Langdon Hills Golf Club

Chris Carrott - Club Captain – CC*
John Lane - Club Vice Captain – JL*
Jeanne Goldstone - Lady Captain – JG*
Iain Tripp - Seniors Captain – IT
Geoff Cable - Immediate Past Captain – GC*
Michael Grix - Treasurer – MG
Dave Scott - Competition Secretary – DS*
Phil Chick - Handicap Secretary – PC*
Steve Cook - President – SC*
Brian Harrington - Communications Officer – BH*
Dawn Adams- Junior Organiser – DA
Bill Glasson – Social Organiser – BG*
Tony Dunstan - Course Director – TD*
Keith Thompson - Director of Golf - KT*

* Denotes attendance

1. Captain’s Address
Chris Carrott opened the meeting at 7.35 pm by welcoming all attending members. He asked all members to be upstanding for one minute’s silence in memory of Dave Bailey & Martin Dukelow who had passed away during the previous twelve months.

2. Apologies for absence
Terry Moncur, Marjorie Stockley, Tom Goldstone, Ian Tripp, Mike Grix, Eddie Tomlin, Jenny Brandon, Jeff Hannam, Jim Walker.

3. Minutes of meeting held 30th October 2008
Accepted as true record: Proposed. C. Goldstone. Seconded D. Walsh

4. Matters Arising
None

5. Secretary’s Report
Keith Thompson advised that the required number of statutory meetings, as required by the Club Constitution, had taken place. The Executive Committee met on 9 occasions and there had been 4 Board meetings. The current membership stood at 578, a reduction of 31 from last year.

6. Treasurer’s Report
Report prepared by Mike Grix and presented by Chris Carrott.
The accounts for 2008-9 show a loss of Ł1,638.37. The club is still in a healthy financial position with a working capital of Ł7,598.80
The loss this year was mainly due to the following:
· Delay in construction of Sweeney Bridge resulted in increase costs. The club donated a further Ł500 towards building expenditure.
· An unexpected large increase of Ł1.60 per member for 2008 county union fees. The estimated reserve based on past experience was insufficient. This resulted in a deficit of Ł560.
· The Social events were poorly supported. Total loss on social account was Ł735.
· Due to the success of representative teams in Thornton Cup & Leslie Wood the cost of supporting the teams increased to a total of Ł1,891. It is noted that the income from club ‘bonus ball’ competitions exceeded the expenditure of team regalia.
· The income from competition entry fees was slightly down on previous year due to reduction of membership.
Other items to note:
Junior section very poorly supported.
Interest on 30-day account is now almost non-existent due to reduction of bank interest rates.
The Captain’s Charities have been well supported. At the present time the total collected is Ł3,324.00
During 2010 the club’s computer system will need to be upgraded to incorporate the EGU Central Database of Handicaps (CDH). I have set aside a maximum expenditure of Ł1,000.00.
Treasurer’s Report accepted as true record: Proposed N. Strutt. Seconded P. Harrington. Agreed

Mr. John Lane proposed a vote of thanks to the Treasurer Mr. Michael Grix for an excellent report and recognition of another’s year’s work in keeping the club’s financial matters in good order.

7. Election of Auditors
David Muldoon was elected to continue to audit the Club accounts
Proposed: C Goldstone. Seconded: B. Dearmer. Agreed

8. Administration / Affiliation Fee
Chris Carrott explained to the meeting that the National & County fees are normally invoiced in September based on our membership number in June. The fees set are based on the total numbers of affiliated golf members both to the English & Essex golf unions. During the past few years this number has reduced which has resulted in an increase to the affiliation fees. This trend is expected to continue. The Executive Committee is therefore proposing to the meeting that this fee should increase to Ł25.00 for adults and juniors to remain unchanged at Ł10.00.
Proposed: The Executive Committee. Seconded Linda Gibson. Agreed

9. Amendments to the Club’s Constitution
The Executive Committee has proposed to add the following paragraph at the beginning of Clause 8 as follows:
"Membership of the Club shall be open to anyone interested in golf on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. However, limitation of membership according to available facilities is allowable on a non-discriminatory basis."
Proposed: C. Goldstone. Seconded R. Burns. Agreed
10. Election of Officers
The following officers were ratified for the coming year:
Club Captain - John Lane
Lady Captain - Linda Gibson
Seniors’ Captain - Robert Burns
There being only one nomination for each post the following were appointed:
Club Vice-Captain - Nigel Strutt
Lady Vice-Captain - Helen Allcorn
Seniors’ Vice-Captain - Carlton Darrell
Junior Captain: - Sam Crudgington
Handicaps Secretary - Phil Chick

