a.g.m minutesThe Bunkers Golf Society Annual General Meeting was held at The Junction Pub in Rainford on Wednesday 19th November 2014.
There was a great turnout and lots of positive discussion. You can read all the minutes below.... |
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attending:
1. Welcome by Steve Evans (Society Captain)
Our Captain thanked everyone for their attendance and the excellent turnout was noted. Thanks were given to the Chairman, Andy Roper for his dedication to the Society and overall organisation of what was wholly agreed as being a successful second year for Bunkers Golf Society.
The terms of the meeting were set out and apologies offered.
Apologies: Ste Holmes, Keiran Murphy, Scott Seddon, Stu Seddon, Mark Cole, Brendan Smith, Mark Gaskell
The terms of the meeting were set out and apologies offered.
Apologies: Ste Holmes, Keiran Murphy, Scott Seddon, Stu Seddon, Mark Cole, Brendan Smith, Mark Gaskell
2. Review of Season by Andy Roper (Chairman)
It was acknowledged that this had been a very good season for Bunkers Golf Society. During 2014 membership numbers rose to 34. Six people are currently on the waiting list and it is anticipated that we will lose 6 to 8 people dependant on circumstances. This would retain the membership level around the 30 mark.
Kev Murphy raised that he may have two further people wishing to join.
Whilst there was no requirement to vote it is agreed by general consent that membership numbers are managed by the committee.
During the season 11 events were played plus the end of year finale. The quality of venues was overall good and there is no reason to expect this to change during 2015.
The average spend per event in 2014 was £38.75 for a Major and £37.00 for a standard event. Average attendance per event was 20 players and throughout the season 12 players lowered their handicap at an impressive average of 2.25. In contrast, only 5 players increased handicaps [and then it was only by 1 shot]. This demonstrates a general improvement in the quality of play.
In order to plan for 2015 it is likely that the society will have to pay out large sums of money initially as deposits, to secure the tee times for the full season. It was noted that in 2014 this sum totalled £1,285. This is then recouped throughout the season as we play each event.
Mention was made of the use of “Teeofftimes”, with whom 75% of out society bookings are made. An impressive figure of £655.90 was paid back from the company via “Breakpoints” simply for booking through them. These points can then be redeemed against future bookings and effectively put money back in the society accounts. Chris Berry asked if there are any Breakpoints to be carried over to next season. Chairman believes there are but unsure how many. [This is now confirmed as £45 in credit with a further £180 to be paid for the bookings to Wales in March to play The Bunkers Invitational Trophy [Ryder Cup style] versus The Grimshaw Golf Society]. Therefore by the start of the 2015 season, the society Breakpoints account will be £225 in credit.
Prize pots were agreed to be appropriate and of a good level and shall generally remain of the same standard or better during 2015. It was noted by the Chairman that the average spend in 2014 was £119.77 per event.
Sponsors were mentioned but covered in more detail later.
All Points noted and agreed with no further issues raised.
Kev Murphy raised that he may have two further people wishing to join.
Whilst there was no requirement to vote it is agreed by general consent that membership numbers are managed by the committee.
During the season 11 events were played plus the end of year finale. The quality of venues was overall good and there is no reason to expect this to change during 2015.
The average spend per event in 2014 was £38.75 for a Major and £37.00 for a standard event. Average attendance per event was 20 players and throughout the season 12 players lowered their handicap at an impressive average of 2.25. In contrast, only 5 players increased handicaps [and then it was only by 1 shot]. This demonstrates a general improvement in the quality of play.
In order to plan for 2015 it is likely that the society will have to pay out large sums of money initially as deposits, to secure the tee times for the full season. It was noted that in 2014 this sum totalled £1,285. This is then recouped throughout the season as we play each event.
Mention was made of the use of “Teeofftimes”, with whom 75% of out society bookings are made. An impressive figure of £655.90 was paid back from the company via “Breakpoints” simply for booking through them. These points can then be redeemed against future bookings and effectively put money back in the society accounts. Chris Berry asked if there are any Breakpoints to be carried over to next season. Chairman believes there are but unsure how many. [This is now confirmed as £45 in credit with a further £180 to be paid for the bookings to Wales in March to play The Bunkers Invitational Trophy [Ryder Cup style] versus The Grimshaw Golf Society]. Therefore by the start of the 2015 season, the society Breakpoints account will be £225 in credit.
