Captain's Report 2007
I begin my report with our step into the 21st Century.
After several months of preparation, we were able on February 10th to go live on the world wide web. Whilst we appreciate that many of you do not have Internet access and indeed I’m told, would not want internet access, we cannot afford to lag behind our “younger golfing counterparts” and we felt the time was right to take the Cheshire Seniors forward with the aid of a little technology whilst still retaining the basic traditions of the Association. The Website is still of course, very much in its infancy, but we are hoping it will grow with the Association to continue to provide information for our members. If you have any suggestions for improvement please let us know via the “contact” page or even by more conventional means of communication like the telephone! For those of you interested in statistics, we have had almost 2000 visitors to the site to date and if curiosity were to overcome those of you without a computer, you could always add to that tally by a visit to the library. Pass on one of the little cards you will find on the table by the door and the Librarian will log on for you to have a little peek.
We have further tried to reduce our carbon footprint this year by the extensive use of email which has proved of paramount importance in spreading information across the County and helping to make us a more “paperless” Association.
We were very fortunate earlier in the year to acquire a laptop computer from our County Colleagues and we were also gifted a printer by our President, Shirley. We wanted the computer to help our Competition Secretaries run our Medal competitions and produce the results sheets which now under the Congu system, have to be returned to each Club. However, the versatile computer software is such that I am hoping sometime in the future, all our competitions will be run using this method.
On the 21st of March, I was privileged to be invited to the County Centenary Lunch and Book launch at Mere Golf Club. It was a lovely day, enjoyed by all and if anyone has not seen the Centenary Book, I can strongly recommend it as an enthralling insight into the history of Ladies Golf in Cheshire. My congratulations to all concerned with its production.
We started our season of matches with the game against the Cheshire Senior Men at Sale Golf Club. We negotiated five shots from them and won the match by four games to two. The men were understandably disappointed but very gracious in defeat and I suspect that next year the shots may be a little harder to come by.
Our Championship was held at the end of April and “summer” came to Sale for the three days. Major re-furbishment meant that we were without our usual changing facilities but at the eleventh hour the men’s changing room was made available for our use. Vandalism on the course ten days before the Championship meant that we had to play two temporary greens but everyone seemed to take all the difficulties in good spirit and produced some good golf out on the course. For the first time, last year’s Champion did not have automatic qualification and a cold wind on the first day made the golf tricky with some surprisingly high scores. Conditions were calmer and warmer for the final day and Barbara Laird was a worthy winner in her first year as a Senior, beating Alanna Vine in the final by 3/2.
The match against our Welsh counterparts took place on May 15th at Sale. We still had to be content with the men’s locker room and two temporary greens and two days before the match we played host to a herd of cows who had strayed from a farm in Hazel Grove. However, on the day of the match, I was assured they had gone. Our team played well against a stronger than usual Welsh team and the match ended in a draw.
At the end of May the Northern Division Championship was held at Ilkley Golf Club. Twelve ladies from Cheshire made the trip to Yorkshire and Sue Dye, Barbara Laird and Luci Foster qualified from the first day’s medal round. Luci won the 2nd Handicap prize with a 75 nett but Yorkshire took all the remaining prizes. Luci lost her first round of matchplay to a very “on form” Julia Smith of Yorkshire. Barbara won through to the semi finals where she just missed out on a place in the final, losing to Elaine Elliott of Northumberland by one hole. Sue got through to the final and played under par golf to beat Elaine by 3/2 and become the Northern Champion.
At the beginning of June we travelled up to the North East to begin our defence of the Richardson Trophy against Durham and Northumberland. On a very cold June morning we beat Durham at Durham City Golf Club by 4 ½ to 2 ½ . A good start! We moved on to Northumberland later in the week to play at Hexham Golf Club. The match was very close towards the end but just didn’t go our way and we lost by four matches to three.
The game against Lancashire was played at Worsley Golf Club and followed several days of high winds and torrential rain. The games were fairly even at the half way point but the back nine holes seemed to take their toll on our team and although four games went to the eighteenth we lost the match 6/1.
