DORSET LADIES COUNTY GOLF ASSOCIATION County Delegates Meeting Dorchester Bowling Club Friday 12 th February 2016 at 10.30am Minutes The Captain, Miss Sheila Davidge welcomed the Delegates and Officers and thanked them all for coming. In Attendance. Sheila Davidge {County Captain]; Ann Talbot [County President & Handicap Advisor]; Grace Burke [Vice President]; Mary Carlson [Vice Captain]; Jane Southcombe [SW Delegate]; Liz Walker [Asst. Secretary]; Dawn Ley [County Secretary]. Plus 24 Club Representatives. Apologies. Heather Inman [Treasurer]; Karen Gray [Dudsbury]; Trish Adams [Bournemouth & Meyrick Park GC]; Jill Webber [Isle of Purbeck]; Wendy Benbow [Canford School]; Anne Somerville [Ferndown Forest]; Jenny Waterhouse [DGCC/Course Rater]; Minutes of Meeting held 27 th November 2015 Minutes Approved and duly signed. Proposed by Jane Dixon [Lyme Regis]: Seconded by Kay Everett [Ashley Wood] Matters Arising Q. Wendy Benbow (Canford School) The wording from the Vets Competition information states that if you have a medical certificate allowing you to use a buggy in golf competitions then you should use a buggy, A. It is agreed that this ought to read may use a buggy. Therefore, if the course is walkable for any player they are able to do so. Q. Penny Hamilton (Ferndown Forest) Do we need to renew a Medical certificate every year? A. Ann Talbot It is also agreed that you should not have to renew the medical certificate every year, this should last for as long as it is needed. If any Club requires a yearly renewed medical certificate then this is a Club rule not a County Rule. Sheila Davidge There are a few more matters arising:- Over 70 s Competition - we are looking to hold the competition at the Isle of Purbeck, dates mid to end of June. We are confirming the use of buggys on to the Dene Course. Website - We have noticed that some of the dates on the website are wrong, we will correct these as soon as possible.
SW Competitions a question asked by Carole Brown at our last meeting was why were the SW competitions not on the website we have investigated this and they are now on. Correspondence - None Captain s Report Nothing much to report, training hasn t started yet. The first training is booked for March but Scott has been carrying out one to one training with some of the girls/ladies. If any of you are aware of players with handicap below 11 that would like to represent the County please ask them to contact me either by email or on the phone. England Golf have contacted the Association asking whether we would support a Champion of Champions competition where all the County Champions play. The unions already have this competition and the Executive have agreed that it would be a good idea and I have contacted England Golf to advise them of the decision. Broadstone GC have kindly agreed to host Spring Challenge, Johnstone Cup and the County Championship in 2017. I am very sorry to have to announce that Mary has advised me that due to a return of cancer she will have to stand down as Vice Captain. Mary as some of you will know has already fought cancer once and beaten it so we wish her well on second fight with the disease. Mary was really looking forward to the role and I will miss her support. Thank you Mary for being Vice Captain. Reports from other Officers i Vice Captain Mary said that she had nothing to report. ii SW Delegate 1. The new CEO for England Golf will be Nick Pink, who will take up his post in mid March. He is planning on coming to meet the voting members in each region, these regional meetings are going to be arranged as soon as possible. 2. At the last AGM England Golf General Meeting, the voting members voted on the proposed changes to the governance and affiliation report. The voting members voted against three of the proposed items. A. The composition of the board. B. Voting members will not continue to approve the affiliation fee set by England Golf. C. To have the AGM at the Hinckley hotel, one General Meeting at Woodhall spa and one Regional Meeting this was voted against hence there will contiue to be two General Meetings at Woodhall spa plus the AGM. The fact that the majority of proposals in the governance and affiliation report were
approved, there will be little real effect to club members, but you will notice that there will be an online membership to England Golf, which is free, and now the short courses, pitch & puts and driving ranges can affiliate to England Golf the object of this is hopefully that these courses will have better communication with local clubs, which hopefully will encourage people that play on the short courses etc and will eventually become members of the local clubs and increasing participation within clubs. Again, the whole angle on the new governance and affiliation is to encourage participation in golf and increase club membership. With regards to the South West region. 