Prize pots were agreed to be appropriate and of a good level and shall generally remain of the same standard or better during 2015. It was noted by the Chairman that the average spend in 2014 was £119.77 per event.
Sponsors were mentioned but covered in more detail later.
All Points noted and agreed with no further issues raised.
3. Finances and Payments by Andy Roper (Chairman)
It was reported that the Society finances are currently healthy. The turnover is high and the handout sheet summarised the current state of affairs.
The balance at end of season is £1147.07 and members are urged by the Chairman to look at the accounts to promote transparency. Thanks were given to Chris Berry for his part in auditing and producing the final end of year accounts and Chris confirmed that everything was in order.
The balance at end of season is £1147.07 and members are urged by the Chairman to look at the accounts to promote transparency. Thanks were given to Chris Berry for his part in auditing and producing the final end of year accounts and Chris confirmed that everything was in order.
BELOW IS A MICROSOFT EXCEL FILE OF OUR 2014 ACCOUNTS PRODUCED BY CHRIS BERRY.
Click on "Download File" to view. When it opens, you can see an overview or across the bottom of the pages there is a separate tab so you can view individual months.
Click on "Download File" to view. When it opens, you can see an overview or across the bottom of the pages there is a separate tab so you can view individual months.
| bunkers_accounts_2014.xlsx |
Payments being made by members is still a battle for the chairman. Members are urged to keep the committee in the loop if they plan to play but for whatever reason cannot pay on time. Ste Holmes will be taking up the mantle of “payment enforcer” during 2015 to hopefully promote timely payments.
The President praised the Chairman for his management of the accounts and it was confirmed by a unilateral nodding of heads that this was supported by members. He reiterated that payment dates must be adhered to and that there are no excuses given that all events are booked and advertised many months in advance.
The Chairman advised that a savings account has now been opened and can be used by any member to pay a monthly standing order in to, whether that is for golfing purposes or general savings. One member is using this currently, and pays in £80 per month – which will continue over the winter therefore ensuring he has a healthy credit balance before the season even begins. This facility is available for all to use.
The issue of late finishes was raised again and this tends to be at the Majors. Keith Malone pointed out that at Majors members should know what they are signing up to and when food is provided after the event people should expect it to be a late finish. Keith also pointed out that the Majors are only 4 days in a year and that if people did not wish to be out until late then they should simply not sign up to play the appropriate ones.
Review of season noted and thanks to Chairman. No actions to agree.
The President praised the Chairman for his management of the accounts and it was confirmed by a unilateral nodding of heads that this was supported by members. He reiterated that payment dates must be adhered to and that there are no excuses given that all events are booked and advertised many months in advance.
The Chairman advised that a savings account has now been opened and can be used by any member to pay a monthly standing order in to, whether that is for golfing purposes or general savings. One member is using this currently, and pays in £80 per month – which will continue over the winter therefore ensuring he has a healthy credit balance before the season even begins. This facility is available for all to use.
The issue of late finishes was raised again and this tends to be at the Majors. Keith Malone pointed out that at Majors members should know what they are signing up to and when food is provided after the event people should expect it to be a late finish. Keith also pointed out that the Majors are only 4 days in a year and that if people did not wish to be out until late then they should simply not sign up to play the appropriate ones.
Review of season noted and thanks to Chairman. No actions to agree.
4. Presentation by Darren from GolfBreaks4U
The President and Chairman provided information regarding a local golf travel company that had been in contact with the society called GolfBreaks4U. The company hold 10 events through the year that are played as ‘pairs betterball’ competitions. These events are open to golf club members and professionally run societies and therefore are attended by people from all over the country. The winning pair at each of the 10 events will win a trip to Spain to compete in the ‘Grand Final’.
