Happy New Year
Just a quick Thank You to all the members for supporting me again through 2015 and hope you continue to do so through 2016. I hope you have all had a great Christmas and New Year.
Captain's Report - January 2016
I would first like to express to all members, staff and committee members of Leek Golf Club this season's greetings, and wish everyone the very best of luck and good golfing in 2016.
The last twelve months has seen a great deal of change, and my mission this year is for the members to enjoy playing the course and using the clubhouse facilities.
Our head greenkeeper John Turner assures me he is working as hard as possible to give the course a 'wow factor', and is doing everything in his power to achieve that. He envisages some changes on the course, but only if he can enhance what we already have and not simply for the sake of it. The club will support him in this venture, and let him make and carry out initiatives overseen by Frank Colclough's greens sub-committee.
The lounge and dining areas are now re-furbished and the appointment of an executive chef has allowed us recently to successfully hold a number of functions and parties throughout the festive season. A newly-designed snack menu and a list of mouth-watering specials will be available soon. Watch the in-house advertising to see what's on. You will not be disappointed. Mike Andrews, the new house-chair, awaits your comments and suggestions.
One of my most difficult tasks since the AGM is that of forming the new sub-committees. I would like each and every one to be confident in what they do and for each individual, within their respective committees, to strive for and operate in the best interests of the club. At the same time, I agree with the open and transparent directive to keep membership informed as to where we are heading. In these tough economic times I feel we can take nothing for granted in our quest for improvement in all areas of Leek Golf Club operation. Please get involved-your participation and enthusiasm are vital.
The weather is poor at present, but hopefully soon will be more amenable to golf. If the course is closed, it is so for a very good reason, and we have to understand that the protection of the course is paramount, as well as the health and safety factors. Due to recent bad weather I experienced the teaching bay facility, where a group of us played the Brabazon Course at the Belfry on the simulator via Trackman. I would recommend this initiative in the absence of the real thing!
Yours in golf,
Andrew Baxter
Club Captain
2016
Lady Captain's Message
I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We are all looking forward to a good golfing year at Leek and, despite the recent heavy rainfall, are lucky to have only had the course closed a couple of times. I hope you all have a successful golfing year.
Please keep a lookout for the posters being displayed, the next event being a Quiz night on Thursday, 21 January at 7.00pm.
Pat Beeson
Lady Captain
Captain's Drive-in, New Years Day
On New Year's day between thirty or forty hardy souls bravely ventured onto the first tee area to support and witness the now traditional ceremonial 'drive-off' to see off the old year and bring in the new.
Club Captain Andy Baxter (pictured in black), and his counterparts for the other groups Pat Beeson (pictured in pink) for the Ladies' section, Greg Lilley (pictured in blue) for the Juniors and Wilf Bentley (pictured in Maroon) for the Seniors all successfully managed to drive two balls each in the direction of the first fairway.
This potential task of teeing off was not easy for the intrepid captains, as a great deal of barracking and banter was present. The normally quiet and reserved characters of Ralph Harrison and Dave Griffiths made their presence felt, much to the amusement of all.
After completing the drive-in, other attractions were being sought by the throng of mischief-makers. The hon. secretary was spotted in a prominent position on the flat roof above the men's changing rooms, and despite best efforts from all, a sniper could not be found. The Club had laid on a modest buffet for all, and the crowd disappeared inside for a drink and a chat.
Thanks to all who made the effort to turn up and support the day.
New Years Eve
The last night of the year was celebrated in style at L.G.C. with 74 members and guests enjoying the beautifully dressed lounge and dining area in keeping with the diners' formal attire.
Playing host, the Captain (Andrew Baxter) greeted all with Bucks Fizz to set the convivial mood in motion. Prior to the entertainment, provided by the Johnny Pellin duo, we were treated to a beautiful, tasty three course dinner.
For those who missed it, the starters were a choice of Sweet Roast Duck or Roasted Bell-Pepper Soup, followed by either a Rack of Lamb with sticky port sauce or Prime Chicken Supreme with stuffed Mushroom Pâté in an Asparagus Sauce, all accompanied by coriander new potatoes, French beans and red cabbage! Mmm!
To spoil us the sweets were a choice of chocolate Grenadine velvet cake, true Baileys cream cheesecake or exotic fresh fruit salad. Of course, for those not tempted to indulge, a varied cheese selection was provided. Check out the copious photos taken and if they're blurred blame the over-active dancers or the fact that the wine flowed freely and the photographer may not have been absolutely steady on her feet!!
J.B.
AGM Summary
In the last edition of the Newsletter I posted a summary of the Annual General Meeting which needs amending in the following respects: Item 7 - The reference to items of expenditure in excess of £15,000 should have stated, "in excess of £20,000." Item 11 - The reference to a two-thirds majority of all directors should have stated, "two-thirds majority of all members voting at a general meeting."
Please excuse the errors.
Hon. Secretary
Fancy dress
It was great to see everyone getting into the festive spirit over Christmas so I have added a few of my favourite outfits that I have seen.
The favourite of the year: Jim "the elf" Lepke.
Clockwise from top left - Nigel Synnock, Mick Nadin adding a Christmas smile to his Christmas Tree Hat, Alan Bonehill and Chris French, and Andy Tooth.
Quiz night - Thursday, 21 January
7pm start.
Teams of four. £10 per team.
All proceeds to Lady Captain's Charity.
Christmas Texas Scramble Results
1st Andy Baxter, John Moss, Gerry Abel & Rob Woolliscroft - 44.3 - Titleist Stand Bag
2nd Rob Parkes, Chris Jones, Dave Barker & Mark Shea - 44.8 - Under Armour Elements Sweater
3rd John Hatton, Mike Southam, Reg Gilford & Tony Burn - 45 - FootJoy Club Crested Shirt
Christmas Raffle Results
1st Steve Spooner (204) - Motocaddy Pro Series Bag
2nd Ross Salmon (366) - FootJoy Hyperflex Shoes
3rd Mick Wainwright (268) - Titleist Stand Bag
4th Nick Damjanovic (52) - Under Armour Elements Sweater
5th Dot Cowburn (55) - Titleist Holdall
6th Nick Wittich (121) - PING Mittens
Members Notice
Due to present course conditions i.e. Mud Balls and the lack of definition between the fairway and the rough, Preferred Lies will operate "Through the Green"*
See Main Notice for further details
NB - This is a temporary concession and be withdrawn when course conditions improve
* "Through the Green" is the whole area of the course except:
a. The Teeing Ground and Putting Green of the hole being played; and b. All hazards on the course
M. Barker - Match Secretary
