Current Issue May 2008
Maria's Musings

Dear Lady Golfer,

Welcome to the First Edition of Maria's Musings. This aims to keep members up to date with news and views from the ladies section, to be circulated every 2 months. The year has started well, with good attendance at the AGM, where we said thank you to Sue Goodliffe, at the end of her successful year as Captain. Sue has joined Beaconsfield, and we wish her every success for the future. You will be missed but hope you still keep in touch.

Spain

The first outing of 2008 was in March when 18 ladies left Heathrow for Malaga and the joys of Spanish golfing. We played golf on 3 days and the overall winner was Lesley Hunt. The weather was excellent, so good to see the sun, the golf was challenging to say the least…. with mountains to climb and superb sea views. We enjoyed good evenings out with an occasional glass or two of wine!!! February, March and April competitions have been played though the weather has not been too kind.

Away day

The first away day was at Farnham Park, on 22 April where 32 ladies played: thanks to Brenda Smith and Olga Hall for organising such a great day out.. And arranging the brilliant weather too.

Farnham Park

South Bucks Council is planning to sell Farnham Park, which would be a great loss to the local community. There is a campaign to keep it open and petition forms and letters are in the Club House if you would like to lend your support. You can register your support on line at Downing Street. Simply click on: www. petitions.pm.gov.uk/farnham.golf

New Members' Evening

This was on 24th April and approximately 30 attended including 15 ladies. Several have signed up for the Wednesday evening sessions commencing May 28th at 5pm. We would welcome support for these evenings so if you can help, please sign up on the helper's sheet available soon on the notice board.

Lady Captain's Charity

This year we are supporting the Florence Nightingale Hospice in Aylesbury. There will be a number of raffles during the year, collecting boxes on the Bar and in the Ladies Locker room, so you can add your donation whenever you like. There will be a grand raffle in October in conjunction with Colin's Cup. Raffle prizes and fund raising ideas would be very welcome. There are books in the ladies room, to borrow or buy, please leave your donation in the collecting box. Many thanks.

Weekend Ladies

Lesley Hunt took over running the Sunday competitions from Kathy Byrne in February. I would like to thank Kathy for her hard work over the last couple of years. The Sunday competitions have been well attended even though we have not had the best weather conditions to play in. Unfortunately the Kim Wingrove Cup on 6th April had to be cancelled due to the course being snow bound. This has been re-scheduled for 12th July. Lesley will email members about this nearer the time. It was a shame this had to be cancelled as the format was a fun Chapman 2 ball with over 20 ladies due to play. I hope the re-scheduled competition will be as well supported.

Weekend Competitions in May

Sign up sheets already in the locker room
4th May - Medal (Q)
10th May - Lin Ives Salver (Q)
24th May - Linda Sliwa Trophy (NQ)

Spain and Devon

Some of the 7-day ladies have been out and about this year. In January a group of ladies (and one other half) went to Spain to take part in a competition organised by Sue Smith's partner Tony. They had some fantastic weather and golf and hope to be able to go out and play again.

10 ladies also had a long weekend at the Ashbury Golf Hotel in Okehampton in Devon in April. This is a terrific venue for a long weekend as they have 5 different 18 hole courses.

The weather on the first day was lousy but it did improve for the rest of the weekend. Other activities on offer at the Ashbury are shooting, bowls, snooker, swimming, bowling, archery. The list is almost endless. Lesley is hoping to put together another trip next year so if you are interested in going, just let her know.

If anyone would like to be included in Lesley's email distribution list who is not already on it, then please send her an email

The Mini-League is Back

Just what you've all been waiting for!! The 3rd season of the mini league will be starting soon - sign up sheets and general information are in the changing room.

This year there will be a couple of changes to the format:

1. teams will comprise 4 people - for those who are keen - and up to 6 members for those who like the idea in principle but find that life (or the weather) gets in the way
2. the format will be amended to extend the competitive element for as long as possible - details available when I know how many teams are taking part - however, (for the faint-hearted) it won't involve more matches

What is constant, is the theory behind the idea: have fun, improve your game by playing the two very different nine hole courses and get to know women from other sections of the Club - I think those who have played in the past have really valued this aspect so:

COME ON - SIGN UP - WHAT ELSE ARE YOU DOING ON THE ODD WEEKDAY EVENING OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS

Reminders

Home Match

Wexham V Haste Hill.
Tuesday 13th May, sign-up sheet on board.

Lady Captain's Day

June 1st
Sign-up sheet on Board.

Away Match

Hazelmere V Wexham 29th May

Chris Nolan

I am delighted to report Chris Nolan past Captain, is making a good recovery; he was on the driving range last week.

Pro Shop

The pro-shop have a new and exciting selection of ladies wear now in stock.

Slow Play

The one major issue that will guarantee to make you public enemy number one is slow play. When you start playing, it may surprise you how quickly you have to walk round the course. One slow match can ruin the enjoyment of all the groups behind them. Try and keep pace with golfers in front. If you cannot and you lose one clear hole to the players in front, please call the following group through.

Feedback

I look forward to having your comments on this issue and contributions for future editions.

If you would like to receive your copy by e-mail, please let me have your e-Mail address, and help reduce the paper mountain destroying our planet! The newsletter will also be published on line on our website.

Thanks to Fran Wilson Vice-Captain, Lesley Hunt and Jan Martin for their help with this Newsletter.

Enjoy your golf and have fun.

Finally

"The more I practice the luckier I get"
Gary Player….