Thursday, November 08, 2012

WEST VETS 2012 AGM --- SUCCESS SUCESS FOR THE WEST

Fiona, Anna and Marion - Past , Present and Future West Vets' Captains
The 2012 SLVGA AGM was held today at Cowglen Golf Club.
The meeting opened with a Welcome to all members by Captain Fiona Roger and Secretary Morag Key reading out the apologies for absence. 

SECRETARY'S REPORT --- MORAG KEY


Morag Key The West Vets Secretary reported that membership currently stood at 166 (there having been 14 resignations prior to the AGM).  There are 46 ladies on the waiting list.
The Fixtures for 2013 are as follows:-
Spring Meeting         -  Monday 15th April 2013 at Prestwick St. Cuthberts
Summer Meeting     -  Thursday 23rd May 2013 at Drumpellier Golf Club
Autumn Meeting      -  Friday 6th September 2013 at Buchanan Castle Golf Club

All Meetings will be pre-balloted.

Matches:-
Midlands –v - West Singles - Monday 3rd June 2013 at Dunblane Golf Club
East –v - West Singles - Tuesday 27th August 2013 at Gullane No. 2
West –v - East Foursomes -  Tuesday 13th August 2013 at Troon Portland

Championship:-
Renfrew Golf Club -           Thursday 30th May 2013 – Morning and Afternoon 
-  Friday 31st May 2013  -  Morning and Afternoon

Treasurer Sheila Shaw then gave her report and opened by saying --- Once again I am indebted to Jan McNab of Ranfurly Castle Golf Club for auditing your Account.

My thanks also go to Helen Burnett for taking charge of the  Sweaters this year.  Thanks also to Anna for her assistance at the table this afternoon. 
This was then followed by a very in-depth review of the West Vets finances

CAPTAIN'S REPORT - FIONA ROGER 

 Before I start my report, I would like to make reference to the death two ladies who were very much part of Scottish Senior and vets Golf. Ethel Jack, a member of Gullane Golf Club who died in May. A Past President of the SLGA, a born leader and organiser. Captain and often later, President of numerous Clubs and Teams. Latterly very involved with Scottish Seniors and Vets. Her sense of fun was infectious and she will be very sadly missed in ladies golf in Scotland and further afield. Those of us who knew her, spent many happy times in her company.

 The other was the untimely death early this year of Moira Thomson (Gullane Golf Club). Moira won the Scottish Girls Championship in 1968, played county golf for Midlothian and was a stalwart of the East Lothian County team. She very much came into her own on reaching the age for seniors golf. A regular Scottish Senior International player who gained the respect of her international colleagues, as a strong match player. Several of us here enjoyed time spent with her at senior events and I know that she will be missed by all her friends at Gullane.

 The West Division was well represented at both the funerals in Edinburgh. They say two things about time flying – one is when you are getting older, the other is when you are enjoying yourself.
 I am now a year older than at the last AGM, which seems only like yesterday, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my second year as your Captain.
 I would first of all like to say how lucky I have been to have worked with a very efficient and helpful committee during my 2 years in office who have backed me all the way and I would like to thank each and everyone of them for their time and effort throughout, and for the fun we have enjoyed together as a committee.

 Outwith the committee I have to mention Carol Fell who is the West Vets website’s ‘guardian angel’. Thank you Carol for everything you do on our behalf. We can never thank you enough.

 We are still maintaining a full membership of 180 and still have a very long waiting list which we hope we can reduce before the people at the bottom of this list give up waiting. It is perhaps a tribute to the Vet’s Association that so many people would like to be part of it. It does seem to have ‘a feel good’ factor about it and long may that continue.
 I remember well saying last season in my report ‘the season has not produced a whole lot of summer weather’ I am trying not to repeat what I said last year, but sadly ‘the season has not produced a whole lot of summer weather!!’

 We had over 100 entrants for the Spring Meeting held at Ralston in April, and had to ballot out 12 ladies. 25 then called off and we ended up with 74 ladies playing in windy, cold, but mainly dry conditions. The scores reflected the conditions with the CSS up be 3 (reduction only) and only 2 ladies below the CSS for the day. Alison Gemmill (Kilmarnock Barassie) with a nett 70 off a handicap of 3 and Pat Hutton (Lanark) a nett 73 off a handicap of 6. The Division 2 winner was Anna MacDougall (Old Ranfurly) and the Super Vet was Elizabeth Fazzi (Haggs Castle).

