The Newsletter of Whickham Golf Clubhowdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/... · As the...

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FORE WORD The Newsletter of Whickham Golf Club Founded 1911 Winter 2012 Our Club President’s Year End Message Dear Member A s the 2011 golfing year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update of the financial status of the Club. TRADING PROFIT You will recall that in the four-year period 2007 through to 2010 we had accumulated circa £65,000 of trading losses. During 2010 we financially restructured the Club and entered 2011 with a budget to make a £16,600 trading profit. It became clear by mid-March that we had lost almost 100 from the membership we had in 2010. Without any corrective action, this loss of members subscriptions would have resulted in yet another trading loss in 2011. At our Management Meeting in March we gave Ken Greatbatch and his Marketing Team the go-ahead to implement an aggressive marketing and advertising strategy to attract new members and more visitors to our Club. This campaign proved to be incredibly successful and we attracted almost 200 new members and increased our visitor revenues by 18%. These actions combined with an improvement in profitability of bar and catering revenues and strict cost controls generated a 2011 trading profit of £53,000. This was a fantastic financial turnaround which almost negated the prior four years losses -- but not quite! We still need to recover some £12,000 of prior losses, but never the less, still a great result. TRADING CASH FLOW On the 1st of November 2010 we commenced our 2011 fiscal year with our trading cash flow overdrawn at the bank by circa £37,000. As a result of the substantial trading profit generated in 2011 we were able to make huge improvements to our cash flow and finished the year just over £4,000 overdrawn. We continue to monitor our cash flow very carefully as we strive to reduce our overdraft dependency. The Club needs your support ... please consider using the bar and socialising after your game Contents President’s Year End Message 2012 Pro-Am Details Under the Greenwood Tree On The House -- Update Internal Rules Revisions Junior Review for 2011 ‘Thanks for the Memories’ Ladies’ Chatter & Nina’s 90th Marketing Report & Update New Year’s Eve Party Treasurer’s Note Senior Moments Volunteer’s Dinner Greens Report David McShane Charity Golf Day ... and much much more! continued on page 2. . . THE GAME FOR LIFE . . . FOR ALL AGES!

Transcript of The Newsletter of Whickham Golf Clubhowdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/... · As the...

Page 1: The Newsletter of Whickham Golf Clubhowdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/... · As the 2011 golfing year draws to a close, I would ... Christmas and I wish you all a very

FOREWORD

The Newsletter of Whickham Golf ClubFounded 1911 Winter 2012

Our Club President’sYear End MessageDear Member

As the 2011 golfing year draws to a close, I wouldlike to take this opportunity to provide an update

of the financial status of the Club.

TRADING PROFIT

You will recall that in the four-year period 2007 through to 2010 we had accumulated circa £65,000 of tradinglosses. During 2010 we financially restructured the Club and entered 2011 with a budget to make a £16,600trading profit. It became clear by mid-March that we had lost almost 100 from the membership we had in 2010.Without any corrective action, this loss of members subscriptions would have resulted in yet another trading lossin 2011.

At our Management Meeting in March we gave Ken Greatbatch and his Marketing Team the go-ahead toimplement an aggressive marketing and advertising strategy to attract new members and more visitors to ourClub. This campaign proved to be incredibly successful and we attracted almost 200 new members and

increased our visitor revenues by 18%.These actions combined with an improvement in profitability of bar and

catering revenues and strict cost controls generated a 2011 trading profit of£53,000. This was a fantastic financial turnaround which almost negated the priorfour years losses -- but not quite! We still need to recover some £12,000 of priorlosses, but never the less, still a great result.

TRADING CASH FLOW

On the 1st of November 2010 we commenced our 2011 fiscal year with ourtrading cash flow overdrawn at the bank by circa £37,000. As a result of thesubstantial trading profit generated in 2011 we were able to make hugeimprovements to our cash flow and finished the year just over £4,000 overdrawn.

We continue to monitor our cash flow very carefully as we strive to reduce ouroverdraft dependency.

