The 2008 RLCGA County AGM was opened by Captain Christeen Finlayson who gave a very warm welcome to the 48 members attending Haggs Castle Golf Club for our 99th AGM. last night
Audrey Sturgess opened the reports with her Treasurer's Report:
She said she was happy. The dismal trend of making losses during her time as treasurer had been broken and that we had finally made a surplus for the year. Two years ago when the Team reached the County Finals she had said that it was the best thing that could happen to the County’s finances and that she could only reiterate that this time. "It is events like this that pull us all together. We had a had a fantastic Bridge night at Eastwood Golf Club that raised money along with the sale of the recipe books for the County Coffers " (Amounts will be documented in the AGM Minutes)
She went on to say that "While many people worked hard to make the evening a success, a special mention really should go to Captain Christeen whose powers of persuasion and cajoling helped swell the numbers attending and without whom the evening would have been so much less rewarding "
In order to properly recognise and celebrate the County’s Centenary next year, it was decided that we should raise additional funds to be able to do this and hopefully allow us to subsidise some of the events planned for next year. To that end, recipes from members were gathered together and printed into a book. There can be hardly a household in the West of Scotland that does not possess one of these books and a sincere thanks must go to the many ladies who have been selling. There are still some left if anyone would still like to order one. We also held a Yoga Coffee Morning at Whitecraigs Golf Club that was great fun. The money from the books, the yoga and donations has been transferred to reserves to be used next year.
Audrey went on to give a more detailed report on the accounts and also to tell us that Club Systems --- Our handicap software used for our competitions, she has agreeded with them that for the coming year, one licence will cover the 4 Counties in the West and therefore four will share the cost. This should result in a saving of around £150 for each County. Carol Fell has agreed to be the coordinator for this so she thanked her very much indeed and hope that there are not any or many resultant technical problems !
She then thanked Elizabeth Simpson for once again taking the time to carry out the audit. She also thanked the Committee for their support throughout the year, in particular Christeen and our very efficient new secretary Morag. Thanks too to Sally Smyth for looking after the stock.
Finally, she informed us that our subscription notices were available for collection that evening. They were sorted alphabetically within Clubs. While she was delighted to save money on postage, she requested that when taking the notices back to the clubs would they please give them to the individuals as you find that people aren’t around the clubhouses so much now and the notice could be left lying until well after the due date for payment. This certainly happened last year. She was was also delighted to say that Jean Smith had agreed to collect the subscriptions this year so they should be sent to her
She then put the following proposals to the meeting:
That the 2008 accounts be adopted by the meeting
That the subscription for 2008 be set at the same amount as last year
This was then followed by Morag Turner's Secretary's Report:
All the venues for 2009 have been confirmed by all the Clubs.
This year we have managed to obtain a Sunday date for a medal and this will be held at Caldwell on 5th April. We have written to all the Clubs asking how they would feel in principle about hosting a Sunday Medal. Surprisingly we have had quite a few positive responses providing we fit in with their golfing calendar. It will be interesting to see the numbers for this Sunday Medal and hopefully this will continue in future years.
The Championships next year will be held at Whitecraigs from Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th April. The first day, of course, is an Open Day which is open to all members.
Renfrewshire will host the Inter County Foursomes Final next year and this is being held at Pollok Golf Club on Wednesday 13th May.
The West of Scotland Inter County Matches (Jamboree) will be held at Strathaven Golf Club from Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th June. Please come and support and please come and caddy. Caddy Mistress this coming year will be Maimie Robin. She really needs your help and I am sure she will be willing to take any names for caddying
The membership for this year is holding and 2 ladies and 1 junior that we know of at the moment are accepted for 2009. There are 205 Playing members, 11 Non Playing, 20 Juniors/Students and 10 Honorary members.
Morag went on to say that the numbers of the ballots were disappointing at times and she hoped it would improve next year.
