Aldwickbury Park Member News March

Ian McDowell General Manager

Dear Member,

With the formalities of the AGM and Captain’s Drive in now complete, we welcome Club Captain, Steve Pick and Seniors Captain, Mick Beaufoy to the fold and wish them both the very best for their captaincy year ahead. While the Ladies Section are currently without a captain, they have done a great job in making sure everything is covered and I would like to thank all of the Ladies involved in delivering a solution for what will hopefully be a temporary situation.

Mornings are finally beginning to open up again, with the earlier sunrises increasing the availability of tee times for our members to book – I appreciate that booking can be frustrating through December and January in particular and thank members for their flexibility.

Employee of the Year

I am pleased to announce that Chef, Miguel Ben Mesbah has been awarded Aldwickbury Park Employee of the Year for 2022. Miguel worked tirelessly throughout the year to keep the food coming with a limited team, high reliance on agency staff and having to step up to a leadership role in the absence of a Senior Head Chef. We simply could not have got through the year without him and sincerely appreciate his efforts.

Cancelling Tee Times and Checking In

Can I remind members of the need to be courteous to other members and proactively cancel any tee times that are not required as soon as possible. The Pro Shop will be following up on all “no shows” and sanctions will be applied to repeat offenders.

Members are also reminded that they should always check in at the Pro Shop prior to their round at all times of day – it is frustrating to have to chase people to the first tee of both golf courses simply because they chose not to report to the shop.

Aldwickbury Celebrates at the Annual Awards Dinner

Recently, the club hosted the annual BGL Awards Dinner. 200 colleagues from all BGL divisions (Golf, Adventure Leisure, Ninja Leisure and Estates) came together to recognise and celebrate our successes over the past 12 months.

I am pleased to announce that having been nominated for a number of awards on the night, Aldwickbury Park were the proud recipients of both the Sales Team of the Year and Financial Standards awards.

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GM UPDATE

Holly Laird (Sales Manager) and her team did a fantastic job in 2022 in delivering a record breaking year for our function business, and our Administrator, Miranda Emery delivered a near faultless year - achieving 100% (an extremely rare feat) and 98% in her two audits.

New Defibrillator

We have recently purchased a second defibrillator for the club, which will increase the availability of this critical equipment for the protection of our members, staff and visitors. One will be kept permanently behind the bar and the other will be in the Pro Shop, unless it is on board the Rangers buggy during a shift.

Leavers and New Starters

This month we said farewell to First Assistant Greenkeeper Matt Keens who is embarking on a new career at Luton Airport. Last month we welcomed two new starters to the team, Saffron Prossor-Jones who joins as Wedding and Events Sales Coordinator and Paige Merritt who joins us as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.

It is always a pleasure to host such an important event for the company and the fact that I am able to relax and enjoy it is very much due to the incredible performance of our Food and Beverage Team, who deliver a fantastic event every year.

We wish them both the very best of luck in their new positions.

Ian McDowell General Manager

CLUB UPDATE

Steve Pick Club Captain

Dear Members,

A warm welcome from me to this newsletter, and indeed to 2023. To kick things off, I’ve decided to quickly introduce myself for those who don’t know me. I’m Steve Pick and have been a member at Aldwickbury for a number of years. This is my second stint having been a junior member for a few years in 1997/98. I have two young sons, aged three and five, and a very understanding wife who is letting me do the captaincy this year.

Dear Redbourn Member,

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What I may lack in hair (and height!), I hope to make up for in enthusiasm - I plan to do all I can to help our members have a great golfing year in 2023. It’s been great to see the clubhouse steadily getting busier! I play my regular golf generally on a Sunday morning but during the summer I will be also losing some balls after work; fingers crossed for another great summer weather wise, although with perhaps a touch more rain for the course (only when we’re not playing of course).

Captain’s Drive In as usual involved the terrifying prospect of me hitting a drive in front of all those who kindly came to support. I was delighted to hit a fairway off the 10th tee. Admittedly it was the 18th, but they all count. For those who entered into the “guess the drive length” sweepstake, mine went 220 yards. My thanks to Mike Tozer and Caroline Skelton representing the seniors and ladies who played with me on the day. Our combined drives measured 530 yards. Thanks also to Vice Captain Carl Lawson joining in the ceremonial drives.

In addition, I’m at the club 1 or 2 days week on weekdays pretending to do some remote work, but I would much rather be having a chat - so if there was anything you wanted to discuss please do let me know (pickys@gmail.com).

On to more important business - it’s early in the year so there aren’t too many competitions to talk about but a few events to mention:

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Awards and Race Night was a huge success and thanks very much to everyone who helped and / or attended one or both events. The Race Night is chance to have a flutter on a few horse races, win some money and raise some funds for our charity (this year it’s the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted).

