Glamorgan Ladies’ County Golf Association

Minutes of the 106th Annual General Meeting held at on Monday 26th November 2018

The President, Mrs Julia Baker, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending. She then thanked Whitchurch Golf Club for allowing the Association to hold the meeting at the Whitchurch, which, she said, offered excellent facilities.

Before the meeting was convened the President asked all present to stand in silent tribute to those many members who had sadly passed away during the year, namely, Mrs Marion Morgan – Llantrisant & Pontyclun GC, Mrs Cecily Ashmore, Mrs Rosalie Clode, Mrs Dorothy Williams – Dinas Powys GC, Mrs Cath Sheehan – Neath GC

The Honorary Secretary read the notice convening the meeting.

Attendance

There were 82 ladies in attendance representing 25 clubs affiliated to the Association and

3 apologies for absence were received.

The President asked for approval to sign the 2017 AGM Minutes, which had been circulated to all clubs prior to the meeting.

It was unanimously agreed by the meeting to accept the 2017 minutes. The minutes were duly signed.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

Honorary Competition Secretary’s Report 2018

County Report AGM 2017

Madam president, Madam Secretary, Ladies I am delighted to report on an extremely successful year for County Competitions in 2018, however I am not going to announce the winners at this stage as we are having a prize presentation later in the proceedings. Our year started at the County Championships in April, which we were very fortunate to be able to host at Royal Porthcawl GC, especially given the extremely wet weather we had witnessed on the run up to the event. We had an unprecedented entry of over 140 players, 129 of who eventually teed it up for the Strokeplay on day 1. This year we introduced an additional stableford element to the qualifying competition so all those who played had the opportunity of success even if one of the dreaded Porthcawl bunkers took its toll! The course was in super condition and we enjoyed three days of decent (ish) weather and great golf, culminating in some very exciting matchplay. Our next event was the Seniors Championship - the Pyman Marsh Bowl and Pegler Cup held at Swansea Bay Golf Club. We received a very warm welcome from the club and excellent support from the Ladies section (as can be witnessed in the results)! Over 60 Ladies entered and it was great to see so many New Faces. From Swansea Bay we travelled east to Coed Y Mwstwr Golf Club and on a delightfully warm day which was a precursor the the lovely weather we all enjoyed this Summer, we hosted the Spring County Meeting. The Clubhouse unfortunately was still undergoing renovation, which had over run, so had limited catering, however thanks to the amazing staff and members we received fantastic hospitality and all those who played had a thoroughly good time. The Club also kindly issued every competitor with a voucher to come back for a free round of golf and I know of several ladies who have taken up the offer. !

Our next event was the County Rose-bowls, traditionally held each year at Golf Club. It was moved forward by a week this year to avoid a clash with the Golf medals and Bowls finals in Builth Wells, but that didn't appear to affect numbers and we once again enjoyed a large & very talented field. New this year was a two tee start for the qualifying round, which was deemed by the vast majority of pairs to be a success as it allowed us to start the afternoon matchplay session significantly earlier. I have however had to promise that those who teed off the10th this year will get priority in the first tee next year! (Ok Denise) Monmouthshire hosted the 4BBB this year and I am delighted to report some considerable success for Glamorgan members at that event. Our final event was the Autumn County Meeting hosted by Golf Club and tee times were extended once again to accommodate another full field. This is a team of three format with the best two scores to count on each hole and this year there were additional prizes to fourth place and also two nearest the pins. At this point I would just like to thank both Carolyn and Vicki who have helped me at each of the competitions - registration can be a very frenetic time and much easier with two people, especially with such large fields. In several events this year we were still registering when the first cards were coming back in! Also, as we grow - set up each morning and packing away at the end, becomes a much bigger task, so their and the rest of the County Committee’s help is very much appreciated. I would like to take this opportunity to pass on our thanks and appreciation to the management and green staff at all of the Clubs that hosted our events, we rely on their generosity and help, to make the events the success they are. I would also like to thank the Ladies Captains and their committees at each club who have gone out of their way to make us welcome. Several of you have taken up the offer to run raffles at the events which I believe this year raised over £400 for various of your chosen charities.

Next year I am delighted to announce some more great Venues for our events, spread throughout the County - starting with the County Championships at Pyle & Kenfig golf club. Full details will be on posters sent to Clubs, but in brief we are being hosted at The Glamorganshire for the Pyman Marsh & Pegler Cup, Neath for the Spring County Meeting, Radyr (as usual) for the Rosebowls, Whitchurch for the County 4BBB salvers and Gower for the Autumn County Meeting.

