Members Spring Meeting - 2010

Branston Golf & Country Club hosted the first Membership Meeting of the 2010 season. The overall winners were the foursomes pairing of Terry Bailey and Frank Alsop of the host club with a remarkable score of 44 stableford points.

The main picture shows Terry receiving his prize from the President of the Staffordshire Union, Andrew Dathan.

Ninety-four pairs representing 25 Clubs took part in the competition played as a Rye Greensome. Clubs most represented were:

27 - Uttoxeter
24 - Penn
17 - Leek
17 - Gt Barr

The competition was played in glorious weather with a fresh breeze; ideal conditions for golf. The course is always a joy to play even early in the season when this year's cold spring has held back growth on the greens.

Annual Meeting.

Before the prize-giving the Chairman conducted the Annual Meeting of the Membership Scheme; the normal business being concluded.

Secretary's Report.

Barry Whitaker welcomed Bob Simkin who will take over as Secretary on Barry's retirement at the end of 2010. The meeting agreed that he become a member of the Membership Committee.

The Secretary said that the three meetings held in 2009 at Bloxwich, Barlaston and Calderfields has been very successful although there had been an hour and a half delay at Barlaston because of a thunderstorm.

The current mailing list stands at 657 out of a total membership of 1,561. The Scheme is still open to new members.

The Secretary highlighted the problem of members not staying to collect their prizes. To inform competitors who have a chance of winning a prize, a leader board is displayed at the competition desk. It is a rule that if members are not present to collect their prize it is forfeited. They can however arrange for friends to receive the prize on their behalf.

Barry says: "I have just completed 25 years as secretary and intend to retire at next year's Annual Meeting."

The Secretary thanked Colin Ward, Brian Moody, Terry Bailey and the President for their help on the desk and with the cards and then invited the President to present the prizes to the winners.

Overall winners with 44 points were Terry Bailey and Frank Alsop of Branston. (Photo at top of page)

In second place: M. Ashford and J. Brinkworth of Gt Barr G.C. with 43 points

In third place: M.Dufty and R Shirley (Little Aston G.C. & Aldridge Artisans) with 41 points

Fourth place: T. Allen and L. Harrison of Uttoxeter G.C.with 39 points (23 on bk9)

Fifth place: M. & T. Jordan of Enville G.C. with 39 points (22 on bk9)

Sixth place: M. Wallace & P. Hipwell of Aldridge Artisans with 39 points (19 on bk9)
[No photo]

Best front nine: M.Homer & L.Fullwood of Lilleshall G.C.with 21 points

Best back nine: K.Dinsa & R. Degville of Great Barr G.C. with 22 points

The next meeting will be on June 25th, 2010 at The Manor

The President thanked Branston Golf & Country Club for hosting this Staffordshire Union.