Barnard Castle Golf Club
THERE will be a strong Scottish flavour in the golf club leadership next year under the captaincy of Bob Henderson with Alastair Dinwiddie as his vice-captain.
They were installed at Friday’s annual meeting and plan to continue the battle to turn around the club’s fortunes after a period of declining membership.
After her first year as treasurer, Sue Blaeford reported that a loss of £49,945 up to September last year had been reduced to £15,087 and it is hoped at least to break even next year.
This is being achieved despite holding fees at the same level for a third successive year in an effort to stem the loss of members.
Caroline Smith has taken over as ladies’ captain in succession to Joy Pallister, with Barbara Farrer as their secretary.
Born in Grangemouth, Mr Henderson began his 23 years in the Army with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, becoming a sergeant major, before spending a further 23 years as a civil servant with the MOD.
That took him to Catterick and he came to live in Barnard Castle in 1990, joining the golf club in the same year. He is a past chairman of the British Legion and the Fellowship of Services.
He said: “I want people to enjoy themselves and we will offer a warm welcome to any new members.
“Non-members are also welcome in our clubhouse and I plan to extend that by having a stairlift installed.”
Mr Dinwiddie has Scottish ancestry but was born in London, arriving in Barnard Castle in 1992 as managing director of Whessoe Instrumentation.
As the chairman of Enterprise House, he has experience of organising the Teesdale Business Awards and is approaching firms for sponsorship.
“We can offer them publicity and discounted membership packages,” he said.
Of his two golfing sons, Rob is a former European Tour player and Doug is a five-handicap club member.
“I was a nomad for 30 years and I did not expect to spend the rest of my life here when I arrived in the town,” said Alastair.
“What Barnard Castle has done for me and my family is inestimable.”
It was revealed at the annual meeting that outgoing captain Ross Law is to take over as secretary.
The post had been vacant for most of the summer after Stuart Everall suffered a stroke and, despite making a good recovery, felt unable to resume.
Another past captain, Peter Holliday, took on the role in October but has stood down after discovering that plans to incorporate the business would make demands on him he had not anticipated.
Mrs Blaeford reported that subscription and green fee income had increased by almost £20,000, there had also been a VAT refund, and costs had been reduced.
She added: “We are now in a position where we have no borrowing, apart from lease and HP commitments, and we have cash in the bank.”
At last year’s annual meeting she had warned that fees might have to rise by £15, taking full membership above £700, unless a significant rent rise could be resisted.
This time she was able to report: “The committee managed to negotiate no increase for 2018-19 and £500 for each of the next two years.
“We feel the club is in a much better financial position but we still have significant work to do. We need to increase our membership and need the support of all members to help us achieve our objectives.
“In 12 months’ time I want to inform members we have achieved a break even situation or even a small profit.”
Winter League results
Saturday: Colin Perry 44pts; Mark Parvin 43; David Race 43.
Sunday: James Watson 37pts; Nick Seddon 37; Stan Bedwell 36.
Ladies’ section
PAULINE Connelly and Vicky Oliver were the major winners at the ladies’ presentation evening.
As well as winning the 36-hole club championship for the fifth time, Pauline won the singles knockout, the Birbeck Trophy, which is played over three rounds, and the McLuckie Memorial Shield for the lowest aggregate over four medal rounds.
Vicky’s haul comprised the Easter Rose Bowl, the Friend Rose Bowl, and the Eileen Driver, Arthur Watson and Linda Carlino trophies.
She added the Ping competition in partnership with Sarah Halpin, who also picked up the Centenary Cup.
The 36-hole Handicap Championship and Past Captains’ Trophy were won by Marion Robinson, along with the foursomes knock-out in partnership with Golf Foundation charity medal winner Dianne Wilkinson.
Other multiple winners were Sue Seddon, Jo Linsley and Margaret Melrose, while the list was completed by Liz Angel, Kathryn Archer, Barbara Yorke and Joy Pallister.Duo will lead club’s ongoing efforts to improve fortunes
