Captain’s Letter No 12 – October 2023

Immediate Past Captain’s Letter of Thanks & Newsletter- October 2023

Due to my unfortunate neck fracture 3 weeks ago, I was unable to publish my last Captain’s Letter in October.
With the kind blessing of our new Club Captain Mark Langford, I am able to fulfil my commitment, and report on the happenings during October.

Golf Club AGM
The Golf Club AGM took place on Monday 30th October where it was my great pleasure and honour to present Captain Mark Langford his Captain’s jacket and tie. Captain Mark has been the most amazing support to me during my Captain’s year as Vice, and I know Captain Mark will serve the Club and its Members with enthusiasm, humour, presence & commitment. The Golf Club is in very safe hands, and I know Vice Captain Derek Lines will enjoy a fantastic year supporting our Captain Mark.
I hope you can attend the ‘Captain’s Drive in’ this Sunday at midday, and witness the ceremonial start of their year.

Ladies AGM
This took place on Thursday 26th October when Margaret Judge became ladies Captain, and Margaret will be supported by her Vice Captain Sharren Kjenstad. On a personal level, I would like to thank Immediate Past Captain Bella for all her support, humour, dedication and enthusiasm during our time together as Captains…..its been an absolute pleasure.

Seniors AGM
The Seniors AGM took place in October when Colin Mann became the Seniors Captain with Kelvin Richardson accepting the Vice Captains role. Once again, on a personal level, I would like to thank Dave Harris for all his support during his Captain’s year, and I wish Colin & Kelvin good luck over the next 12 months.

Honorary Lifetime Member – John Brooks
It was my privilege and honour to present ‘Brooksie’ with ‘Honorary Life Member’ status on behalf of the Club at the AGM. Brooksie has been a wonderful servant to the Club since joining in the 1970’s. He became Club Captain in 1979, later served on the Club Board and became Club President in the 90’s. He is still an enthusiastic supporter of our Golf Club & commands deep respect from all those fortunate enough to know and meet him. Brooksies lovely wife Barbara has always provided unswerving support to John, and it was wonderful to see Barbara at the Golf Club AGM to witness Brooksie’s presentation.
A career 8 holes in one…..not a bad golfer either!

Captain Vice Challenge, Match and Dinner
I would like to thank all those who supported the Captain Vice Challenge throughout the year. Both Captain Mark and I enjoyed every one of the 29 matches we played with the Members. The Captain Vice dinner was held after the Captain V Vice Match in October. As a result of their highest victory, he Challenge winners Sharren Kjenstad and Linda Day received their complimentary dinner; as guests of honour. Well done ladies!

18th Bridge
The 18th Foot Bridge refurbishment was completed last month. Huge thanks go to Members Paul & Mick Edgar, whose company carried out the works.

Recent Flooding
Everyone was taken by surprise by the floods last week …….country wide.
Testimony to our greenskeeper’s and volunteer’s work was the incredibly quick recovery of the course. To be open, and in such fantastic playing condition within 4 days is nothing short of miraculous.

Comedy Night
The Comedy Night held in October was a great success, and the Members & guests enjoyed a fun evening once again.
The Captains Charity benefited by over £500 and it was great to see the Club house so busy.
Thank you for supporting the event.

New Members Night
I hosted my last New Members night last Friday as Captain, and we enjoyed a nice evening introducing new Members to some of the committee, and each other. After a brief history lesson on the Club and outlining what the Club has to offer, the evening was rounded off with some ‘nearest the pin’ action in the Trackman suite followed by a fish and chip supper.

Testicular Cancer Awareness Talk & Christmas Quiz
On Friday 17th November, the CEO of the charity ‘Its on the Ball’ will be giving a short awareness talk for all Members and their families at the Club house.
There will also be a Christmas Quiz after the presentation; to encourage as many people as possible to attend the important awareness talk.
The evening will be free, with prizes for the Christmas quiz winners and a complimentary light buffet.
There is a list for names for the quiz on the Club notice board by the food hatch.
Please come to either the short talk, Xmas Quiz or both. It will be informative, fun…..and could just save someone’s life

Captain’s Charity
I couldn’t finish my last letter to the Golf Club Members without mentioning the Captains Charity.
It has been an extraordinary year of generosity and support by our amazing Members.
The Captain’s Hut, Comedy Nights, Charity Auctions, 4 Ball Raffles, Mark & Glenn’s amazing 7 1/2 rounds, Sponsorships and personal contributions has raised a number way beyond my initial target of £4000. As I reported at the Golf AGM, the Captains Charity total stands just under £14,000.
I can’t tell you how grateful and humbled I am for the way everyone has supported the events over the past 12 months.
With such a substantial fund, I hope to fulfil my promise to replace the 15th footbridge with a buggy bridge in the next 12 months. Thank you one and all….quite simply astonishing.

Sincere Thanks
As it’s my 12th and final letter, I just want to thank everyone for their support over the past amazing 12 months. Its a year I shall treasure and never forget. Sincerely…..I thank you all.
I wish Captain Mark, Lady Captain Margaret, Vice Captains Derek & Sharren all the success they truly deserve over the next 12 months. They couldn’t wish for better Members to support them.

Happy Golfing….

Immediate Past Captain Phil