New Mills Golf Club

Report from General Committee Meeting in October 2011

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Secretary’s Report:        

• There have been 3 new members since the last meeting. One full, one social and one junior.
• EGU golf affiliation fee will be increased in 2012 to £6.25 and to £7.25 in 2013 to compensate for the shortfall in Government funding.
• The Derbyshire Union Golf club fee is to be increased by £2 and every member will receive a County Card.
• County Golf club partnership is looking for more volunteers to join sub groups. See the Secretary for details.
• The EGM to discuss Equality Issues and the proposed new constitution is to be held on 25th November at 7.30pm. Details will be published on the TV and on the club’s website encouraging all members to attend this very important meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:

• The club is currently investigating the possibility of allowing members to use credit cards to purchase food and drink at the club and also to pay subscription fees.
• As reported in the last Newsletter, it is planned to use a finance company to collect fees in future. The initial choice of the committee was ‘Fairway Credit’. However, a better deal for the club has been achieved with an alternative company called ‘Future Financials’. Amongst the benefits are: the club doesn’t need a credit licence; for those paying monthly the service charge is cheaper; the company will make a cash donation to the club at the end of the first year.

Course:

• Notices will be displayed re the use of mats on all mown areas. Members can purchase these from the Professional. Mats, when required, are compulsory for visitors.
• The demands on Green’s staff have been excessive this year and it has been a struggle to maintain the course to the standard members expect with just two full-time staff. Thanks were expressed to Nigel and Mike and to all the volunteers from the membership for all their hard work in keeping the course in such excellent condition throughout the season.
• Machinery is getting very old and we are currently investigating purchasing or leasing new machines. Despite the problems with machinery the rough will not be allowed to grow as high this year.
• New signs showing par and stroke index will be erected on the Ladies tees where this information is currently lacking.

Safety on the course is of paramount importance and decisions have to be made at times to close the course on safety grounds. This is currently undertaken by the Green’s staff and/or the Professional. Further guidance to members will follow.

Handicaps:
The Vice Captain is currently undertaking this role but will be unable to continue to do this once his year of office as Captain begins. A replacement Chair of Handicaps is therefore needed.

House and Social:

• The Annual Dinner Dance has been advertised for 3rd December and either a live band or disco will be arranged.
• New Year’s Eve arrangements are in hand and will be advertised shortly.
• The Children’s party has been booked for December 18th between 2-4pm. The Ladies section will raffle a hamper to raise funds for the party. Bollington Brass Band have been booked for the evening.

Marketing and Advertising:

• Rick Boffey has taken over the role of webmaster to relieve pressure on Simon Belt who becomes Captain next year. Rick will work alongside Tom James and Simon on all Marketing/Advertising issues.
• Newspaper advertising continues in the ‘Buxton Advertiser’ and ‘High Peak Courier’. Currently we are focussing on a special winter deal to try to attract players at times when the course is underused.
• New flyers are to be produced for display on tables in the clubhouse emphasising the social aspects of the club especially promoting the clubhouse for members and visitors as a venue for meals and special occasions.
• A leaflet emphasising golf offers and theother facilities the club offers will be produced before the start of the new season.
• It was suggested that the focus for advertising in 2012 be re-directed more towards the Stockport area where club fees tend to be higher than those at New Mills.

Presentation Evening:
This will be on Friday 18th November and is open to all members.

Juniors:
A replacement is still being sought for David Hibbert who has decided not to stand next year as junior organiser. Ways of attracting junior members into the club are currently being investigated. Members ideas are welcomed.

Other Business:
The suggestions book had been looked at especially suggestions about ‘Power Golf’, and distance markers.

Entrance and Exit to the Club:
A lot of work involving volunteers has been done on the car park and an additional access has been created. Signs will be put up indicating which to use as ‘Entrance’ and which as ‘Exit’. By adhering to these the erosion problems at these points should be minimised. Security in the evenings is also an issue being addressed as ‘boy racers’ have been using this on occasion.

Contribution to Club Funds:
The Ladies section made a very generous donation to Club Funds from events they have organised.

Next Meeting:  November 10th 2011.