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Veterans Golf Club of Victoria


Minutes of 69th Annual General Meeting held on Monday 5th February 2018 at Rossdale Golf Club.

Members in attendance: 24 + 9 CoM = 33. Quorum achieved

1. Opening

President Donald opened the meeting at 1.30 pm and warmly welcomed all members present. He reported that all relevant documents pertaining to the AGM had been circulated by our Club Secretary, Jeff Taylor. He thanked Jeff for his tremendous efforts in organising the AGM.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Lance Bolam, Trevor Bottomley, Reg Davey, Chris Donald, Peter Fischer, Bill Heron, Philip Horsborough, Alex Johnson, Alan Millard, Michael Montgomery, Stan Odachowski, Declan Stephenson, Chris Thorne, Malcolm Turner & Kelvin Tyler.

3. Minutes

Donald stated that the minutes of the 68th AGM meeting had been circulated to all members either by email or post and asked whether there were any matters arising from these minutes. Peter Charlewood asked on behalf of Alex Johnston re his suggestions last year e.g. sleeveless vests and charity collection from minor indiscretions. President Donald spoke to Alex at the time, having discussed them at Committee and closed the matters.

Moved: Bernie Coyle Seconded: Roger Selwood

All those in favour - carried

4. Annual Reports

Donald stated that all reports had also been fully circulated to each and every member and that he did not propose that they all be read out.

4.1 President's Report

Donald stated that 2017 had been another successful year for our Club. He thanked the committee for their tireless work.

VETERANS GOLF CLUB OF VICTORIA


President's report for year 2017.

Happy New Year to you all.

Another successful year for our Club. We have yet again increased our membership numbers at a time when golf clubs face a range of challenges which puts pressure on the level of active participation. This despite a time when we seemed to have a greater number of our members unable to play for long periods due to illness or injury. Let's hope for better times in 2018. Sadly, this year sees one of our Life members, Hugh Churchward retiring from active golf.

Hugh has been one of our stalwarts for many years, playing regular golf up until his 92nd birthday which is a fantastic achievement. Happy retirement Hugh!

The annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony attracted over 100 members and partners to Rossdale. A very enjoyable time was had by all, underlining the strength of our social ties. While golf remains our main purpose it is very clear that the spirit of friendship and social enjoyment are highly valued by our growing band of members. Please continue the good work being done by many, to attract new members to the mighty Vic Vets.

My thanks also to our hard working Committee officals who cover a range of tasks to ensure we have a healthy, strong and vibrant club. Well done Gents. Let's keep the fun aspect of our Club activities to the fore, as we prepare to tackle another year of competitive golf.

Finally, can I wish all our members a happy and healthy 2018.

Donald MacDonald

President, January 2018

  4.2 Captain's Report

  Taken as read and Captain Harold Hayes is happy to answer any questions. No questions.

Veterans Golf Club of Victoria


Captain's report for the year 2017.

2017 was my first year as Captain, which was challenging and satisfying
During the year we had some ordinary weather, which resulted in low numbers at venues such as Churchill Park, Patterson River and Waterford Valley. However our numbers for the year were good, only 11 less than in 2016.
I think it is fair to say that our golf continues to grow in stature. The core fabric of our club, namely membership, camaraderie and healthy competitive levels of golf continues to strengthen.
Our administrative processes including online bookings and course directories continue to improve courtesy of the magnificent work done by our Webmaster. Also Laurie continues to improve our monthly newsletter, which is a real winner, especially the jokes. Laurie, thank you for all your great work you continue to do for our club.
Our Handicapper Ray has done a terrific job. This year we had 11 individual winners which is a credit to the job Ray has been doing for us all. Plus aligning non-GA handicappers with the GA system to make them feel part of the competition. Take a pat on the back Ray.
My thanks to my vice Captain Jeff, who has stepped into the role and has done a terrific job. Thank you Jeff.
To the 23 Starters we had during 2017, I thank you personally because without you it would be very difficult to organise our fields efficiently. Hopefully in 2018 some more people will offer to help as it is a satisfying job in which you do get to work with other members.
As a club we face serious challenges, which is common with many golf clubs. Maintaining membership in this age group will always be such that we encourage friends, acquaintances and fellow golfers to come and join a remarkable social golf club. Word of mouth continues to be our best tool, one which many members have deployed in the past couple of years. On behalf of the committee our thanks to all of you. You are the true essence of the club.
Financial strength and sustainability is another ongoing challenge. We play many golf courses that charge above $50, while we only charge you $40. Currently this is only achieved by a combination of membership fees, course fees and a very successful monthly raffle superbly managed by Daryl Edwards and John Hiscock. We are indebted to those members. Thank you Daryl & John.
You will see the details of a very successful 2017 season laid out in Appendices 1, 2 & 3. Enjoy the read and prepare yourselves for the upcoming 2018 schedule that will include a game at Lang Lang - should be interesting.
Our Club Champion is Trevor Bottomley who is a first time winner. His was a magnificent achievement and thoroughly deserved. Well-done Trevor.
Our congratulations go to all our worthy winners in 2017 - see Appendix 3