11. Chairman LHGC Ltd Report
The Club has had a break-even year. Turnover has reduced by around Ł30,000 but there have been some reductions in administrative costs and some interest has been received on deposits. The club is therefore left with a profit before tax of Ł1,503 compared with just over Ł21,000 for the previous year, which gives a carry forward surplus of Ł49,155.
Although the Company has remained in profit for the year, the Directors are concerned that membership for 2009/10 has so far shown a sharp decrease. As such the Board feel that reserves must be retained as a buffer against potential losses during 2009/10.
The Directors who served during the year were Mr A. Dunstan, Mr B. Harrington, and Mr. S. Cook .
Mr. K. Thompson was Company Secretary. Mr A. Dunstan, being eligible, offered himself for re-election and was duly elected by the Exec. Committee.
The Chairmen then went through the accounts for year ended 30th April 2009
Detailed accounts were circulated to all members present.
Main points: Total income from members’ subscription was Ł385,537, a reduction of Ł28,223 on previous year. Total expenditure was Ł385,094 which was a saving from previous year of Ł8,305.
This resulted in a surplus of Ł1,503 for the year.
The current estimate is for a further reduction in subscription income for 2009/10, so reduction in expenditure is ongoing.
Financial Report accepted as true record: Proposed: J. Williams. Seconded: B. Dearmer. Agreed

12. Captain’s Report
I have enjoyed the year as captain of Langdon Hills Golf Club and have seen one of the most successful years we have had.
In the Thornton Cup we got knocked out in the 2nd round by Three Rivers who eventually got knocked out in the quarter finals and I would like to thank Adam Banks for helping running the team.
In the Leslie Wood we got knocked out in the 3rd round by The Warren who eventually got knocked out in the semi finals and I would like to thank Geoff Cable for running the team.
In the Norman Plum we got knocked out in the 3rd round by Stapleford Abbotts who eventually got knocked out in the quarter finals and I would like to thank John Lane for helping running the team.
In the Jubilee Cup we got knocked out in the quarter finals by Stapleford Abbotts who eventually won the competition and I would like to thank Paul Starr for running the team.
We had success in the Allan Lockwood Trophy. This was won by Grant Cairnie.
I wish to also thank John Lane my vice captain for all of his help and support of the year, to Brian Harrington and Steve Cook who were always on hand to offer advice and help with their vast knowledge and experience of club affairs. To Tony Dunstan and his Green staff for all of their work in a difficult dry season. To Keith Thompson who is hard working Club secretary and works hard behind the scenes for us. Without him we wouldn’t have had our lockers.
To Dave Scott and Phil Chick who as Competition Sec and Handicap Sec have done a great job this year even if I have been cut 2 shots this year for winning my own Captain’s Charity Day!!!
I wish to thank my fellow captains Jeanne and Iain for all of their support over the last year.
I also wish to thank all the members who have supported me in all the functions and events I have put on this year.
Lastly as I hand over to John Lane I wish John, Linda and Bob a very successful year.
John Lane: On behalf of all the members I would like to express our thanks to Chris on a very successful year. Chris took over the reins early, at a difficult time in the club’s history and has been an excellent Captain. I am honored to be your next Captain and only hope I can continue on successfully from Chris.
Meeting Closed at 8:30 p.m.

Date of next AGM – Thursday 28th October 2010 – 7.30 p.m.

AGM Open Forum – 29th October 2009

Keith Thompson addressed the meeting to report on a number of significant changes to be implemented in the future that will affect golf members.

Centralised Database for Handicaps (CDH): This will be introduced from January 2010. The Essex Golf Union have made it a condition of entry for all county competitions that affiliated clubs must be registered for CDH. The significant points for CDH are:

· Each member must play 3 qualifying rounds in previous 12 months for handicap to remain ACTIVE. If handicap becomes INACTIVE golfer will not be able to enter any open competitions or County events (individual or team). It will be for the club competition committee to decide what restrictions of entry will apply to club events.
· Golfers playing away competitions will not require handicap certificates and ‘away’ scores will be automatically uploaded to the database and the home club’s handicap system.
· Every registered golfer will receive a ‘lifetime’ unique ID number. This may be used to view Handicap Data. No other personal data will be stored. If a member transfers to another club the data moves with that person.
· The club must be connected to the system by 1st January 2010. This will require replacement of our current handicap P/C.

