NEWTOWNSTEWART GOLF CLUB LADIES BRANCH
Minutes of the 68th Annual General Meeting of Newtownstewart Ladies Branch held at
Newtownstewart Golf Club on Thursday 15th January 2015 at 8.00pm.
1. Presiding and Welcome
Lady Captain Jacqueline welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting.
In Attendance
37 Lady Members attended.
2. Expression of Sympathy
Lady Captain Jacqueline asked for a minutes silence to be observed for Club Members
and relatives deceased during the year.
3. Apologies
Dympna McNamee, Wendy Patterson, Molly McCarron, Aileen Shortt, Maura
McCullagh, Mary McCullagh, Marie McSorley, Eileen Brady, Jenny Millar, Caroline
Mathers, Bernie McGirr, Ivy Humes, Maxine McGowan, Lorraine Donnell, Marie
Boardman, Heather Allen, Lorraine Elkin, Angela Colhoun, Sharon McFarland.
4. Minutes of 2014 AGM
The minutes of the 2014 AGM were agreed and signed by the Lady Captain.
Proposer: Heather Allen
Seconded by Vida Given
5. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
6. Correspondence
No correspondence received.
7. Presentation of Winter Prizes
The Winners of the Winter Prizes were announced by Competition Secretary Hazel
Faithfull. The results were as follows -:
Section 0 – 28
1st Valerie Vaughan 78 points 2nd Theresa Mullan 73 points
Section 29 – 36
1st Mary Glackin 78 points 2nd Katrina McCullagh 67 points
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The results of the “Ada Huey” were also announced, the winners being - :
1st Lorna Armstrong & Emma Forbes
2nd Gerarda Fitzpatrick & Marie Boardman
8. Secretary’s Report
Secretary Yvonne Armstrong reported as follows-:
Ladies, it’s hard to believe that Centenary Year has come and gone and we are ready to
“drive-off” into the new 2015 golfing season.
Looking back at what was a wonderful season; it all kicked off after the AGM when the
first of 11 Committee meetings was held. The ladies branch was represented at Council
level by Lady Captain Jacqueline and Lady Vice Captain Valerie who were appointed onto
the House and Finance Committee.
The busy calendar of events for the Ladies began on Opening Day. Notably Heather Allen
gave a very informative introduction to the incoming on-line booking system. We are
delighted with this on-line facility and are very grateful to Heather for her input and hard
work in helping to get the web site up and running.
The Fashion Show was held on Wednesday 16th April and featured Kells, Menarys and
The Golf Shop. This was undoubtedly a very entertaining evening and an extremely
successful fundraiser. Arguably the most popular attraction was the collection of
Wedding dresses, dating back to the 1920’s, modelled by our members and their
siblings. However let’s not forget Gregory Beckett and Tommy Graham who also bravely
emerged from the changing rooms to strut their stuff in front of a packed Clubhouse.
The success of this event is attributable to the hard work put in by Lady Captain
Jacqueline and her Committee, and to the support given by the members of the Ladies
branch.
“Women in Sport” organised by Gerarda Fitzpatrick and our new Club pro Noel Callan
also commenced in April. Although there were fewer ladies participating this year, the
scheme once again helped bolster the ladies branch by attracting new lady members to
join the club.
The Edwardian Breakfast, a particular highlight of the Centenary Year was held on
Saturday 10th May. The inclement weather certainly didn’t dampen the member’s spirits
as they happily munched their way through a tremendous spread whilst wearing
costumes that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Downton Abbey. The Team
competition unfortunately had to be cancelled but was replayed on Sunday 6 th July.
Congratulations must go to Joan and John Bimson on the fantastic success of this event.
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The busy golfing season “teed-off” mid March comprising not only the usual mix of
individual, open and team events but also the inaugural Centenary Shield which was
eventually won by one of our up and coming Junior girls Jeannie McCaffrey.
We are again deeply indebted to our sponsors, many of whom are our own members,
whose unerring loyalty make it possible to offer such a variety of competitions.