Harold Hayes

Captain, January 2018

Appendix 1 - List of 2017 monthly winners

  • January: Keysborough - Terry Donohue (18) 43 pts.
  • February: Rossdale - Noel Valle (27) 42 pts
  • March: Waterford Valley - George Giles (35) 43 pts.
  • April: Church/Park/Waverley - Noel Valle (21)/Harold Hayes (22) 44 pts.*
  • May: Cranbourne - Trevor Bottomley (18) 36 pts.
  • June: Keysborough - Ray Desmond (26) 42 pts.
  • July: Southern - Philip Horsburgh (36) 45 pts.
  • August: Patterson River - Rod Goode (29) 39 pts.
  • September: Church/Park/Waverley - Harold Hayes (23) 30 pts.
  • October: Centenary Park - Ian Hoskins (19) 39 pts.
  • November: Cranbourne - Noel Manning (36) 44 pts.
  • December: Waterford Valley - Peter Bimbi (16) 39 pts.

* Presidents / Captains Trophy - Pairs Competition.

Additional Events:

  • July 2017 Eagle Ridge Winter Challenge : Winners; Trevor Bottomley. John Killmister.  Michael Montgomery. David Davies
  • September 2017 Brighton Challenge: Brighton GC defeated Vic Vets 182 to 169

Appendix 2 - Number of players each month in 2017

  • January: Keysborough - 65 players.
  • February: Rossdale - 57 players
  • March: Waterford Valley - 53 players.
  • April: Church/Park/Waverley - 50 players
  • May: Cranbourne - 44 players.
  • June: Keysborough - 57 players.
  • July: Southern - 50 players
  • August: Patterson River - 38 players. (Wet and wild)
  • September: Church/Park/Waverley - 34 players (Heavy conditions).
  • October: Centenary Park - 34 players.
  • November: Cranbourne - 47 players.
  • December: Waterford Valley - 54 players.

Total number of Competitors for 2016 - 583

Average number of Competitors per month: 48.6 players)

Additional events:

  • Eagle Ridge - 36 members played.
  • Brighton Challenge - 37 members played.

4.3 Treasurer's Report:-

Taken as read and Treasurer David Vine is happy to answer any questions. No questions

Veterans Golf Club of Victoria


Treasurer's report for the year 2017.

Gentlemen

I am pleased to present the Financial Report for the year ended 31 st December 2017.

We have again had an enjoyable year.

The aim of your committee for 2017 was to start to drawdown our funds in the bank account and as this report shows we had an expected loss of $670 compared to a loss last year of $1214. For 2018 our budget is for a small surplus.

The monthly raffle continues to be successful and contributed $3,126 thanks to the generosity of members. The committee thanks all members for their support.

New members increased our annual subscriptions to $2,490 an increase of $300. I expect a further increase for 2018.

Green Fees showed a loss, as expected, of $2858.

The financial status of the club is still sound, as we currently have $7,308 in the bank.