 The Summer Meeting and qualifier for the West Vets Championship was played at Kilmacolm in very hot and humid conditions, many taking part, glad to reach the 19th! Putting caused many a problem and probably was the cause of the CSS to up by 2. ------ 76 ladies played. Linda MacDougall (Greenock) won the Heather Anderson Trophy for the best scratch score of 79 by virtue of a better inward half from Jane Finnie (Troon Ladies) and Alison Gemmill (Kilmarnock Barassie) also with 79s.
Jane Finnie had the consolation of winning the Silver Division with a net 73 and the Bronze Division winner was Janet Dow (Douglas Park) with a net 77 and the Super Vet winner was Moira Cameron (Troon Ladies) with a net 75.

 We headed to Hilton Park, Allander course for the Autumn Meeting where we had fine and dry overhead conditions but the course proved very long and the SSS of 69 proved a tall order for most. 55 ladies played, the CSS went up by 3 and the competition was reduction only. The Scratch was won by Anna Telfer (Milngavie) with a 78 and the May Craddock Trophy for the best net score was also won by Anna with a 78 less 6 – 72. The Division 2 winner was Pat Robertson (Caldwell) with a net 81 and the Super Vet winner Marjorie Walker (Haggs Castle) net 80.

THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPORTING OUR COMPETITIONS THROUGHTOUT THE SEASON

 Matches: 
This year’s 3 matches were played, as usual in a very competitive, but as always friendly manner. Everyone who participated enjoyed the golf and as always there is plenty of laughter and chat during the après golf. Thank you to all those who found time to play, and I hope they all enjoyed their day.

 I am pleased to report that we managed to wrestle the Elise Duncan Trophy from the East this year. A scratch singles for low handicappers played this year at Troon, in glorious weather the West pulled off the narrowest of wins – 5-4.

 A 3.5/3.5 draw with Midlands at Ranfurly Castle allowed us to retain the Mid West Trophy which we won last year at Alloa. This match is scratch singles for 10+handicaps.
 The scratch foursomes for handicaps 10+ against the East played at Gullane for The Friendship Trophy was won by the West 3-2.
 Can I thank all those who took part in the matches and say well done to them all for making sure that all three trophies have found their way to this table!!
 Low singles at Troon: Suzanne Cadden, Helen Faulds, Jane Finnie, Alex Glennie, May Hughes, Pat Hutton, Jennifer Mack, Janice Paterson and Anne Robinson 10+
Handicap Singles match at Ranfurly Castle:  Anne Aitken, Maureen Cook, Carol Fell, Sandra Gilchrist, Cathy Morton, Rena Simpson and Enid Young
Foursomes at Gullane: Anne Aitken Sandra Gilchrist, June Irons, Annabel Kane, Morag Key, Karen Maxwell, Anita McMillan and Marion Stewart.
May I minute my thanks to all those who organised the matches, and thank the clubs in the West, who kindly gave us the courtesy of the courses.

The Divisional Championship: After probably the one very hot week of the summer, the 2012 Divisional Championship took place at Renfrew Golf Club in slightly cooler conditions. No sunshine, but no wind either and only a few drops of rain. The 8 best scratch scores from the Summer Meeting went forward to the match play stages and the best 4 scratch scores in the Bronze Division contested the Bronze Championship. We again appreciated Renfrew allowing us the courtesy of the course – 10 tee times in all, over two days. A challenging course and good to have a second year with very little wind.
Congratulations to all who qualified for the match play stages. Lorraine Campbell, Janice Paterson, May Hughes and Alex Glennie won through to the semi finals at the expense of Linda MacDougall, Sheena McDonald, Janette McCartney and Alison Gemmill.
The semi finals were played in the afternoon. Lorraine beat Janice at the 19th hole and May beat Alex 1up. Two very closely contested matches.
The final was played on day 2 between Lorraine and May and after a hard fought game May was the worthy winner of the Divisional Championship and would represent the West at Blairgowrie in September, to play in the Scottish Vets Championship.
The Bronze finalists were Moira Hogg and Anna MacDougall after both recorded wins against Maimie Robin and Maureen Rennie and Moira went on to be a very worthy winner of the Bronze Championship.