Darren and his colleague attended the A.G.M to give a presentation to the members. They pointed out that all the participating clubs are advertised on their website www.golfbreaks4u.com and that there were some extremely competitively priced events that Bunkers Golf Society could attend on and play as a normal event, but with the added incentive that the scores would also contribute towards the GolfBreaks4U competition.
It was discussed that West Derby Golf Club on 19th June 2015 for £30 per man seemed like a “no brainer” and that there could also be a possibility of us attending one of the overnight, 2 day events that they are hosting.
They also explained that in return for supporting the GolfBreaks4U competition that the company would reward Bunkers with prizes towards other events in our season.
The presentation was well received and members appreciated the pair taking the time to visit in person to explain the competition.
Presentation received favorable feedback and members in majority felt that it was a great idea to merge with the competition on an event or two during our season with the chance to win a superb prize.
ACTION: It was decided that the committee would meet to pick suitable events for Bunkers to enter and advertise them to the members when done so as part of our usual season schedule.
Darren and his colleague attended the A.G.M to give a presentation to the members. They pointed out that all the participating clubs are advertised on their website www.golfbreaks4u.com and that there were some extremely competitively priced events that Bunkers Golf Society could attend on and play as a normal event, but with the added incentive that the scores would also contribute towards the GolfBreaks4U competition.
It was discussed that West Derby Golf Club on 19th June 2015 for £30 per man seemed like a “no brainer” and that there could also be a possibility of us attending one of the overnight, 2 day events that they are hosting.
They also explained that in return for supporting the GolfBreaks4U competition that the company would reward Bunkers with prizes towards other events in our season.
The presentation was well received and members appreciated the pair taking the time to visit in person to explain the competition.
Presentation received favorable feedback and members in majority felt that it was a great idea to merge with the competition on an event or two during our season with the chance to win a superb prize.
ACTION: It was decided that the committee would meet to pick suitable events for Bunkers to enter and advertise them to the members when done so as part of our usual season schedule.
YOU CAN SEE THE FULL DIARY OF GOLFBREAKS4U
COMPETITIONS BY CLICKING THE LOGO BELOW
COMPETITIONS BY CLICKING THE LOGO BELOW
5. Online Survey BY Andy Roper (Chairman)
Brief resume of the online survey to which 20 responses were received.
Courses and Cost
95% of members responding are happy to pay £25 - £35 for standard event – with 55% saying £30-£35.
75% of members responding are happy to pay £40 - £50 for Major event.
80% of members responding would be happy to pay more for a special course worthy of the extra money. An example was given of Formby Old Course that may be available early or late season.
MEMBERS SUBSCRIPTIONS AGREED TO REMAIN AT £50 PER PERSON.
The top 5 courses according to members in 2014 were:
1. Heswall 2. Reddish Vale 3. Childwall 4. Lee Park 5. Carden Park
Bottom 5 courses according to members in 2014 were:
1. Portal 2. Formby Hall 3. Leasowe 4. Leigh 5. Worsley
Acknowledged that personal opinion may differ.
Suggestions made were, Stockport, Warrington, Dunham Forest, Wilmslow, Wallasey, Caldy, Blundells Hill, Gathurst.
ACTIONS:
Steve Evans to make enquiries with Gathurst.
Peter Woolley to make enquiries at Blundells Hill.
The committee will be responsible for obtaining quotes for all courses and suggested venues and of trying to maintain the costs expected by its members.
Game Format and Format of Days
90% of members are happy with Stableford events with the odd pairs thrown in.
100% of members are happy with prize pots.
75% are happy to have a snack before events [although this should be soup & sandwiches if later than 11am]
95% would like food at the Majors as it helps differentiate from a standard event and this is what Majors are all about. It was agreed that if tee times are an issue, and cannot be booked earlier in the day then consideration should be given to eating pre play to avoid late finishes.
Game format to generally remain full handicap stableford with occasional pairs.
The opportunity is there to hold events midweek in addition to 12 weekend events. This was well received and will be explored. Members just need sufficient notice.