1. We now have a new combined flag with every counties emblem on it. 2. All the Southwest events and entry forms are now currently online. I would be grateful if you would push the bowmaker, which will be held at East Devon Golf Club, which is there specifically to encourage higher handicappers to play in South West events. Obviously I would encourage you, the Delegates, to push the Foursomes event, which will be held at Broadstone on 6 th October, which is home territory for us can you please note that this event includes prizes for gross, net and Stableford, again to try and encourage the higher Handicappers to play. The Dorset executive committee would also appreciate your support at match week, which will be held at Mendip Golf Club and it is the first week in July, it's not that far for some you to get there. There is a South West Seniors event, which is being run by Jo Shorrocks, it is a nonqualifying event and Dorset is trying to support this as much as possible. Can you note that this event is not being run by South West committee. It is an independent event for senior ladies within the South West. iii Treasurer s Report - Read in her abscence by Sheila Davidge (Captain) I apologise for being unable to attend the Delegates meeting. Again very little activity to report since the last meeting. The bank balances are:- Current account 3731.16 Deposit account 26,307.44 Total 30,038.60 Of which 5000.00 is Juniors Fund iv Handicap Adviser s Report CONGU changes: There is no further update than that reported at the Annual General Meeting. However, I can confirm that Software companies will not have the system in place until the 1 st March. Therefore, the Playing Year 2016 will be 10 months, from 1 st
March to 31 st December. If you have members who have not submitted three cards to retain a c Competition Handicap, then they may, provided that you have a measured course, submit Supplementary Cards until the end of February. England Golf has recently held Regional Handicap & Course Rating Workshops to inform members of the changes to CONGU. I was very disappointed to note that only 10 Clubs in Dorset took advantage of them. Of those, only five Ladies Handicap Secretaries attended. There seems to be a breakdown in the communication between the Management and Ladies Sections at Clubs. I would encourage you all to visit England Golf website: www.englandgolf.org and join the Handicap and Benefits Scheme, you will then be kept up to date via email. County Rules & Conditions of Play & Rules of the Association amendments The outline changes were agreed at the July 2015 Delegates Meeting. These changes were not brought to the AGM in October as Sheila was in the process of negotiating with Broadstone for dates in 2017. I can now confirm that Broadstone has agreed to hold the Championship at a weekend, and we are very grateful to them. Provided that the Delegates agree these amendments, they will be brought to the AGM for ratification. Agreed unanimously. With a show of hands all Delegates in agreement to changes. v CJO Good Morning Ladies, This report is brief as the Golfing Year is just about to take off. Just before Christmas, we held one of our Annual Events. Firstly the girls and some of the parents played in a yellow ball competition over 9 holes at Sturminster Marshall GC. This was run and organised by Megan Thompson, with assistance from Laura Webb. Afterwards we welcomed some of the Executive and more parents to partake of Mince Pies and Mulled Wine whilst the girls enjoyed a traditional Christmas Lunch. What a colourful bunch we were with everyone sporting Christmas Jumpers. Following the Lunch prizes were presented for the morning Competition and then we went on to the more serious presentations, which were made by Ann Talbot our President. Order of Merit Winner was Georgina Wrixon [Ashley Wood Golf Club] Player of the Year was Megan Thompson [Ferndown Golf Club]
At this Christmas Function, the Captaincy changes hands and Laura Webb the outgoing Captain handed the Badge of Office to the incoming Captain Megan Thompson. Vice Captain for 2016 is Becky Dodd. County Captain Sheila Davidge handed Laura a memento of her year in office. We have a very talented squad of 16 girls this year so I think there is going to be a few headaches when it comes to Team selection later in the year. There is a full calendar of training and matches plus our participation in England Golf s push to get more Girls into Golf. The girls are to be Ambassadors in this project and they had some training last Sunday for this role, plus a long photo shoot for the promotion. Never seen so much long blonde hair flying around as there was at Ashley Wood in the gale force winds. I thank you all for your continued support of the Juniors, and I hope that you will come and support us at the Junior Inter Counties Competition as we are not far away at Cumberwell Park. Thank you. Kay Everett vi Veterans Captain - Read in her abscence by Sheila Davidge (Captain) Good morning Ladies. I apologise for not attending today but somehow I have managed to get triple booked, and cannot get from one side of Dorset to the other in the time available. I am sure that you all know that feeling. The South West Veterans Field Day at China Fleet is now fully booked. However, they are still taking application and holding them in case there are any cancellations. I hope that you have put up the form for the Veterans inter County matches. Three of the five matches are home venues so hopefully some of the ladies who do not like to travel too far will be able to play this year. The dates of the matches for the SW Veterans trophy are: Friday 8 th July at Bridport against Somerset Monday 4 th July at Tiverton against Devon Wednesday 3 rd August at Ashleywood against Cornwall I know that I spoke about buggies in the November meeting but I want to reiterate. If you do not have a valid doctor s certificate stating that you may use a buggy when playing golf you cannot use them in the matches. Please bring the certificate with you. One of the other Captains said that she had played a match and the opponent (who was using a buggy) had said that she normally walks her home course but had hired a buggy because the course they were playing on was a longer walk and hillier than she was used to. There appeared to be no medical reason why she was using the buggy. Our friendly matches are as follows: Wednesday 20 th July at Weymouth against Hampshire Monday 15 th August at Salisbury and West Wilts against Wiltshire
