Warley Park Seniors Section - AGM 2021
AGM held on 29th November 2021
The minutes and individual officer reports are set out below
The minutes and individual officer reports are set out below
Minutes of Seniors Section AGM held on 29th November 2021
1 Apologies for absence, D Hanley, B Brookes
2 Minutes of previous AGM were accepted as a true record
3 There were no matters arising
4 Captain`s Report, see below
The Captain invited the Vice-Captain Dave Skinner to speak. Dave said he was looking for forward to the new year with enthusiasm. He was already on a club committee looking into which charities might be supported by all the Captain`s next year, and would report back with any decisions taken.
5 Secretary`s Report
The secretary thanked Geoff Jackson for his work on behalf of the seniors and for his help in the smooth handover.
All the 2021 matches were completed, despite covid restrictions at the start of the year. He thanked the captain for his efforts in achieving this.
He outlined the difficulties faced in finding enough players for each match and the discussions taken by the committee to address this problem. Reasons of cost and the length of the day as part of the problem.
Next year`s cost would be reduced because the Captain had approached Get Golfing and got them to agree to waive the £15 per player charge for the away team.
It was decided to reduce the fixtures with other clubs by 2 to 8 making 16 fixtures in total.
The two clubs chosen were Wanstead due to length of journey and now in Low Emissions charge Zone and Stableford Abbotts as they only wished to field 12 players. Both clubs have been informed.
All 16 matches for 2022 have been arranged and are in the club diary and on the fixture list.
The cost for next year`s matches is a provisional figure of £10 for home matches and £22 for away matches.
The matter of a maximum handicap of 28 in the team matches had been raised by a member. It was agreed that the secretary should contact each club before a match stating that this is our position, unless they had any objection.
6 Competitions Secretary`s Report, see below
7 Treasurer`s Report, see attachment
8 Restructure of Committee
A discussion took place regarding the size of the committee and the need for a position of Chairman. It was decided that the committee meet in early January and report back with recommendations for a vote to be taken by the members before end of February.
This should include a constitution to reflect the committee offices and period of time such positions should be held.
9 Selection Arrangements for Future Captains
A discussion took place regarding making bigger the number of members interested in becoming a future seniors captain, it was decided for the moment next year`s captain should still find a vice-captain in the usual way.
The general consensus was that a better way be found to identify individuals who would be interested in being a future captain.
Committee to look at the issue.
10 Any other Business
A suggestion was made to reduce the number of Medals in regard to the Golfer of the Year. A counter proposal was made that it should stay at 4 proposed by Mike Trett, seconded by Brian Wilkins.
This was accepted with a big majority.
A discussion took place regarding handicaps in senior`s competitions, some thinking that handicaps no higher than 28 be allowed. The point was made that different divisions could be adopted for winners ie below 18 and above 18, as is done in some clubs. The point was made that all competitions should be inclusive to all. No decisions were taken.
Bill French - Seniors Section Secretary
1 Apologies for absence, D Hanley, B Brookes
2 Minutes of previous AGM were accepted as a true record
3 There were no matters arising
4 Captain`s Report, see below
The Captain invited the Vice-Captain Dave Skinner to speak. Dave said he was looking for forward to the new year with enthusiasm. He was already on a club committee looking into which charities might be supported by all the Captain`s next year, and would report back with any decisions taken.
5 Secretary`s Report
The secretary thanked Geoff Jackson for his work on behalf of the seniors and for his help in the smooth handover.
All the 2021 matches were completed, despite covid restrictions at the start of the year. He thanked the captain for his efforts in achieving this.
He outlined the difficulties faced in finding enough players for each match and the discussions taken by the committee to address this problem. Reasons of cost and the length of the day as part of the problem.
Next year`s cost would be reduced because the Captain had approached Get Golfing and got them to agree to waive the £15 per player charge for the away team.
It was decided to reduce the fixtures with other clubs by 2 to 8 making 16 fixtures in total.