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ContentsPresident’s Year End Message2012 Pro-Am DetailsUnder the Greenwood TreeOn The House -- UpdateInternal Rules RevisionsJunior Review for 2011‘Thanks for the Memories’Ladies’ Chatter & Nina’s 90th Marketing Report & UpdateNew Year’s Eve PartyTreasurer’s NoteSenior Moments Volunteer’s DinnerGreens ReportDavid McShane

Charity Golf Day...... aanndd mmuucchh mmuucchh mmoorree!!

continued on page 2. . .

THE GAME FOR LIFE . . . FOR ALL AGES!

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Les Britton (President)

TREA£URER’£ NOTEfrom JOHN HEDLEY, Honorary Treasurer

By the time this article is published, the Club’s Year End Accounts will havebeen audited and signed off. The detailed figures will reach Members indue course, along with the invitation to the AGM. In short your Club hasreturned to a sound financial footing and the successive years of losseshalted. Next year’s budget has been agreed and will be rigorouslymonitored to ensure we remain on track.

Turning to the business of Members loans, all those that have completedoption forms have, where appropriate, been paid. For those that have yet

to reclaim their loan, the forms remain available from the Club office. If you wish you can alsochoose to have the refund paid onto your Loyalty Card or offset against next year’s membershipfees. Either of these choices can be easily executed; and would be helpful to the Club. Many thanksto those members who donated their loan, these funds will be used as directed by the donatingmember.

Finally may I take the opportunity to wish all members and their families a Very Happy New Yearand encourage you to renew your 2012 subscriptions to a Club that is still very much in businessand now well positioned to move forward.

2012 BUDGET

During late October we finalised our 2012 budget. We developed financial models examining various optionsrelating to inflation increases and membership retention in relation to projected subscription revenues. Given theeconomic outlook and decline in disposable income we have been conservative in forecasting our 2012 incomestreams.

We have set a budget based on an 85% membership retention rate which equates to a loss of 100+ members.We have also included in the 2012 budget an amount of £15,000 to refurbish the lounge furniture; however, wewill not proceed with this until we have clarity on our membership retention numbers. In 2012 we have noalternative but to replace a Tee Box Mower which will cost £17,500. We intend to finance this through ourexisting overdraft facility.

Fiscal 2012 will be a challenge and we are forecasting a small trading profit of £4,000. Due to expenditure onthe Tee Box Mower and other small capital items our trading account cash flow will increase to a year end amountof some £15,000 overdrawn.

The key drivers for 2012 will be member subscriptions, visitor revenues and increased bar sales.

‘‘Please be assured your Management Team will do all it can to maximise ourrevenues and control our expenses. On behalf of myself and the Management Teamwe wish to thank you for your continued support and hope that you enjoy a great

2012 golfing year’’ LES BRITTON, President

. . . continued from front page

OONN TTHHEE HHOOUUSSEEffrroomm SSTTEEVVEE CCHHAAPPMMAANN (Chair of House)

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������� ��������������������������������������������� ����������� ������������ ����������������������������������������� ������������������������!�������� ��������������� ������������� ����������������������������!�������� �������� ������������� ��������������������������������������� �������"� ���

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SENIOR MOMENTSby Steve Chapman, Seniors Captain for 2012

The Senior Section AGM was held on 8th November2011. This was the last day in office of our Centenary

Captain DAVID HUNTER.

The Senior Section was started on 11th September1986 with 36 members and has grown to well over

150 members at the time of writing. To mark the end ofhis Captaincy David has arranged a Past CaptainsDinner. This will be the first one and I am sure that it willbecome an annual fixture on our calendar. Seventeen

Past Captains will attend the Dinner as well as some Founder Members.

The CHRISTMAS COMPETITION was held on 6th December this year as perthe fixture list. Last year in 2011, due to the bad weather we were unable

to complete the fixture until 28th January. I hope that this is a good omenweather-wise for the Club.

WHICKHAM GOLF CLUB COURSE AND CLUBHOUSENNoovveemmbbeerr 22001111 RRuulleess RReevviissiioonn

The Management Committee have reviewed their rules to address thestandards that are considered appropriate to a modern Golf Club.Following a number of years when a relaxed approach seems to haveresulted in reduced attention to Club rules. Coincidentally member’scomments and letters seemed to agree and requested action.