English Golf Union – Golf Advantage Card: With falling golf memberships the EGU have investigated various methods of receiving income to continue to support golfers and golf clubs in the continuing growth of the industry. Currently all income is received from affiliated members, the casual golfer makes no contribution. It has been agreed to introduce a Golf Advantage Card for an annual fee of Ł25.00 for non-golf club members. Clubs will be requested to give preferential tee times, access and discount over normal green fee payers to help the system to grow. Clubs will be able to gain marketing information from locally signed up cardholders, with the possibility of converting to members. Once the system has grown (2-3 years), Clubs should review promotions such as 2 for 1.

EGU – EWGA Merger: Talks ongoing. Steering committee have planned meetings during period October – December and will make recommendation early next year.

Equality Act: Will probably become law next year. May require re-appraisal of playing sections. LHGC is currently an equal status golf club so it is not envisaged there will be significant changes. Clubs that restricted paying or voting rights will have to change. The opportunity to be Club Captain should be open to men & women.

Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA): This new scheme to protect your persons in society will become law next year. Staff and volunteers working with children will have to register by November 2010. Two elements:
· Vetting & Barring Register
· Criminal Records Bureau
To register will be free for volunteers and cost Ł64.00 for staff. Registration will last for 3 years. Any employer who uses unregistered staff, or fails to report incidents that could result in barring of person to work with children, will be committing an offence, punishable by a fine up to Ł5,000.

Membership: Total membership had reduced again due to the current economic recession. It was important for this trend to be reversed. The Board will implement a Winter Promotion to entice new members. Member’s referral was also important. Membership schemes will have to reflect the changing life styles of people who regularly play golf but are not currently members

Greens Report:
· 2008 and into 2009 has been a difficult year with regards to financial input towards Golf Club Limited due to the downturn in membership. Combined with these we have had fairly good growing conditions up until late July when rainfall became an issue with regards to turf growth. Up until mid July it would be fair to say that the course had been in good condition with good turf coverage on the fairways and a presentable consistent putting surface. The irrigation system has been fully tested this year and flaws within the system became apparent quite quickly during the drought conditions. Tee and green areas suffered during August with dry patch forming on most areas. We combated this with hand watering to alleviate the turf stress. Putting surfaces were affected during August and into September and it has only started to recover during late September and into this month. The whole site has used a considerable amount of water in comparison to 2007/8. We are currently looking into the possibility of a borehole which will enable us to extract up to 20,000 litres of water per day without an abstraction licence. This of course would help us make a saving on mains water usage. The cost of the borehole is likely to be in the region of Ł14K.
· Staff levels have had to be reduced and a redundancy procedure was instigated. Earlier in the year we made one member of staff redundant and we started the spring period with a reduced green staff level. However a couple of months later we were in a position to re-employ and bring the staff level back up. We continued into the summer period with 5 core staff plus me and two casual summer placements. However in September we once again had to reduce our costs within Golf Club Ltd and this involved making savings on the course budget. The board made a decision once again to go down the redundancy route. It has now been agreed that given our financial position we can only employ 4 full time qualified green keepers plus me. Next April we may consider taking on one or two casual placements on a short summer contract. With staff numbers reduced that will put an extra burden on the current staff with regards to the weekend rota schedule. The green staff work 44 hrs during the spring and summer period and 36 hrs
during the autumn and winter. This does not include their scheduled weekend rota hrs which is approximately 104 hrs each per year. This month we have changed the autumn/ winter working week to Monday to Thursday 7am until 3pm and Fridays will be covered by two staff on a week on and off basis from 7am until 2pm. This is different to last year when they all finished on a Friday at 11am.
· The budget allowance made available from Country Club to maintain and develop the golf course has covered the essential items for our current financial year. With increased costs for materials and fuel we have noticed that you ‘get less for your money’!
· Course aeration has already started with the green and tee areas being targeted first. In late September the green areas were hollow cored with 6mm tines and dressed. We also applied seaweed supplements and artificial dyes to help the greens recover and to improve the aesthetic appearance. Next month we start the verti draining operation on the fairway and green areas with a 19mm solid tine to a depth of 250mm. Green areas will be aerated on a weekly basis with solid and slit tines.
· Disease control on the green areas has commenced with a preventative programme of fungicides on the main course greens. As an example one application of fungicide for eighteen greens can cost up to Ł800. We have applied two systemic fungicides as part of this programme. Fusarium is currently under control and Anthracnose is being treated with cultural and mechanical methods. Applications of low level Nitrogen will help, combined with increased aeration to alleviate compaction. Turf Stress associated with drought conditions and lower fertility was a factor influencing the onset of the Anthracnose.
· Lorry movements with approved materials being supplied by CSL and Brocks Haulage have been providing base material for the new teeing area for the 5th, 14th holes along with the chipping green area on the practice area. The tee reconstruction programme will start in early November.
John Lane raised issue of 14th tee steps not being repaired and the general poor condition of the tee. Several ladies informed the meeting that buggy traffic was seen driving over the ladies’ tee and most trolleys are pulled across this area. TD informed the meeting that repairs to the tee were planned and a new ladies’ tee will be constructed.