 As I did last year at the AGM I would like to say what an honour it is as Captain to know that so many West Division members are committed to so many areas of golf – administration, captaincy, team members, club Champions and participants in so many competitions not only in this country but abroad.

Fiona Cowan: ------ SLGA Committee
Sally Coster: ------- President of the Scottish
Vets Helen Faulds -------- Scottish Seniors Team Captain and Captain of the Scottish Vets. --
Helen had a busy year – She captained the Scottish Senior team in Ireland at the Mary McKenna Trophy match, followed by captaining the Vets team at the Annual Jamboree hosted by Scotland at the Hirsel. Helen captained the Scottish Senior team to the European team championships in Switzerland, being narrowly beaten in the final of the B flight and lastly captained the Scottish Senior team at the Home Internationals at Elie in October, when Ireland won for the first time.
Helen needs to hibernate for the winter!!
Team members – Mary McKenna Trophy – Scotland v Ireland – May Hughes Reserve: Alex Glennie Vets Jamboree - Team members – Alex Glennie and Janice Paterson Reserve May Hughes European Team Championships – Team member – Alex Glennie
Senior Home Internationals – Team member – May Hughes

15 West Division vets took part in the Scottish Seniors at Kemnay in July.
There were 82 competed altogether. Alex Glennie was second in the Stroke play championship and 4 west vets qualified for the match play stages.
Helen and Anna lost in the first round, Alex lost in the quarter final and Janice Paterson reached the final which was a wonderful effort, playing well throughout.
Unfortunately she was beaten in the final by Heather Anderson from Blairgowrie who was playing in her 4th successive final. -- Well done Janice.
Helen Faulds won the over 60s scratch award and Lorraine Campbell, Sheena MacDonald and Karen Maxwell all qualified for the second flight match play.
Janice played in the Italian Seniors and Janice, Jennifer Mack and Helen Faulds played in the Irish Seniors, Jennifer and Helen qualifying for the final day.
Suzanne Cadden,  Jennifer and Helen played in the Spanish Seniors at La Manga

Anna Telfer led Milngavie to their forth consecutive Greenlees Trophy win.
May Hughes won the Lanarkshire County Championship.
Maureen Woodhead is County Captain of Renfrewshire, Jean Irvine, Secretary of Renfrewshire County and Janette McCartney, convenor of junior golf.
I know there must be many West Vets involved in Club and county administration and I know that at least 7 are club champions.

 Helen Faulds is, for the second time, a triple Club Champion – Douglas Park, Elie and Bearsden.



WELL DONE TO EVERYONE. A WONDERFUL PARTICIPATING NUMBER OF WEST VETS. FOR THOSE I HAVE FAILED TO RECOGNISE IN MY LIST OF HONOURS PLEASE FORGIVE ME.

 SCOTTISH VETS REPORT --- MAY HUGHES

Hilton Temple Patrick in Belfast was the venue for the annual match with the Irish Seniors.

Unlike Craigielaw in 2011 the temperature in Belfast was a touch on the cold side with the first day foursomes being slightly delayed to allow the frost to disappear from the greens.
The sun however did come out and the battle commenced.
Our team of Elaine Allison, Heather Anderson, Karen Ballantyne, Lorna Bennett, Alison Bartlett, May Hughes, Mary Smith and Linda Urquhart were up for the fight and secured a nice friendly start with 2 matches a piece.

The Scots were in buoyant mood at the evening dinner and matched the entertaining stories told by our Irish hosts. Our star being - the president Jean Thomas with a very funny tale about the balloon family. It was rather long winded – so I don’t have the time to recite it
One up to the Scots – for story telling.
We also took the time to remember absent friends – Moria Thomson participated in this annual match on many occasions and her presence was indeed missed.
After enjoying a first class meal the draw for the Monday singles was made from a beer mug and everyone was ready to secure their point on the board. Unfortunately however despite the cold weather the Irish proved to be bit too hot handle on this occasion winning all but one of the eight singles. 
Most matches did however go beyond the 16th but our host’s ability to close out the games proved decisive.

We look forward however to wrestling the cup back at West Kilbride in the spring of 2013 when I hope the Scots will turn the result around.