She then went on to say unfortunately the minimum order for the umbrellas is 50 so we are not going ahead with the order as this will be far too expensive to outlay this kind of money without sufficient orders. Any people who have ordered an umbrella please note that this order will be cancelled. (I think there are 5 people)
She finally thanked the Committee for all their support and help over the past year but especially to Christeen, Audrey and Freda who kept her on the straight and narrow. She could not have done this job without them all.
Captain Christeen thanked both Audrey and Morag for all their hard work and help. She also thanked Elizabeth Simpson for yet again auditing our accounts.
These 2 reports were then followed by Wilma Leburn who gave us a very interesting Junior Report
She told us that the number of girls who are members/playing in clubs in Renfrewshire this year was 126
The season began with three coaching sessions at the Mearns Golf Academy for the development squad comprising of 11 girls. The coaching was under the supervision of Karyn Burns and the sessions were well attended considering the very cold, wet weather. This squad formed the basis for the Kennedy Salver team selected later in the year. She also arranged a Fun Session held at the Mearns Academy once again in March with Karyn leading the coaching. This was a one hour session and 28 girls attended . The idea of this session was to allow them to meet others who played golf and perhaps create their own network of communication to meet and play more golf. The girls were all given a “goody bag” and invitation to play in the Campbell Clock in September.
The Kennedy Salver was held this year at Ayr Dalmilling GC with Renfrewshire being represented by Natasha Qayum, Alyson McKechin, Lesley Cosh, Linsey Stevenson, Heather Howie , Catherine Conejo and Heather Conejo. (pictured right) The girls made a strong start to the foursomes matches in the morning wining 2 and losing 1. However, we experienced what can only be described as a collapse in the afternoon singles winning only one match. This having been said , the girls thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and represented Renfrewshire proudly regardless of the final outcome.They played two friendly matches against Ayrshire during the season. A home match at Ralston and an away fixture at Skelmorlie. Renfrewshire were winners on both occasions.
Eilidh Briggs has featured prominently in competitions and teams throughout the summer months. She played for Scotland in the European Junior Masters at Chantilly GC in July, and was also selected for the Girls Home International team at Panmure GC from August 5th -7th. She won the Renfrewshire Girls Championship at Old Ranfurly beating Alyson McKechin in a final which featured a wealth of excellent shot making. Eilidh was 3 down after 10 holes before winning 2/1.
She represented the Senior County Team at the Scottish County Finals at Inchmarlo picking up 5 points out of a possible 6 before dashing south to Royal Lytham and St Annes to represent her country once more in the Scottish Schools International Match. More recently Eilidh won the West of Scotland Girls Championship beating Rachel McQueen 2/1 in the final. Renfrewshire are very proud of her achievements and may she continue to achieve success at the very highest level
Alyson McKechin has had an excellent season and is showing the progress and results we all expected her to produce. A very exciting raw talent which Wilma is sure that with coaching and experience will turn her into one of our finest prospects in the future. She has reduced her handicap to 6 over the summer months and as a result of this and some solid performances was called upon to join the senior team at Inchmarlo for the county finals. She won the Best U15 gross at the Scottish girls U21 Championship at Powfoot in July and was runner up to Eilidh Briggs in an excellent county girls final.
Linsey Stevenson has reduced her handicap over the summer months to 8 from 14 and along with Natasha Qayum and Lesley Cosh attended the SLGA Talent Identification day in August .
Natasha as well as winning the Jean McCulloch foursomes competition has reduced her handicap to 7 and Lesley is now playing off 10. This all bodes well for the future of our senior team.