The Veterans Spring meeting is on Friday 22 nd April at Moors Valley. I know that some of the ladies are waiting to see if they have obtained a place at the ex Lady Captains event, and that the deadline for entry in the Spring meeting is tight. Therefore, if this is the case and they want to play in the Spring meeting having not obtained a place at the 50 th event, can they email me and let me know that they want to play and that their entry form and fee is in the post. Valerie Williams County Development Officer s Report Good Morning Ladies, This is a brief overview of activities that are current in Dorset Activate Programme Year 3 The Activate coast and country side project is in its third and final year for funding. This project aims to encourage people to participate in sports on a regular basis. Coaching sessions will be available at Moors Valley and Two Riversmeet Golf Park; 60 hours of coaching at both venues, consisting of family sessions, mixed adult sessions, disability and women only sessions. As well as coaching sessions there are four activity days being organised and golf will be included. The programme is also supporting the Disability National Access Day at Moors Valley; again golf will be included. The marketing of this is crucial and work is ongoing working with Active Dorset, the County Sports partnership, Moors Valley Country Park and Two Riversmeet leisure centre. Two Riversmeet Golf Park Installation of the Dry Range cover at Two Riversmeet was funded by a small grants award from Sport England. This project came in under budget and following a successful application for the underspend, this will be spent on some equipment and extra marketing for Two Riversmeet Golf Park. Womens Pilot Project Dorset is one of the counties piloting the Womens Participation project. I will be encouraging all clubs to get involved. Again marketing is crucial and work is ongoing working with Active Dorset, England Golf and Get into Golf. GolfMark Sturminster Marshall have been awarded their second year of accreditation. The revised GolfMark programme has a strong focus on ongoing improvement to help clubs develop and progress in four key areas; recruitment and retention of members, business management and sustainability, safeguarding and improving coaching and competitions. I am supporting several clubs in Dorset who are now working towards the new GolfMark.
Dorset Tour Tour dates for the Dorset Tour are being added regularly. Sadly, the first event was cancelled due to the weather conditions. The next event is at Bulbury Woods on Wednesday 10 th feb with 19 beginners already signed up. Further details of events with photos and reports can be found the Dorset County Golf Partnership website. County Academy This programme is administered by Dee Wood who is on the Dorset County Partnership committee. Approximately 100 juniors have signed up. The programme is now being run by the Dorset Union and Dorset Ladies Association. Discussions on the set up of the coaching committee are currently being discussed. A Sponsorship from Chinnydipper junior clothing has been secured giving juniors participating in the CAP 10% discount. EZGO Tour The partnership continues to support the EZGO Junior tour. This tour is for all ability junior golfers and 2016 dates are available. Girls Golf Rocks in Dorset Last Year a successful pilot project Girls Golf Rocks was completed in Essex. Dorset have been selected to pilot Girls Golf Rocks in Dorset fro 2016. Following a recruitment for coaches to deliver this pilot project in Dorset four lead professionals have been selected. The fours centres involved are PlayGolf Bournemouth Lead coach Andrew Pakes Sturminster Marshall Lead Coach Mike Dodd Two Riversmeet Golf Park Lead coach Mike Torrens Broadstone Golf Club Lead Coach Kelly Hanwell. The project consists of a taster day, followed by four coaching sessions and then a fun Texas Scamble. This funded programme will allow us to offer the girls 5 golf sessions for 10. On completion of the course and if they continue on to the follow up coaching courses/activities/membership, each girl will be given a 7 iron. The Dorset County Girls have attended a leadership training worshop and will be an integral part of the project as ambassadors of the game of golf. This project is being supported by England Golf, Golf Foundation, The PGA, Active Dorset and the DLCGA. Further information will be available soon and your support in spreading the word about this project will be very much appreciated. Dorset Girls Can Golf The first event this year is at Ashley Wood Golf Club on Monday 15 th Feb, where girls that have just started golf will be playing a Texas Scramble and having lunch with our County Girl ambassadors.
