President Donald opened the meeting at 1.45 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.
Apologies were received from Alan Millard, Jeff Stevens, Declan Stephenson and Gary Morland.
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.
Moved: Lance Bolum Seconded: Bernie Coyle
All those in favour - carried
Donald stated that all reports had been fully circulated to the members and that he did not propose that they be read out.
Moved: Chris Proctor Seconded: Roger Selwood
All those in favour - carried
Happy New Year to you all. As we enter 2019 which is the year of our 70th anniversary, it is very pleasing to note that we have had another successful year, with increases to both our membership numbers and the level of participation across our monthly events. Our current figure of just over 90 registered members is impressive, however I for one would like to see it rise to 120 in due course. It is a worthwhile target, which would ensure that shotgun starts are guaranteed for all events, strengthening as it does, our social ties with all members coming back to the clubhouse around the same time. Our very successful Christmas Luncheon reminds me how important the social side of the club is to our members. Please continue your terrific work to recruit new members. As I alluded to earlier, our club, the "Veterans Golf Club of Victoria" was founded in 1949 which makes it the oldest Vets club in Victoria, something we should all treasure. Our Captain, Harold Hayes gave a very interesting historical snapshot of the club at the Luncheon to remind us of the effort and the spirit required in those difficult times, to establish and secure a future for our club. As beneficiaries of that legacy, it is only right that we all continue the good work being done to improve all aspects of our club. In recognition of our 70th anniversary, we will hold a special golfing event at Spring Valley GC. during the course of 2019. Details will be provided in the coming weeks. Sadly in 2018 we have lost a few of our dear friends, whilst others have faced a range of challenging health issues at various times over the course of the year. On reflection it seemed a particularly tough year for our club, so on behalf of the Committee, we wish our members and their families a happy and a healthy 2019. Let's play some golf!
I would like to thank each and every member of the Committee for not only their hard work in driving this club forward, but also their ability to do so with humour and courtesy. They are an excellent team. We march on! President, January 2019 2018 was a very challenging and exciting year as Captain. During the year we had cool but reasonable weather, which resulted in very good numbers for the year.Some 73 more than 2017. We also ventured to Lang Lang for the first time. The club thoroughly looked after all members with a sausage breakfast followed by an excellent lunch. We were made very welcome and enjoyed a tight but lovely golf course. This year we also had 4 shotgun starts, which went off OK .The main reason being we can all arrive in for lunch about the same time. I must thank everyone for their cooperation and acceptance of this new venture. Hopefully more to come in 2019. Our administrative processes including on line bookings and course directories, continue to improve courtesy of the magnificent work done by our webmaster Laurie. Also the monthly newsletter which Laurie puts together, is a winner and the jokes are well received. Our handicapper Ray Desmond has done another excellent job. This year we had 2 players win on two occasions. Considering we have some players not on official handicaps, that is a great effort. Well done Ray. To my Vice Captain Jeff Stevens, who has once again done a terrific job throughout the year.Having stepped up on many occasions to look after the starting duties.Thank you Jeff. To the 23 starters we had during 2018. I personally thank you, because without you guys it would be a difficult job to organise our fields. Hopefully during 2019 we may have a few more members who would like to have a go at Starting. As a club we face the same challenges every year, to keep our numbers up.We still need to encourage friends, acquaintances and fellow golfers to come and join a remarkable social golf club.
The website has been a help as we have received some new members because of it. On behalf of the Committee, our thanks go to all of you.
You are the true essence of the club. Financial strength and sustainability is another ongoing challenge. We play some courses, which are above $54 while only charging $45. This is achieved by a combination of membership fees and a very successful monthly raffle, which is superbly managed by Daryl Edwards and John Hiscock. We are indebted to both these members. Thank you Daryl and John. Also a special mention to our treasurer David Vine. A great job. Prepare yourselves for the upcoming 2019 schedule, which will include a game at Spring Valley Golf Club to celebrate 70 years. Our 2018 Club Champion is Noel Manning, who is a worthy winner. It was a great achievement and thoroughly deserved. Well done Noel. Our congratulations also go to all our worthy winners in 2018. A special thanks to all playing members, for all your help and patience throughout the 2018 season. You will see the details of the very successful 2018 season laid out in Appendices 1-3 Captain, January 2018 January Keysborough Bill Fitzsimmons Noel Manning 42 points July Eagle Ridge Winter Classic Don Barbour Total number of Competitors for 2018 - 656 Average number of Competitors per month: 54.7 players.
