Present:
Darren Anderson, Rick Britton, Stephen Cunnell, Paul Healy, Luke Peters, Tony Peters, Phil Richards, Dave Shorter, John Thorp, Ian Turvill, Frazer Webb.
Apologies:
David Beck, Michelle Cockram, Sean Friedman, James McPhail, Nick Rothery, Paul Stevenson, Chris Turvill.
1. Minutes of the previous meeting on the 4th December 2024 were accepted.
Proposed: Dave Shorter
Seconded: Darren Anderson
Vote: Unanimous
2. Captain's Report - Dave Shorter:
Thanks to all of you for your attendance today and to those who have played throughout the season. We have had some really good weather days and some not so nice but the company is always good. I would like to thank committee members for their hard and diligent work. We have had 8 different winners this season culminating in Nick Rothery winning the order of merit So once again Thanks to all again, hope to see you next year (perhaps bringing someone with you). HAPPY NEW YEAR.
3. Treasurer's Report - Chris Turvill:
Chris was absent but supplied the End Of Year finances (including estimates for the Test Valley fines and raffle, so is not final). Upon review it shows we have finally managed to make a loss after years of trying, but that we still have more than enough money in reserve for ongoing deposits.
4. Handicap Secretary's Report - Chris Turvill:
In Chris’s absence, Frazer commented that his experience of Bunkers handicaps versus his WHS is that they have always been pretty close throughout the year, and that generally he thought the handicaps were appropriate. He further mentioned that if anyone thought their handicap was wrong, or that it was too different from their WHS that they can contact Chris asking for a reassessment/realignment at any time.
5. Fixtures Secretary's Report - Ian Turvill:
I have booked up until September 2026 – enquiries out for October and November. All dates so far are on the members section of the website.
I am finding a couple of courses have a requirement of 16 for food afterwards – some kitchens close at 4pm, and the costs are going up and up.
Surbiton is £87.50 for a Monday and £90 for a Friday in October, The Drift is similar – even with me booking as a member they will only do members guest rate for my group that I am playing with – this is not an uncommon as you may think! Coming away from London does reduce prices. Guildford which is not far from The Drift/Surbiton the price for October is £68/£75 for 18 Holes and 1 course/ 2 course meal and November £60.75/£68. For a Full English before golf and nothing after £65.50 October and & £58 November. Weybrook park playing in November you are restricted to the East course and back 9 of the West Course. In October can play West Course all 18.
Phil R has sent me some information with regards his other societies approach which I have yet to digest
As Christopher mentions in his report, we made a loss this year as planned but not as large. 2026 subsidies have yet to be agreed.
6. Secretary's Report - Frazer Webb:
Overall it’s been smooth and thanks to everyone who responds and pays in a timely fashion, the amount of chasing is certainly less than in previous years. To echo sentiments already mentioned, biggest concern is the low numbers we’ve had consistently this year, and the effect it will have next year if we can’t get enough players per event.
Thank you to Dave for taking over the raffle, and Tony for doing the results. I’ve enjoyed this year much more without the burden of doing these.
7. Election of Officers:
Paul Beard has been absent a lot over the last few years and is happy to stand down if someone so is willing to step up to the Vice Captain role. All other officers were willing to continue.
Captain:
Current incumbent Dave Shorter.
Vice Captain:
Current incumbent Paul Beard.
Chairman:
Current incumbent Frazer Webb.
Secretary:
Current incumbent Frazer Webb.
Fixture Secretary:
Current incumbent Ian Turvill.
Treasurer:
Current incumbent Chris Turvill.
Handicap Secretary:
Current incumbent Chris Turvill.
Reporter:
Current incumbents Luke Peters and Tony Peters.
Webmaster:
Current incumbent Frazer Webb.
Luke Peters has come forward and is willing to take on the Vice Captaincy.
The committee re-election, and election of Luke as Vice Captain, was held en bloc. Proposed by John Thorp and seconded by Rick Britton, and passed unanimously.
8. Any Other Business:
A. Ian is finding golf costs are rising a lot - Bramley green fees have risen from £50 to £60 - 20% increase. Burnham Beeches package in the summer of this year is over £100, even the drift for next year is circ £90. I have also found a couple of courses want 16 as a minimum should you require food after - Sutton Green for one, Bramley also.
Much of this was discussed earlier in the meeting. Concensus was that sitting down after play and socialising is a key important ingredient of our society days and we need to maintain that, so a golf only format is not seen as suitable for the society. A max around £70 was agreed.
It was agreed that we trust Ian to adjust as necessary depending on costs and course demands. We have already established that no food before is acceptable, and compromising on the amount of food after is also acceptable.
As we have money in the bank, question was asked about the level of subsidy we give on some events. Ian made people aware that he uses various percentage subsidies and he would look into changing those when he does the 2026 projections and reviews with Chris and Frazer.
In terms of numbers it was pointed out that many of today’s attendance had joined the society because of finding the website in search results. Paul pointed out that it was high up in searches for “golf society surrey” and Phil reported that the completeness and professionalism of the website was one of the initial attractions that made him reach out to us.
Phil asked if there was a way we can advertise the website more. Frazer responded that it was about finding the right places to advertise and link to the website. Frazer commented that social media is now the best place to advertise, and asked all who are on SM to see what they can do. Mention was made of other societies and trying to hook into them and encourage them to join our events. All is work in progress and everyone needs to spread the word.
Stephen asked what the membership level is now and what we’d desire. We have about 20 members, with on average about 14-16 per event this year. This is close to minimum for events, so the ideal would be a comfortable 18-20 for each event, which would indicate a membership of mid-20’s to 30. Frazer commented that this was a comfortable size to manage and anything bigger than that would become onerous.
B. Not enough commitment for away overnighter in 2026, so currently 18 hole event. Ok or should be 27?
After the failure of attracting enough interest for an overnighter in 2026, Ian has booked 18 hole PM at Hartley Wintney. After a short discussion it was agreed that going forward Captain’s Day would become an 18 hole event for the future.
Dave closed the meeting by thanking Ian, Chris and Frazer for their hard work behind the scenes.