Stock on hand of our club clothing decreased by $90 to $444.

Secretarial expenses were $94 less than last year.

Most golf course charges for 2018 have increased and your committee believes that we cannot maintain the present fee structure which unless changed would decrease our bank funds by around $1,800. Therefore it will be proposed at the February general meeting to increase golf fees by $5 to $45 per round.

David Vine

Honorary Treasurer, 1stJanuary 2017

Moved acceptance of Reports: Peter Ross Seconded: Peter Charlewood

5. Annual Subscription and Match Fee

President Bernie advised the meeting that the outgoing committee has recommended the following:

a) That the annual subscription fee remains the same as last year, namely $30. 
b) The monthly match competition fee is increased from $40 to $45 to cover the increased prices at the golf courses we play. 
c) Where a member plays at their host club, their fee remains at $10 per match to cover the cost of lunch. 
d) The joining fee remains at $30.

He asked if someone would like to move a motion to that effect -

Moved: Ken Pride Seconded: Peter Ross

All those in favour - Carried

6. Life Membership for David Vine

President Donald proposed that our Club Treasurer, David Vine is made a Life Member of this Club. The honour of life membership is in recognition of David's outstanding services and commitment to the Club. He has also achieved the required number of points (60) as per the Club's Constitution (part 7).

Moved: Donald MacDonald.  Seconded: Bernie Coyle.

All those in favour - Carried.

7. Election of Office Bearers for 2017

efore we move to the election of Office Bearers, I would like take a moment to acknowledge the fact that our Vice President, Gary Finnis is retiring from the Committee after many years of outstanding service to the success of this Club.  His contribution has been exemplary and I would like to present Gary with a letter of appreciation on behalf of the members.  Many thanks Gary and may you enjoy many more years of golf at the Vets.

In accordance with Section 11 of the Constitution, all office bearers have resigned. All members were sent a nomination form for committee positions and we have received only one nomination for each position.

In accordance with tradition, Past President Bernie Coyle was asked to conduct the election for the 2018 Club President. Bernie thanked the members for the opportunity to start the 2018 elections.

1. One nomination has been received for President and he is Donald MacDonald, nominated by Jeff Stevens and seconded by Daryl Edwards. There being no other nominations Donald was declared elected as President for 2018.

Bernie then vacated the chair and Donald took the Chair and thanked Bernie for his assistance.

2. Roger Selwood was nominated for Vice President by Gary Finnis and seconded by Jeff Taylor. As there were no other nominees, he was declared elected.

3. Harold Hayes was nominated for Captain by Laurie Comerford and seconded by Jeff Taylor. No other nominees, he was declared elected.

4. Jeff Stevens was nominated as Vice Captain by Ray Desmond and seconded by Gary Finnis. No other nominees, he was declared elected.

5. David Vine was nominated as Treasurer by Laurie Comerford and seconded by Harold Hayes. No other nominees, he was declared elected.

6. Jeffrey Taylor was nominated as Secretary by Ray Desmond and seconded by Laurie Comerford. No other nominees, he was declared elected.

7. Ray Desmond was nominated as Handicapper by Harold Hayes and seconded by Jeff Stevens. No other nominees, he was also declared elected.

8. Daryl Edwards was nominated as Marketing Manager by Ray Desmond and seconded by Laurie Comerford. No other nominees, he was declared elected.

9. Laurie Comerford was nominated as Webmaster by Daryl Edwards and seconded by Ray Desmond. No other nominees, he was declared elected.

Donald asked Roger Selwood to join all the others at the Committee table. On behalf of the members, he thanked all those on the 2018 Committee for volunteering their services to the Club. He expressed confidence in the 2018 Committee and said that he was sure that we would keep moving ahead this year as we have done in previous years.

8. General Business

Donald asked if there was any General Business?

No General Business item was mentioned.

9. Meeting Closure

He then wished all members a happy, healthy and successful 2018 and closed the meeting at 1.45 pm.

Jeff Taylor

Honorary Secretary 19th February 2018


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Last updated: 10 June 2018