At the end of July we were host to Cumbria at Sale. Glorious sunshine greeted match day and we were privileged to witness some great golf. Almost all of the matches were very close with five of them going to the eighteenth and it ended in a draw against a much improved Cumbrian side.
The match against Yorkshire should have been played on 3rd July at Sale but the torrential rain which had affected much of the country had made the course unplayable. The match was re-arranged for the 3rd August which turned out to be a glorious day and all the matches were close through the front nine. However, once again, the day was not to be ours and we lost by four games to three.
Northumberland went on to take the Richardson Trophy for the first time in twelve years.
Well, we may not have brought the Trophy home this year but Cheshire has had great success in the form of Sue Dye and Barbara Laird. I’ll just list their achievements to date:
· Sue won the Northern Championship at Ilkley
· She was the leading qualifier at Delamere in the English Seniors
· She won the English Senior Ladies Strokeplay in Northumberland
· She was picked for the England International team to play in Sweden where England won the Silver Medal
· She led the Northern team to victory at the Jamboree in Cromer
· And was part of the winning England team playing against Ireland, Wales & Scotland, in Ireland in September.
Barbara, in her first year as a Senior:
· Won the Cheshire Seniors’ Championship
· She was semifinalist in the Northern Counties Championship at Ilkley
· She came 4th in the English Senior Ladies Strokeplay
· She was picked as 2nd reserve for the England team
· She played for the North in the Jamboree team at Cromer and was unbeaten, winning 3 and halving 2 of her matches.
I am sure you’ll agree that is quite a tally.
Congratulations to both of you.
At this point I would like to present Team Colours to Barbara Laird, Sue Goulty and Karen Schneider all of whom have represented Cheshire in at least two Richardson Trophy matches this year.
The Northern Veterans Annual Meeting was held in Leeds in October and
Northumberland were congratulated on winning the Richardson Trophy with Yorkshire being the Runners up. Northumberland had won four of their five matches to take the Trophy. Cheshire were placed joint 4th with Cumbria.
It was agreed at the meeting that in next year’s Championship in Durham, the 0--5 handicap players would, where possible, be given a later start time instead of the customary, “handicap order of play.” The subject of the cost of the Championship was raised, as it is at nearly every meeting. It was agreed that the dinner was an important part of the event but in order to try and reduce costs each County was asked discuss with their Committees whether or not they would be willing to pay for their Captain and President rather than the host County having to pay for 20 to 24 meals.
Cheshire put forward a proposition to make a few small changes to the wording of the Constitution. This was passed unanimously. It was also agreed at the meeting that if extreme weather situations prevailed again in the future, an extension up to 10th September could be given for all Richardson Trophy matches.
The Northern Championship in 2008 is to be held at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club, on May 13th-15th and in 2009, Cumbria is hosting the event at Brampton Golf Club, on May 20th-22nd. The Jamboree in 2008 is being hosted by Scotland at Southerness on August 12th-14th and in 2009 the Jamboree will be at Bath City Golf Club, on August 3rd-6th.
We were very proud to see Mrs Ruth Whitehead take over as Captain of the North and we wish her well in her defence of the Miller Sterling Trophy at Southerness next year.
Our last match was played against our County Junior girls at Sale on the 7th October and enjoyed by all. The Junior team was one short but that didn’t prevent Charlotte Wild showing the rest of the team the way with a single handed victory over our first couple. We were privileged to watch the talented Juniors and witnessed “birdies” galore but I hope that they will take from the day that sometimes experience and skill around the greens can often overcome the prowess of hitting that “long ball!” The match ended as an honorable half and it was an occasion which I hope will be enjoyed for many years to come.
I now move on to the Field days
Our Silver and Bronze Field day was held at Delamere Forest Golf Club on Thursday, July 12th. We had 54 entrants and the course was immaculate despite the recent extreme weather conditions. We used our “new” laptop and Puma software for the first time at a Field Day and the printer churned out the results for each Club’s players. The CCS came out at 74.
