The 76th Club AGM on 7 January was attended by 30 members including 8 committee members.
At the start, the outgoing captain presented a cheque to St Christopher’s Hospice for £5,643.77 for the funds raised from members during the year (in addition to the £1.356.25 through Justgiving). Dawn Ford of the hospice expressed her sincere appreciation.
The AGM confirmed that following the 2025 AGM, the qualifying age for the Club had been reduced to 55 and the November to March medals were qualifiers for those submitting their scores. Administratively within the Club focus had been on updating the Constitution and adaption of processes where required for compliance with England Golf.
Financially, the 2025 outturn was close to budget with membership, happily, higher than expected. The 2026 budget was compatible with 2025 outturn. The AGM approved the accounts with satisfaction and appreciation.
The Club’s Match report, which showed that over half its members had played resulting in a creditable overall performance, was well received again with much appreciation to the Match Secretary.
On membership, the increase this year was already 3 members continuing the 2025 trend. The handicap Committee which had successfully overseen transition to HowDidIDo was preparing for our evolution towards the next phase of their system functionality. Workshops for members were being planned after the January changes. It was emphasised that hitherto, competition sign in must be ensured before tee off and cards submitted to avoid standardised handicap penalty.
The Club had lost one of its members, Roy Love; it was well represented at his funeral and wake. It was in touch with those suffering from illness and disability. Contacts with the hotel were strong concerning both the hotel interface and golf. Our concerns regarding the state of the course and the recent ANPR system had been passed with firmness and subtlety with club members’ interests firmly in mind.
The outgoing captain reaffirmed his appreciation for the support received and spoke warmly of his pride and enjoyment in executing his role over the past year, with thanks to certain club members and to his wife. His term in office had been strongly appreciated by all present.
Following election of Officers, Committee and Handicap Committee members, the incoming captain with his wife present spoke passionately about his year ahead and wished everyone, and their game, all the very best. His chosen charity would be the local Old Coulsdon Centre for the Retired, whose representative provided a synopsis of their role, their voluntary work and the continued need for funding.
Following presentation of the 2025 prizes the productive and most cordial meeting ended with thanks to the Committee.
George Paulson
The following trophies were presented at the AGM:
George Boulter- Terry Pendall
Kelly Shield – Paul Short
Tony Boniface trophy- Neil Hadrill
Singles K/O Surinder Nagi
Pairs K/O Roy Misra & Paul Dibbs
9 Hole League – Naranjan Singh
Order of Merit – Gerry Hayman
Eclectic Div 2 – Ed Collins
Already presented:
Christmas Competition – Gerry Hayman
Still to present:
Club Championship – Les Ropke
Presidents Cup – Simon Edwards
Captains Cup – Simon Edwards
Eclectic Div 1 – Les Ropke
4 club competition – Nick Mitchell
