Awarding life membership to Norm Purtill was the highlight of Sunday’s annual general meeting.
In the honorary position of secretary/manager, Norm has virtually been in a full-time position.
As the nomination stated, the life membership was “in recognition of his commitment and outstanding leadership as voluntary secretary/manager for the past eight years”.
It continued: “Norm has, through his business experience, improved the financial and social position of the club while generating a great environment.
“His enthusiasm for the club to prosper, along with his work ethic, is infectious and promotes a friendly and positive atmosphere.
“Norm has gone far beyond his role as secretary/manager as he provided assistance to members by maintaining their golf carts, undertaken a lot of general maintenance at the clubhouse inside and out, and much more.”
The life membership is worthy recognition for Norm’s contribution to our club, and it is not surprising that it was carried unanimously.
Following the meeting, Norm continues as treasurer, with former president Kathy Simpson taking over the secretary/manager’s role.
Tony Kew was returned to the position of president and John Radeski was re-elected captain.
Directors are Noel Swainger, Ali Ferguson, Felicity McCalman, Shandra Simpson, Jane Glowrey and Ray Phillips.
There was general discussion about the impact of the flood on the club, in particular the financial cost which will be significant.
The possibility of a voluntary levy and a flood fund have been raised, and no doubt these will need to be pursued and require strong member support.
In his report to the meeting, Norm Purtill highlighted the improvements which have been undertaken over the past year.
This included spending approximately $472,000 on the course, clubhouse and facilities.
He again highlighted that “volunteers are the backbone of this club”, adding “I can’t thank them enough for their thousands of hours of volunteer work”, estimating a conservative value of the amount saved by voluntary work would be more than $200,000 a year.
No doubt the ‘volunteer army’ will need to be out in force when the floods recede and the hard work begins to get the club back on its feet.
There has been limited golf played over the past week, with the only results available being from Wednesday’s competition.
The winner was Greg Collins with 37 points, from runner-up Tony Kew on 35.
This week there is the monthly medal tomorrow, and usual ladies events on Tuesday and Thursday, with men’s stableford on Wednesday.
Members are encouraged to continue supporting the Bowling Club on Friday nights.
Hopefully the ‘big concrete block’ will be removed soon and we can return to the clubhouse before Christmas.
Last week’s results:
Wednesday, November 30, men’s stableford:
G Collins 37, r/u T Kew 35.
Ball comp: J Hunt, R Lawrence, I Campbell, K Maher, T Grant, R Pogonoski, c/o 32.
NTP: J Hunt, N Purtill.