I am also very pleased at this point to announce two new events in next year’s calendar. As I am sure you are all aware, there has been a great deal of comment and discussion in Golf Clubs and the media about providing opportunities for working Ladies to access competitive golf. Thanks to the generosity of two of Glamorganshire County clubs we are able in 2019 to do this - the first on July xx at Creigiau Golf Club and the second on October 6th at Clyne golf club. They will be known as our Sunday Stableford Cups and will be individual Stableford handicap qualifying competitions. To provide opportunities for all, there will be both 18 hole and 9 hole competitions on each day. In addition we will also be partnering with Wales golf at each of these events to run a special modified stableford competition over 9 holes for those ladies who are part of Wales Golf ‘New to Golf scheme’. Final conditions are still being worked out, but it is anticipated that they will be open to those participants from clubs within the County, who have been (or are part) of a scheme in 2018/2019 and who do not yet have a CONGU handicap. They will not be required to be a member of the County - although obviously we hope to encourage them to join their Clubs Ladies section and hence the County in future.

Finally ladies, I think we are all aware that there are the Changes to the Rules of Golf that will be implemented from Jan 2019. This is going to have a small impact on our current ‘Conditions of Competitions’ so they are in the process of being rewritten and will be published on our website early in the New Year.

One addition we have already made in 2018 is to formalise how we manage over subscribed fields - where the main element of a competition is a scratch event (County Champs, County rosebowls for example) then any ballot will be on Handicap, with a reserve list based on HCP order. For all nett events (normally stablefords) then entry will be on a first come first served basis. For 2019 and moving forward entry to all competitions will open on February 1st. Each closing date is approximately 3 weeks before the event and will be published on the entry forms, late entries will be accepted only at the discretion of the County Committee and will not be accepted where we already have full fields. As Ladies sections, you may well be revisiting and amending your own Conditions of Competitions - there are several useful templates and good guidelines in the new Rules of Golf books. I have created links to those I believe most relevant and they can be found on our website - click the ‘Home’ tab and then scroll down to ‘useful links’ . Over the next year I will be adding to these links with more updates on the CONGU HCP changes for 2020 so please feel free to use and download any relevant information.

Finally, can I just take the opportunity to thank all those Ladies who have participated in our events in 2018 and made them such a success, I wish you all a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you at our events next year.

Captain’s Report 2018

Madam President, Past County Captains, Ladies.

I firstly would like to wish Mrs Megan Rees of Clyne GC, my former County Captain, well, in her fight with ill health, and on behalf of the County, express our sorrow at the recent passing of her husband, Alun.

Equally, I am sure you are with me in wishing Mrs Liz Edwards, President of Monmouthshire, well, as she is currently experiencing a difficult time with illness.

Now, this year’s address is being presented in the old fashioned paper and ink format as last year’s more modern technology version proved an absolute disaster.

I formally apologise for that.

I have now completed my two years as County Captain and I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I have to thank Jill Joseph and the previous Committee for thinking that I was worthy of the role and giving me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I would like to thank the wonderful players that I have watched - both in the 1st and 2nd teams - they know who they are, but I will name a few of them shortly.

This year we were successful in qualifying for the 3/4th place play-offs at the County Finals in Builth Wells. Unfortunately our nearest rivals Monmouthshire are beating us in South Wales for 1st place at the present time - but that will not continue for ever.

We won that 3/4th place play-off against Denbighshire and Flintshire and I would like to commend some of the performances on that Sunday in mid September.

Ruth O’Carroll of Brynhill and Alaitz Zubikarai of came back from the brink, being 4 down in their 4- somes match, and won on the last green.

Fauve Birch and Claire Thomson both of Pyle & Kenfig won their singles matches by 8&7 and 9&7 respectively.

And on to top it all, young Alice Thomas of Radyr won her match by 7&6

Did we feel some empathy for their opponents - well … just a little!

We also had a good win at Havorfordwest in June against Camarthenshire & Pembrokeshire by 51/2 matches to 31/2 in order to help us qualify for the County Finals.

In this match, there were some sterling performances by Georgia Lewis of Southerndown your County Champion of 2018, Fauve Birch, Ruth O’Carroll, Alaitz Zubikarai, Alice Thomas, and Denise Richards.