A Sub-Committee was assembled and a Survey was implemented.Consideration was given to balance tradition whilst demonstrating a welcomingenvironment for members and visitors.

A set of proposals was prepared from the many examples gathered and presented for fullcommittee approval. One or two ratifications were carried out before the final versionreceived unanimous agreement.

The Club Rules are designed to present a set of values which the Club wishes to uphold.Members should familiarise themselves with the rules, to respect and apply the principles ofWhickham Golf Club.

A common sense policy will apply to advise people what is acceptable both on the courseand in the Clubhouse. Please advise your guests that they are very welcome and ensure thatthey avoid any conflict with the Club’s Rules.

Notices have been posted in prominent positions to remind everyone. These detailshave been agreed and will be applicable with immediate effect, please read them!

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LLAADDIIEESSCCHHAATTTTEERR

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The Ladies Section of Whickham Golf Clubheld its Annual Presentation Evening inNovember 2011 at the Club.

This year was very special being the Club’sCentenary Year. Throughout the year the Ladieshave been supporting the Lady Captain’s Charity,Emmanuel House which is a Holistic TherapyCentre for people affected by cancer.

At the start of the year Christine Deponio, whoruns the centre from her own home, came andtold the Ladies about the work she does. All themoney raised is through her own and volunteershard work which is funded by donations only.

The Lady Captain (right) was able to presentChristine with a magnificent cheque for £1,275.

NINA NORDMANNIS NINETY!

The same evening combined a celebration of Mrs NinaNordmann’s 90th Birthday. Nina has been a member ofWhickham Golf Club since 1944.

Although she no longer plays golf she still supports theLadies Section at social events. The Christmas Fair wouldnot be the same without her jams, marmalade, chutneyand ginger wine.

Here is some more information about Mrs NinaNordmann.

Joined Whickham Golf Club in April 1944

Lady Captain in 1960,1977 and 1978

Handicap Secretary from 1982 to 2000

Captain of Durham County Lady Golf Captains’

Society 1977--78

President of Durham County Lady Golf Captains’

Society 1984

For all her work for Whickham Golf Club she waselected a Life Member of the Club in 1996.

CENTENARY YEAR END!We have reached the end of our CentenaryYear and as I look back I can’t believe all thewonderful times we have had.

The last few months have been a slight slowdown as the official golf year has ended andwe tie up all the loose ends.

Our teams have played well this year and Ithank you all for your enthusiasm

Our winter golf is well under way and we havehad the best support ever.

We have held three recent social evenings, thelatest on the 9th of December was ourChristmas Social which was well supported.

Judy Snell (Vice-Captain) organised aChristmas Lunch at the Club on Thursday15th December which was a great successwith many compliments to Paul Fawcus andhis team for the excellent menu.

As most of you may have noticed the newClubhouse Clock is installed and working. TheLadies Section has donated this to the Club asa Centenary Legacy.

I am sad to report the death of JoanDrummond just prior to Christmas. Joan wasone of our oldest members she will be sadlymissed.

The Ladies’ Secretary Ann Keen also lost herhusband Peter very suddenly and we all sendher our deepest sympathy.

Well I trust you all enjoyed a HappyChristmas and I wish you all a very Happy,Healthy New Year with lots of good golf.

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Who said ‘‘You can’t get the staff’’?

What a great 2011 ‘‘New Years Eve Party Night’’we had to end our Centenary Year. The room

was decorated in a BLACK and PURPLE theme

made possible by lots of helpers in the afternoon. Westarted the evening with a Buck's Fizz and there wasa great atmosphere as everyone arrived.

WE enjoyed a delicious twocourse meal served very

hot and promptly to the 110guests. We even had thePresident and his wife (Diane)running around with full trays!

A big thank you to Paul andhis team, Stephen and the BarStaff for looking after us all on avery busy night.

Now the party could start andthe amazing and popular localband ‘‘FRANKIES CAFÉ’’ began to

play. The music was great andvery soon people were on thedance floor enjoying the band.

Half way through the night theband had a short break andSteve Chapman and JuneRobson organised the Raffle withlots of prizes.

