Secretary’s Report

Another year has quickly flown by and it has been very successful for the Association.

The dinner was really good with the Ryder cup being there, Sir Steve Redgrave participating in the golf and coming to the dinner, and an excellent session with Richard Hills and Steve Rider. However there were only 35 members there, showing a continuing downward trend in attendance. So in common with other County Associations we have decide to combine the dinner with Captains Day in 2015. We will see how that goes before deciding on what we will do in 2016.

The Captain has commented on the team’s performance during the year and the events that we have attended on behalf of the Association. Our thanks go to the Clubs who have continued to support our Association.

Looking forward to next year, the fixture list is nearly complete. The tour will also be advised once the Vice Captain has finalised his plans. The match with Hertfordshire has been dropped as we play them in the 4 Counties North, but we will continue to play for the Harleyford Trophy at the 4 counties North with the best score winning the trophy. Also for the Autumn meeting and AGM at The Buckinghamshire in October 2015 we have decide to keep the fee at £50 for members, even though it is costing more than that. However the downside might be that you won’t get wine at the meal!

Now for membership. We have only recruited 4 new members this year, so if your current or past Captain is not on the list could you please encourage him to join. If he joins now, he will not have to pay a subscription next year. Just download the form from the website and give to him to fill in. You will see on the fixture list we have arranged a pairs competition on 17 September 2015. This has replaced the Hertfordshire match and is mainly to be used as a recruitment tool as we are planning for it to be a member with a Captain who is not yet a member. More details will be published early in the New Year.

We continue to encourage members to use the standing order system to pay their annual subscriptions which are being held at their present level at £20, details and forms for use are available here. I will be sending out the subscription forms earlier than usual as I am going away for a long holiday in early February 2015, and want to get as much as the admin work done as possible before I go. So your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

The Match Manager process has worked well and thanks to Rob, Brian, Doug and Tony for their help. I could do with more volunteers to take on matches next year, so please let me know if you are willing to do so. Its really easy to use the system and it will guarantee you a game at the match you manage.

Brian Rodgers is the clothing officer until the end of the year and members are encouraged to contact him with their clothing requirements.

Should there be any past members who now wish to dispose of their Association jackets please let us know and we will make a nominal payment for the jacket if required.

Ken Heaver is due to stand down from the Committee as Immediate Past Captain and we thank him for all his good work over the past 5 years.

Peter Short
Honorary Secretary