Dear Members & Staff
We have now been back playing golf again for just over 4 weeks and we hope you agree it has been largely a positive experience.
A lot has happened in that time so we thought it time to send this update
We have lost a few members and are chasing up a number but we have signed up 27 new members including 1 junior and 5 students. We welcome them to the club and thanks to members of the golf committee who have been taking them round to introduce them to the club, course and competitions information.
The middle of June saw Doug complete 40 years service at RGC. Mick Timms, our President, presented Doug with a few gifts from the club and commented on Doug’s outstanding commitment and dedication to the club over this time and his ability to adapt to the varied course conditions. Also his ability to fix all sorts of problems that arise, particularly saving the club money in fixing machinery and other items around the course. Doug would like to express his thanks to all for the gifts.
RGC will have been at this location for 100 years next Wed 24th June (in all 125 years in existence). We intended to hold a centenary event before the current situation arose but we will need to rethink when we can do something appropriate, so watch this space.
Photos and a few words have been sent to the County Press so a piece on the above two paragraphs may appear soon.
We recently met the developers of the new homes and put our serious concerns across about the work starting and being carried out. We are due to meet them again next week having asked for their proof and intentions on a number of things, including, netting, the road surface, Japanese knotweed and drainage.
We have had leakage issues up the 7th where we finally got agreement from Southern Water that this is actually sewage. The source has been traced back to a large hole along Church Road. This is being fixed but in the meantime the stream across the 7th and 8th has been contaminated so please do not attempt to recover any balls lying in it. Southern Water has now solved the leak.
We have an issue with Ash dieback with a few of our trees so we will be starting work soon in priority of the most fragile, the one on the 6th will be felled next Tuesday 23rd June, thanks to Pete for the advice.
You will have seen that the holes have now been turned back to normal due to ball lifters being fitted. Thanks to Phil for purchasing them. Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop the money in an envelope into the office and thanks to those that have already donated.
Financially we have managed to weather the storm of the COVID 19 situation and lack of income from April to June through various means and we have now set a break even budget for 20/21. Maurice will be returning soon for two afternoons per week after 12 weeks of isolation so you may see him in the office, though he will largely be working on Financial matters.
Our chair Sue Harrison has been off for a while but her condition is continuing to improve and she hopes to be back shortly. We thank Darren for picking up as Acting Chair in the interim and helping out in the office.
Due to government lockdown slight easing from Monday 22nd June we will be able to offer a form of refreshment service shortly before and or after your round to be ordered and consumed around the outside patio area in a timely fashion or taken away .
You must remain 2 metres apart and tables and chairs are still not allowed at present.
We will be offering a limited selection of hot drinks and cold cans/bottled drinks and baps only from 11am till 3pm everyday and contactless card payments are preferred.
Laura and Kay will be back to trial this and hopefully be back fully when the government release restrictions further.
We have recently made a change to the contract we have with BRS for our bookings which should see members being able to book online themselves soon.
We are hoping we can remove the need for marshalls from Mon 29th June as this has been done voluntarily up to now and it is becoming more difficult to fulfil as more people are returning to work. The executive committee would like to express many thanks to all those who have marshalled over this period.
There are a couple of code changes for you to note and remember , the defibrillator code is C41 (not C42) so please amend your stickers. The Ladies and Gents changing rooms codes are now both 2246 so the doors should now open much easier, thanks to Barry and Godfrey for sorting.
We appreciate your patience over what has been a busy and demanding time especially for those working around the club and our thanks go to all those who have supported these activities
We look forward to opening up more fully and running more competitions in the near future if the government and England golf continue to lift restrictions.
As always, keep well and Stay Safe !
RGC Executive Committee