Georgia Lewis, for those of you who were not aware, has recently joined the Professional ranks and is a trainee teacher at , hoping to take after her older sister Rachel. The County wish Georgia all the luck and success in her new role, what an enormous loss she is to the amateur game in Glamorgan.

We had two junior debutants in the County 1st team this year, Alice Thomas of Radyr and Ashleigh Hobbs of Rhondda.

I have not mentioned Ashleigh in my previous despatches, but she is also a tremendous prospect - with the exuberance of youth on her side. She has also played 2 matches this year, as has Alice, and my greatest memory will be having to call her in at the County Finals in Builth Wells because Glamorgan had won the match.

Ashleigh’s face was an absolute picture of disappointment on the 13th tee - but I’m 4 up she said, pleading with me in her eyes to let her finish off her opponent!

I would like to talk about the 2nd team too.

They are a mixture of mature players and juniors and are easy to manage as I think Evelyn has found this year. They mix together so well - with the senior players guiding the juniors through experience, and the juniors pulling the more senior ones along, making them wish they were all 21 again!

Its an absolute delight to have made friends for life with these players over the last few years. The majority of them commit their time on each occasion that I, or Evelyn, has asked them, Fauve even playing in the afternoon of a match immediately after her last University law examination the very same morning. On your behalf their determination is absolute, and I thank them whole-heartedly for their commitment to County golf.

Now to the Committee and Officers that I have had the privilege to work alongside.

To Carolyn and Kay who have formed a seamless partnership in the mechanics of arranging and running of all our County competitions.

Thank you for your innovation and modern marketing of competitions which have brought us greater numbers in nearly all our events. The most memorable has to be 128 players at the County Championships at Royal Porthcawl in April.

To Evelyn my enthusiastic and loyal Vice Captain - I hope that you enjoy your two years as much as I have done, and I offer my support whenever you should want it.

To Julie our Junior Organiser who has supported team matches as well as running our very successful Junior winter coaching at the Vale and taking Junior teams all over Wales - what a role model you are! Tremendous! and personal thanks for all you do.

Did you know, Glamorgan are the inter County Junior Champions of 2018, a great effort, very well done.

To Jan Smith for her behind the scenes running of the County finances - what an asset you are to the County cause. From one bean counter to another - well done and well balanced!

To Julia - as well as being privileged to hold this office, I am also privileged to have had this lady as President of the County during this time. What a support, adviser and friend you have been, I appreciate you being alongside me and for all you have done.

To my Committee, to Gail Adams for taking over the running of the Mary Nicholls competition - which was again a joy, except for the afternoon rain at the Gower!

To Vicki Long for her Safeguarding Children work this year and her support to Kay and Carolyn at the running of competitions.

To Denise Richards who has co-ordinated the distribution and numbers of our County Cards, plus given me invaluable advice on selection and match-day tactics. Extremely grateful my friend! Lastly thank you to Audrey Reeve of Clyne and Sarah Taylor of Pennard who have both been co-opted onto Committee this year.

Lastly to all the Members of the County - my appreciation is to you all for the memories I take away with me.

I hope my contribution has been positive.

Vice Captain’s Report

Our First match was very early on in the season away to Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire at Derllys Court Golf Club on 12th April.

The 2nd team played a well contested match

8 singles matches produced some excellent golf and the matches were so close the end results could have gone either way, but unfortunately on this occasion Glamorgan were beaten by 7:1

On July 18th Glamorgan played AWAY to Monmouth on the Mathern Course at St Pierre.

It was an Excellent day. The course was tough as a result of the dry spell we'd experienced in early July.

Glamorgan were 1:2 down following 3 hard fought Foursomes matches in the morning

However after 6 Singles matches in the afternoon, Glamorgan pulled back taking four from the the 6 points. Congratulations to Glamorgan Ladies who won overall 5 points to 4

And finally on August 10th Glamorgan played Mid Wales at The Gower G.C.

Again It was an excellent match producing some fabulous golf

Unlike the typical format this match was contested over 1 Singles match and 3 4BBB matches which resulted in an overall draw.

I'd like the thank the following ladies for their enthusiasm and for making themselves available to play county golf this season. It really does make my job as captain so much easier.

