Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 8th March 2010 at 1.00pm at Bedford and County Golf Club can be found below.
Next Meeting Dates:
| AGM | NEXT BLCGA MEETING | NEXT BLCGA JUNIOR MEETING |
| Monday 1st November 2010 at 2:00pm at John O'Gaunt |
Monday 10th May 2010 at 1:00pm at Aylesbury Vale |
Tuesday 20th April 2010 at Bedfordshire |
Minutes from Previous Meetings:
| Previous AGMs | Previous Meetings | Junior Meetings |
| 2nd November 2009 at Leighton Buzzard |
Monday 7th September 2009 at Dunstable Downs |
10th March 2010 at Bedfordshire |
| 3rd November 2008 at Bedfordshire Golf Club |
Monday 13th July 2009 at The Millbrook |
30th September 2009 at Leighton Buzzard |
| Monday 9th March 2009 at The Millbrook |
12th August 2009 at Bedfordshire |
|
| Monday 1st December 2008 at John O'Gaunt |
17th June 2009 at Leighton Buzzard |
|
| Monday 8th September 2008 at South Beds |
14th January 2009 at Bedfordshire |
BEDFORDSHIRE LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION
www.blcga.co.uk
www.bedsgolfpartnership.com
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING
held at
BEDFORD & COUNTY GOLF CLUB
on
Monday 8th March 2010 at 1.00pm
The County Captain welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Bedford & County Golf Club. Lady Captain Angie Tatum-Hume also welcomed everyone to the club and hoped that 2010 would be a successful season and with fine weather.
THOSE PRESENT
E Bruce (County Captain), L May (Immediate Past Captain), A Shuter (President), M Watchorn (Vice President), S Cormack (Vice Captain), K Harris (Secretary), J Levinson (Treasurer), G Smith (Past Captains' Captain), E James (Course Assessor Officer), M. Seabrook (East Region Representative), C Holden (Beds Golf Partnership), C Clarke (SB), J Garratt (AG&WS), E Mackirdy (Mow), L McCartney (BM), H Nolan & A Tatum-Hume (B&Co), A Shirville (LB), G Walpole (PP), A Stroomer & C Taylor (MP), L Pearce (WL), Judi Monico (Bed) and A Kavanagh (TheB).
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from S Cleaver (Competitions Secretary), S Turnbull (Seniors Captain), H Molloy (Handicap Adviser), M Dawson (CJO), C King (Chal), J Cocksedge (Ass Handicap Advisor) and J Martin (Colw).
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING (9th Sept 2009)
Lyn Pearce proposed and Heather Nolan seconded that these were a true record of the meeting and they were signed by the County Captain.
3. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE AGM
There were none.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
Three ladies - N Jackson, V Jones and E Mackirdy have applied to be able to use a buggy in County competitions and events. Confirmation letters have been sent to them.
EWGA have written to clubs to announce the increase of 30p in subscriptions for 2011. The EWGA subscription will be £8.50 and the LGU subscription will be £2.50 totalling £11.00.
The latest Ladies Links should be at your clubs. Ladies can register with EWGA, www.englishwomensgolf.org to receive all the latest information.
Cicely Goldsmith had sent Audrey a card thanking BLCGA for her gift vouchers, which she was looking forward to spending.
6. GOLF PARTNERSHIP REPORT (Cecilia Holden)
There are two significant pieces of news to report this quarter:
Firstly the appointment of a paid County Development Officer:
Following a rigorous interview process, the Bedfordshire County Golf Partnership is pleased to advise the appointment of Stephen Bigrave as County Development Officer effective from 1st February. Stephen is a past Captain of Three Locks Golf Club and is currently a Committee Member at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club. In addition to his role of CDO, Stephen will also chair the BCGP Sub-Group responsible for Marketing & Communication.