President's report for year 2018.Donald MacDonald
Captains report for the year 2018.Harold Hayes
Appendix 1 - List of 2018 monthly winners
Month
Course
Trophy
Winners
Score
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
September
October
December
Rossdale
Waterford Valley
Churchill/Waverley
Cranbourne
Keysborough
Southern
Lang Lang
Churchill/Waverley
Waterford Valley
Cranbourne
Patterson River
Royce Hollingsworth
Thord Lorich
Captain President
4BBB
Grant Haselgrove
David Vine
Alf Jones
Ray Underwood
Bernie Coyle
Ken Gangell
House of Golf
Bob Leverington
Ronnie Chong
Noel Manninlaurie.comerfordg
Trevor Spence
John Killmister
D. Stephenson
Trevor Bottomley
Keith Aldrich
Donald Barbour
Reg Davey
Chris Tierney
John Field
D. Stephenson
39 points
45 points
45 points
39 points
40 points
36 points
37 points
37 points
34 points
42 points
43 pointsAdditional Events:
Month
Course
Event
Winners
Score
November
Spring Valley
Ambrose
70th Anniversary
Chris MacGeorge
Warren Stahel
Noel Valle
John Field
58.5
41 pointsAppendix 2 - Number of players each month in 2018
Additional events:
Appendix 3 - 2018 awards list
Runneer up Joe Cirnigliaro
Runner-up: Ronnie Chong
Members
I am pleased to present the Financial Report for the year ended 31st December 2018.
We have again had an enjoyable year with playing membership increasing to 97 with about 60 members playing each round.
With budgeted losses in 2016 and 2017 the Committee aimed for a small surplus in 2018. Cash has increased by $438 but clothing stock was down by $152 giving a total asset increase of $286.
The monthly raffle continues to be successful and contributed $3,995 thanks to the generosity of members. The committee thanks all members for their support.
Joining fees for new members and our annual subscriptions rose to $3,180, an increase of $690. I expect a smaller increase for 2019.
As expected green fees showed a loss of $853 even with the increase of $5 per round
The financial status of the club is still sound, as we currently have $7,745 in the bank.
Stock on hand of our club clothing decreased by $152 to $292.
Three golf courses have increased their charges for 2019 our committee believes that we can maintain the present fee structure at $45 per round.
Treasurer
1st Jan 2019
Vice President Roger proposed that President Donald MacDonald be made a Life Member of this Club. The honour of life membership is in recognition of Donald'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: Ray Underwood Seconded: Peter Charlewood
All those in favour - carried
President Donald advised the meeting that the outgoing committee has recommended the following
Moved: Ray Underwood Seconded: David Vine
All those in favour - carried
Captain Harold proposed that ladies be allowed to join the Club and play as a group at same venues and times as current game schedule. Helping the Club to grow quicker, larger numbers can influence a course to give us a shotgun start thereby all members come in over a shorter period compared to 2 tee start.
After a short debate, clarification was required as to the nature of Captain Harold's proposal. As our Constitution clearly states that all golfers are welcome to apply for membership (not just male golfers), then the question of asking members to vote on "allowing" ladies to join the club is redundant and not sensible. Any attempt by members to bar ladies from membership, would be unconstitutional and completely at odds with present day norms.
Therefore the true nature of the Captain's proposal is really to sound out the member's thoughts and feelings on whether the club should actively pursue a number of ladies memberships as a key component of a recruitment drive to grow the club.
A lively discussion was had as to the merits or otherwise of the proposal to consider actively recruiting lady members. Some concerns were expressed as to making the club much larger and in the process, losing the strong social feel of our club. Other members expressed their support of having lady members as part of a bigger and stronger club going forward.
Result was: 38 for and 20 against. 66.5% in favour of Captain Harold's proposal.
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 2019 Club President. Bernie thanked the members for the opportunity to start the 2019 elections.
6.1. One nomination has been received for President and he is Donald MacDonald, nominated by Jeff Taylor and seconded by Ray Desmond. There being no other nominations Donald was declared elected as President for 2019. Bernie then vacated the chair and Donald took the Chair and thanked Bernie for his assistance.
6.2. Roger Selwood was nominated for Vice President by Daryl Edwards and seconded by Laurie Comerford. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
6.3. Harold Hayes was nominated for Captain by Donald MacDonald and seconded by Roger Selwood. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
6.4. Jeff Stevens was nominated as Vice Captain by Laurie Comerford and seconded by Daryl Edwards. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
6.5. David Vine was nominated as Treasurer by Donald MacDonald and seconded by Harold Hayes. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
6.6. Jeffrey Taylor was nominated as Secretary by Donald MacDonald and seconded by Ray Desmond. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
6.7. Ray Desmond was nominated as Handicapper by Jeff Taylor and seconded by Bernie Coyle. No other nominees, he was also declared elected.
6.8. Daryl Edwards was nominated as Marketing Manager by Laurie Comerford and seconded by Donald MacDonald. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
6.9. Laurie Comerford was nominated as Webmaster by Ray Desmond and seconded by Harold Hayes. No other nominees, he was declared elected.
On behalf of the members, Donald thanked all those on the 2019 Committee for volunteering their services to the Club. He expressed confidence in the 2019 Committee and said that he was sure that we would keep moving ahead this year as we have done in previous years
Donald asked if there were any items of General Business?
Peter Charlewood questioned if we should be playing at Lang Lang as it was a long way away.
Captain Harold stated that 44 players attended and enjoyed the day. See what numbers we get this year and then review continuing or cancelling.
David Heraud asked if the yellow club shirts be in navy blue with yellow text?
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He then wished all members a happy, healthy and successful 2019 and closed the meeting at 2.25 pm.
Secretary 4th February 2019