REPORT FROM THE MILLER STERLING TROPHY FROM THE HIRSEL 
BY ALEX GLENNIE

The Vets Jamboree took place at Hirsel Golf Club in the Borders 7-9 August.

Team Captain Helen Faulds, who has been a great capatain at all events.
Lorna Bennett, Fiona DeVries, Alison Bartlet, Janice Patterson, Heather Anderson, Linda Urquart
Infact we were surprised it was played at all the weather on the Sunday we travelled over was worse than awful. 
The town of Jedburgh was flooded on the Sunday and many surrounding roads were closed. However by hook or by crook and I presume plenty of hard work the course was open but very wet for the practice rounds on Monday. The opening ceremony was going to be out then in then out. Eventually it was outside.  One lady took a tumble getting out to the flags, it then started raining and there was a scramble for brollies. The poor juniors at the flags were soaked, but did not complain.

As everyone will have followed the results on the West Vet's WebSite I will not go into individual results;
Day 1 we played the North
Foursomes we last 2/1 and the singles 5/1
Midlands v the South  Half
Day 2
We played the South
Foursomes lost 2& half a half and the singles 3.5 to 2.5
England north beat England midland 6/3
Day 3
We played the midlands
Foursomes lost 2/1 and singles 4/2
North beat south 5.5 to 3.5.

Miller Sterling Salver: North
Tony Moffat Quaich: South
Scotland last.

The course gradually dried out over the 3 days. There was one hole a par three with carry over water proved very testing for most. It was about 160 yard carry. The spotters worked overtime.

Grateful to all the ladies who came over to support.

Borders Vets and the club were amazing we all got spoilt rotten,
The Vets gave us home made sweets and all competitors a silver necklace with captains getting quakes.
Although a small club they could not have been more helpful and accommodating. The lady captain was at the club before us and left after us.

Next year at Fleet in Hampshire, Justin Roses old course so hopefully the team can do better.



BLAIRGOWRIE REPORT -- BY FIONA ROGER

The Scottish Vets meeting at Blairgowrie was as popular as ever this year with 135 Vets competing in the annual competitions.
 May Hughes represented the West in the Scottish Vets Championship.  This Championship features the divisional winners from West, East, Borders, Highlands, Midland, Galloway, Dumfries and North in a knockout competition and we are delighted that May, our West Champion, beat Ruth Brown from the East to become the Scottish Vets Champion for 2012.  

20 ladies from the West participated over 2 days of competition. Medal round on day 1 and Greensomes on day 2.  We had a very successful medal day.  Anna Telfer was second, beaten by a better inward half and Fiona Roger was third.  Anna also won the Lyon picture for the best scratch score and Fiona won the Buchanan Cup for the best net score in the higher, but not highest, age group!!  
Carol Fell won the Small Cup for a 5 Club competition over the 9 hole course with Anna runner up.  West also shared the Lyon Trophy with Midlands for the Division with the best 3 nett scores.
Emma Wilson and Alison Houston from the Midlands won the Beddows Quaichs Greensomes the following day. 
Anna and I attended the SVLGA Committee Meeting on the Sunday and then we all attended the AGM and prize giving held in the Clubhouse on Monday.  
Scottish Vets Captain Helen gave an excellent report at the AGM.  She gave the full review of the Scottish Vets Jamboree from the Hirsel Golf Club and also the match with the Irish Seniors at Hilton Templepatrick.
 West Vet Sally Coster was appointed as the new Scottish Vets President and we wish her well in her term of office.  May Hughes gave the vote of thanks.

On completion of all the reports Fiona welcomed Anna Telfer as the new West Vets Captain 

ANNA TELFER

It seems no time at all that I accepted the post of Vice Captain and I can scarcely believe that 2 years has passed so quickly. However, I am extremely proud to become Captain of the West Vets and I just hope that I can maintain the high standards of my predecessors.