The squad over the 3 matches included: Jackie Cleverley – Pennard, Nicky Craven – Morriston, Megan Cullinane – Cottrell Park, Wendy Edwards – Clyne, Robyn Elward – Rhondda, Emma Greenslade – Glamorganshire, Chloe James – Llantrisant and Pontyclun, Eleanor Lewis – Cottrell Park, Claire Morris – Pyle and Kenfig, Audrey Reeve – Fairwood, Joy Stephenson – Pennard, Sarah Taylor – Pennard, Cheryl Western – Pyle and Kenfig, Katie Wintle – Pennard

I would also like to extend grateful thanks to all those supporting the team for their enthusiastic attendance at the matches. I know their support is very much appreciated by the players.

It has been my privilege to captain these amazing ladies this season. The atmosphere at the matches has been brilliant and I hope for their continued enthusiasm for county golf in the seasons ahead.

Honorary Treasurer’s Report

Madam President, Lady Captain, Committee members, Ladies

I would like to present the Glamorgan Ladies County Golf Association Finance report for 2018. As at 31st October 2018 the balance of the current account was £3694.29 and the reserve account £26118.25.

The level of donations and member’s subscriptions (county cards) has increased by £335. On behalf of the committee I would like to thank all the clubs listed on the balance sheet for their generous donations. The surplus on golf events has also increased due to the support of members especially at the Championships at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. Small trophies have been purchased totalling £365 out of this extra income so that all winners have a momento of their success.

The committee have invested £980 in improving our website and have also purchased banners to profile the work the Glamorganshire County have done and continue to do in promoting junior golf and supporting the 1st and 2nd teams.

Order of Merit coaching and support is provided to assist players representing the county. This year we paid £162 to players towards the cost of lessons and entry fees into competitions.

Team expenditure has increased as a result of more fixtures for all the teams and the first team qualifying for the final in Builth Wells. . Of course with success comes extra expenditure in accommodation, meals and travel, which I hope you agree is money well spent.

We will continue to look at ways to improve the work of the Glamorgan County and to spend the money wisely.

On behalf of the county I would like to thank you all for your support in 2018

Are there any questions re the balance sheet for 2018?

• The President asked for a proposer and seconder to adopt the presented Balance Sheet

Proposed: Mrs Jill Smith Seconded: Mrs Sylvia Williams

Junior Organisers Report 2018

After a busy season, we are, in fact, ready to start again next Sunday, with the first of our girls’ winter coaching sessions.

In the past season: Clive Coombs and Keith Williams, the professionals at The Vale continued to provide enjoyable and motivating lessons for the 22 or so, girls who attended the 5 sessions at 9.30 on a Sunday morning. Despite the early start, numbers attending were consistent. Together with our officers, parents and some Junior Organisers, it made for a buzz of activity and my thanks go to all those who helped to make the whole experience a most positive one for the girls.

Some Clubs and the work of their Junior Organisers have provided a more focused approach to increasing the numbers of girls’ who golf. These are known as Girls Hubs where GDW provide additional support, funding, partnerships and opportunities to the clubs that have been successful in applying to become a GirlsHub. They have hosted Clinics supported by Welsh Professional, Lydia Hall, and Georgia Lewis who, having gone through the ranks of County golf, is now training for her PGA Qualification at The Vale.

Current Girls Hubs in Glamorgan are:

Pyle & Kenfig, Pennard, Swansea Bay, Glyneath

One criteria for Hubs is to encourage the girls will need to attain a handicap. This is key in each golf club to get new players playing, getting a handicap, to keep them interested, for the benefit of the County and your club in the future.

On to more of the season’s events :-

We continue to support the SWGGA Committee who organise 7 competitions between April until October – We continue to support the important role they play in developing junior golf across South Wales.

This year SWGGA Glamorgan Champion winners were:-

* Nett Trophy: Megan Cullinane (Cottrell Park), Gross: Ffion Williams (Morlais Castle), Under 12: Robyn Elward (Rhondda) An increasing number of clubs and regions across Wales have offered Junior Open Comps which are very much inclusive; various age group categories, over 18, 9 or 5 holes, with handicaps or without, or by using an adapted Stableford scoring.

The County Captain’s report earlier, noted the number of juniors now feeding into the Ladies’ 2nd team and indeed the County 1sts. This provides excellent opportunities for the girls to experience the higher levels of competition. A number of girls have already been mentioned but in addition:

* Darcey Harry (The Vale) was selected for Wales Girls v Ireland, Scotland and England Home International matches and is involved in Wales Golf National Performance Programme

* Alice Thomas (Radyr) is in National Transition Programme

* Faldo Junior Tour - Emilie Lewis (Southerndown) is Under 21 Girls Winner and has received an invitation to join Sir Nick Faldo and other tournament winners at The Grand Final in Abu Dhabi in November.

