Yorkshire Veteran Ladies Golf Association

YORKSHIRE VETERAN LADIES’ GOLF ASSOCIATION www.yvlga.org.uk

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE YORKSHIRE LADIES VETERANS ASSOCIATION HELD AT SAND MOOR GOLF CLUB ON MONDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2016

The President Carol Atack was in the Chair, and welcomed 101 members representing 48 clubs to Sand Moor GC, and the 84th AGM of the Association. She was pleased to see so many members in attendance. She thanked the Committee for their hard work throughout the year. The Hon Secretary read out the notice convening the meeting.

1. APOLOGIES: these had been received from Rhonda Twine[Bracken Gill], Kath Jones[Bondhay], Susan White[South Bradford], Edith Henderson[Queensbury], Lesley Self & Claire Wish[Lindrick], Sue Verity[Lightcliff], Jane Wood[Waterton Park], HilaryWood [Baildon], Elizabeth Tucker[Saltburn], Sylvia Charter[Hornsea], Vanessa Thomas[Richmond], Valerie Gothard, Sandra Paul & Ruth Horsfall[Huddersfield], Helen Lupton[Ganton],Brenda Twigg[Rotherham],Linda Hugill, Julie Leadbeater, Ann Doyle & AnnWade[Bradford], Margarete Blackley[Woodsome Hall], Brenda Webster & Julie Nobel[Bedale], Members of Hanging Heaton, Julie Wheeldon[Wakefield], Wendy Linley[Crosland Heath], Ruth Horseforth[Huddersfield], Jackie Starkey[Keighley], Chris Bullock[Huddersfield], Cheryl Brown[Keighley], Pauline Appleyard[Scarcroft], J. Rowland[Doncaster], Maggie Nutt[The Oaks], Margaret Luddle & Christine Sillegel[Oakdale].

2. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: these had been circulated with the Agenda and were taken as read, agreed and signed by the President. Proposed – Joan Marchbank [Bradford] Seconded – Pat Wrightson [Huddersfield

3. MATTERS ARISING: there were no matters arising.

4. PRESENTATION OF TROPHY’S: the Competition Secretary read out the winners of the trophy’s which were passed by the President Carol to the Captain, Carolyn who then presented them to the various winners.

5. HON SECRETARY’S REPORT: Rosie Atkin, gave her report. She explained that although most of the competitions had been well supported, some of them had barely covered the costs. This is a shame as entry fees are a major source of income. The venues are spread around the County so that everyone has a local fixture if possible. It is a good idea to apply for more than 1 competition, as some venues are more popular than others. A new Am-Am has been introduced in place of the 5Club competition, which was never very popular. Membership is very important to the Association, and we have gained 79 annual members this year, mainly due to 10 year members changing to annual. Our total membership has stayed consent over the last 3 years at 1789. On behalf of our Registrar, Sarah Arrowsmith, Rosie thanked all the Club Reps for their hard work collecting the membership money, and sorting out the competitions. She also reminded the Reps that entry forms only need filling in for new members. All the competition posters and entry forms are available to download from the YVLGA web page. A new Reps Workshop was held in Aug, which was very helpful, and hopefully will become an annual event. On the NCVLGA front, our Association proposed 3 new documents at the Annual Meeting last week, concerning Conditions for Players, Transportation Policy and Richardson Trophy rules. All were adopted. Rosie then pointed out the difficulty we have had in filling the vacant positions on the Committee. She welcomed Rosie Cleave MBE on to the Committee and wished her well. Three ladies had agreed to be co-opted for 1 year, but that still leaves 1 vacancy, anyone wishing to join us could speak to any of the Committee today. We have also changed the closing date for membership registration from March 1st to Dec 31st, as it was felt that perhaps ladies were still involved in golf up to Christmas, therefore making it easier for Reps to contact everyone. Members who need a buggy were reminded that they must have a current doctors certificate, stating whether you have a temporary or permanent condition. Finally Rosie thanked President and Captain Carolyn for an enjoyable and successful year, along with the other Officers and Committee for their help. Thanks also go to the Captains, Presidents and members of all the clubs we visited this year, for their help and support

6. HON TREASURER’S REPORT: Helen Duckett gave a detailed report on the finances of the Association. There is a deficit of £1,482 in contrast to an excess of £2,714 in 2015. This is mainly due to the average entry for competitions falling to 81%. Membership subscriptions are up 6.5%. The current acc. show’s a balance of £8,919, with £25,000 invested in 2 Skipton Building Society accounts. Although it has not been the best year financially, we do have reserves in hand, but we still need to be watchful of membership and entries, to keep the Association on track. Helen thanked Sarah Arrowsmith for her help in banking all the subscriptions, and to Penny Holroyd for doing the same with the entry fees. Helen also thanked everyone for embracing the use of the website for information, questions, results and news. It has made things easier and saved money on postage.