Sponsorship is very difficult to obtain in the present economic climate, so I would like to
thank to all those who have made such vital contributions. Please remember our
Sponsors and give them your business when possible.
The month of August was especially enjoyable for the ladies branch as Lady Jacqueline’s
day was held on Saturday 9th and Lady President Ursula’s day was held on Saturday 23rd.
The sun shone, the prizes were beautiful and the ensuing celebrations were enjoyed
immensely by everyone.
Both ladies must be commended on their outstanding Centenary year and we thank
them for their hard work, leadership, and vital contributions to the club and wish them
both well for the future. May I also on your behalf extend good wishes to the new Lady
Captain and Lady President for 2015.
Whilst Newtownstewart Ladies are certainly competitive in the weekly competitions it is
the ILGU and Tyrone and Fermanagh Team competitions which really bring out their
true determination and grit:
- Jean Farrow captained the Tyrone & Fermanagh Seniors to a runners-up spot.
- Maeve Glackin captained her Minor Cup Team to the quarter finals where they
narrowly lost to Tandragee
- Ruby Trimble & Helen McGaughey captained the Junior Foursomes to a semi-final
place where they were again piped at the post.
A big congratulations must go to all those who participated and showed the
Newtownstewart ladie’s spirit.
Newtownstewart’s Juvenile Section continued to grow in 2014 under the excellent
guidance and supervision of Karen Ballantine assisted by Lorraine Donnell and Club
professional Noel Callan. We were also delighted to see two of our Junior girls, Jeannie
McCaffrey and Emma Forbes compete, and win prizes, in many of the Ladies
competitions. The younger generation are the future of Newtownstewart Golf Club and
we must thank Karen and her team for all their hard work. With the launch of our new
driving range and Golf Academy, we are sure Newtownstewart will continue to produce
excellent young golfers and perhaps the next Rory or Charley Hull!
The primary fundraising venture for Newtownstewart Golf Club for 2014 was the
“Friends of Newtownstewart” draw. This event was a tremendous success and raised
much needed funds. A number of ladies acted as team leaders in this vital project and
we thank them for their efforts in this regard.
Newtownstewart Golf Club Choir has also been a revelation of the Centenary year
putting on sterling performances at the book launch, Church Service & Carol Service.
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I would go so far as to say that the Carol Service was one of the highlights of my year. It
was however almost a non event due to a power cut which could have been
embarrassing since I work for NIE.
Despite the blackout & cold weather Newtownstewart Golf club choir delivered an
angelic performance creating a magical atmosphere in the beautiful candlelit church.
We are very grateful to the ladies who gave up a lot of their time to attend practices for
each of these events. Hopefully the choir will be a permanent arrangement and that we
will be treated to further renditions in the future.
I have now completed my term of office as Honorary Secretary and would like to thank
past Captains Doreen and Jacqueline & their respective committees for all their help and
co-operation. It has been a pleasure working with you all and I wish my successor all the
best.
Finally, I wish all of you a very happy & healthy New Year and a successful and enjoyable
golfing season ahead. As your incoming Lady Vice Captain I am looking forward to 2015
with great excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation.
9. Financial Report
Treasurer Violet Spratt produced a detailed Financial Report and explained the details of
same to those in attendance.
Proposer: Joan Bimson Seconded by Patricia Devine
Violet also requested the ladies to ensure the correct competition fees are inserted into
the brown envelopes throughout the year to avoid discrepancies.
10. Lady President’s Address
Lady President Ursula Harron expressed her disbelief that Centenary year was over. She
noted how enjoyable it had been and believed everyone will have many happy
memories of the year. Lady President Ursula went on to say that the highlight of her
year was, of course, her Lady President’s day at the end of August. She recalled how
great it was to have so many friends and family in attendance and she thanked everyone
who had helped make it such a success. Lady President Ursula also gave a special word
of thanks to all those who had contributed to her chosen charity, “Cancer Research
Campaign”, and was delighted to be able to present over £800 to the local Strabane
branch. Lady President Ursula finished by thanking everyone for all their help, support
and good wishes throughout the year and introduced our new Lady President for 2015 –
Mrs Heather Patterson.
