2019 CAPTAIN’S FINAL REPORT

I would like to share with you a brief reflection of my year in office.
As part of my commitment to the role I made every effort to attend all meetings that took place at the club during my Captain’s year including Greens Committee, Club Development Committee, Finance Committee, Junior Development Committee, Captains Committee and the main Committee.
The year got off to a flying start with the results from a very comprehensive handicap review. This was followed by an in depth club survey which continues to be used as a planning tool for club development.
Throughout the year great efforts have been made through the club website, facebook, and a visual display within the clubhouse to keep members and visitors up to date with all events and competition results and a massive thanks must go to Ian Cassap for the sterling work he has done in progressing this area.
Over one hundred mens and senior competitions have been run over the course of the year including 8 Opens and all bringing in much needed revenue into the club. Congratulations and thanks to the Competition team of Handicap Secretary Ian Cassap supported by Bernie Munroe and John Walvin
March saw the publication of the Golf Club International magazine featuring a 6 page spread on the club. Sponsors featured heavily and the club received the fullest coverage of any club in the issue.
Still on sponsors, Dave Hall is to be congratulated on the outstanding job he did on working with sponsors old and new to secure further support for the club and the further development of future links.
BRS was introduced initially for competitions only to provide excellent support for both internal and open events. Subsequently members and visitors were also able to book a tee time at specified times during the week.
Some particularly well run events were hosted during the course of the year. Highlights included an LWC Corporate day. So successful that the company has asked us to host 2 days in 2020 where they will bus in delegates from Northumberland. The annual triangular match with Wearside and Seaham which was an excellent social occasion in memory of past captain Stuart Hunter. The prestigious Clark County Cup final between Ineos and Heworth. The North Durham Past Captain’s competition which this year attracted a record entry.
A particular highlight of my year was my Captains Day and many thanks to everyone who made it such a success with almost £900 being raised for Pancreatic Cancer UK. A sad element of the day was the passing of our much-loved President, Jim Kelly.
In terms of competitive golf there was much to admire. First I must congratulate our new men’s Club Champion Dan Ellison who also won the Junior Club Championship and the Scratch matchplay.
The men’s team had an outstanding season winning 13 consecutive league matches to win their league and gain promotion to the North Durham 2nd Division. However, the cherry on the cake had to be winning the North Durham Knockout Cup for the first time in a nailbiting final hosted by Hexham Golf Club.
Finally some specific additional thanks to those not mentioned thus far. To Judith and the bar team and to chef , Dave and the restaurant team for the support they provide to the club and for the personal support I have received during the year.
To Wayne and the greens team for their hard work and dedication in providing us with the very best course conditions possible.
To Bradley and Josh in the pro shop for the efforts they have made to support the club.
To the ladies captain, Sandra Gilmour, congratulations on a great year and many thanks for the personal support. Over 50 ladies competitions were completed during the year and thanks must go to Shelly Hogg as the ladies Competition Secretary.
Our club juniors go from strength to strength as exemplified by their County results, County representation and the impact they are currently having on our men’s team. Many thanks to Joanna Ellison for the outstanding job she does as the Junior Liaison Officer.
To all the volunteers who contribute greatly to the success of the club by giving freely of their time. Specifically to this year’s committee ably chaired by Jack Ellison retiring this year after 15 years in post and 26 years on the committee. I wish him well in his new role as President.
I would also like to wish the new committee well under the chairmanship of John Walvin.
Finally I would like to thank my Vice captain, Ian Baxter who has provided outstanding support for me this year and I know he will make an excellent Captain for the coming year although we may have to inform Companies House of the change in club name to Baxter le Spring with Ian, Captain, Pauline , Ladies Captain, Emily , Junior Captain and Norman, Seniors Captain.

Thank you to all the members who have been so supportive throughout my year.
Have a brilliant 2020.

Dave Bryson
Club Captain 2019