The Renfrewshire Girls Championship was played at Old Ranfurly on Sunday 24th August. The quality of golf throughout the day was excellent. Eilidh Briggs beat Lesley Cosh 2/1 in the semi final and Alyson McKechin defeated Natasha Qayum 2/1 in the other semi. The final between Eildh and Alyson was an excellent match with Eildh winning 2/1.The Campbell Clock was played at Whitecraigs on Sunday 14th September and for that day the rain stopped and we enjoyed some sunshine and good scoring. The Clock was won by Corrine Kyle of Cochrane Castle with 39 points and the runner up was Laura Craig also from Cochrane Castle with 35 points. The girls were a late entry and will add to our girls development squad for the forthcoming season. Samantha Cowan from the same club is now playing off 20 , having come down from 36 over the summer. The 8 hole competition was won by Rachel Green from Eastwood with Ailsa Thomson from PortPatrick being the runner up.The par 3 competition was won by Abigail Stevenson of Whitecraigs and Cara Thomson of PortPatrick was runner up. The total entries for the day was 46, with a few withdrawals closer to the day.
Wilma thanked all the helpers who turned up on the day to assist with duties. This competition would not happen without your help and time.
She then went on to say that she had thoroughly enjoyed the past year as Junior Secretary and working with the girls had been a most rewarding experience. ---- "To witness the improvements from the start of the season to where they are now is remarkable in itself. We have some exciting young players coming through and pushing hard for places in the senior team and after the success of the senior team this year this can only add quality and strength to an already excellent squad."
Wilma concluded her report by saying "Unfortunately due to personal and work commitments I am unable to give the time required to continue in this position next year and it is with regret that I must stand down to concentrate on other areas of my life at this time. I have been a member of Renfrewshire County for almost 34 years and will continue to be a loyal supporter in the years to come. Thank you all for your help and support in the past year and I wish you well in the year ahead"
Christeen thanked Wilma for her report and thanked her for her marvellous contribution to Junior Golf in her one year of office and that we are very happy to know that she will continue to support the girls.
Captain's Report:
Captain Christeen opened her report by announcing with great regret the death of Past President and Past Captain, Jean Walker.Jean ( pictured left with Kathleen McNeil) joined the county in 1947 and was Captain of Renfrewshire in 1975 and President from 1990 to 1995.
Our year started in March with Clare-Marie Carlton attending the SLGA warm weather training in Spain. Unfortunately, Megan Briggs could not attend due to University studies.
The Renfrewshire winter training programme took place at the Mearns Academy with instruction from Karyn Burns. Junior girls, Alyson Mckechin and Natasha Qayum, joined the squad and found the extra coaching beneficial. Our association very much appreciates the continued support and sponsorship by the Mearns Castle Golf Academy and Glenmuir.
The 2007/8 Winter Foursomes final was played at Whitecraigs Golf Club between Roisin Black and June Lockart and Sheila Gray and Mary Hardie. After a close fought game Sheila and Mary won on the 18th green.
The Rosebowl was played at Kilmacolm between Gillian McGinlay and Nancy MacGadie. Both girls played excellent golf but Nancy’s putts didn’t quite drop and Gillian went on to victory.
In April the Championship was played at Bonnyton in bitterly cold but dry conditions. Sara McCorkell won the Peggy Clark Cup and we had a unique championship final with the Briggs sisters competing against each other. Eilidh put up an excellent fight but was beaten by her older sister, Megan. Congratulations Megan on your third championship win. Everyone who watched was most impressed not only by their standard of play but their pace of play too.
12 Renfrewshire ladies competed in the Scottish Ladies (Close) Championship at Lossiemouth. Clare-Marie, Megan and Donna made it to the second round and Clare-Marie reached the quarter finals. Liz Stewart qualified for the Clark Rosebowl.
The West Inter County Foursomes took place at East Kilbride Nerston with Donna Jackson and Liz Stewart winning the Scratch prize. Gillian McGinlay and Maureen Woodhead came in third and Mary Hardie and Sheila Gray won the handicap section.
At the Commonwealth Spoons at Torwoodlee, Galashiels, three Renfrewshire couples competed and had an enjoyable day out!
The LGU Challenge bowls were played at Hilton Park in June with Carol Fell, Megan and Eilidh featuring strongly.
The LGU Medal Scottish Grand Final was played at Crieff. Alyson McKechin, of Elderslie, aged 14 at that time, with a handicap of 7, won the gold medal - Alyson, it is great to see you full-filling your undoubted potential.