Just before midnight DarrenTench our Bagpiper and hissupporting Drummer marchedthrough the lounge playingtraditional music right up to the

12 o’clock. We followed this with‘‘Auld Lang Syne’’ and lots ofwell wishes with all our friends.

The band then continued toplay till 1.00 pm and the dancefloor remained full to capacity.

A huge thanks to SteveChapman and Jean and all whohelped make this one of the bestNew Year's Eve’s ever.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

(Left) the President deals out harshpunishment to those that haven’t eatentheir greens!

Darren Tench (below) ‘Pipes in theNew Year’

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TTrreeee WWoorrkk

This programme of work is now well underway. Some ofthe trees outlined in the Winter Programme have nowbeen removed. In general, these trees were small andthis work was carried out by our own Greens Staff. Forexample, the tree work around the new winter green, 5thhole, has now been completed. Tree pruning around thesummer green on 5th hole is now also finished.

The Tree Surgeon started his work Wednesday 28thDecember and weather permitting his task will be toremove the trees outlined in the published WinterProgramme. He will also undertake general pruningof trees around the 1st, 6th and 7th greens. Thepicture above shows the removal work of two treesagainst the wall on the 1st green being undertaken.

NNEEWW WWIINNTTEERR GGRREEEENN

Work on the construction of the new winter green, 5thhole, is now complete. It will be turfed in the Spring.Time and weather permitting a new winter green willbe constructed on 16th hole.

DDRRAAIINNAAGGEE OOFF GGRREEEENNSS

The new drain at the back of the 9th green has beencompleted. Extensive drainage work is now beingcarried out on the 15th green. The front approach ofthe green has been lowered by approximately fourteeninches to facilitate drainage; whilst the front left-handbunker has been made smaller. New drains are in theprocess of being added to the front half of the green.Weather permitting this work will be completed early inthe New Year. The picture on the right shows theprogress of work before the recent snow fall.

On-Course . . . GREENS REPORT22001111--1122 UUppddaattee,, CCrroommbbiiee CCoouurrssee PHIL BYRNE, Chair of Greens

BBUUNNKKEERRSS

The work outlined in the Winter Programme calls forthe following bunkers to be removed:

1. Back right hand bunker on 15th hole.2. Bunker in the front of 13th green.3. Back right hand bunker on 9th green.

In addition to the above the front right hand bunker on9th hole will be extended.

CCOOWWSS OONN TTHHEE

CCOOUURRSSEE

Recently, young cowsgained access to thecourse via the left handside of the 16th fairway,fortunately little damagewas done to the course.Inspection showed thatapproximately 300 metresof fencing needed to bereplaced. Three quoteshave been obtained fornew fencing work. Thecompany has beenselected and work willcommence in January.

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This book covers the significant eventsin the club’s eventful first century.

A true commemoration and tributeto the members, past and present.It is an appreciation of the vision,

skills, and dedication of thefounders employees and volunteers.

A tribute to those who havedevoted their time and energy

to provide the facilitiesthat we are enjoying today

Complete with a pictoral DVDcompiled from photo’s, cartoons,

drawings and memories of club members.Plus a comprehensive collection of memories from

Whickham Golf Club’s Centenary Year Celebrations.

Order your copy of100 Years WGC

A social history of Whickham Golf Club from 1911 to 2011.Hard Backed Book and Photo DVD

For further details or to order you copy watch our web pageswww.whickhamgolfclub.co.uk Available Soon

CCOOMMIINNGG SSOOOONN......

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KEN GREATBATCH, (Chair of Marketing & New Membership)-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

MembershipIt is too early to report what our actualmembership numbers will total.However it is encouraging to seeadditional new applications on theboard.

Whickham Consett and Seaham GolfClubs have agreed to extend theirrecipricol agreement for FREE golf.This means that we can all benefitfrom an extra for our membershipsubscriptions

Visitors, Visiting Parties,Corporate GroupsFor the year 2011 the visiting partynumbers will total 51 with a furthertwo parties carried over into the 2012accounts. The outlook for 2012 at thistime is positive with 40 visiting partiesindicating their intention to rebook, wewill, in the coming months, contact allthe other parties who played ourcourse in 2011.