The two clubs chosen were Wanstead due to length of journey and now in Low Emissions charge Zone and Stableford Abbotts as they only wished to field 12 players. Both clubs have been informed.
All 16 matches for 2022 have been arranged and are in the club diary and on the fixture list.
The cost for next year`s matches is a provisional figure of £10 for home matches and £22 for away matches.
The matter of a maximum handicap of 28 in the team matches had been raised by a member. It was agreed that the secretary should contact each club before a match stating that this is our position, unless they had any objection.
6 Competitions Secretary`s Report, see below
7 Treasurer`s Report, see attachment
8 Restructure of Committee
A discussion took place regarding the size of the committee and the need for a position of Chairman. It was decided that the committee meet in early January and report back with recommendations for a vote to be taken by the members before end of February.
This should include a constitution to reflect the committee offices and period of time such positions should be held.
9 Selection Arrangements for Future Captains
A discussion took place regarding making bigger the number of members interested in becoming a future seniors captain, it was decided for the moment next year`s captain should still find a vice-captain in the usual way.
The general consensus was that a better way be found to identify individuals who would be interested in being a future captain.
Committee to look at the issue.
10 Any other Business
A suggestion was made to reduce the number of Medals in regard to the Golfer of the Year. A counter proposal was made that it should stay at 4 proposed by Mike Trett, seconded by Brian Wilkins.
This was accepted with a big majority.
A discussion took place regarding handicaps in senior`s competitions, some thinking that handicaps no higher than 28 be allowed. The point was made that different divisions could be adopted for winners ie below 18 and above 18, as is done in some clubs. The point was made that all competitions should be inclusive to all. No decisions were taken.
Bill French - Seniors Section Secretary
Captains Report
An eventful year to say the least !! No golf at all until the end of March , which at least meant I didn’t have to go through the humiliation of a second drive in. Our first two matches were casualties of Covid restrictions and the early matches were played with limited hospitality.
With a lot of help from Gordon (or was it the other way round), I wrote to Ed Richardson, setting out our views on the first 9 months of Get golfing’s ownership and in fairness he responded very promptly. As a direct result we now have booked tee times for the swindle, enabling this backbone of the Section to continue to operate in the traditional way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my second year as captain, although it has not been without its challenges. Generally the weather has been very kind to me with all big events taking place in good weather. Guest day was a big success with 80 people playing and, despite some complaints, a reasonable meal, and thanks to everyone’s generosity I raised £600 for my charity, There was a good turnout for my captain’s day, including, 8 ladies and 4 of our older colleagues, but the meal turned into a farce and we were moved downstairs for dessert and the presentations. For some, including my vice captain this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
The quality of the food for the early matches was poor, although it has improved significantly as the season has gone on. Paying green fees for our visitors has made playing matches very expensive and I am very grateful to the 43 players who have supported them. I am delighted to report that we will not pay green fees next year, a recognition that these are proper matches and that Get Golfing benefit from the food and drinks provision. We have been supported in getting 3 matches starting on the 17th, which enables us to eat at a reasonable time. One impact of Covid seems to be a relaxing of dress code , with most clubs now opting for smart casual dress, with showers optional. We played 18 matches this, winning 10, drawing two and losing 6, including winning all home matches. On a personal level I took the expression of an honourable draw to a new level, by halving no fewer than 8 of my individual matches.
I carried on the tradition of an away trip by going to Tudor Park, and the 18 of us had an enjoyable two days. Unfortunately two recently departed members won the team prize aided and abetted by Mark Woodcock, a certain contender for bandit of the year. The individual prize and most of the 4 point pot was won by , another bandit of the year contender, Kevin Sandford. Thank you very much to Brian Wilkins for doing most of the organising.
Mike Trett will be reporting on competitions later on, but congratulations to all the winners, particularly Greg Burnham who won Golfer of the Year and the Singles knock out and Paul Jackson and Rex Argent who won the gross and net Seniors Championship respectively. An amazing achievement by Rex who is well into his 80’s and in the most appalling weather coditions.