Dave Walsh queried that the reported expenditure for Course Maintenance & Development appeared to be very low. He thought the course was looking ‘tatty’ at certain periods of time and needed a higher priority in the expenditure. The course required a bit of TLC to raise playing conditions.

Tony Dunstan replied that the majority of course maintenance expenditure was paid via Golf & Country club, that is why the figure appeared low. Country Club pay for all fertilisers, seed etc. Golf Club paid for all staff wages.

Mike Chambers questioned why greens had not been hollow tined this year. TD responded they had, and 20 tons of top dressing had been used to relieve compaction. MC asked why the committee or Board are not finding additional funds to allocate for course maintenance. It was his view that the majority of members wanted to see improvement to the playing conditions.

Pauline Harrington asked as to the status of the driving range as there was confusion as to when it was open. KT replied that the range was open to members during daylight hours. The range is operated by the professional staff. Balls were dispensed by coin-operated machine. Access was via greens compound road but not open to vehicles.

Dave Walsh commented that we used to have excellent practice facilities which were an asset to the club. There was talk of a practice net and short game area but they have not materialised. Surely it helps to sell the centre and membership and makes good business sense to have excellent practice facilities.

TD responded that the short game area will happen and agreed that it enhances the facilities and will help with membership retention.

Celia Goldstone raised issue of paths being worn / washed away. She cited a local company that could supply material to repair but was unsure of costs. MC informed the meeting that ‘mills planing’ were Ł120 for 20 ton.

Margaret Dearmer thought that the bunkers adjacent to the 18th were too difficult to play out of and either required more sand or should be filled in! TD stated he ‘begged to differ’ but would personally inspect.

Steve Chapman thought to increase business it would be a good idea to introduce a Loyalty Card for green fees.

Mike Chambers raised issue of slow play. Saturday mornings were particularly bad. He felt that the ranger was not given authority to deal with issues on the course. A long discussion then took place with many members making comments on the matter. KT agreed that the committee needed to respond and take some action. The following ideas / comments will be discussed and a policy formulated:
· Course Signage
· Course Clocks
· Members to know what authority ranger has
· Committee to deal with abuse of ranger
· Card timing advice
· Course etiquette – pace of play rules signage

John Lane remarked that problem also existed mid-week particularly when members were playing behind a society. Why is there not a ranger then? Several women noted that they are never called through.

Mike Chambers asked if all income from societies was going to Country Club why do they not employ a ranger. He commented that when he visited Stock Brook or Channels as a society member they were met by the ranger who informed them of the club rules and monitored their progress on the course. Why not at Langdon Hills?

KT responded that he recognised that there was an issue to address and would have discussions on this topic with both the Board and senior pro staff.

Member raised question as to front entrance signage. KT was unsure of concern. He believed that the word ‘Public’ access referred to Bars & Restaurant, but would investigate.

Annette Firth wanted clarification as to the status of the pathway on 11th fairway. Work in Progress – GUR.

Brian McCarthy asked if the mounding to left of 15th & 16th would be seeded as the weeds were longer than the grass and the OOB posts had been moved out. TD responded that these areas would require spraying. He also felt that the OOB post should be returned to original position as it was safer for golfers.

Colin Firth stated that he had heard that the committee were planning to move the 15th tee and this would require a number of steps to reach which could be an H&S issue. KT responded that the committee had no such plan or discussion. He stated that there was a long-standing risk of stray balls from the current 15th tee possibly hitting golfers adjacent to 13th green. The land owner had considered constructing an earth mounding to protect the green. This would be disruptive to the course and expensive. KT and TD have had discussions to re-site the tee on mounding of new reservoir to alleviate this problem but no formal request had been made to the land owner, Board or Executive Committee.