Agreed to trial 2 events midweek to gauge response. The Chairman will book two courses for a midweek event. One in May and one in July. If they are well received then this is something that may be added to.
Last Man Standing
72% would like the LMS venue to move each year and it is suggested that we create a 4 or 5 club contract that can be rotated year on year.
No shows for LMS were discussed as the thing participants disliked most and there is a sense that clearer rulings are needed. Ultimately though each case will have to be taken on its merits. It was felt that it was hard to monitor and punish fairly and the simplest and fairest idea was that a set number of matches must be played by every participant per month during the group phase. If not, points would be deducted from the players failing to meet this target.
The Handicap Secretary advised that negotiations have been ongoing with Lee Park Golf Club to host the LMS in 2015 and that they have agreed a £15 per man green fee. This has been accepted by the committee. Discussion was had regarding handicaps, entrance fee, prize.
Format to remain the same as 2014 (group stableford followed by knockout matchplay).It was discussed at length, but The Chairman explained that Stableford was played in the group stage as it ensured that players competed through all 18 holes to get the highest score, and therefore points, available. It was also noted that the points system awarded would not work as smoothly for match play in the group stage and therefore it was agreed to remain as per 2014.
Prize shall be for Last Man Standing Only [Winner takes all]
Entrance fee is £5 per person for the event. The full money raised goes 100% to the winner.
It was agreed that the Group stage shall be open to be played from early April until the end of June [3 months] and that the knockout stage shall be played July & August.
The Final will be at Lee Park and will be in conjunction with a Bunkers event. This will be played in September. It was felt that playing the final on the end of season trip was unfair on the players and the host club.
Courses and Cost
95% of members responding are happy to pay £25 - £35 for standard event – with 55% saying £30-£35.
75% of members responding are happy to pay £40 - £50 for Major event.
80% of members responding would be happy to pay more for a special course worthy of the extra money. An example was given of Formby Old Course that may be available early or late season.
MEMBERS SUBSCRIPTIONS AGREED TO REMAIN AT £50 PER PERSON.
The top 5 courses according to members in 2014 were:
1. Heswall 2. Reddish Vale 3. Childwall 4. Lee Park 5. Carden Park
Bottom 5 courses according to members in 2014 were:
1. Portal 2. Formby Hall 3. Leasowe 4. Leigh 5. Worsley
Acknowledged that personal opinion may differ.
Suggestions made were, Stockport, Warrington, Dunham Forest, Wilmslow, Wallasey, Caldy, Blundells Hill, Gathurst.
ACTIONS:
Steve Evans to make enquiries with Gathurst.
Peter Woolley to make enquiries at Blundells Hill.
The committee will be responsible for obtaining quotes for all courses and suggested venues and of trying to maintain the costs expected by its members.
Game Format and Format of Days
90% of members are happy with Stableford events with the odd pairs thrown in.
100% of members are happy with prize pots.
75% are happy to have a snack before events [although this should be soup & sandwiches if later than 11am]
95% would like food at the Majors as it helps differentiate from a standard event and this is what Majors are all about. It was agreed that if tee times are an issue, and cannot be booked earlier in the day then consideration should be given to eating pre play to avoid late finishes.
Game format to generally remain full handicap stableford with occasional pairs.
The opportunity is there to hold events midweek in addition to 12 weekend events. This was well received and will be explored. Members just need sufficient notice.
Agreed to trial 2 events midweek to gauge response. The Chairman will book two courses for a midweek event. One in May and one in July. If they are well received then this is something that may be added to.
Last Man Standing
72% would like the LMS venue to move each year and it is suggested that we create a 4 or 5 club contract that can be rotated year on year.
No shows for LMS were discussed as the thing participants disliked most and there is a sense that clearer rulings are needed. Ultimately though each case will have to be taken on its merits. It was felt that it was hard to monitor and punish fairly and the simplest and fairest idea was that a set number of matches must be played by every participant per month during the group phase. If not, points would be deducted from the players failing to meet this target.
The Handicap Secretary advised that negotiations have been ongoing with Lee Park Golf Club to host the LMS in 2015 and that they have agreed a £15 per man green fee. This has been accepted by the committee. Discussion was had regarding handicaps, entrance fee, prize.