Over the last two years we lost two long standing members of the Section , Maurice Smith and Ron Brazier, who older members will remember, Our condolences have been sent to their respective families. John Foreman has been going through a difficult time health wise recently, but hopes to attend the Christmas lunch as does Bob Butler, and it will be great to see them both.
A number of long standing members have left in the last 12 months, which is a great shame, including a number of past captains. Fortunately we have gained a number of new members , and I am confident the Section will go from strength to strength. Our success is due in no small part to the efforts of the Committee , who work tirelessly on your behalf. I would like to thank the Committee both personally and on your behalf, so thank you Mike Trett, Ash Patel, Chris Vander, Gordon Allen, Roger Tallentire, Graham Robson and Bill French.Thanks are also due to Geoff Jackson, and Colin Brown for their support before their departures. Finally, my thanks to Dave Skinner for agreeing to be captain next year, I am confident he will do a great job, and I am sure you will all support him.
I would also like to thank Dave Datson, club captain, who has done a magnificent job in bringing the various sections of the club together in difficult circumstances. We again had two very enjoyable events with the Ladies, which were well supported, so thank you to Liz Brown, it has been a pleasure working with you.
Finally, thank you for the support for my charity, Brentwood Theatre Trust and I am delighted to say the total raised was over £1,000
Steve Abbott
An eventful year to say the least !! No golf at all until the end of March , which at least meant I didn’t have to go through the humiliation of a second drive in. Our first two matches were casualties of Covid restrictions and the early matches were played with limited hospitality.
With a lot of help from Gordon (or was it the other way round), I wrote to Ed Richardson, setting out our views on the first 9 months of Get golfing’s ownership and in fairness he responded very promptly. As a direct result we now have booked tee times for the swindle, enabling this backbone of the Section to continue to operate in the traditional way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my second year as captain, although it has not been without its challenges. Generally the weather has been very kind to me with all big events taking place in good weather. Guest day was a big success with 80 people playing and, despite some complaints, a reasonable meal, and thanks to everyone’s generosity I raised £600 for my charity, There was a good turnout for my captain’s day, including, 8 ladies and 4 of our older colleagues, but the meal turned into a farce and we were moved downstairs for dessert and the presentations. For some, including my vice captain this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
The quality of the food for the early matches was poor, although it has improved significantly as the season has gone on. Paying green fees for our visitors has made playing matches very expensive and I am very grateful to the 43 players who have supported them. I am delighted to report that we will not pay green fees next year, a recognition that these are proper matches and that Get Golfing benefit from the food and drinks provision. We have been supported in getting 3 matches starting on the 17th, which enables us to eat at a reasonable time. One impact of Covid seems to be a relaxing of dress code , with most clubs now opting for smart casual dress, with showers optional. We played 18 matches this, winning 10, drawing two and losing 6, including winning all home matches. On a personal level I took the expression of an honourable draw to a new level, by halving no fewer than 8 of my individual matches.
I carried on the tradition of an away trip by going to Tudor Park, and the 18 of us had an enjoyable two days. Unfortunately two recently departed members won the team prize aided and abetted by Mark Woodcock, a certain contender for bandit of the year. The individual prize and most of the 4 point pot was won by , another bandit of the year contender, Kevin Sandford. Thank you very much to Brian Wilkins for doing most of the organising.
Mike Trett will be reporting on competitions later on, but congratulations to all the winners, particularly Greg Burnham who won Golfer of the Year and the Singles knock out and Paul Jackson and Rex Argent who won the gross and net Seniors Championship respectively. An amazing achievement by Rex who is well into his 80’s and in the most appalling weather coditions.
Over the last two years we lost two long standing members of the Section , Maurice Smith and Ron Brazier, who older members will remember, Our condolences have been sent to their respective families. John Foreman has been going through a difficult time health wise recently, but hopes to attend the Christmas lunch as does Bob Butler, and it will be great to see them both.
