Lady Captains Report January 2016

What a busy period we’ve had since our last committee meeting.

I would like to congratulate Georgina on rounding up her Captains year with our ‘Thanksgiving’ I loved the idea as soon as Georgina mentioned it.  I personally think it’s a fabulous way to spend the evening reminiscing over the past 12 months – we had a great turn out and lots of laughter! So, it’s in the diary for this year. 

Looking at the ladies diary for 2016, we will have plenty of opportunities to make some great memories, so please, please, please send me photos during the year of any events, birthdays, away days, opens winners or just fun times you would like to share with the rest of us next November.

29^th November 2015 was our AGM.

Draft Minutes of this meeting will be published in due course but the main changes:

Gill Newson stepped down as Mixed Competition Secretary after a very successful 3 years in the post.  Thank you very much for making the competitions great fun – and good luck to Shirley stepping into Gill’s shoes.

I would like to take this opportunity of welcoming our new committee members-

Diana Scott – Handicap Assistant

Jill Gambling – Kent Rep

Donna Chuter – Mixed Competition Assistant

Rena Jones – Social Secretary

Gill Newson was off the committee for approximately 5 minutes before coming back on as Vice-Captain!  Thank you very much for accepting the role and I am looking forward to sharing my year with you and I know you’re going to make a fabulous Captain come November.

We now have a grand total of 13 enthusiastic members on our Committee. Whilst this is probably one of the biggest we’ve ever had – I am so grateful for the support.

I am also proud to announce my chosen Charity for this year as Spadework – This is an organisation that is local to West Malling and I have put together a brief summary of what they are about:

The aim of Spadework is to enable adults between the age of 18-65 with learning disabilities (Trainees) to develop their independence and personal skills through being involved. The Trainees produce the plants that are sold in the Garden Centre and the fruit and vegetables served in the café and sold in the Farm Shop; they help to make cakes, jams and chutneys and serve customers in the café and in the Farm Shop. They also have woodwork, craft and IT facilities.

The Garden Centre, Farm Shop and café are all open each day to the general public, which enables the trainees to interact with the customers, helping to improve their social skills, which in turn can increase their confidence and self-esteem.

Volunteer trainees will be visiting the golf club this year with the view of helping us in some major events.  This will raise awareness and hopefully some of our members will pop into Spadework to see what they have to offer.

We also had the Christmas Lunch, the Mixed Christmas Competition, and the Swinging 60’s in December.

What a great turn out on New Year’s Day!

Thank you to all who came to celebrate the New Year and the official handover of the Men’s Captain.  Malcolm Roberts announced his Vice Captain - Roy Allen, congratulations!  Malcolm will also be supporting Spadework as his chosen charity this year and we have lots of joint events lined up – more details to follow as the season picks up.

The rain stayed away to allow the first Putt out at West Malling - the final farewell to Georgina and Russ – Congratulations for a job well done!

Malcolm and I completed the drive in and carried on the festivities with friends and family over lunch. Together we have already raised over £1,000 for Spadework – so thank you very much for your generosity!!!

That just leaves me to wish you all a happy and healthy 2016!!!!!