest use of course will come in the spring and summer months. We may also invest in a new facility on the 10th tee, perhaps by moving the mini conservatory to provide a half-way house.
5. What is the targeted revenue for the golf club? Answer (JF): This is not the forum to discuss that information.
6. Can we take steps to improve the dress code of guests as there have been reports, for example, of bare-chested players? Answer (JF): The club has a dress code that it will enforce.
7. Is this the cheapest De Vere golf venue? Answer (JF): Steps are under way to change that in March.


AGM 12.1 Meeting Close
The Hon. Secretary. thanked everyone for attending and invited all to partake in the buffet kindly provided by De Vere.




WYCHWOOD PARK GOLF CLUB GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING

MONDAY 6th
September 2010, 6.15pm

MINUTES


Present: Mr Captain, Lady Captain, Treasurer, Paul Stubbs, Malcolm Nash, Martin Wainman, Nigel Edwards

In attendance (part): Iain Gray and Jon Farmer



1. Apologies for absence

Keith Tipping, Paul Siviter, Hon. Secretary, Michelle Smith

Mike Nash attended instead of Keith Tipping and was welcomed to the committee.


2. Minutes of Meeting 19 July 2010 & Matters Arising.

The minutes of the previous meeting were circulated for approval. No matters arising.

3. Review of Action Logs & Updates

The Action Log was not available, so a full review would be completed at the next meeting.

MW asked that we made sure in future that an action log was available so that outstanding actions could be managed more effectively.

4. De Vere Update

Iain Gray and Jon Farmer, informed the committee of the change to the sale of memberships at Wychwood Park. A new approach to memberships had been introduced across all Devere courses, whereby no “Full Memberships” would be available and membership could only be via the DeVere Club Scheme by purchasing points.

Current members, would still be able to continue their current membership scheme, as long as they wished. If the lapsed, however, they would not be able to rejoin the club, other than via the points scheme.

NE asked about the position of juniors and whether a junior scheme would be offered.

JF to confirm the position re Juniors

A letter has been posted on the notice board in the Clubhouse.

PP informed the Committee and Devere that he had spoken to a number of members, who, apart from rumours, were unaware of the change, despite the notices in the clubhouse and suggested that further communication via a newsletter and invitation to a meeting to discuss.

JF to supply electronic copy of letter for posting in members web site and forum.

The issue relating to cheap golf rates for visitors was raised as members had become aware of visitors booking tee times at £13.50 per round and also times as low as £7 being advertised.

IG and DF confirmed that the £13.50 rounds were “twilight” times but were limited to availability. They also assured us that whilst some sites were advertising rates as low as £7, no one would be able to actually play the course at that rate and golfers had been turned away having booked these deals with organisations that do not have the rights to sell tee times at Wychwood.

JD asked why non-members were able to book tee times in member’s slots on Saturdays, drawing on an experience on a previous Saturday when he was behind 2 four-balls of visitors on a Saturday Morning at premium member’s times.

IG agreed to investigate as visitors should not be booked into members tee slots.

PSt, asked Devere if they would consider again the provision of tee times for members to play at Gorsty Hill when the course at Wychwood Park was closed. Eg for European Qualifying School.

IG agreed to investigate options.

JD reported that the members Levies had still not been resolved.

IG agreed to resolve position.
WC to add item on agenda for next meeting to discuss with Devere

A discussion was held relating to social events, endorsed by Devere, this would be discussed at the next meeting.

IG informed the committee that a Quarterly Newsletter would be mailed out to the membership with a monthly newsletter being available in the clubhouse.

5. Competitions Report

As PSi was not in attendance there was not a report on Competitions, however, the following discussions and agreements were made in relation to Competitions.

Presidents Day - JF had confirmed that the Presidents day has been booked in as a Shot-Gun Start. We will need to make the arrangements for food and booking of the clubhouse this time.

Winter league – the format for this year was discussed again and the decision was taken to run a pairs better Ball Stableford competition with best 4 scores from 6 rounds to count and the top 16 to play in a matchplay KO competition. The entry fee for each of the 6 rounds would be £3 per player, with an additional £1 for the overall KO competition.

Psi to set up rules and dates for notice board.

Summer KO Finals Day – There is no date in the diary for Gents KP Finals.

PP to discuss with PSi and ensure tee times are booked and players are informed of the dates.

JF to confirm when Winter Works commence and whether we can hold finals day on 2nd October 2010 with Greens and Fairways in good conditions.

6. Handicaps Report

PSt asked for a list of existing members to so that he could complete an audit of current handicaps.

JF to supply latest list.

7. Ladies’ Report

ES reported that the bushes in front of the 8th had been cut back, but requested that the same needed to be done on the 9th tee.

Concerns were also raised again relating to the Ladies Tee Times and the questions being asked re-releasing them.

The Ladies are releasing the tee times, but the appears to be a problem with releasing them on the system

PP to raise both issues with JF

8. Seniors’ Report

Nothing to report

9. Juniors’ Report

Nothing to report.

10. Treasurer’s Report

Issue with competition monies resolved. Money had been banked by Devere and has now been transferred.

11. Team Update

A Team now expecting finish Runners Up in Premier League.
B Team 1 from bottom of Div 1, playing the bottom team next week.
Wychwood Park are through to the JC Scratch KO final at Astbury on 11th September. 12:30 start, supporters welcome.

12. Disciplinary Matter

Following investigations by Devere, a Member has been expelled from the club following an incident at the hotel on Sunday 8th August 2010. The matter was handled by Devere as it was a “non-golfing” matter and was managed in accordance with the Club’s Disciplinary code.

The Committee would like to take this opportunity to remind members that they do not condone any bad behaviour by members on or off the course and are supportive of action taken by Devere in line with our Disciplinary Code.

The committee would also like to thank the Honorary Secretary, Mr Will Clayton, for assisting us in ensuring that due process was followed by both Devere and the Committee.

13. AOB

None.

Next meeting 5th October 2010, 6 pm start. (Please note 6pm start time)