Incoming Lady President Heather Patterson thanked Lady President Ursula for inviting
her to take on such a prestigious role. She congratulated Ursula on her successful year
and also commented on what a wonderful centenary year it had been. Heather went on
to say “We were all very privileged to have been part of the year and would never see
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anything like it again in our lifetimes”. She congratulated Lady Captain Jacqueline and all
the club officials ( in particular, the centenary committee) who had been part of the
planning and running of the events. Lady President Heather said she looked forward to
representing the club for the next year, supporting the ladies committee, incoming Lady
Captain Valerie and Lady Vice Captain Yvonne. She stated she had known them both for
many years, long before they ever played golf, and looked forward to working with them
again. She concluded by wishing everyone a good golfing year ahead.
11. Lady Captain’s Address
Lady Captain Jacqueline began by saying what a wonderful, busy and exciting Centenary
year she and everyone had enjoyed. From the unveiling of the Centenary stone,
followed by the visit to Balmoral Golf club (also celebrating their Centenary), to the
fabulous Edwardian breakfast hosted by John and Joan Bimson. It was simply a year that
would not be forgotten.
In terms of other notable events, Lady Captain Jacqueline referred to the Centenary
invitational golf competition. This was quickly followed by a visit from our fellow Scottish
golfers who were only too happy to join in our Centenary celebrations.
September then brought the beginning of rehearsals for the newly formed Golf club
choir under the excellent leadership of Ruby Trimble and Joan Bimson.
Lady Captain Jacqueline went on to note that History was made this year with the
winning of both the Ulster cup and the Phair cup and she extended her congratulations
to both Ronnie Jack and Eugene Corry respectively for their winning efforts.
Lady Captain Jacqueline informed everyone that October had been another busy month.
The Centenary service was held at Baronscourt church, our book “A Hundred Years of
Golf at Baronscourt” was successfully published and launched and Balmoral Golf club
also paid a visit for the return leg of the Centenary challenge.
The hectic run to Christmas continued in December with the choir singing in Baronscourt
Church at the carol service, and also performing for the Duke and Duchess, their family,
friends and guests on 23rd December. This was a very fitting conclusion to a busy,
enjoyable year and Lady Captain thanked everyone for making these events so
memorable.
The Golfing season opened on 13th March and only one competition was postponed
throughout the season. Four Open competitions were held and incredibly over one
hundred ladies played in one of these. Lady Captain Jacqueline thanked everyone for
supporting these events and paid a special tribute to the generosity of our Sponsors this
year, encouraging everyone to support them when possible.
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Lady Captain Jacqueline referred to the success of our ladies teams this season with all
teams progressing well in all competitions. Lady Captain thanked the Team Captains
who had worked hard in organising and arranging matches and congratulated all the
ladies who represented the club.
The Junior Section continued to progress and thrive and Lady Captain thanked Karen,
Lorraine and Jerome for their dedication and hard work. She also went on to
congratulate Emma and Jeannie who were selected for regional coaching in Lurgan.
Lady Captain also thanked Gerarda Fitzpatrick for her hard work and contribution to the
“Woman in Sport” programme. With our new Club Professional Noel Callan, and the
facilities of our new Golf Academy, Lady Captain Jacqueline expressed her belief that
many new beginners will join the club in the coming years.
Lady Captain Jacqueline continued, noting that our fundraiser this year featured a
“Fashion Show”. She thanked the shops involved and the models (female and male) who
took part and also stated that the Wedding dresses, illustrating the fashions and styles
of the past century were her personal highlight of the event.
Lady Captain went on to say that the golfing year ended with a very successful draw
which raised approximately £45,000. She thanked all the ladies who acted as team
leaders and everyone who supported the “Friends of Newtownstewart”.