Format to remain the same as 2014 (group stableford followed by knockout matchplay).It was discussed at length, but The Chairman explained that Stableford was played in the group stage as it ensured that players competed through all 18 holes to get the highest score, and therefore points, available. It was also noted that the points system awarded would not work as smoothly for match play in the group stage and therefore it was agreed to remain as per 2014.
Prize shall be for Last Man Standing Only [Winner takes all]
Entrance fee is £5 per person for the event. The full money raised goes 100% to the winner.
It was agreed that the Group stage shall be open to be played from early April until the end of June [3 months] and that the knockout stage shall be played July & August.
The Final will be at Lee Park and will be in conjunction with a Bunkers event. This will be played in September. It was felt that playing the final on the end of season trip was unfair on the players and the host club.
6. Handicaps BY Craig Evans, Handicap Secretary
Craig presented information about handicaps and how they are calculated.
No event has been romped and there have been no (other than Mr Holland) flops.
The average Stableford Score for the winner of events in 2015 has been 37 points.
Standard scratch has four shots added to account for course unfamiliarity although this can change dependent of overall level of play on the day.
At this time it is not possible to use society handicaps to obtain official CONGU registered handicaps as we are not affiliated with a club. Question to be asked of Lee Park re affiliation.
Craig reminded members that handicaps can be adjusted based on “general play” and that he would rely on members to report this to him via text/call or email. He would then review that particular player over the following weeks to check if the handicap required assessment.
Agreed that handicaps are good and should continue as per 2014. Craig thanked for his work during the year.
No event has been romped and there have been no (other than Mr Holland) flops.
The average Stableford Score for the winner of events in 2015 has been 37 points.
Standard scratch has four shots added to account for course unfamiliarity although this can change dependent of overall level of play on the day.
At this time it is not possible to use society handicaps to obtain official CONGU registered handicaps as we are not affiliated with a club. Question to be asked of Lee Park re affiliation.
Craig reminded members that handicaps can be adjusted based on “general play” and that he would rely on members to report this to him via text/call or email. He would then review that particular player over the following weeks to check if the handicap required assessment.
Agreed that handicaps are good and should continue as per 2014. Craig thanked for his work during the year.
7. Sponsorship and Subscriptions BY Keith Malone (Vice Chairman)
The society has benefitted this year from several excellent deals and sponsorship that the Committee have worked hard to achieve. The deals have provided either cash sponsorship and others providing prizes and gifts.
Colorific have set up sponsorship with an agreement that we play Reddish Vale Golf Club. This was fulfilled during 2014 and there was no objection to this continuing going forward.
Teeuplo should continue their support of the society providing that we keep up our side of the bargain and review whenever and wherever we play – and this should be done routinely whether it is a Bunkers event or just a personal golf day. Members are urged to do this and keep on helping them via twitter with positive feedback, retweets and support. It was pointed out by the committee that the support and positivity of Teeuplo has been a real plus point in the season and that it is a reflection of how working together with originality and forward thinking can help benefit both parties.
YOBGolf have donated to our prize pots in 2014. For example the bags at Formby and Portal and there is still a prize that was donated for the charity day still to be won that will go back into the coffers for 2015. They have also suggested a range of embroidered items to be included in the welcome pack such as rain jackets, jumpers, putter covers or hats.
Special mention was made of the relationship with Clarkes Golf and the continued support of Chris and Dave Clarke. The Chairman mentioned that the majority of prizes and all vouchers were from Clarkes and that the partnership is as strong as always. It was noted that the majority of members used Clarkes for their golfing merchandise, clubs and fittings and that all of the members utilised the driving range. Members were given information leaflets on a new deal for lessons with Barry Taylor at Clarkes and it was noted that Barry was in no way replacing Chris Clarke it was just that Chris was extremely busy with the development of the business and it was felt that this was a good way of relieving some of the pressure on him.
Insurance will remain in place for 2015 and it was noted that it paid the bar bill for Kev Givnan’s hole-in-one at Childwall.
