SPGC – Important updates Greenkeeping We would like to thank Barry and his assembled team for holding the fort since Liam’s departure at the end of May, this includes Martin Bentley, Tyrone Henshaw, Charlie Bolton, Andie Oddie and others. Alongside the college we have done 2 rounds of interviews and did select a new greenkeeper who we thought would be able to start in August, unfortunately the results from additional checks that have to be taken prior to any official appointment resulted in the offer being withdrawn. Further candidates are continuing to go through the interview and selection process and we are hopeful that an appointment will be made in the near future. In the meantime, Barry will continue to lead the team performing all the necessary tasks to maintain the course until this process is completed successfully. Club Management We are looking at how the Club Roles are structured and how we can involve more people with smaller, more distinct responsibilities, to help share the activities that are needed to run the club. Ian Dickinson has volunteered and started to take the reins as Secretary, recently attending the Council meetings and starting to send out Club Communications. Andy Harkins has volunteered to take over as Competition Co-ordinator when John Blockeel steps down at the end of September. Andy is becoming actively involved, getting ready to establish all the competitions from 1st October onwards. Jan Walker has expressed her willingness take on the Chairman’s role at the end of Ian McDonnell’s tenure which ends at the Club AGM in December. Andrew McEvoy has volunteered to take over as Hon Treasurer. Paul Mason will continue to be a primary contact for college liaison and student/staff membership management. As the Club Constitution requires, all the above 4 roles will have to be re-advertised for any full members to apply, and if necessary a vote will be held as part of the AGM process. If no other candidates put themselves forward then the individuals mentioned will be officially ratified. Some other members have also shown an interest in helping and discussions are ongoing to match the individuals availability/skills to the tasks that need to be fulfilled. Where we would like more support We need a more focussed approach to address our lack of presence on Social Media and would like someone who understands it all to volunteer to lead this for us. This will help us reach new audiences to promote our great club. Other possible pockets of activity are being considered (e.g. external contract management, Health & Safety management, System Administration) and we will send details of these when they have been fleshed out and reviewed. The above are only examples and if any of you have a particular activity you would be willing to lead or contribute to please get in touch. We all know that golf club membership is constantly evolving and we are proud of our volunteer run club. We want our club to continue to thrive and with your help we can build the future so everyone can enjoy our beautiful course and facilities. SPGC Council