In the Silver Division, the winners were:
Best Gross—Barbara Laird, Sandiway-- 79 gross
H’cap Salver & Captain’s Prize—Isabelle Slater, Sandiway—72 nett
2nd H’cap Prize—Jennifer Hart, Warrington—73 nett
3rd H’cap Prize—Audrey Briggs, Royal Liverpool—74 nett
President’s Prize—Margaret Hawksworth, Sandiway—74 nett
Bronze Division
Best Gross—B. Barry, Alderley Edge—106 gross
H’cap Salver and Captain’s Prize—A. Cooney, Alderley Edge—79 nett
2nd H’cap Prize—A. Hunter, Stockport—80 nett
3rd H’cap Prize—B. Barry, Alderley Edge—81 nett
President’s Prize—C. Bland, Heswall—84 nett
The team prize was won by A. Unsworth and J. Hart from Warrington with a 146 total. We held the Prize giving at the end of the day where the Lady Captain, Mrs Alice Shore made us all very welcome and we are indebted to Di Weston for all her help in organizing such a successful day.
I’ll now move on to our Team events and can I ask the winning teams to come up and collect your trophies from our President after I announce your names. If they are not here perhaps someone from their club would take the trophy for them.
On the 25th July, we held our 3 Ball team event at Warrington where we had 108 players taking up 36 tee times. Weather wise, it was a lovely day and the Lady Captain, Mrs Hilary Wood was down early to make sure that everything was in place for us. The last players did not come in until about 5.45pm and as there was quite a gathering in the lounge enjoying their refreshments we decided to hold an impromptu but informal, presentation.
In 3rd place from Sandiway and Astbury were Isabelle Slater, Chris Mitchell and Margaret Booth with 69 points on the back nine
In 2nd place from Sale, Didsbury and Bramall Park were Moira Forster, Kate Jones and Elise Matthews
And the winners from Royal Liverpool and Heswall were Sara White, Val Howell and Rhona Jones.
The professional organized a “2’s” competition which was won by Juliet Preston from Upton by Chester and Cathy Bennison from Runcorn. They each won 18 balls!
We played our next Team Event at Bramhall, the home of our President, Shirley. Another glorious day but recent heavy rain meant that the course, although in superb condition, was playing long with little or no run on the ball. We had 132 competitors with several having been balloted out because of over-subscription. We were very grateful for the support offered by the Lady Captain, Mrs Brenda Bruce who had even organized flower arrangements in our County Colours.
In 3rd place were A. Shaw-Davidson, P. Dee and B. Lieberman from Dunham Forest with 78 points
In 2nd place were C. Ball, L. Redfern and D. Mason from Bramhall with 79 points
And the winners of the day were Sue Barrett and Sophie Casey from Sale, playing with Jean Nield from Bramall Park with 80 points.
Our final two Field Days were played in September on two very contrasting days. We went to Chorlton cum Hardy for the first of our 4BBB events and were greeted with a glorious “summer’s” day. 70 competitors enjoyed the course in superb condition and again, we were warmly welcomed by the Lady Captain, Mrs Muriel Walton.
In 3rd place was the Past County Captain, Mrs Pam Draper from Chorlton playing with L. Skilton, C. Kelly and D. O’Brien from Bramhall with 82 points
In 2nd place were H. Cox, B. Page, W. Thexton and M. Campbell from Wilmslow with 82 points on a cpo
And the winners were M. Rawsthorn, M. Nicholson, L. Black and J. Kerr also from Wilmslow with 83 points.
On September 21st we went to Wallasey for our last 4BBB competition. We had 132 competitors on the start sheet with 22 teams of four having been balloted out. What a day! Torrential rain hit me as I drove onto the M53 and I had doubts that even Wallasey with its remarkable drainage, could hold this amount of water.
By the time I arrived several ladies had already decided not to go out but the early starters were still braving the deluge. The green staff worked frantically to keep the greens free of water but by about 11.30am the course became unplayable and we had to abandon the competition. Wallasey very kindly agreed to waive any costs and we were able to refund all entry fees to the competitors.
