Victorian Veterans Golf Club Presentation luncheon 2019:

Havng given us time to consume our main course, President Donald advised us that:

Its showtime!!

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. 

On behalf of the committee I extend a very warm welcome to each and every one of you, to this, our annual christmas lunch and presentation ceremony.

It’s great to see another large turnout, thank you all for coming along today. I’m sure we’ll all have a really good time. A special welcome to Innis Ireland, our sponsor from House of Golf Mentone. Welcome Innis!

This year we are here at Keysborough Golf Club, our first time at christmas. I must say the presentation thus far is excellent!

Can we please show our appreciation to the staff here at Keysborough.

In regard to today’s event, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work done by our secretary, Jeff Taylor. In getting today’s event ‘up and running’. Well done Jeffee!!

Also help from my wife Pat for her support not only in preparing the ladies gifts but throughout my time as President. Thank you Pat!!

You know its tough being a golfer!. There are such fine margins between defeat and even greater defeat!.  And that’s just the golf. Wait till you go home.

This year, 2019, has been a very special year, our 70^thanniversary in fact. We celebrated the occasion with a special golf day at spring valley gc attended by over 70 members and guests. Spring valley is where this club came into being in 1949, before most of you youngsters were born!!

Many people contributed to the hard work that was necessary,under the leadership of our captain, Harold Hayes. Thanks again Harold!!

It takes the dedication of some special people to keep any club going for 70 years. We are very fortunate to have some of those special people here today. I’d now like to introduce our life members and office bearers who have served this club with distinction. 

Let me firstly introduce our life members;

• Lance Bolam and his wife Edith;
• Ray Underwood and his wife Rhonda;
• David Vine and his wife Janice.

Unfortunately 2 of our life members, Bernie Coyle and Hugh Churchward couldn’t be here today.

Over and above our 70^th birthday celebrations, this has been yet another successful year at the Vets, with the introduction of lady members adding to a broader increase in membership and greater participation levels on the golf course. A big part of that is down to the excellent work being done by your committee.

When I call your name can you please stand and remain standing till all committee members are called:

Harold Hayes, Jeff Stevens, Roger Selwood Jeff Taylor, David Vine &Laurie Comerford.

Apologies; Ray Desmond and Daryl Edwards.

Ladies and gentlemen, please show your appreciation.

There are many past office bearers here today;

• Bill Frey,
• John Currie and his wife Linda,
• Kelvin Tyler and his wife Helen,
• Gary Finnis and his wife Pam,
• Stan Odachowski and his wife Denise.

Thanks gents, you have all been terrific!

If I’ve missed anyone, the cheque is in the post!

As most of you know, I will be retiring at the AGM in February. I must say that it has been a privilege to be involved with this great club over the past decade or so.

At least you won’t need an interpreter at future events

Thanks thanks!. I know “parting is such sweet sorrow"

Which brings to mind the story about the burial service at the graveside. (If you were there you may remember it. If you weren't there you have to imagine it. [editor])

As usual we will have the raffle and distribute the ladies gifts in between the main course and dessert.

After dessert we will be presenting this years prizes to our 2019 winners including our club champion.

Today, it's not only our celebration, Barbara Taylor has a birthday today!
Led by choir-master Colin Wiseman 'Happy Birthday Barbara' echoed acros the room.

Hope you are all having a wonderful time! Best wishes to you all for 2020.

I now call on our esteemed captain, Harold Hayes to say a few words and present the 2019 prizes.