The fixture list booklet for the coming season is at the printers and will be ready for collection by the end of March.
The winter programme for the Course is now complete. Of the 71 bunkers, there are only 28 remaining to have new sand in them. This will be done within the next year. As I stated at the AGM, work has now started on creating designated winter tees. It is hoped that this work can be carried over the next couple of years leading to a comprehensive set of winter tees.
The Gents may have noticed a new carpet in the Locker Room. I would like to give a massive vote of thanks to Meg and Sandy from Sandy’s Carpets for donating the carpet and workforce to lay the carpet.
As you may be aware, a new method of payment was introduced at the end of January 2010. This allowed people to pay their fees, initially with a deposit of 2 months fees, plus a further 7 monthly payments up to and including 1 September 2010. Before the decision was taken to implement the scheme a number of people had intimated that they could not afford to pay the fees in one, but that they would consider paying by monthly Standing Order. The Council has a duty to listen to all, and after debating this, decided to bring in the Pay as You Play scheme.
Subsequently a letter of complaint was received about the new method of payment that was implemented at the end of January. It questioned whether the implementation was within the Constitution and to ensure an independent adjudication, we sought legal advice as to the legality of the payment scheme.
Three Council members attended a meeting with the Club solicitor on Monday 1 March and discussed this matter. She gave a judgement that the Council, in acting under Paragraph 12 of the Constitution, acted in the best interest of the Club by generating income. She stated that the people paying by this method were members and were entitled to the full usage of all the facilities of the Club and Course.
We the Council wish to apologise to all the members about the way it was brought in. In hindsight, it should have been postponed until 2011, when all the members would have been given all the information and afforded the opportunity of paying their fees by this method. There was no malice in the implementation, only a view that it would bring in extra revenue. This method of payment has now been suspended, except for those who are currently using this scheme.
I hope this clarifies any reservations or concerns about this payment scheme, and rest assured, the Council will keep all members informed about the payment schemes for 2011.
Congratulations to Stuart McLeod on his promotion, however his gain is our loss, as due to new work commitments he has resigned as Bar Convenor. Mr Keith Simpson has resigned his post as Secretary and therefore there are 2 vacancies that requires filling. Anyone interested should submit his or her name in writing to the Admin Office.
Good Swinging for the coming season.
Noel McGuile
Captain