7. HON COMPETITION SECRETAY’S REPORT: Penny Holroyd gave her first report and thanked the Committee for their help in her first year. She also thanked the Club Reps for being so understanding. She reported that the new 9Hole Competition was a great success and will be repeated in 2017. If a competition is oversubscribed, one team from every Club who has sent in an entry will get a tee time, then a blind draw is made for the remaining places. We have introduced a new email id for all YVLGA queries at [email protected] , please use this as all Committee members have access. The Association is moving away from paper- based communication, so all the 2017 posters and entry forms are available to be downloaded. The entry forms can then be returned by snail mail, with a SAE or by email to the above id. Penny asked that members check the courses they are thinking of going to, to make sure they are suitable and that they won’t find them too taxing. Start sheets will be put on the website, and updated as any substitutions are made, the latest version being uploaded either Fri or Sat before the competition date. Penny asked that if your Club is hosting an event we would be very grateful if you are able to provide some ladies to help on the desk please.

8. LADY CAPTAIN’S REPORT: Carolyn reported on a busy year, the first event was a friendly match against the YLCGA Mid Amateurs, played at Ganton in March. The YVLGA won 3-2. Team Trials at Ganton then followed, 15 ladies played, and the winner was Julie Wheeldon, the winning team was Julie Wheeldon, Tracy Batty and Jackie Starkie. 131 ladies played in the qualifying round of the Championship at Ganton, in rain, sleet, hail and a strong cold wind. The final on Thursday was between Karen Jobling, the top qualifier, and Pat Wrightson, with Pat winning 3&2 to become the 2016 Champion The first County match was at Ganton v Cumbria on a cold, wet, windy day. Yorkshire lost 21/2 to 41/2 a very disappointing result. Many Past Captains who saw the result, thought it had been reversed by mistake. However the team rallied and won all their remaining matches, beating both Cheshire and Lancashire 4-3 at Ganton, Northumberland 5-2 at Stocksfield and Durham 41/2- 21/2 at Billingham. Cheshire and Yorkshire were equal 1st with 8 match points, but Cheshire won the Richardson Trophy on a countback of game points 24-20. The team players were Pat Wrightson, Julie Wheeldon, Karen Jobling, Carol Simpson, Judy Butler, Sandra Paul, Jackie Barraclough, Julia Smith, Anne Taylor, with reserve Carolyn Kirk. Carolyn thanked all the players, the President Carol, the Vice Captain Gill Travis and all the caddies and supporters who came to the various matches. Carolyn then thanked all the Officers and Committee members for their hard work and support throughout the year. A special thank you was given to the immediate Past Captain Julia Smith, Laraine Hague, Joan Marchbank and Sue Snow, who all retire from the Committee this time. Carolyn said it had been a great honour to be Lady Captain, and to give something back for all the good times she has had as a Member of YVLGA since 2003 when she first played in the team. She wished Gill Travis and Carol the best of luck in 2017 in their travels to bring back the Richardson Trophy and reminded them not to lose to Cumbria. Carolyn then reported on the success on the EG and LGU front by Karen Jobling[Richmond GC] and Julie Wheeldon[Wakefield GC] Karen was runner up in the English Senior Women’s Amateur Championship held at Ross- on-Wye GC and Julie reached the quarter finals. Karen finished tied 13th in the English Senior Open Women’s Stroke Play Championship Julie finished tied 11th in the Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship. Karen earned enough points on the Order of Merit to gain automatic selection for the England Team for the European Senior Ladies’ Team Championship in Poland. England won the bronze medal. Karen was also an automatic selection for the England Team in the LGU Senior Ladies’ Home Internationals. England were the winners.