A number of long standing members have left in the last 12 months, which is a great shame, including a number of past captains. Fortunately we have gained a number of new members , and I am confident the Section will go from strength to strength. Our success is due in no small part to the efforts of the Committee , who work tirelessly on your behalf. I would like to thank the Committee both personally and on your behalf, so thank you Mike Trett, Ash Patel, Chris Vander, Gordon Allen, Roger Tallentire, Graham Robson and Bill French.Thanks are also due to Geoff Jackson, and Colin Brown for their support before their departures. Finally, my thanks to Dave Skinner for agreeing to be captain next year, I am confident he will do a great job, and I am sure you will all support him.
I would also like to thank Dave Datson, club captain, who has done a magnificent job in bringing the various sections of the club together in difficult circumstances. We again had two very enjoyable events with the Ladies, which were well supported, so thank you to Liz Brown, it has been a pleasure working with you.
Finally, thank you for the support for my charity, Brentwood Theatre Trust and I am delighted to say the total raised was over £1,000
Steve Abbott
Competitions Secretary Report
Gentlemen,
Little did Steve think that it would take him two years of Captaincy before he would conduct this AGM live!
The year 2020 was difficult for our competitions and apart from COVID19 we saw momentous changes in our golf club. A take-over fraught with uncertainty being the main feature. We had just mastered the Club V1 system of signing in for competitions , well most of us had anyway, when we were confronted with Intelligent Golf and more lockdown.
At the time it did not seem like a very intelligent system but once we began to use it, we found out many of it’s capabilities. I hope that most of you have by now managed to understand how it all works. We must express gratitude here to Keith Regan for all the help and support that he has given to us during this time.
I also appreciate the support of my deputy Chris this year. His abundant enthusiasm is clear and he is always keen to offer support and help. During the last few weeks that has been especially appreciated.
Sadly, because of the various uncertainties we have all endured, several people have felt the need to seek their golf on other courses and we all wish them well. The most obvious result of their departure is the reduced entries to our competitions. I am sure that next year our numbers will build up again.
At the start of 2021 we were still embroiled in Lockdown, so a number of competitions was lost from our normal programme. Since we restarted in April we have managed a full fixture list. Thank you all for your support and for managing to cope with the new website and new procedures. I think the new system has made my job simpler by doing the draw for each competition and by enabling me to email all entrants, has removed the need for Gordon to put the draw on to our website. Also it has overcome the members who managed to enter more than once!
When it is necessary to cry-off please make contact using Whats app or by phone. It sometimes is possible to adjust the draw and it is common courtesy to let your playing partners know!
We already have a draft programme of fixtures for 2022 and it should be available shortly via our website. Good luck to you all for Christmas and may the New Year see you all trying hard to reduce those growing handicaps!
Mike Trett
Gentlemen,
Little did Steve think that it would take him two years of Captaincy before he would conduct this AGM live!
The year 2020 was difficult for our competitions and apart from COVID19 we saw momentous changes in our golf club. A take-over fraught with uncertainty being the main feature. We had just mastered the Club V1 system of signing in for competitions , well most of us had anyway, when we were confronted with Intelligent Golf and more lockdown.
At the time it did not seem like a very intelligent system but once we began to use it, we found out many of it’s capabilities. I hope that most of you have by now managed to understand how it all works. We must express gratitude here to Keith Regan for all the help and support that he has given to us during this time.
I also appreciate the support of my deputy Chris this year. His abundant enthusiasm is clear and he is always keen to offer support and help. During the last few weeks that has been especially appreciated.
Sadly, because of the various uncertainties we have all endured, several people have felt the need to seek their golf on other courses and we all wish them well. The most obvious result of their departure is the reduced entries to our competitions. I am sure that next year our numbers will build up again.