Our Evaluation Questionnaires havegiven us valuable feedback and viewson all aspects of our business, theresults consolidated are as follows:Course Average 85%, Clubhouse andCatering 87%, Whickham Welcome91%; all positive results to build onfor 2012.

Before the new season starts we willhold a meeting with all concerned toreview our performance in 2011 andconcentrate on areas in which we cangrow our business.

The Club has completed a booking inthe Golf Societies Guide for an

‘Advertorial’. This is supported by anelectronic (on-line) advert and will do‘‘exactly what it says on the tin’’reaching thousands of previouslyunreachable groups. The advert will bepublished in January and will increaseour exposure nationally alongsideadverts taken in ‘‘Bunkered’’ and‘‘Today in London and the HomeCounties’’ covering Winter Golf andEarly Booker offers for Summer 2012.

2012 Flag

A modified design has been applied to‘‘The Centenary Flag’’. The newversion has been purchased and willbe seen from January 2012.

Golf Development Group,EGU, Gateshead CouncilKeith Cann-Evans attended a seminarat Matfen GC which outlinedinitiatives that are being promoted toadvise Club’s on how to maximiseopportunities. Keith has submitted avery informative report. He alsoattended a meeting with Chris Strong(Gateshead Council) to complete a‘‘Health Check Questionnaire’’. This isdesigned to identify the strengths andweaknesses of any organisation priorto applying for funding assistance.The Club now requires additionalvolunteers to form a sub-committeebefore we can effectively respond toany serious funding bids. Pleasecontact me if you feel you have thetime and skills to apply to this subject.

MARKETING REPORT‘Whickham, Consett and Seaham GolfClubs have agreed to extend their reciprocalagreement for Free Golf. This means that

we can all benefit from extra golf for ourmembership subscriptions’January 2012

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WWWWGGGGCCCC VVVVoooolllluuuunnnntttteeeeeeeerrrrssss DDDDiiiinnnnnnnneeeerrrr

On Monday, the 12th of December 2011,Men’s Centenary Club Captain ERIC TURNERhosted a Dinner to thank volunteers who havegiven their time and skills to support the Clubinto the Centenary Year and beyond.

A number of the Management Committeemembers joined with volunteers at the Dinnerin the Clubhouse and were served by PaulFawcus and his team. STEPHEN FAWCUScharged the glasses as a very convivialevening was enjoyed by all.

The Centenary Club Captain spoke of hisdelight at the numerous achievements thathad been completed with the help of ourvolunteers coupled with a great Club spirit.Eric said more of this Club spirit and selflesscommitment would build a solid foundationfor the future.

President LES BRITTON added some verygenerous accolades to everyone involvedwith the Club as he outlined the highlights ofa successful year.

HADRIAN HEALTHCARE GROUP PRO-AMat Whickham Golf Club

HADRIAN HEALTHCARE GROUP have agreed to sponsorWhickham Golf Club’s Pro-Am in 2012 in a deal agreed with CEOIan Watson. Hadrian Healthcare are committed to suporting the

local community and this is a further demonstration of their generosity.

Ken Greatbatch and Centenary Club Captain Eric Turner have been in discussion with IanWatson for some time and finalised the arrangements. The event is open to anyone who wishes to enter ateam of three golfers who will play with one of the region’s Club Professionals. In addition to the Golf,players will enjoy refreshments on arrival and a Dinner afterwards with every amateur that plays receiving avoucher to return for a free round at a later date.

FRIDAY, 25th MAY, 2012Tel: 0191 4881576/4885591 e: [email protected]

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Page 11: The Newsletter of Whickham Golf Clubhowdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/... · As the 2011 golfing year draws to a close, I would ... Christmas and I wish you all a very

In the region of 51 kids andtheir Mums, Dads, Grannies,Grandads and older siblings

enjoyed a boisterous party in theClubhouse.

P aul Fawcus prepared a lovely finger buffet which very

quickly disappeared under a seaof tiny hands. Children’s enter-tainer Nick Hardy kept the kids

going for over three hours withthe expert assistance of his son.

T he kid’s were tested in full towin an array of prizes. Hoola

Hoop, dancing and singingwere rewarded with varioustreats. However a sight tobehold was our own Vice-Captain leading the line for aConga. John Greenwoodweaved his way in and out of

the rooms like the Pied Piper.