Lady Captain Jacqueline thanked everyone for the wonderful support shown to her on
her Lady Captain’s day and for the very generous donation to her chosen charity – “NI
Cancer Fund for Children”. She also thanked Pat and Patricia for organising her Lady
Captain’s day away to Rospenna which had been a very enjoyable and fun filled day.
Lady Captain Jacqueline also conveyed her thanks to John, Patricia and staff for their
delicious food throughout the year, Pat, Cathy and Staff for keeping everyone’s glasses
topped up and to Alan McFarland and his greens staff for the excellent condition of the
course. Lady Captain also thanked Joan and John Bimson in the shop for all their help
and support and to Colette and her girls for the beautiful flower arrangements
throughout the year.
Lady Captain said it had been a pleasure working with Captain John during the year and
congratulated him on his very successful term. She also thanked Captain John, President
Eugene and the men’s council for their support of the ladies branch throughout the year.
Lady Captain Jacqueline wished Captain Roy, Vice Captain Danny, President Emerson,
Vice President Tommy and council every success for 2015.
Congratulations were also conveyed to Lady President Ursula on her successful year and
Lady Captain thanked her for all her support and kindness.
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Lady Captain Jacqueline went on to thank Lady Captain Elect Valerie for her friendship
and contribution and stated they had a great year working together. She also thanked
past Captain Doreen, Office bearers and Committee members for their much
appreciated input and guidance.
Lady Captain continued to thank Lorraine our office administrator for the valuable help
and support she had provided, and Heather “The Auld Deer” our chief blogger who
humorously kept us up to date. Lady Captain also thanked Robin “The Red Squirrel” who
photographed all the major events which was very much appreciated”.
In conclusion, Lady Captain Jacqueline thanked the Centenary Committee and
Chairperson Patricia Devine for their invitation to be Lady Captain for Centenary year
stating “it had been a pleasure and an honour”. She finished by conveying best wishes to
new Lady Captain Valerie, Lady Vice Captain Yvonne, Lady President Heather and all
Office and Committee members for 2015.
12.Installation of New Lady Captain
Outgoing Captain Jacqueline then invited incoming Lady Captain Valerie to come
forward to be presented with her blazer and Lady Captain’s brooch.
Lady Captain Valerie acknowledged past Captain’s kind words of encouragement and
thanked her for inviting her to be Lady Vice Captain. She said it had been both a pleasure
and a privilege, she had enjoyed every minute of her year and that she would have to
work hard to maintain the very high standards set by Lady Captain Jacqueline and
previous Captains. Lady Captain Valerie continued, noting that “Lady Captain Jacqueline
had embraced the inflated work load throughout Centenary year with great enthusiasm,
dedication and stamina, and proved a devoted and magnificent Lady Captain. Lady
Captain Valerie congratulated outgoing Lady Captain Jacqueline on her exceptional year,
and the many happy memories she had created for everyone involved.
Lady Captain Valerie then presented Jacqueline with a bouquet of flowers in
appreciation.
Lady Captain conveyed sincere thanks to past President Ursula and said she had many
great memories of their time spent together during Centenary year. She went on to
thank Yvonne for accepting her invitation to be Lady Vice Captain and congratulated
Heather on becoming Lady President. She said she was looking forward to working with
them both during the coming year.
Lady Captain congratulated the newly elected Officers in the Men’s branch, wished them
a successful year in office and announced some provisional dates for the year ahead.
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Friday 30th January
Saturday 7th March
Thursday 12th March – Bring & Win
Tuesday 17th March (Mixed
Foursomes)
Saturday 2nd May Lynch Coach Tours
Thursday 11th June Ken Armstrong
Thursday 16th July L.J. Millar & Sons
Saturday 8th August
Saturday 25th July
Saturday 29th August
Saturday 22nd August
Burns Night
Captain’s Drive-In
Ladies Opening Day
Saint Patricks Day
1st Ladies Open
2nd Ladies Open
3rd Ladies Open
Lady Captain’s Day
Captain’s Day (Mens)
Lady President’s Day
Mr President’s Day
13.Election of Office Bearers
Before reading out the names on the list of vacancies for Office bearers and Committee,
Lady Captain Valerie explained that the post of Junior Convenor had been added to the
list of Office bearers changing the numbers from 9 to 10. Consequently, the number of
general committee members changed from 6 to 5. Overall the total number remained
the same.