Alyson has kindly brought it with her this evening for display. Alyson also reached the match play stage of the Scottish Girls under 18 championship and had the best scratch score and the best gross aggregate score for the under 15’s at the Scottish Ladies Junior Open.
Megan has certainly had a very busy year and has achieved many accolades. She qualified for the final round of the Helen Holm; was runner up in the Scottish Universities Womens’ Golf Championship; competed in the Scottish Ladies Open, the Ladies’ British Open and the Irish Ladies Amateur in Dublin reaching the final day; she also was runner up in the Ness Open; third in the Munross Trophy; and was the scratch winner at the at the Janice Moodie trophy. She also competed in the Scottish Ladies Junior stoke place championship for under 21’s; was third in the Riccarton Rosebowl; and in September won her second full cap to play for Scotland at the Home Internationals in Wrexham, Wales. Finally, she became the West of Scotland Champion at the Old Course Ranfurly. On the same day she was also part of the Renfrewshire Team, along with Clare-Marie and Alyson, who won the West of Scotland Championship Shield."Congratulations and well done for all your achievements, Megan, what a wonderful year you have had and I have no doubt you will continue to have many more in the years to come.
Clare-Marie Carlton also qualified for the final round of the Helen Holm and was selected for the Scottish team at the Irish Ladies Open in Dublin. She was third in the Mackie Rosebowl.
Our Junior Girls have had a wonderful year and I have taken great pride in watchng their achievements.
In June came one of the highlights of Renfrewshire’s year, the Renfrewshire team consisting of Eilidh, Megan, Clare-Marie, Donna, Gillian Kyle, Gillian McGinlay, Sara and Liz Stewart won the West Division, Inter-County Matches (the Jamboree), for the 13th time in 99 years thus qualifying us to go forward to the Scottish County Finals. We won 5 ½ 31/2 against Ayrshire and had a halved game with Lanarkshire. Unfortunately on the third day after winning two of our games in the morning against Dunbartonshire & Argyll, and forging ahead in the afternoon, play had to be stopped after 7 holes due to monsoon conditions. Renfrewshire was declared the winner. Our thanks go to Kay Black for being an excellent caddy mistress and all the ladies who came along to caddy and support.
On the second day Eilidh had a hole in one at the 6th hole against Susan Wood of lanarkshire. Eilidh has already received a momento of this but I am quite sure you will be happy to receive another! Please come forward Eilidh. This is Eilidh’s 1st hole in one! Well Done! --- (Click on the Photo of Eilidh on the left to see the framed picture she was given)
Of course, the other highlight of Renfrewshire County Team’s year was competing in the Scottish County Finals at Incharmlo. Two weeks beforehand we were sorry to lose one of our key players from the original line-up, Clare-Marie, due to work commitments but we were pleased to welcome reserve Alyson McKechin. We had a solid win of 7/2 against Perth & Kinross and then we were beaten 6/3 by Fife with two of our matches going to the 18th hole. On the third day we won against the Borders 7/2. It was nail biting experience waiting to hear if P & K could beat Fife in the second flight as our name could have still been on the shield. We were all disappointed not to win - we had come so close.The last time we won (the eigth time)was in 1987 at The Eden, St. Andrews, when Eileen Gibb was Captain. However, it is a marvellous achievement to come runners up in Scotland and for this we were awarded the F.J. Morison Trophy.
I hope you will take time to come an look at the trophy after the meeting. The team has experience and youth on their side, great enthusiasm, skill and team spirit. They all help and support each other. I have absolutely no doubt they will be County Champions in the near future. There is no reason we can not do it next year! -- click on photo of the Team on the RHS
As always, our grateful thanks go to our group of loyal caddies and supporters who travelled far and to those who helped us raise an amazing £2,100 at our Bridge Drive in early September.
