Chairmans Blog July 2015

Comments from the Chair : Chairmans Blog July 2015

Summer is in full swing and the weather has been fantastic. The club is seeing a great deal of footfall right now, with many visitors taking advantage of the long days and beautiful conditions. It is what we want to bring in as much revenue as possible before autumn creeps back upon us oh too quickly. If you get a chance to look at the diary you will see some very large "Captains Trips" where it seems that we have become the course of choice!  Many of these are booking up immediately for further visits to the club. Great news!

The 4th is back to its former glory (almost). There is still plenty to keep us on our toes, with puffs of smoke still rising from the clay! This of course is especially noticeable when it rains and the water turns to steam.  Hopefully this will eventually burn itself out. We have tried the hole from both tee boxes and the jury is out at present as to which is the best/safest. More "market research" is required!  It is my opinion that keeping it as a par 4 is essential. How we protect the public from stray drives is the most important issue here.  We will have to build some sort of permanent structure, be it a fence or netting or shrubbery, or a combination of these. We continue to look at the many options.

The shop is looking good. As you may (or may not) know we are trialling various different ideas to see which suits. We have severed ties with Ciaron Glyde as the "sole supplier" and have spread our wings to look at purchasing stock ourselves and selling at a much better price.  Presently the effort seems to be working and stock is moving again. We sold over £300 of stock in one day last week which is how it needs to regularly be to make it worthwhile.  I personally always look to see what is new and spend my winnings (which has not been great of late) in there.  I urge others to do the same. It's good to see that many of the comps are paid in vouchers for either the bar or the shop which of course gives something back to the club.

I have to say that I am very pleased with the way the course is shaping up.  It is marvellous to be able to see my ball fly down the 15th and 16th fairways (when I get it straight).  I hope that many of you feel the same.  I certainly feel that we have some difficult decisions to come with regards trees.  They do cost the club a huge amount of money to maintain every year and obviously when they are cut back (as they were last year) they simply grow back again! This emotive issue will never go away!

I am looking forward to completing "The Longest Day" for Macmillan Cancer Support on 23rd July. 4 rounds of golf at Bedlingtonshire GC commencing at 4.50! We (4 golfers) hope to raise a great deal of money for this marvellous charity.

Please click on the link below to see further details of the challenge:-

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/event-detail/306/longestdaygolfchallenge

I thank all of you who have already bought raffle tickets from behind the bar and for those who have donated online. If you haven't as yet please note that we have a website open for donations and the details are as follows:-

www.justgiving.com/Garry-Appleby  

The reference number on the McMillan Longest Day Challenge site is:-

LDG150704

Thank you all very much for your support.


Switch to Desktop ViewSwitch to Mobile View