Stephen has already met with a number of clubs in the county. If you would like him to visit, or have any queries, he can be contacted at development@bedsgolfpartnership.com
Secondly, we have started the ball rolling on the County Academy Programme. Formerly called Club and Coach, this programme aims to deliver coaching to golfers just below County Level.
Fiona Brown (PGA East Region Coach Development Officer) gave a presentation on 1 February to both the BCGU and BLCGA to outline the National County Academy Programme 2010. Although attendance was disappointing, particularly from the professionals, those who did attend found it extremely worthwhile.
As you may be aware we have been awarded £81,000 for development of golf in Bedfordshire over the next 3 years. We have also been awarded various other monies from England Golf, totalling £129,800. However, in order to deliver the entire development plan, the Partnership needs £138,020.
Part of this shortfall is in the money awarded for the County Academy Programme. We need £4,000 per year to run the programme and that puts approximately 96 children through the scheme. Our funding agreement states that at least 25% of the development should be for girls and so we get approximately 24 girls per year through the programme. Maurice Campbell from Leighton Buzzard will chair the CAP working group, and Maureen among others sits on the committee. We need commitment from BLCGA to provide the shortfall of just £1,000 for year 3 of the programme in order to secure the money for the first 2 years.
The Partnership has been up and running for a year now, and we held our [very brief] AGM on 13th January. Although at this stage we are yet to run an event, these will be imminent with the final working group structures almost complete. We now have a Steering Group of 10 people, including 2 from BLCGA, 2 from BCGU, 2 professionals, a County Development Officer and Regional Development Officers from EGU/EWGA, the Golf Foundation and team BEDS&LUTON. We also have representation from Bedford College. I hope you are happy for Pippa and me to continue as your representatives.
There are 5 sub groups, each with a chairperson in place, and specific deliverables to be met:
County Academy Programme - chaired by Maurice Campbell, professional at Leighton Buzzard.
Training and Volunteer Group - chaired by Colin Chatwin of South Beds
Marketing, Website & Communications - consisting of Steve Bigrave and Cecilia Holden.
Budgeting and Fundraising - chaired by Pippa Willis. We need volunteers to work with Pippa, so if anyone is interested in helping, please do get in touch.
Schools and Colleges - chaired by Katie Cooper of the Golf Foundation.
We still need to appoint a county welfare officer. Volunteers for this or any other post will be welcomed with open arms!
Elaine was pleased to announce that BLCGA will commit to providing this £1000 in 2 years. She also asked the County Delegates to ask their lady members for suggestions on how to raise this money over the next 2 years and to report back at the next meeting..
6. EAST REGION DELEGATE'S REPORT (Margaret Seabrook)
There appears to have been very little uptake for 9 Hole Standard Scratch competitions. Counties have been asked to encourage clubs to sign up and take part.
The EWGA AGM ran smoothly and all Resolutions were passed.
County Captains, 2nd Team, Captains and Junior Organisers from all counties in the Region met to discuss alternatives to the current format for County Match Week. Several alternatives were discussed but the meeting agreed they liked the format as it is although it put a heavy financial burden on smaller counties. Additional funds were requested from EWGA to help with county match week funding, no additional funds are available from EWGA. This is causing some counties serious concern as CMW eats drastically into their budgets. The Captains are meeting again in Nov 2010 and are being requested to think of a more affordable format.
Margaret Watchorn kindly attended the Mergers meeting in Birmingham on February 16th and has prepared the following report.
The purpose of the meeting was to update Counties on the progress of discussions between the EWGA & the EGU on a possible merger prior to a Press Release on the subject after the EGU's AGM on February 17th.
Joint statement by:
John Petrie Chief Executive English Golf Union and Jim Robinson Chief Executive English Women's Golf Association.
The Press release is available on the EWGA Website.
The English Women's Golf Association (EWGA) and the English Golf Union (EGU) have agreed to take the next steps towards a potential merger which would let the country's amateur golfers speak with one voice. The joint steering group from the two organisations has agreed five initial proposals and working groups have been set up to look in detail at key areas.