Excellent work on obtaining sponsorships noted and work ongoing.
Action: The Chairman will create a vote on the website for what items members would like most in their membership packs, given the choice.
Insurance will remain in place for 2015 and it was noted that it paid the bar bill for Kev Givnan’s hole-in-one at Childwall.
Excellent work on obtaining sponsorships noted and work ongoing.
Action: The Chairman will create a vote on the website for what items members would like most in their membership packs, given the choice.
9. Closing Remarks and Any other business
All points raised by members via email were raised and discussed:
Mark Gaskell suggested 3 balls instead of 4 balls at events. People felt this was a good idea but that it would depend entirely on if the club had the timings available to cater for more [yet smaller] groups. It was agreed that we would continue as we have been.
Bunkers betting will continue next year and will be organised by Mark Cole. It will be done in person and with cash exchanging hands on the day of play. If he is not available Andy Roper or Craig Evans will take on the role of collecting cash with all the bets being text/emailed to Mark Cole in advance of play.
Brendan Smith asked about playing earlier in the morning. The Chairman explained the issues he faces when arranging the season in Jan/Feb. That being, as a society we have agreed we will play on Sundays [or the odd Saturday] and this is when 99% of clubs play their member competitions. We also demand a certain quality of course and that our numbers on average are 20+ players. These things combined mean that it can often be hard to find tee times between 9-11am but that he is always trying to get the best possible times and the best possible clubs.
Brendan Smith asked about booking the end of season earlier in the year. The Chairman stated that the End of season will be booked as early as possible and hopefully the Belfry will be available. Failing that, suitably competitive deal will be agreed and discussed between the committee and booked.
Winter warmer – It was felt this was hugely successful in 2014 and Chris Clarke has more ideas for 2015.
All members were thanked for their attendance and the meeting was closed.
Mark Gaskell suggested 3 balls instead of 4 balls at events. People felt this was a good idea but that it would depend entirely on if the club had the timings available to cater for more [yet smaller] groups. It was agreed that we would continue as we have been.
Bunkers betting will continue next year and will be organised by Mark Cole. It will be done in person and with cash exchanging hands on the day of play. If he is not available Andy Roper or Craig Evans will take on the role of collecting cash with all the bets being text/emailed to Mark Cole in advance of play.
Brendan Smith asked about playing earlier in the morning. The Chairman explained the issues he faces when arranging the season in Jan/Feb. That being, as a society we have agreed we will play on Sundays [or the odd Saturday] and this is when 99% of clubs play their member competitions. We also demand a certain quality of course and that our numbers on average are 20+ players. These things combined mean that it can often be hard to find tee times between 9-11am but that he is always trying to get the best possible times and the best possible clubs.
Brendan Smith asked about booking the end of season earlier in the year. The Chairman stated that the End of season will be booked as early as possible and hopefully the Belfry will be available. Failing that, suitably competitive deal will be agreed and discussed between the committee and booked.
Winter warmer – It was felt this was hugely successful in 2014 and Chris Clarke has more ideas for 2015.
All members were thanked for their attendance and the meeting was closed.
IN CLOSING...
It just leaves me to sincerely thank all members for their positive attitude towards the society and their committment to all the things we do. Without that, we simply wouldn't exist in the manner we do.
I would also like to extend special thanks to the committee lads who do a lot of work behind the scenes and are often put under pressure by me to answer calls, texts and emails. Their dedication to make this society the best it possibly can be is one of the reasons we have such positive feedback from people looking in from the outside.
The season may have stopped but the hard work of organising 2015 has only just begun.
Here's hoping we continue to go from strength to strength.
Thank you.
I would also like to extend special thanks to the committee lads who do a lot of work behind the scenes and are often put under pressure by me to answer calls, texts and emails. Their dedication to make this society the best it possibly can be is one of the reasons we have such positive feedback from people looking in from the outside.
The season may have stopped but the hard work of organising 2015 has only just begun.
Here's hoping we continue to go from strength to strength.
Thank you.
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BUNKERS PRIMARY PARTNERS IN 2019
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