Three junior fixtures were played:

* In May, Glamorgan played C & P at Derllys Court. C & P securing a narrow win of 101 points to Glamorgan 99.

* In July, our East v West friendly match was at Morriston. The West stole the shield securing a 25 points win. I’d like to thank Jackie Griffiths, JO of West Wales Association, who assisted with the organisation of the day.

* Also in July - Friendly Match at Cottrell Park– Glamorgan v Monmouthshire. The majority of our players were all 32 Hcp and above. This made for a steep learning curve and a tiring day for our very inexperienced team, playing in both Foursomes in the morning and Singles Matchplay in the afternoon! The score after morning Foursomes was 2-2 however the far more experienced Monmouthshire side won 10 – 4. They, unfortunately, got their own back for last year!

* On 19th August our under 16 team of 5, travelled North for the Welsh Inter County Championships at Mold. They made the most of a practise round followed by the Stableford Championship round on 20th August.

Megan Cullinane (Cottrell Park), Ffion Williams (Morlais Castle), Izabelle Morris (P & K), Morgan Mellin (Neath), Elin Tynan (P & K)

I’m very pleased to say Glamorgan held on to the trophy, pipping Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire by 6 points. Four of the team returned respectable scores (3 x 36, 1 x 31) but our “wild card” – 52 points!!! She definitely chose a good time to shine!

That concludes my report as we look forward to successful and enjoyable golfing year for all of us in 2019. Thank you.

County Card 2019

The proposals for the new County Card format were presented. A demonstration of the new GLCGA website was given by Competitions Secretary. The “new” Club Represenative forum was explained and the role briefly outlined.

Notice of Motion

There were no notices of Motion

Election of Officers

Julia then presented the outgoing Captain Mrs. Lesley Jones with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her support.

Officers

The following were confirmed as the Officers of the Association

Captain – Evelyn Tuckett

Vice-Captain: Jackie Cleverly

Immediate Past Capt – Mrs Lesley Jones

Honorary Treasurer: Janet Smith, Glamorganshire G.C.

Honorary Secretary: Carolyn McKenzie, St. Athan G.C.

Honorary Competition Secretary: Kay Bradley, Cottrell Park G.C.

Junior Organiser: Julie Doel, Clyne G.C.

Committee Members

The President confirmed that the following would continue as committee members. She noted the commitment and enthusiasm of all new members, saying that each had played her part throughout the year.

Gail Adams – Gower GC

Denise Richards – Creigiau GC

Vikki Long – The Glamorganshire GC

Nominations for committee had also been received from:

Wendy Yates – Langland Bay GC (Proposed -T. Crawshaw, Seconded – K. Probert, Langland Bay GC)

Audrey Reeve – Fairwood Park GC (Proposed – S. Smith, Seconded – S. Haigh, Fairwood Park GC)

Sarah Taylor – Pennard GC (Proposed – I. Forwood, Seconded – J. Stephenson

The nominations were approved by those present.

In Coming Captain Acceptance:

Firstly I'd like to say how delighted and proud I am to hold the position of Glamorgan County captain.

Over the next two years I hope to to meet as many Glamorgan members as possible at the competitions we hold within our County.

I am also hoping I have the chance to visit the affiliated golf clubs, within Glamorgan where I will have further opportunity to meet with you all.

Over the past 12 months as Vice, I have had the pleasure of working with outgoing captain , Lesley Jones. She has been an amazing role model, and I am confident I can rely on her and Julia Baker to continue to support me during my captaincy.

I’m sure you'll agree the County is moving with the times, and is growing from strength to strength. I believe this is because we have such a strong, experienced and enthusiastic team of officers and committee I am really looking forward to working with them all, and I promise along with them to work in the best interests of our members to continue to promote this great sport making it inclusive for all Glamorgan ladies.

The President then invited the Captain to announce County Match dates for 2017.

COUNTY MATCHES

Mon 22nd Glamorgan 1 v Monmouthshire 1 Newport GC July(TBC)

TBC Carms & Pembs 1v Glamorgan 1 TBC

Sun 15th Sept County Finals Royal Porthcawl GC

TBC Glamorgan 2 v Mid Wales 2 TBC

TBC Monmouthshire 2 v Glamorgan 2 TBC

There being no other business the President closed the meeting.

The President thanked people for attending the meeting, extended compliments of the season to all and wished everyone a safe journey home.

Signed: ______Dated: ______