Christeen then presented the team badges awarded to those for being selected to play for the County team. Somehow, Sara McCorkell had slipped through the net beforehand so she asked Sara, Alyson McKechin and Liz Stewart to come forward to receive their team badges.
There was also had another celebration at Inchmarlo. Donna Jackson had played for the Renfrewshire County Team for 25 years in a row. In all her 25 years Donna has been an excellent ambassador for Renfrewshire, playing golf with fairness and competitiveness, never putting a foot out of line. She has played golf with her heart and soul and guided new team members and captains alike with quiet confidence. On behalf of all the members of Renfrewshire County, Christeen then presented Donna with a momento to mark this unique occasion.
On the administration side, two of our ladies are on the SLGA board of directors. Pamela MacKenzie is in her final year as Chairman of County Golf and Beth Paterson is about to complete her first year as Chairman of training. Carol Fell has joined the SLGA/SGU technical working group looking at centralised handicapping. Congratulations Carol. This is a great tribute to your computer knowledge. Surprisingly, Carol has never been involved with Handicap Committees !!
The SLGA Training Squad for 2008/9 has been announced and Megan is in the national A squad, Eilidh is in the National B squad, Alyson is in the National C Squad and Natasha Qayum of Ranfurly Castle and Linsey Stevenson of Whitecraigs are in the Junior Performance Squad. She congratulated the girls and said " It is a great opportunity for you to receive national training from our scottish coach, Keven Craggs, and I know you will be doing your utmost to move further up the ladder." ---- Megan is 5th and Clare-Marie 11th in the 2008 SLGA Order of Merit and Eilidh is 5th and Alyson 15th in the Girls Order of Merit."
My congratulations to all those who were successful in their Club Championships and Open Days. I commiserate with the runners up and hole heartedly sympathise with those that could not even reduce their handicap this year!
After talking about all this success, it is just a pity that the number of members participating in and supporting county events are falling. hopefully, this has been caused by the disappointing summer of 2008 and not age!
Finally, I would like to make special mention of the committee members who retire by rotation this year. Kay Black, Gillian McGinlay and Freda Tuck have contributed so much in their three years of office showing great enthusiasm and willingness in everything they have been asked to do. and, yes, they all had smiles on their faces! We are also sorry to lose Lorraine Morrow after one year due to a career move.
Our immediate Past Captain, Beth, also demits office at this time. Beth has been a great asset to Renfrewshire - and has done a tremendous amount of work for our association not only as Captain but as Junior Convener too. Christeen thanked her for her sound advice, guidance and friendship.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Captain despite the odd hicup! it has been a great learning curve and i have learnt a lot. I am very greatful for your continued support.
Election of Office Bearers:
I am delighted to announce that our President, Wendy Cameron, remains in office for her fifth year.
I am also pleased to announce that our Secretary, Morag, and Treasurer, Audrey, will remain in their respective office. .
Maureen Mitchell of Old Ranfurly Golf Club, has agreed to take on the mantel of Junior Convener. Maureen has a wealth of golf experience and has been a teacher so there could be no better background to encourage our Juniors.
As Maureen has moved from the committee after two years of service the committee has co-opted, with your approval, Mrs. Kay Black of Paisley for one year.
The Committee also proposes that Mrs. Freda Tuck be co-opted for the two years vacancy caused by Lorraine’s resignation. Freda has been an excellent Results Secretary working away quietly and efficiently in the background and I am delighted to say she has enjoyed herself so much she has agreed, with your approval, to continue in this position.
As no nominations have been received for the committee the following have been invited to join for three years - June Lockhart of Gleddoch, Jean Smith of Cathcart Castle and Audrey Barclay of East Renfrewshire. It gives me great pleasure to announce that these ladies are duly elected and we look forward to them joining the committee.
In order to spread the workload of our Treasurer and Secretary I am pleased to say that Jean has agreed to be our Membership Secretary. Jean will look after our subscriptions and applications for the County.
I know we have a strong committee which is very committed and they will carry out their individual roles to ensure the smooth running of our association.