At the start of 2021 we were still embroiled in Lockdown, so a number of competitions was lost from our normal programme. Since we restarted in April we have managed a full fixture list. Thank you all for your support and for managing to cope with the new website and new procedures. I think the new system has made my job simpler by doing the draw for each competition and by enabling me to email all entrants, has removed the need for Gordon to put the draw on to our website. Also it has overcome the members who managed to enter more than once!
When it is necessary to cry-off please make contact using Whats app or by phone. It sometimes is possible to adjust the draw and it is common courtesy to let your playing partners know!
We already have a draft programme of fixtures for 2022 and it should be available shortly via our website. Good luck to you all for Christmas and may the New Year see you all trying hard to reduce those growing handicaps!
Mike Trett
Treasurers report 2021
Copies of 2021 accounts were handed out.
At a recent committee meeting, it was agreed to change the accounting year to end of October in order to give the auditor more time to audit the books before the AGM.
Well that did not work out too well.
Tony decided to spend November on holiday.
The accounts I am presenting to you are unaudited, however, Captain Steve has checked them out so they should be an accurate reflection on the year.
The accounts for Covid hit 2020 were sent out to the membership in December 2020. As a reminder the key numbers are shown in the left hand column.
In 2021, we had 18 matches and Geoff Jackson made sure the matches were self-funded whilst the senior section paid for nearest to pin prizes. This resulted in £100.20 loss
As Bill has already indicated, the cost of seniors matches will probably be £10 at home and £22 away. The section will make up any shortfall and pay for the prizes.
Two Ladies/seniors events were costed to break even but a profit of £37.70 was made.
Guest day, Captains day and Seniors matches would have made heavy losses had Captain Steve not subsidised these events, see numbers at the bottom of the page. We should thank him for that.
Other Expenses
Nothing that needs a special mention but I did finally sell the one shirt left over from Robbo’s year as captain. I am now taking orders on shirts, full sleeve jumpers and sleeveless jumpers which have Warley Park Seniors logo on them
So get your order in quick. Whilst the seniors colours are Sky blue shirts and black jumpers there are other colour choices available.
We have a healthy bank balance of just under £2913.50
Summarising the Proposals for 2022
That concludes my report and will take questions from the floor
Ash Patel
Copies of 2021 accounts were handed out.
At a recent committee meeting, it was agreed to change the accounting year to end of October in order to give the auditor more time to audit the books before the AGM.
Well that did not work out too well.
Tony decided to spend November on holiday.
The accounts I am presenting to you are unaudited, however, Captain Steve has checked them out so they should be an accurate reflection on the year.
The accounts for Covid hit 2020 were sent out to the membership in December 2020. As a reminder the key numbers are shown in the left hand column.
In 2021, we had 18 matches and Geoff Jackson made sure the matches were self-funded whilst the senior section paid for nearest to pin prizes. This resulted in £100.20 loss
As Bill has already indicated, the cost of seniors matches will probably be £10 at home and £22 away. The section will make up any shortfall and pay for the prizes.
Two Ladies/seniors events were costed to break even but a profit of £37.70 was made.
Guest day, Captains day and Seniors matches would have made heavy losses had Captain Steve not subsidised these events, see numbers at the bottom of the page. We should thank him for that.
Other Expenses
Nothing that needs a special mention but I did finally sell the one shirt left over from Robbo’s year as captain. I am now taking orders on shirts, full sleeve jumpers and sleeveless jumpers which have Warley Park Seniors logo on them
So get your order in quick. Whilst the seniors colours are Sky blue shirts and black jumpers there are other colour choices available.
We have a healthy bank balance of just under £2913.50
Summarising the Proposals for 2022
- Continue to subsidise matches
- Subsidise 2021 Xmas Lunch by £6pp
- Keep the 2022 competition entry fees at £2
That concludes my report and will take questions from the floor
Ash Patel
The Notice for the AGM on 29th November 2021 is on the notice board and below.