As Wallasey is such a popular venue, the Committee has been able to arrange an extra Field Day there next year, to be held on Thursday, June 19th and surely, the weather can only be better! We are extremely grateful to Wallasey Golf Club, their Past Lady Captain, Mrs. Maureen Langford and to our own Treasurer, Rosemary Griffiths for all their help on a very difficult day and for securing the extra competition for us next year. We do hope you will all support it.
The Committee has decided that next year there will not be a ballot for over-subscription on a Field day. Entries will be taken on a first come first served basis. All the Competition details can be found on the Website or in the Handbook which should be out in January of next year.
I would like to thank all the Clubs whose courses we have visited this year. As an Association, we are very dependent upon all our Cheshire Clubs and we have been warmly welcomed by everyone. I would particularly like to thank the Council, the Lady Captain and Lady President and all the members from my own Club, at Sale, who have been instrumental in making this a very successful year.
Our Selectors, Mrs Nan Paton and Mrs Margaret Langford have given freely of their time and expertise this year and I do thank them for giving me so much help. As Margaret retires this year, we are very pleased to welcome Mrs Mavis Carnochan of Vicars Cross Golf Club to the “fold” and hope that together with Nan and Judith they will help to bring the Trophy back to Cheshire.
I have had wonderful support this year and none more so than from our President, Shirley. She has been there to guide me all the way and been a constant source of wisdom. I have enjoyed your company Shirley and valued your help but I must apologise for speeding in the buggy. I am sure you will have a much “calmer” ride next year.
My Past Captain Audrey has been my mentor and always on the other end of my email and my Vice Captain Judith, has been an ever willing volunteer when called upon for help.
The Committee has worked extremely hard on your behalf this year to deliver a healthy bank balance, up to date administration, the competitions which you have asked for, on some of our wonderful Cheshire golf courses. My special thanks must go to our Fixture Secretary, Jill, who has continued to negotiate discounted Green Fees for us on some wonderful courses. To our two Competition Secretaries, Gill Jennings and Lynda Brenner who have shown exceptional, organisational skills in running all our competitions.
To our Treasurer Rosemary Griffiths, and our Secretary, Pam Evans who both in their first year of office have taken to their respective roles like ducks to water. All the members of Committee have played their part in supporting both myself and the Association throughout the year and I sincerely thank you all very much.
I started my year in office not knowing quite what to expect. Has it been a year of hard work? Yes, sometimes. Nerve racking? Quite often! Great fun? Most definitely! But most of all it has been a year of friendship. Friendship which has come from you, the Members. It has also been a year of happy memories which I shall keep with me for a long time and I thank the Past Captains for giving me the opportunity and the honour of being your Captain in 2007.
2009 DATES
Championship Monday 27th (Qualifying Comp)
Tues 28th and Wed 29th April Wilmslow
Silver/Bronze Field Day (*see below) Monday 27th April Wilmslow
Field Day & Team Events
Team Event Wednesday 8th July Vale Royal Abbey
Team Event Monday 27th July Reddish Vale
Team Event Friday 7th August Heswall
Team Event Thursday 27th August Vicars Cross
Team Event Friday 18th September Sandiway
RichardsonTrophy Matches
Cheshire v Durham Thursday 28th May Billingham
Cheshire v Northumberland Wednesday 10th June Arcot Hall
Cheshire v Lancashire Friday 26th June M/cr Hopwood
Cheshire v Cumbria Monday 29th June Wilmslow
Cheshire v Yorkshire Monday 20th July Wilmslow
Other Matches
CCSLGA v Cheshire Snr Men Monday 30th March Wilmslow
CCSLGA v North Wales Vet. Ladies Monday 10th August Wilmslow
CCSLGA v Cheshire Girls Sunday 27th September Wilmslow
Northern Division Championship
Cheshire, Lancashire, Durham Wednesday 20th May - Brampton Northumberland, Yorkshire, Friday 22nd May
Cumbria. Handicap Limit 18
Jamboree
North, South, Midlands & Tuesday 4th August - Bath City
Scotland teams playing Thursday 6th August
for the Miller Stirling Salver
*The Silver/Bronze Field Day is being held in conjunction with the qualifying round of the Championship event in 2009. Players can opt to play in both events or just one. Please refer to the 2009 handbook for full details.