The decision on a merger will be made by the voting members of both organisations after they have received and considered the final proposal and following a period of consultation involving all members. It is hoped the vote will take place before the end of 2010.
The benefits of merger could include: the opportunity to promote golf as one game for all and to make strategic plans for the future of the sport; greater commercial power to attract sponsorship; more effective use of resources and reduced running costs.
The five proposals agreed so far are:
• A single National Governing Body for amateur golf in England. EWGA would join the EGU under a modified structure. EGU Ltd would be expanded to incorporate the activities and assets of both existing companies with a new management structure reflected in a revised Memorandum and Articles of Association. A trading name, yet to be finalised, would be adopted with the single company being styled "X" is the trading name of EGU Ltd incorporated with the EWGA.
• The headquarters would initially be at the National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa, with EWGA's offices in Birmingham remaining in operation for use by staff from both organisations until at least the break clause in the current lease contract in October 2012. After this the new board would review the accommodation needs of the organisation.
• The board of the single organisation would develop the strategy for the new body.
• The EGU/EWGA steering group would consider options regarding the staff organisational structure needed to deliver that strategy. It would appoint where possible from existing members of staff from both organisations.
• The new body would have one main board with executive and non-executive directors. While the final composition and role of this board will be decided by the steering group looking at the structure, voting and governance issues, it would initially have a non-executive gender balance of 6:4 men to women. The main committees would have at least two men and two women members.
The working groups have been set up to consider such key areas as legal and financial issues, golf, marketing, sponsorship and communications.
They will report back to the steering group by mid-April and the results of their work will help to shape the final proposal for a potential merger. This is expected to be published at the end of July and will be followed by roadshows in every county.
The roadshows will be open to all members of both organisations and will provide an opportunity to discuss the final proposal in detail and to ask questions.
The decision on a merger will be made by the voting members of both organisations at general meetings held on the same day, towards the end of 2010.
Merger would bring benefits to English Golf
A merger of the English Women's Golf Association and the English Golf Union would bring many benefits to the amateur game in this country.
• Golf would speak with one voice - and the message that golf is one sport for all would be clearly heard.
• One strategic vision for golf would take the game forward for all players of all ages.
• One single body, uniting men and women, would be positive for the sport and could encourage more people to take up the game.
• Golf would have greater commercial power. One organisation representing men and women would attract a wide range of sponsors, particularly those who wish to appeal to the family market.
• One merged organisation could increase efficiency in development, club services, coaching, championships, media and marketing.
• Costs could be reduced and more effective use made of resources.
The potential advantages have persuaded the EWGA/EGU merger steering group to move forward and examine the detailed implications of merger. The group has agreed five initial proposals and set up working groups to explore key areas.
These working groups, involving over 40 volunteers and members of staff, will study all aspects of a merger and their careful examination will help the steering group to draw up its final proposal.
The decision on whether a merger takes place will rest solely with the voting members of both organisations. Both the EWGA and EGU must approve the final proposal by a majority of 75 per cent before a merger can go ahead.
Calendar of Events
Autumn 2009 Steering Groups formed
April 2010 Working Groups report back
July 2010 Final Proposal for Merger published
Autumn 2010 Road Shows commence
End of 2010 General Meetings held on the same day to vote on whether Merger will go ahead
Although not mandatory Associations and Unions are encouraged to start negotiations to consider merging. Warwickshire are piloting "An advice to Counties" programme.
Elaine thanked both Margaret's for their reports and was pleased to see how well Margaret S had recovered from her accident.
7. TREASURER'S REPORT (Jacky Levinson)
This is Jacky's first official report since she took on the role of honorary Treasurer for the BLCGA, and she was relieved that things have started quite slowly which has allowed her time to become a little more familiar with the financial affairs of the Association.