Our RLCGA website continues to thrive with wonder web woman Carol Fell behind the scenes. All your efforts and knowledge are greatly appreciated by everyone. Carol is always looking for news so please keep her up-to-date. If anyone is interested in sending blogs, or would like to know a bit more about web logs, Carol would love to hear from you. even I have been sending blogs to our website this year and, you know what they say, if I can do it, you can do it! I note you are now approaching 160,000 hits Carol. that is fantastic. Well done. Carol was then presented with a small gift (vouchers for M&S) for all her work. ---- THANK YOU EVERYONE
CENTENARY 2009.
Our centenary fund raising has been very successful. our Yoga Coffee morning, which seems a long way away, raised £291. we have sold almost 600 cookery books and our fund has reached approximately £1,600. this will be used to subsidise our Centenary Dinner and Fun Day.
Sadly, very little memorbilia has been received. for those who are interested we have some match books from 1909 and minute books from 1927 on display along with some photographs. Carol Fell is working hard behind the scenes and at the end of our Centenary year will "hopefully" produce a booklet of our first one hundred years. Make sure you come to our events and then you will go down in history! --- Click on the Play Button of the Video below to hear what Christeen has to say
Our centenary dinner will be held in the Glynhill Hotel, Paisley, on Thursday, 26th Feburary, 7 for 7.30p.m. the evening will be a mixture of fun, friendship and history! our speaker is Linda Ormiston, O.B.E., Opera singer, after-dinner speaker and commedienne. Tickets will be on sale at £28.00 and this will entitle you to a glass of bubbly on arrival and a glass of wine with your meal. A tear off slip will be attached to your subscription letter. It is hoped to have a good turn out for this event.
Our Centenary fun day will be at Pollok Golf Club on Wednesday, 2nd September. It will be a shotgun greensomes at 9.30a.m. followed by a buffet lunch. The price for our Centenary Day at Pollok will be around £30 -- It might be £35! It depends on our funds at the time! Depending on numbers, we will be delighted if those who do not wish to play 18 holes can perhaps join us for lunch. A tear off slip will be sent with your fixture card. please make an effort to attend this day and make it a noteable one.
Any other business:
Trophy in memory of Kathleen McNeil.
I am pleased to announce that Miss Marigold Speirs, the 1957 Scottish Champion, is presenting a trophy (possibly to be known as the Counties Centenary Challenge Cup) in memory of our late Life President, Kathleen McNeil (pictured left). This will be played for during the two stroke-play qualifying rounds of the Scottish Championship.
Past Captain Eileen Gibb requested the SLGA be approached to see if they could change the date of the Scottish Finals as it always clashed with the Ryder Cup.
Moira Cameron enquired if there would be any chance of the AGM being returned to the the afternoon. The Captain reported that this had been discussed at a committee meeting and numbers attending varied very little between the afternoon and the evening. The committee felt that the AGM should remain in the evening as more of our members and prize winners were unavailable during the day due to business, university and school. Gillian McGinlay commented that it was good to see so many of the Team at the AGM ----- (Clare-Marie was leaving for Spain the next morning and Gillian Kyle had to call off at the last moment due to family commitments) and the meeting agreed wholeheartedly.
Presentation of Prizes:
Wendy Cameron then presented the prizes . Click on the following link to see the Prizewinners List
Christeen then presented President Wendy Cameron with a beautiful flower display that had been made by Maureen Mitchell of Old Ranfurly
Date of next meeting: the next annual general meeting will be held at Haggs Castle Golf Club on Wednesday, 4th November, 2009, at 7.30p.m.
Christeen wished everyone a successful golfing year, hopefully dryer and sunnier than this year, and a safe journey home and finally declared the meetng closed.
Past Captain Beth Paterson then gave the Vote of Thanks before everyone had a cup of coffee or tea and plenty of chat.
To see some photos from the AGM click on the small photo below
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| THE 2008 RLCGA AGM |
