Dear members and friends,

 

I hope you all are well and safe and have managed to avoid the dreadful virus. For those of you in the UK at the moment the news of the vaccine starting to be rolled out is surely the beginning of a safer and more optimistic time. Hopefully the majority of those in most need will be able to access the vaccine really soon. Here in Portugal we are still awaiting confirmation of when vaccinations will start but thankfully the virus has been less prevalent here than some other countries so we have felt reasonably safe so far.

 

However, even with less cases we have still had local restrictions which have impacted our ability to hold some of our planned events. Unfortunately the annual Christmas Festival was badly impacted so we had the singles competition last Friday and the Sagittarius Salver yesterday. We decided to combine the Christmas singles competition where we play for hampers, wines and even chocolate santa’s, with the Past Captains Competition and played them together on the same day. Even the weather seemed to be against us as it was very windy with a lot of rain showers in between short dry spells. However, nearly every team persevered and finished the game and so we were able to celebrate Team Macca as the winning team in the Am Am Past Captains event and Peter Noone as the overall winner of the Christmas Singles. Congratulations to both and really well done! Also congrats to Jim Brennan and Richard Stead who won the Sagittarius Salver yesterday. It was a qualifier so please remember to check your new handicaps on the federation website.

 

There is a bit of downside to mention at the moment in our Golf club which, to be honest, makes me a bit sad. I have noticed an increase in members complaining that they don’t want to play with people who legitimately put down their names on the booking list with them. In my opinion this is not really fair. If members want to play only with friends then please book in as a 4-ball. If you put your name on the sheet as less than a 4 and there is space for someone to join you then please accept whoever books in with you.

 

We call ourselves the friendliest golf club on the Algarve and I think we all should do our best to live up to that reputation.

 

Christmas is nearly with us and, if you are able to be here, I would like to invite you on Christmas Eve for a 9-hole-competition with a chance for a drink and snack after the game in the bar. We will have mulled wine, Christmas cake and mince pies. Non playing partners are very welcome. Please book in as soon as possible to give Mario an idea about the number of people taking part.

 

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and hope that you all can make the best of it wherever you are. I have decided not to write Christmas cards this year, instead of spending money on buying cards I will put Euro 100 into the charity account.

 

Let’s hope we all get a happy and hopefully more easy 2021

 

Stay safe and well and I look forward seeing you all soon back on our wonderful Golf Course

 

Your Captain Brian

 

 

                FLORESTA PARQUE GOLF CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING

No 2020-08 HELD ON 3rd December 2020

 

 

Present             Brian Newsham – Captain

                          Mary Berry – Vice Captain

                         Geoffrey Harnett- Chairman

Linda Anthony – Secretary

Mike Abbott – Handicap and Membership Secretary

Giles Fox – Treasurer

Rod Smith

Peter McDonagh

Peter Noone (invited to attend)

 

1.     Company Matters

1.1.    A letter will be drafted and sent to the members explaining the situation regarding next year’s green fees.

2.     Approval of minutes

2.1.    The minutes were approved by the Captain.

3.     Matters to Discuss/Arising

3.1.    There were no matters arising.

4.     Treasurer’s Report

4.1.    The club have plenty of funds and are on target for reserves of € 16,000.00 by the end of the year. A surplus of €3000.00 is anticipated.

4.2.    As previously stated, the vouchers issued in 2019 which were given an extension have now run out and any vouchers issued since June 2020 are valid for a year. Vouchers can always be put in the Captain’s charity box.

4.3.    The accounts are close to completion, if any suitably qualified member wishes to inspect them, they are welcome to do so, please contact Giles Fox.

4.4.    Net assets €18,666.46

5.     Handicap and Website Report

5.1.    As more qualifying competitions are being played members handicaps are beginning to level out.

5.2.    Members are again urged to submit as many qualifying cards as possible.

5.3.    The website is up to date, just awaiting the photographs of our new club champions.

6.     Captain’s Update

6.1.    There will be a nine hole roll up on Christmas Eve followed by some festive refreshments. A list will be put on the board.

6.2.    Charity funds will be distributed at the end of the year with 50% going to Rui Baptista for NECI and the rest going to the charities of the Captain’s choice.

7.     Vice-Captain’s Update

7.1.    The schedule of events for next year has been finalised and will soon be on the website.

7.2.    The precise format of the Captain’s Changeover is dependent on any Covid restrictions that may be in place.

8.     AOB

8.1.     The precise format of the AGM is dependent on any Covid restrictions that may be in place. As stated in the previous minutes all reports given at the AGM will be sent to members in advance and any queries should be submitted, in writing, to the committee beforehand using the club’s email address.

8.2.    The Christmas competition, Baptista vouchers will be included in the prizes.

8.3.    Members who have played recently will have noticed the blue collars inside the holes which make removing the ball easier.  These were Duane Wessels idea and are in fact floats used to demarcate lanes in swimming pools, thank you Duane.

8.4.    Darren Devlin, who is currently an amateur member is turning professional and will become an Affiliated member of the club.

8.5.    The area to the left of the 4^th green where there is a serious problem with tree roots is to be marked as GUR.

8.6.    The David Hollen memorial on the 9^th is to be renovated.

 

Next meeting: 5/01/21 at 10.00 

Meeting closed at 11.40

Distribution: Geoff Harnett, Mike Abbott, Giles Fox, Linda Anthony, Peter McDonagh, Brian Newsham, Rod Smith, Mary Berry. Peter Noone