To date, her main duties have been collecting the annual subscriptions from Clubs and income in respect of Course Cards. Although the Club subscriptions are due by 31st January, seven of the twenty one Clubs in the County have yet to submit their cheques. These are Bedfordshire, Chalgrave Manor, Colmworth, John O'Gaunt, Millbrook, Mount Pleasant and Tilsworth. Perhaps the Delegates of those Clubs would be kind enough to prompt their Clubs to pay. Clubs were reminded that if all subscriptions were not paid by March 31st they would loose their Standard Scratch and therefore would not be eligible to play in BLCGA or EWGA competitions.
With regard to the sale of County Cards, as expected, numbers are dramatically decreased this year and to date income is only just in excess of 50% of last year's figure. We believe that this is because ladies are opting to purchase the £10 ‘national' cards instead of the County Cards.
The Association's bank balances are currently standing at around £5,500 in the current account and £10,500 in the savings account, although Jacky was aware that she was about to be pounced upon by a number of ladies requiring cheques after this Meeting, so these figures are undoubtedly about to change.
8. COUNTY CAPTAIN'S REPORT (Elaine Bruce)
Elaine has been mainly concentrating on training - we have a new coach - Rob Cheney who is very enthusiastic and so a great asset. Our sessions so far have been at either the Biggleswade Range or Kingsway Golf Centre. Sessions have included 1st team, 2nd team and Juniors.
Once again we will make £50 available to all clubs for coaching and it will be up to clubs as how they use it. Please send the County Treasurer your invoice and she will reimburse it.
As said earlier in the meeting the Executive has agreed to commit to giving £1000 to the CGP in 2 years time. This gives us time to raise the funds. County Delegates are asked to come with fundraising ideas to the May meeting.
9. VICE CAPTAIN'S REPORT (Shelagh Cormack)
Sheila had nothing to report but she had been helping Elaine with training and looked forward to the coming golfing season.
10. COMPETITION SECRETARY'S REPORT (Shirley Cleaver)
The preliminary round of the County Knock Out Foursomes is now complete and the 1st Round draw will be sent out next Tuesday.
Shirley reminded all participants to comply with the ruling of offering 2 weekday and 2 weekend dates when arranging matches.
Entries are coming in slowly for the 2nd division Spring Meeting. If you are able to enter please either email Shirley on shrlyclvr@aol.com or telephone her on 01462812628 with your entry and then send her the cheque. The competition being held at Bedfordshire GC will be an 18 hole medal followed by a 2 course meal and prize giving.
11. HANDICAP ADVISER'S REPORT (Heddwen Molloy)
With effect from 1st January 2010 handicaps became either Active or InActive. This system was explained in detail throughout 2009 to ensure that players had sufficient time to return the required 3 Qualifying Scores to keep their handicaps Active and I do not propose to go through the system again here. I trust all your members returned the 3 scores. If your club has any problems please call me.
Distance Measuring Devices seem to have caused problems at many clubs throughout England as the EGU permit their use but the EWGA do not. In view of the difficulties encountered, the EWGA has decided to allow the use of DMDs at club level in EWGA Medals, Australian Spoons and the Ping 4BBB Tournament but not at regional or national level. The R&A, LGU and 6 of the 7 National Unions prohibit the use of DMDs with the EGU being the only one to permit their use. Heddwen has distributed a notice to County Delegates and Handicap Secretaries giving clarification for some competitions. Clubs must decide whether or not to allow their use in club competitions and if they do then a Local Rule must be put in place to allow this. Without the Local Rule DMDs are NOT allowed. (R&A Rule of Golf 14-3. The note for this rule allows clubs to make a local rule permitting their use if they so wish). The Local Rule may allow the use of DMDs that measure or gauge distance only. The use of DMDs that measure other things e.g. wind speed, elevation etc. are not allowed. BLCGA do not allow the use of DMDs in their competitions including Shield Matches, Scratch Matches, KO Foursomes and Mixed Foursomes.
