The Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday 28th October, 2020.
Here are some key discussion topics from the meeting and other activities this week.
Membership
During October, Michael Maher completed an excellent report analysing our membership base and playing patterns. The key aim of the analysis at this time was to identify whether we should be continuing to process new member applications, given the level of congestion we have seen on our course over the last 7 months. The analysis highlighted that overall membership numbers – in total, and also in playing categories – have remained stable over the last 10 years.
The overall conclusion was that course congestion has not been driven by new members, but by the significant increase in rounds played – an increase of 58% in rounds played per day post COVID. A freeze on new members would offer only minimal relief in congestion. More likely is that the recent trend we are seeing of a reduction in course congestion will continue – although we are not expecting it to reduce to pre COVID levels in the short term.
Given this conclusion, the Board resolved to continue to accept and process membership applications from member referred candidates. We will also be providing more detail from Michael’s report at the Member Information Night on November 30th (see below). There are a number of other insights from the analysis that will guide us in decision-making around membership more generally in the future.
Bridge at Avondale
Over the last month, the Board has been researching options to return to bridge playing at Avondale, as we know we have a large number of members who are very keen to be able to play again at the club. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify COVID safe procedures that we consider acceptable at our club at this time. I would like to thank Kathy Lawson-Brown, who led this work for us, supported by Amanda Gower from the office. Kathy and Amanda contacted the Bridge Association of NSW, and also other golf clubs (Pymble, Killara and Royal Sydney Golf Clubs) to gather information and investigate whether others were playing bridge yet. None of these other clubs have returned to bridge. At this stage, we do not anticipate bridge returning to Avondale before January 2021. We will continue to monitor changes in this area and let members know as soon as possible if the situation changes.
7th Hut Refurbishment
The planning for the 7th hut refurbishment is underway and our aim is to have this completed by Christmas.
Member Information Night
The Member Information Night will be held on Monday 30th November, 2020 from 7pm – 830pm. Based on current restrictions, numbers will be limited to 130 in the clubhouse. Details on how to register to attend will be provided shortly. We will also set up a Zoom capability so the evening can be watched remotely. Topics for the evening will include membership, golf operations / course update, and the planned clubhouse finishing touches.
Annual General Meeting 2020 – Wednesday November 18th 7.30pm
Members will have received their notice of meeting for the upcoming AGM. The Annual Report is being finalised over the next few days and will be made available to members shortly. As per the Member Information Night, numbers will be limited at the AGM but the event will also be live streamed. Details on how to register to attend the AGM will also be made available shortly.
Thank you to Warren Hogan, Kathy Lawson-Brown and Ian Skinner
There will be a few changes on the Board heading into 2021. I would like to thank Warren Hogan, who will be stepping down from the position of Treasurer after 2 years but remaining on the Board as a Director. Warren has worked with Roz and Tim to navigate the financial challenges of 2020, and we are all very lucky to have had him in the role. Warren will be handing over the role of Treasurer to Keith Allan, and continuing to be involved in the House Committee.
The October Board meeting was the last for Kathy and Ian, and the Board thanked them both for their significant contributions to the club. Kathy has been on the Board for 3 years, and been heavily involved in the Membership and House Committees. Ian has been on the Board for a total of 6 years, including 3 years as Club Captain. Ian’s contributions have been wide-ranging, as all members know – from the membership category project last year to the regular Friday bush whacking sessions that he has established and led. I know both Kathy and Ian will continue to be involved in a number of activities around the club and wanted to take this chance to thank them for their time on the Board. They will be missed!
Kerry Skellern
President
Filed under: App News