Fiona, you have completed your term of office and can step down in the sure knowledge that you have done a grand job. You have put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that our Association runs smoothly and efficiently, and NOTHING is ever too much trouble for you. 
You are a great “people person” and you seem to know absolutely everyone – not only in our Division, but also all over Scotland. And everyone greets you with a smile on their face and is pleased to see you. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you and also to play golf with you.  
I am delighted that you remain on Committee for one more year so you will be available for help and advice if required.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
I would like to propose Marion Stewart as my Vice Captain MARION STEWART may I have a Seconder?
Marion, like myself, went to Dunf. and trained as a PE Teacher. 
After teaching in Edinburgh for a while she went off to Australia for 2 years and while she was there she played hockey for South Australia. On her return to Scotland, she lived in Cardross for a while, had a brief spell in Lytham and finally settled in Kilmacolm with her late husband who was a teaching Pro.   Marion started playing golf at the age of 4 in Blairgowrie, where she grew up, so she has a head start on most of us. She is well known to many of you, whether through her Club, Renfrewshire County or the Greenlees and I am sure she will be a great asset to the West Division. I look forward to working with her over the next 2 years.

Moving on to the remaining Office Bearers.............

PAST CAPTAIN – Fiona remains on committee for one year.
SECRETARY – Morag Key has agreed to serve a second year 
TREASURER  -  Sheila Shaw has also agreed to serve one final year

Sheila has already served for 4 years and I am very grateful that she has agreed to stay on for yet one more, in my first year of Captaincy. 
If there is anyone who feels they could take up the post of Treasurer next year, PLEASE don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m sure Sheila would be willing to show you what is involved.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 
Helen Burnet has one more year to serve
Dorothy Horsfield was co-opted onto committee when Morag became our new secretary and will retire in 2014

AOCB
May I start by telling you about some of the Committee’s proposals for the coming year.
This year, there will be 16 qualifiers for the Championship. We now have at least 30 single-figure golfers as members and so by extending the numbers to 16 it should make for a more competitive Championship.
And on the other hand, it is becoming more and more difficult to persuade ladies in the Bronze section to even enter, and this year we had trouble finding 4 ladies willing to play. For that reason, this year their 1st round will be arranged and played on their own courses but the final will still be staged at Renfrew GC along with the other final. This will be for a one year trial period and we will assess its success and popularity after that.

COMPETITIONS  -  We are extremely lucky in the West, that we manage to obtain courtesy of the courses for most of our competitions. I know for a fact that the majority of the other Divisions are not so lucky and that they DO have to pay a fee for their meetings. Our secretary, Morag, spent a great deal of time and effort, contacting numerous Clubs for the fixture card next season and I think she has done a great job in obtaining 3 good courses. 
However............. Buchanan Castle ARE charging a fee of £5 per player. Personally, I still think it is a great deal. D&A were there last month and we were charged  £10. 
If you were to roll up for a game tomorrow it would cost you over £30.  I fear that the days of free golf may be drawing to a close and that in these hard economic times, we may find that all Clubs start to demand some level of payment. But, as I say, still a great deal and I sincerely hope that you will all support the Autumn Meeting and encourage your friends to do likewise.
It is hoped that next season, we will operate an online entry system.

All the Counties have converted to this and it will also save us – and YOU - a good amount on postage. The Autumn Meeting will probably have to remain a postal entry because of course we will need to have your money prior to playing!!
My sincere and continuing thanks to Carol who will be master-minding this innovation, ably supported by Morag and her glamorous assistant (her husband!!!!)  I will be happy to provide any refreshments during the work!
On this same subject, it is vital that we have up to date e mail addresses for everyone. Please could you let Morag have your details if you have changed or acquired a new address.

There was then no business from the floor and Wendy Cameron - Honorary President  was invited to present the prizes

After the presentation of prizes Anna closed the AGM and announced that the  2013 AGM would  take place a week later – Thursday, November 14th at Cowglen GC.

She then thanked everyone for attending and wished everyone a good winter and may the sun shine on you all in 2013.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS -- THEN ON SLIDESHOW

Saturday, November 03, 2012

SVLGA (West Division) AGM

Here we are already in November and the Golf Season well and truly over for 2012.  I hope that many of you will be able to attend the AGM on Thursday 2pm at  Cowglen Golf Club and look forward to seeing you there.  My two years as your Captain have gone by very quickly and I know that the West Vets will be in very experienced hands when I pass on the Captaincy to Anna on Thursday.

You will, I hope all have been able to print of last year's minutes from the West Vets's website which Carol put there, on 17th October or on the RHS of this website.
Click the following link for the  Agenda for next week's meeting and hopefully you will be able to print it off. There will be a few extra copies at the meeting.

Fiona Roger (Captain)