DRUIDS HEATH GOLF CLUB – BOARD MEETING NEWS BULLET
Edition: July 2026
From the Chairman HEADLINES Membership survey to be launched to help shape the club's future direction Bore hole installation completed and awaiting water analysis Financial performance remains positive with improved labour efficiency Succession planning begins to strengthen future financial resilience F&B strategy continues to evolve around changing member demand Maria Perkins steps down as House Director after significant contribution MAIN STORIES 1. Club Operations & Member Experience The Captain's Weekend is set to take place this month, with preparations well underway. The recent England match proved popular with members and demonstrated the value of collaborative planning, with all parties working together to ensure the event was a success. Analysis of Food & Beverage performance continues to provide a clearer understanding of member usage patterns. Weekend trading remains strong, while quieter weekday periods continue to be supported by external events. Future discussions will focus on tailoring the clubhouse offering to better reflect member demand. Winter opening hours for the bar and kitchen will be reviewed, with revised arrangements to be published ahead of the winter season. Maria Perkins has resigned as House Director. The Board would like to thank Maria for the time, commitment and professionalism she has brought to the role. Her contribution to the governance and leadership of the club has been greatly appreciated. The Board will now begin the process of recruiting a successor. 2. Course & Facilities The bore hole installation has now been completed, with water samples submitted for analysis before the system becomes operational. The course continues to receive excellent feedback, with the greens performing particularly well despite prolonged dry conditions. Following a recent Course Committee meeting, further bunker improvements have been approved as part of the forthcoming winter programme, although some work may be brought forward to take advantage of favourable ground conditions. Positive feedback was also received regarding the new format for the Club Championship draw, with members enjoying the opportunity to play alongside different competitors. 3. Finance & Governance The club recorded a profit during the month, in line with expectations. Although Food & Beverage income remained slightly below budget, tighter management of staffing levels has reduced labour costs, while revised pricing and improved brewery purchasing terms are beginning to deliver benefits. The Board continued discussions regarding the long-term sustainability of the clubhouse operation, including how membership subscriptions and social membership income should support the facilities and services provided to members. Work also continues on the historic cash reconciliation investigation. Further examination of historical accounting records is ongoing, with only minor discrepancies identified during recent reviews. The strengthened monthly reconciliation process continues to provide greater assurance over financial controls. Recognising the increasing complexity of the club's financial operations, the Board has begun investigating future accountancy succession planning. Meetings have already taken place with external providers and other golf clubs to ensure the club develops a resilient financial structure capable of supporting future growth. 4. Membership & Marketing The Board reviewed the new membership survey, which will shortly be distributed to members. The survey is designed to gather meaningful feedback that will help shape future investment, facilities and services. It was agreed that regular member surveys will become an important part of future planning. 5. Health, Safety & Compliance The Fire Risk Assessment was completed on 25 June. The DSEAR Risk Assessment for the greenkeepers' fuel storage has been scheduled for 11 August. There were no safeguarding issues reported during the month. The follow-up Food Hygiene inspection has been arranged. The required three-month interval must now pass before the Council can return to reassess the kitchen following the introduction of a dedicated vacuum packing machine for cooked foods. 6. Decisions, Actions & Next Steps Membership survey to be completed and issued to all members. Complete analysis of bore hole water samples. Continue investigation into the historic cash reconciliation anomaly. Progress accountancy succession planning. Review proposals for expanding the buggy fleet. Publish winter opening hours for the bar and kitchen. Recruit a new House Director following Maria Perkins' resignation. Continue planning the next phase of bunker improvements. CLOSING NOTE: The Board remains committed to investing in the long-term future of Druids Heath Golf Club while ensuring the club remains financially resilient and responsive to members' changing needs. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to updating you on further progress over the coming months. Chairman, Druids Heath Golf Club