T he moment the children hadwaited for was pre-empted

when Father Christmas wasspotted through the window,having parked his sleighconsiderately on the practiceground. Santa was joined byone of his helpers, Elf Robson.Santa and Elfie slowly

dispensed presentsto all of thechildren beforesailing off over thecourse on theirstate-of the-art‘Powerkaddy®’ Sled.

The Hamper Raffle was won by John Hudspith. Thanks to all who bought tickets, the

contributions raised £336 towards party costs.

David McShane Memorial Golf Day;16$=6 )��������5��

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Children’s Christmas PartyChildren’s Christmas Party

Page 12: The Newsletter of Whickham Golf Clubhowdidido.blob.core.windows.net/clubsitespublic/... · As the 2011 golfing year draws to a close, I would ... Christmas and I wish you all a very

As I write, the first snow hasfallen and I’m fretting over theprospect of spending severalSaturday afternoons at the MetroCentre. Let’s all hope we arespared last year’s Winter, prettythough it was!

VVoolluunntteeeerrssIf I thought my Captain’s yearwould end in a whimper, thenthose thoughts were dispelledduring December when Iattended both the Past Captain’sDinner and an evening with ourever-growing and ever more vitalgroup of volunteers. I’ve ‘’bangedon’’ all year about theimportance of volunteers. Theyear 2012 will be no different

and I’d love to think we havemore people offering their timeand skills, whether it’s on theManagement Committee, one ofthe sub-committees or a specificproject. Step forward folks, itdoesn't hurt!

KKiidd’’ss CChhrriissttmmaass PPaarrttyyA word of warning to anyprospective Men’s Captains. Nomatter what you get involved in,NOTHING can prepare you foryour role as Santa. A life-changing experience, I can tellyou. We had a great time thisyear and thanks to Jean Dobsonand Steve Chapman for all theirhard work. Thanks also to thosewho helped raise funds for thiswonderful event.

OOvveerr aanndd OOuuttI am conscious that this will bemy last contribution as Men’s

and Club Centenary Captainduring what has been amomentous year for our Club,and for me personally. I could filla book with highlights, but hereare some of the outstandingevents of my year:

March: Captain’s Drive-In andopening of CentenaryGarden/Water Feature

May: Gala Evening at the HiltonJuly: Captain’s Day and eveningThroughout 2011: Tri-Club

events at Seaham, Consettand Whickham

Mens’ Team victories in theInter-County Foursomes andCounty Team Competition

Our Juniors winning EGUChampion of Champions

November: Our first JointPresentation Evening

TThhaannkkssI've got a million people to thankand I'll spend 2012 doing that,

but I must mention theManagement Committee and sub-committees, it has been aprivilege working with suchdedicated people and I amconvinced the Club is in goodhands

CCeenntteennaarryy CCoommmmiitttteeeeThese lads have done so much tochange the mentality within ourClub over the last three years.We all owe them a great deal.

A final thanks to my Vice-Captain, John Greenwood, ourLady Captain, June Robson, ourSeniors Captain, David Hunter,and our J.L.O. Neil Thompson.We have worked well as a‘’team’’ and we've seen thebenefits.

Over to you, John, and thevery best of luck!

THANKS FORTHE MEMORIES!from ERIC TURNER, Centenary Club Captain

’JJuunniioorr RReevviieeww 22001111The end of another year and what a year it has been!

During 2011 we have played some fantastic golf andhad some great laughs. Going to away games on theBlue Bus Taxi with the driver Bob and JLO NeilThompson, aka ‘Ross Kemp’, the nickname given byMatthew Cornish, aka ‘The Frog’.

Other nicknames within our group are: Sam Hedley,the ‘Galaxy Bar Champion’; Jonny Rutherford, ‘RoryMcAroy’; Ben Hedley, ‘The Trumper’; RobertCornish, ‘The Destroyer’ and this year’s CaptainJames Dobson, ‘Flopper Wedge Dopper’.

‘I would like to thank everyone for their help andsupport throughout the year and I wish the teamand IAN HARVEY the new JLO all the best in 2012.’

NEIL THOMPSON (JLO)