9. NORTHERN& JAMBOREE REPORT’S: Lady Captain Carolyn gave her report of the Northern Championship, which was hosted by Northumberland and played at Alnmouth GC. Jackie Roberts, Karen Jobling, Pat Wrightson and Karen Leake qualified for the Championship. Sandra Paul, Carolyn Kirk and Judy Butler qualified for the 2nd flight matchplay. In the Championship quarter final Julie Wheelden beat Caroline Berry[Cheshire] but Karen Jobling lost to Ally Hansen[Northumberland] In the semi final Julie lost to the top qualifier and eventual winner Karen Lee [Durham] In the 2nd flight Judy Butler won the final against Rosie Walker [Cumbria] at the 20th hole. Congratulations to Julie and Judy on their very good play in poor conditions. Julia Smith Laraine Hague and Helen Cooper[Northumberland] won the team event. The Jamboree was hosted by the Scottish Veterans Ladies’ Golf Association and held at Panmure GC. The links course was made more challenging by the wind. The North Team was captained by Sue Cotter[Cumbria] and consisted of Northern Champion Karen Lee, Caroline Berry, Sue Dyer, Ally Hensen, Gill Mellor, Cath Rawthore, and our own Karen Jobling and Julie Wheeldon. On the first day North drew with the South Midlands beat Scotland On the second day North beat Scotland South beat Midlands On the final day North beat Midlands South beat Scotland The final standings were: Winners of the Millar Stirling Salver – North 21/2 points 171/2 games Runners up [Tony Moffat Quaich] –South 21/2 points 151/2 games Carolyn reported that there were some very close and exciting matches every day, with some very good scrambling on the 18th getting up and down from bunkers, and chipping stiff with Karen and Julie playing very well and doing Yorkshire proud.

10. PROPOSALS FOR CONSIDERATION: the Committee had put forward a proposition to change the wording of the Constitution as follows Current Article 1 The name of the Association shall be ‘Yorkshire Veteran Ladies’ Golf Association’ Proposed add: The aims of the Association shall be to co-ordinate and promote the development of golf for amateur lady golfers who are 50 years of age or over. To organise and select a representative team to compete in the Northern Counties Richardson Trophy. To organise and run a County Championship and other golf matches and competitions. Proposed changes to Article 14: Conditions of membership: To all amateur lady golfers who have reached 50 years of age or over. To be a playing member of a recognised Golf Club with County affiliation, and to have an active competitive handicap when initially joining of 33 or less, however this may increase over the years Annual membership subscription to be paid by January 1st. Life membership to be confirmed by January 1st. Additional annual membership for new members reaching 50 years of age after January 1st to be paid prior to playing in any YVLGA match or competition and before 30th September.

Proposed amendment to the proposition put forward by the Committee following comments made at the Reps meeting Proposed changes to Article 14 Conditions of membership Additional annual membership for new members reaching 50 years of age after January 1st to be paid prior to playing in any YVLGA match or competition and before 30th September. Proposed Amendment to read: Additional annual membership for new members reaching 50 years of age and attaining 33 handicap or less after January 1st to be paid prior to playing in any YVLGA match or competition and before 30th September. The proposal and amendment were read out, voted on and carried. 11. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: the Captain Carolyn thanked all the Committee for their help and support behind the scenes, throughout the year. She said she had really enjoyed working with them all, especially President Carol and her Vice Captain Gill. She said it had been a great honour and privilege to be the Vets Captain & wished Gill and her Vice Captain Sarah much success for the coming year. She then handed over the Captains badge to Gill. President Carol then presented Carolyn with her Past Captain’s badge. Past Captain Carolyn then introduced the new Captain, Gill Travis, thanking her for her support as Vice over the last year. Gill has been a Vets and Northern team player, and has a great knowledge of both Yorkshire and Northern Vets golf. New Captain Gill then thanked the Past Captain’s for giving her the honour of being Captain and hoped she could do the role justice. She said she had thoroughly enjoyed being Carolyn’s Vice even if not quite as successful as hoped. She thanked her Club Crosland Heath for their support, and was really looking forward to hosting the Championship, and home Richardson Trophy matches there. Gill then introduced her Vice Captain for the year, Sarah Arrowsmith from Woodsome Hall, and presented her with the Vice Captains badge, saying that she was looking forward to working with her, and the new Committee, and hoped we had a great years golf. One nomination for Committee had been received within the allotted time, and Rosie Cleave MBE [Woodsome Hall] had been duly elected unopposed, for 3 years. This still left 4 places available for Committee, so Members were asked to speake with any of the Officers if they wished to be co-opted for a year.

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Mary Walsh [Scarcroft] asked if the 4BBB Comps could be changed to single comps. This would be discussed in Committee. Sally Runton [Bradford] would like to present a Trophy for the 9 Hole Competition. This was gratefully accepted by the Captain, and she would discuss the details with Sally. A vote of thanks was given to the Officers and Committee for all their hard work over the past year, by the Vets Champion Julie Wheeldon. She said she had been proud to represent the Yorkshire Vets in the Richardson Trophy and Jamboree matches, and that all members should consider themselves lucky to be part of this Association. There was no further business.

13. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING: the date of the next meeting was provisionally booked for Monday 16th October 2017 at 11 a.m. at Sand Moor Golf Club Leeds.

The President thanked all old and new Members for attending and closed the meeting at 12.20 p.m.