MINUTES OF CLUB DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2010

Present: Max Putnam, Jacky Ford, Barrie Foster, Bruce Whittall, Shaun Richards (part), Salar Brock (part)

1 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

   The minutes of the last meeting were approved.  Matters arising were:

(i) Meeting re CDC Terms of Reference

To be rearranged

(ii) Executive Committee Decision re Clubhouse Signage

Noted that the minutes of recent Executive Committee meetings had not yet been published therefore matter on hold pending further discussion with Simon Stevenson.

(iii) Communications

The issue of lines of communication was raised with a concern that on the basis of experience organisers of club activities were not always sure who they should deal with in connection with their activities. It was suggested that in the new organisational set up the starting points should always be Simon for golf matters and Salar for clubhouse matters with Janice dealing with office issues. Max would seek confirmation from the Chairman that this is the correct interpretation. The hope was expressed that Jeff Mills would continue to be the main link on the CDC regarding course matters.

(iv) Course Distance Markers

Following discussion at the last meeting Max confirmed that the visibility of the 150 yard indicators on trees had been enhanced as requested and given that all fairway discs were now in place and the Executive Committee approved the new arrangements some time ago the matter was now closed.

2 COURSE MATTERS

Max welcomed Shaun standing in for Jeff and the following matters were discussed.

(i) Bunker Refurbishment

New sand was being purchased for the refurbishment programme which would commence as soon as weather conditions permitted. In response to questions Shaun stated that the aim of trying to achieve an overall depth of 4 inches remained the policy.

(ii) Tree Felling

Shaun confirmed that the programme continues with work now being done on the 1st hole. Unfortunately progress had been slowed due to problems with the chipping machine but more work would be undertaken in February. Max suggested that the working party which had undertaken work successfully in the Autumn could usefully be reinstated to deal with tidying the area around the 1st tee and the adjacent practice tee and repairing broken wire fences on the margins of the course.

(iii) 17th Hole

Shaun confirmed that the cutting of the apron up to about 50 yards from the front edge of the green had been undertaken but the dampness of this area had made clear lines of definition problematic. Discussion ensued on the reasons for the dampness as it was clear that the area had become much wetter particularly around the area just past the bunker at the bottom of the incline. Shaun suggested that it might be due to a drainage pipe being blocked or broken. It was agreed that work needed to be done to identify the precise nature of the problem and action taken to resolve.

(iv) Green Staff Meetings

Last year the Executive Manager and the Chairman agreed that in order to improve the lines of communication between the Green Staff that meetings should be held on a regular basis. The minutes of these meetings would be recorded by a member of the Executive Committee, who would only act as an observer. Some time has elapsed since the last meeting and this Committee`s recommendation to the Executive is that they should be reinstated as soon as possible. 

3 CLUBHOUSE MATTERS

Max welcomed the Executive Manager, Salar Brock, to the meeting. Salar introduced himself and a discussion ensued on the role of the Club Development Committee and potential liaison points with Salar as his new job develops over time. It was agreed that Salar would be kept in touch with the various issues discussed by the CDC and would attend meetings to discuss matters relevant to the development and maintenance of the clubhouse.

4 ENERGY CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Bruce presented the interim report of the committee. It was clear that our main problems related to heating with the knock on cost of oil supplies and in energy usage in the kitchen with gas costs. Inspection of lighting arrangements and costs had also shown a need for some improvement. It was agreed that the final report would be presented by the end of February. Meanwhile Bruce would discuss specific needs regarding tamper proof valves, timers and insulation with Simon and Salar.

5 COURSE REVIEW COMMITTEE

Jacky presented the interim report of the committee covering Holes 1 to 5, the club entrance, car park, practice facilities, starter’s hut and cutting of greens and fairways. The intervention of the weather and closure of the clubhouse meant that the meeting arranged to complete the report had been postponed. However Jacky agreed that it should be possible to submit the final report by the end of January or the first week in February at the latest. This would then give time for consideration before the date of the Course Forum. It was confirmed that the date of the Course Forum had been brought forward to Wednesday 17th February.

6 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Friday 12th February at 2.00pm in the Committee Room