There was no competition for any position and the Committee for 2015 was duly elected
as follows -:
POSITION
Lady President
Lady Captain
Lady Vice Captain
Hon Secretary
Hon Treasurer
Handicap Secretary
Assistant Handicap
Secretary
Competition
Secretary
Assistant
Competition
Secretary
Junior Convenor
NOMINEE
Heather Patterson
Valerie Vaughan
Yvonne Armstrong
Carmel Loughlin
Violet Spratt
Caroline Ballantin
Gerarda Fitzpatrick
PROPOSED BY
Ursula Harron
Jacqueline McDaid
Valerie Vaughan
Maeve Glackin
Helen McGaughey
Theresa Mullin
Lorna Armstrong
SECONDED BY
Lorna Armstrong
Violet Spratt
Heather Allen
Mary Glackin
Anne Louise Hicks
Cyra Armstrong
Marie Boardman
Hilary England
Lorraine Donnell
Lorraine Elkin
Patricia Devine
Molly Armstrong
Caroline Ballantine
Karen Ballantine
Angela Gormley
McGlynn
Ursula Harron
Committee
Members
No Vacancies
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Team Captains 2015:
Tyrone & Fermanagh
Tyrone & Fermanagh Senior Alliance
ILGU Intermediate Cup
ILGU Minor League Cup
ILGU Challenge Cup
ILGU Junior Foursomes
Irish Mixed Foursomes
Farrow Trophy
Jacqueline McDaid & Ruby Trimble
Molly Armstrong
Joyce Perkins
Vida Given
Maeve Glackin
Pat McLaughlin & Hazel Faithfull
Caroline Ballantine & Theresa Mullin
Vice- Captain Yvonne Armstrong
14. Any Other Business
Rating Review of the course – presentation by Gerarda Fitzpatrick
Gerarda began her presentation by reminding the members that several years ago the
par of the course for the ladies had changed from 71 to 72 due to the change of tee box
position at the 18th hole. The standard scratch however remained at 69 leaving a
difference of 3 between the standard scratch and the par of the course. The implications
of this for handicapping had been subject to on-going consideration by the committee
over the past year.
Gerarda stated that the standard scratch score was given to us by the ILGU and was
based on the playing length of the course and difficulty, taking into consideration how
the ball rolls, elevation, fairway bunkers, hazards etc. The ILGU had not however, been
formally advised that the course had been changed therefore an application needed to
be submitted to have the course “re-rated”.
Gerarda explained that a sub group had been set up to investigate how to review the
course, par and length. The sub group firstly sought approval from the men’s council,
and secondly acquired the services of Helen Jones, a scratch golfer. Ms Jones
recommendations will be taken on board and forwarded to the ILGU so as to ensure the
task is done correctly in accordance with CONGU rules and that all decisions made re
indices, standard scratch and par are defensible.
Gerarda stated that she hoped to provide an overview of how to lengthen the course
and reduce the difference between the par and standard scratch (ideally by 2) very soon.
She finished by advising the members that, at the beginning of the opening season, they
should be playing a different course mathematically speaking at least, as the difference
between the standard scratch score and the par will be less.
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Lady Captain Valerie thanked Gerarda for a very informative presentation and the ladies
involved on the sub group for all their hard work.
As there was no other business, Lady Captain Valerie thanked everyone for attending
and invited the members to enjoy tea and biscuits courtesy of past Captain Jacqueline.
The AGM was declared closed and a meeting of the newly elected committee followed.
Signed _________________________________________
Carmel Loughlin
Secretary Ladies Branch
Signed _______________________________________________
Valerie Vaughan
Lady Captain Newtownstewart Golf Club
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