A message from our Chairman

It gives me great pleasure to contribute to this newsletter as the current Chairman of Congleton Golf Club, but before I fully introduce this newsletter I would just like to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one of our members who voted for me at the AGM.  I find myself in the rather fortunate position of being able to give something back to a club that has given me so much over the past 25 years, and for that opportunity alone I thank you all.

The idea behind this communication is to provide all our members with a brief overview and general update of all of the significant events and activities that have taken place over the past six months.  You will also appreciate that this communication will act as a medium for updating the membership on any fundamental propositions, decisions or actions that may directly affect the club or its membership.

I have now been in post for several months and throughout that time I have been working very closely with all of the members of the various committees.  Only throughout this time have I fully been able to appreciate just how much hard work each and every single member of these committees puts into their respective roles – something that I think we should bear in mind at all times.

The current economic downturn and overall financial health of our economy has placed additional pressures on the club just like many other aspects of life.  It is these wider economic conditions that have contributed to the significant deterioration of a number of golf clubs throughout the country; however, I take pleasure in pointing out that a quick look out across our fairways and a brief glance over our accounts would show you that we, as a club, are in an incredibly enviable position – bar takings are up considerably year on year and the course is looking superb!  The excellent condition of the course and current success of the house and bar is no coincidence and as you will read in more detail throughout this report, there are several individuals who give up significant periods of their time and work on a voluntary basis in order to ensure that our club runs like a well oiled machine; offering our members a perfect balance of both on and off course activities/entertainment that compliment each other so well.

Chairmen, Captain’s and members have come and gone throughout my twenty five years as a member of CGC and that is something that will never change.  Something else that has never changed throughout this period has been the warm, friendly atmosphere that radiates from every inch of our club and I think we should all be very proud of the fact that CGC is renowned throughout the surrounding area for being a ‘peoples club’ - long may this association continue.

Well enough from me!  Please enjoy this newsletter for what it is and we would encourage you to make constructive feedback where appropriate – please take the time to thank those who make a difference.  I look forward to the next newsletter and in the meantime wish all the members of CGC a long and enjoyable summer of golf, and, for those attending any of the numerous social functions, most notably the Annual Summer Ball.

David Shufflebotham  

Chairman of Congleton Golf Club

There have been several changes that have taken place within the clubhouse over the past several months and I think it goes without saying that with each one made the clubhouse has gone from strength to strength!  The most notable of these changes has been the addition of two extremely valuable assets to the club, House Manager Simon Ward (and his wife Karen) who I’m sure most of us are now familiar with! and Catering Manager Joanne Garside.  In no uncertain terms these two individuals have brought with them a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector of which we are all now reaping the benefits.

There has been the introduction of a Sunday carvery, and special days such as Mothers Day, Easter and theme evenings will continue throughout the year.  The availability of food throughout the day and into the evenings complement the clubs bar activities.

The impact that Simon has had on the Clubhouse can clearly be seen in the monthly accounts, whilst Joanne’s professionalism and the standard of her cuisine is reflected in our slowly but surely expanding waistlines!  This said however, the team would not have been assembled had it not been for the extremely hard work and dedication put in by the Chair of House and Bar, Carol Dooley, and the House and Bar Committee – many thanks for their efforts.

The re-introduction of the Jim Turner snooker tournament has proved to be a huge success and any member present at the final witnessed a very enjoyable evening very professionally managed by Ray Brindley and Ken Rowley.  Robert Miceli was the winner and Eric Beven runner up, congratulations to both.  Well done to all those who participated – get practicing for next year!

Changes to the dress code were introduced last year with smart jeans now being allowed in the clubhouse.  There is little doubt that this initiative has helped to increase the number of members using the bar on a more regular basis.

To sustain long term growth in House and Bar activities the Hon Secretary is currently seeking to change the clubs license to a premises license.  This will enable further opportunities to hire out the clubhouse facilities when not in use for club events and functions.  The development of this additional business will further complement the clubs traditional golfing activities.

Financial Review

At the AGM in January there was some debate as to the financial position of the club given the numbers of members resigning for various reasons, and concerns that the clubs waiting list had been depleted.  It was felt that a financial review was required before further contingency fund spending was agreed, therefore as a result the five year plan was suspended until a review had taken place and a EGM called to report back to members.

The Chairman formed a financial sub-committee with the President as Chair.  Members who had expressed their concerns at the AGM were invited to participate with the group in developing ideas that would take the club forward through these uncertain times whereby automatically replacing members who resign cannot be taken for granted.  It must be stressed that the current reduction in golf membership is not isolated to our club; in fact our financial position is stronger than most clubs within our area.

From this financial review there were 83 suggestions put forward for consideration, further sub-committee meetings have taken place to select those ideas that will go before management.  Management will then decide what proposals will be put to the membership at an EGM sometime in August.  Thank you to the President for chairing this project and to members who gave their time to submit their ideas and attend meetings.

Alongside this overall longer term review, we have been working hard to ensure the financial stability of the club.  Having set a budget in October designed to break even (given the reduced membership revenue), every effort has been made by the individual budget holders to review their costs and, where possible, to increase income from non-golfing activities.

In the clubhouse, at the beginning of October, Joanne took over the catering franchise and Simon joined us in November, and what a team these two have made! - Their contributions in providing and identifying ideas to improving bar and catering income has been first class.  What normally would have been a difficult winter six months in bar income has been turned around into a breakeven position by increasing income by £6,470.00.  The second half of the year indications are that this trend is set to continue.  Gross margins on sales have been improved through good housekeeping and stock control.

A review of contracts has been on going over the past year.  Energy prices continue to be a concern with our old two year deals that have come to an end and new prices having escalated over that time.  New one year deals have been in place with further reviews planned for September.  Overall cost control on Course and House expenditure for October to March has been within budget.  This has been achieved prior to the AGM and not a reaction to the meeting.

This increase in revenue and control of expenditure means that we are now likely to beat our targets and not only break even, but creep into a surplus position.  With the collapse of bank interest rates, the club’s contingency funds has been moved into a new account with the Bank of Scotland that will as least give us a favourable return to that offered by the Britannia Building Society.  The clubs cash position is very positive and given that we have no outstanding loans or long term creditors, reflects in a very positive outlook for the remainder of this financial year.

Future Communications

It is the management committee’s aim to keep the membership more informed with current events through further newsletters.  It is intended to e-mail members who have given their address to the Hon Secretary’s office and a hard copy of the newsletter will be posted in the clubhouse.  The Chairman has also initiated additional management meetings to deal with important issues i.e. the financial review, so that management can be more responsive to issues that affect the club.

To make any communication process work effectively, information has to flow both ways, therefore member’s feedback is essential and this can be done via the Hon Secretary’s office.

Dave Lancake

Hon Secretary