Delivering Engaging Sessions (Adult Women and Junior Girls) A PGA workshop has been organised to support the clubs in Dorset delivering women and girls coaching sessions. It is on Monday 29 th Feb at PlayGolf Bournemouth. Details are just about to be sent out so please encourage your club pro to attend. The Dating Game and Delivering Engaging sessions A PGA workshop has been organised on 26 th February at the Bristol GC Business Growth Forums England Golf have been delivering Business Growth Forums across the country; a total of 24 have been organised. Jane Carter, a golf industry expert with over 30 years experience is the presenter looking at key areas of recruitment and retention of members, how to become a stronger business, how to attract more players and taking a fresh look at where opportunities exist. Workshops are available until end of February. Up to four key players from your club may attend. Some clubs across Dorset have attended but if your club cannot make one of the local venues they can register their interest. Further information can be found on the England Golf website or contact me. Handicapping Workshops England Golf are holding Handicapping workshops across the country during January and February County Sports Partnership Active Dorset Active Dorset have a new redesigned website. Under the Get Active tab there is an activity finder. Golf Clubs can sign up to up load their activities offering another marketing opportunity. Details have been sent out to all managers and pros. Finally Sainsbury Active kids Vouchers Last year The CGP were able to order a Tri golf complete bag, 2 tri golf LH clubs, and some super soft balls. Please can you put out your boxes again so we can start collecting. The finishing date is 3 rd May. This equipment is used at public events and open days, encouraging children as well as adults to have a golf at golf. Thank you for your continuing support Elaine Barrow Delegates Pack Liz Walker pointed out that the Delegates packs were on the table, together with the yellow Booklets, please ensure that everone takes the pack for their Club. Also if you
know of anyone who is not here and you would be able to pass them on please can you take their envelope and booklets and give them to them. Thank you. If you find any errors please email either Liz or Dawn and a correction email will be sent out. Any Other Business. Q. Cindy Brown (SherborneG.C.) has been approached for 2017 to host the Bronze Spring Meeting. So far no further correspondence has been received at the Club. A. Liz Walker we have sent out letters, having ascertained who to send to, this was sent about two weeks ago. Cindy Brown nothing has been received at the Club. Dawn Ley I will resend when I get home and hopefully this one will arrive. I will copy it to you (Cindy) in the hopes that one will arrive. There have been issues in the past of ladies being allowed to enter after the closing date, this can t be right? Sheila Davidge No, and in future the closing date for competitions is definitive. Liz Walker if you have got all of your entries, then you can send them in as early as you like.if someone decides after this to enter, as long as it is before the closing date it can still be sent in. Susequentely, If anyone is ill or is in a position that they are unable to play then we will always give the entry money back. Q Carole Brown I have become aware that some banks do not give out cheque books any more, maybe this is a trend for the future. Should we therefore consider paying our competition fee online? A Liz Walker this will be discussed with Heather and we may have to be flexible for people who do not have cheque book accounts. I would have to set up an account that the money could be paid into until it is forwarded to Heather. This will be discussed at the next Executive meeting in June. Q Tracey Bryant [Bulbury Woods] If someone has entered a County competition and her handicap changes, in so much that it could exclude her from the competition, what rules apply? A Ann Talbot - If the player had entered the Bronze Division and her handicap goes to Silver, she would not be eligible to play in the Bronze Competition but would have to play in the Silver. If the Silver Meeting had already taken place, she would unfortunately forfeit her opportunity to play (her Entry money would be refunded under Rule 5). If she had entered a Silver Competition and her handicap increased to Bronze, she would be eligible for entry to the Bronze Competition. These rules also apply when changing from Low Bronze to High Bronze and vice versa. Q Terrie LeQuesne [Dudsbury GC] Dudsbury has a Trophy, given by England Golf, and as there is no plynth with it there is no record of the winners on the trophy. Is there a reason why there is no plynth? A Sheila Davidge I have no knowledge of it but I will investigate it.
Mary Carlson I just want to say thank you to Sheila and the Committee I am sad that It has been such a short time I am willing to help with anything I can until a new Vice Captain is found. Sheila Davidge Thank you Mary, we will miss you. Please will you all ask if anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Executive Committee don t forget we need a Treasurer from October. Thank you to everybody for attending and we look forward to seeing you at our 2016 meetings and at the next Delegates meeting in July. Have a safe journey home. There being no other business the meeting closed at 11.50am Date and time of next Meeting 15 th July 2016 at 1030am Signed ------------------------------------------------------ Date --------------------------- County Captain