Women’s President’s Report August 2016
Posted on: 22 August
This month we welcome four new women to the club: Denise Hulonce, Bronwyn Nice, Chris Wheeler and Louise Huber.
Earlier this month many of the women attended Gary Golding’s funeral to show their support for Marj. A very sad death, 64 is too young to die. Another member, Janet Stoyles, also lost her husband this month and our condolences have been expressed. It has been a very busy time lately for our social secretary; Myrna herself is also experiencing health issues at present and is awaiting results of tests undertaken yesterday. We have yet another member, Jill Leonard, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Jill is a past women’s captain and only retired from work this year and then this happens. Jill bravely participated in our Charity Day last week before going in for her operation on Friday. But luckily we have a very good success rate amongst our women, probably because of our health and fitness level and a positive attitude. The women will be there to show their support for Jill on her journey.
Sunday 14th was the final of the Iris & Charlie Phelan Perpetual Trophy, a gold letter women’s event. The match was played between Sally Collier and Vicki Leckey. Vicki emerged the winner and her win was celebrated in the clubhouse afterwards. Congratulations Vicki.
It was unfortunate that the vote on the SWDLGA and GDGA amalgamation, due to be held on Sunday 14th August, had to be postponed. For months now combined meetings have been held to work on the combined constitution, amendments, etc. and everything was in order to go to the final vote, mainly due to the work put into it by the women from SWDLGA. But GDGA did not get their act together, hence the postponement. I hope this is not an indication of things to come. We women do not want to be encumbered with the men’s incompetence and lack of organization!
It was lovely to see Prue Thom join us for bridge last Thursday, but it will be some time before we see her back playing golf again after her recent heart attack. She is undergoing rehabilitation sessions in Geelong, but is looking much better.
Delayed because of bad weather, on 9th August Jeanne Hilderbrandt continued her good form by winning the quarterly medal with 70 nett. Congratulations Jeanne, still able to play good golf as well as perform her duties as secretary on the women’s sub-committee.
More good news, Lyn Toleman has been selected to play in the SWDLG team. This is quite an achievement to have one of our ladies selected. Since returning to our club after time spent in New Zealand Lyn has really been making her mark with her golfing prowess. Well done Lyn, we are proud of you!
Last Tuesday 16th we held the Women’s Charity Day for Declan Vallance, who was a junior golfer at the club and also worked in the pro shop and bar, and was very well liked and highly regarded. With 75 players and a lovely sunny day followed by a healthy lunch, it was yet another very successful ladies’ day with the usual happy, bubbly atmosphere that the women bring to the clubhouse. Thanks to our sponsors for the day, Lorel Larcombe and Jo Barker. Congratulations to the winners – Sue Miller and Ann Crook with 45 stableford points.
Thanks must also go to the 14 generous raffle prize donors. We raised $490 from the raffle making a total for the day of $1,435 and together with the men’s raffle money $482 we were able to hand over a cheque for $1,917, which will be much appreciated. I think some of the members may have already donated via gofundme.com/decvallance.
Declan is fighting a mystery illness and needs support. His mother, Barb, joined us for lunch and spoke to the women updating them on Declan’s plight and progress so far and passed on Declan’s appreciation of what the Lonsdale Golf Club were doing to help him. It was a very emotionally charged lunchtime.
There will be a combined working bee on Monday 29th August – filling divots on fairways and spring cleaning outside of clubhouse before Open Week. Meet at practice fairway 9am. Bring bucket and a trowel etc. Volunteer list up on the main noticeboard.
It should be a combined effort and tasks such as this help to promote goodwill amongst all members, men and women, and also show pride in our club. Sue and Dusty Miller are already doing their bit by improving the gardens making the place look more cared for.
Many of the members are very pleased to see our caterer, Rachael and team, back after their break. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night dinners are on again!
Paul Heseltine will be introducing a Members Draw on Friday nights at 6.00, 6.30 and 7pm commencing 2nd September, jackpotting if no winner picks the prize up within 15 minutes of the draw. There will also be one raffle a month to include non-members.
I work hard on maintaining a happy, harmonious environment amongst the women; a reputation that LGC is well known for and one of the reasons we are able to attract new members. I prefer to use what time I have available to give golf club matters to concentrate on constructive, positive results.
I have attended the Executive meetings for almost three years. The first two years I was there as Women’s Vice President, who does not have a vote but is able to make comments. Now that I am Women’s President I represent the women as a full voting Executive member. Over the period I have been attending these monthly meetings huge progress has been made, especially since Leigh has been President. The Task Force, headed by Tom Fricke, now has a good working relationship with the Executive and many goals have been achieved over the past few months.
As indicated by the President at the recent Information Session, thousands of hours have been spent by the Task Force, culminating in the Task Force Members Briefing Paper which was presented at last weekend’s Executive meeting. This will form part of the member’s package to be sent out to all members to vote on at a SGM.
The SGM is currently being held up by remaining outstanding issues still to be resolved with the Vendors regarding the contract of sale for parcel F land purchase. If and when the contract is concluded and signed by the Vendor then the SGM will go ahead allowing members to vote for the OCCM “Traditional 18 hole layout”.
There are considerations for the members, clearly laid out in the Task Force Briefing Paper that will need to be carefully considered by the members.
If any woman member has any concerns they can be raised with me.
My objective will be for our women members to have the best and most enjoyable golf possible in what will be a period of change as we progress with the project that we want to deliver for the longevity of the Lonsdale Golf Club.
Helen Irwin
Women’s President