As you will be aware Golf Clubs (both men and ladies) are now registering and uploading to the Central Database of Handicaps (CDH). To date 1500 clubs have registered and 700 have uploaded their data to the database. Information on the CDH was sent to the golf clubs by the EGU during 2009 and on 29th January this year additional correspondence was sent by the EWGA. Both bodies are extremely keen to ensure as many clubs as possible have uploaded their data prior to the start of the playing season. We would encourage clubs to register if they have not done so as the benefits will be well worth it.
Last Friday and Saturday we held 2 Handicap Secretaries' Meetings at which both of these subject were covered. Again if you have any problems please call me.
Finally, we would strongly recommend that clubs review their Conditions of Competition and ensure that they cover all eventualities, e.g. the use of DMDs, whether buggies are allowed, etc. as several things may have changed in recent years. Conditions of Competition should be reviewed regularly and certainly well worth their weight in gold. It is always much easier to lay out the conditions prior to a competition than to deal with problems after they arise.
12. JUNIOR ORGANISER'S REPORT (Maureen Dawson)
Maureen was still on holiday and there was no report.
13. SENIORS' CAPTAIN'S REPORT (Sam Turnbull)
The year has begun quite quietly with subscriptions coming in from most clubs. Sam has not yet received forms from Aylesbury Vale, Caddington, Pavenham, and The Bedford so if the County Delegates for those clubs are here please remind clubs to send them in as soon as possible.
Kathy has put in the County Delegates folders all the information for the Senior 2000. The qualifier for this is played with the May medals in clubs. Last year most clubs sent a qualifier through to the knockout stage so it was an excellent competition. Please pass all the information to your Competitions Secretary. It would be very good to see ALL the clubs in the County represented in the knockout section of the trophy.
The first match of the season is fast approaching. It is against the County 2nds at Caddington. The rest of our matches begin in June.
14. PAST CAPTAINS' CAPTAIN'S REPORT (Gill Smith)
So far we have 148 members. Gill has not heard from Aylesbury Vale, Caddington, Colmworth, JOG, Millbrook, Mount Pleasant, or Pavenham Park, as yet.
With regard to the matches, she is assuming if she has not had a return of the form for offering spaces in the matches that those clubs have no one available, and she is allocating those places to other clubs. The names should have been returned by the end of February.
The team for the 1st match against the Men at Bedfordshire Golf Club will be on the web site this week!
Gill was very happy to announce that she has asked Anne Harris from Bedfordshire to take over from her as Past Captains' Captain in November, and she has accepted!
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
For those clubs who have already registered with the Central Database of Handicaps, Elaine James asked that ladies add their unique number to any of the County Competition entry forms, as this will help a great deal.
Gwen Walpole (PP) was concerned that an 8 year old junior from her club was not allowed to use a caddy in a County Junior Competition. It was noted that a caddy cannot be a relative or a professional. This comment will be taken to the Junior Meeting on Wednesday, as Maureen was not at the meeting.
Carol Clarke (SB) requested more County Cards. All Delegates are asked to try and sell more of these.
Cecilia explained that the Club contact information page on the website is not password protected and one lady has asked for her details to be removed. Delegates to ensure their ladies are happy with the details being shown on the web site as setting up a password for every member is not an option.
Heather Nolan (B&Co) reminded Delegates of the request for support for the Juniors at the Club Captains meeting. Also Junior Handbooks were ready for collection after the meeting.
16. DATE & VENUE OF NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
The next County Meeting is on Monday 10th May 2010 at Caddington Golf Club with a 1.00pm start. Other dates:- Monday 19th July 2010 - Tilsworth Golf Club - NOTE AMENDED DATE
Monday 6th September 2010 Aylesbury Vale Golf Club, all commencing at 1.00pm
Annual General Meeting
Monday 1st November 2010 - John O'Gaunt Golf Club Commencing at 2.00pm
Elaine thanked Bedford & County for their hospitality and closed the meeting at 1.45p.m.
Signed ___________________ Date _________________