Valentines Pairs was a mixed better-ball competition, and on the day 16 pairs battled it out in lovely conditions. The eventual winners were 2022 Captain Graham Payne and Gill Lee, on 43 points.

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CLUB UPDATE

Upcoming Competitions

Three Clubs and a Putter (Gents) is coming up on 19th March. This a team event (best three from four) and sure to be good fun.

Ping Mixed 4BBB (Mixed) on 25th March - our winners will progress through to the next round of this national competition.

Finally, entries are also open for the Spring Cup (Gents) on the 15th April which is an honours board stableford competition.

Final Thoughts

You might notice a few courtesy signs around the course reminding us to keep doing what we can to protect the playing surfaces such as raking bunkers and repairing our pitch marks. Not only are these vital to keep the course in top condition but also ensure fair conditions for others.

In addition, please do play ready golf at all times. This means playing without delay and while there are many aspects to this, a few key principles are:

• Playing without delay and if you’re ready, no need to wait for someone else to play first

• Tapping in short putts where possible rather than marking your ball

Dear Redbourn

Member,

HGU Competitions

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The Herts Golf Union operates a number of open competitions for members of Hertfordshire Golf Clubs. These are often great value ways to play some great courses in a competitive setting. A list is posted up on the notice board but and also here:

• Marking score cards on the next tee

• Leaving equipment on your route to the next tee

• Playing your shot before helping others look for theirs

That’s all for now, happy golfing everyone and hope to see many of you up at the course.

Cheers

https://www.hertfordshiregolf.org/entries

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Steve Pick Club Captain pickys@gmail.com

GOLF UPDATE

A Message from the Aldwick’s Captain

This is my first Newsletter message since I took over as the new Aldwick’s Captain in late January so there is not a lot of news yet.

Dear Redbourn

Perhaps, I should introduce myself as there may be quite a few new members who were not around in 2017 when I was the Aldwicks Captain for the first time. My name is Mick Beaufoy and I joined the club in 2005.

increased opportunities for playing qualifying rounds. However, this is to the detriment of the wonderful feeling of camaraderie in the clubhouse after a competition – it’s still there but there is less of a buzz than there was.

This is something I hope to turn around during my year. Aldwick will feel free to submit suggestions at any time if they think their ideas can help improve our Section/Club – my inbox is always open (Mike. beaufoy@redhouseservices.com).

I understand that there is a little confusion as to why my Blazer Badge says Aldwick’s Captain and not the Seniors’ Captain. The Aldwicks (aka the Seniors –especially on the Honours Board) section of the club is made up of all members (both Men and Women) who have reached the magical age of 55 –so if you see a competition on Howdidido or the PSI entitled “Aldwicks” or “Seniors” please only enter it if you are over 55.

Something that may surprise you is that, when I am not playing golf, I am often away playing lead guitar with a Streetrock band called Cock Sparrer, we play to sold-out gigs all around the world. Here is a photo from the Camden Roundhouse last September when we celebrated our 50th Anniversary!

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On Thursday 19th January we held our Annual Meeting which was preceded by the Aldwicks Flag competition and the result was:

1st. Pete Laurence, Tom Walters and Jim McGown. Their Flag made it to the 17th hole.

2nd. Lee Edwards, Tony Hughes and Chris Woodcock. Theirs was on the 16th green.

At the meeting we said thank you to our out-going captain, David Phillips who did such a great job in 2022, and also to Keith Cox who was our Treasurer for the last five years.

The new Aldwicks Committee was voted in and I am delighted to confirm that Mike Tozer will be my Vice Captain for 2023.

In addition, Alan Taylor has taken on the role of Aldwicks Secretary and Trevor Hones is now our Treasurer.

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One thing I have noticed since 2017 is that the numbers of competitors now entering our Medals and other competitions is about half what it was back then. There are several reasons for this and not the least is the

GOLF UPDATE

Robin Edwards has kindly taken on the task of Match Administrator and Trevor Bull is doing the corresponding role for Competitions –these roles are to ensure the smooth running of these events and provide help and advice to our team of excellent organisers.

I am also delighted that Sue Hattam is representing the ladies on the Committee. In the photo from the Annual Meeting you can see Mike, Keith, David, myself and Alan.

Looking forward we are at the start of a new year which has a full and varied programme of events, including:

• Friendly matches (Home and Away) against 12 other local golf clubs.

• Medals and Winter Stablefords (qualifiers)

• Honours’ Board Competitions

• Various Fun Competitions such as Scrambles, etc.

• Away Days and triangular competitions.

In the next month or so we have the following events coming up which I hope you will be able to participate in (if you are over 55):

9th March – Aldwicks Winter Stableford (18 hole and 9 hole competitions) – Organiser: Mick Beaufoy.

14th March – Texas Scramble – Organiser: Mike Howells.

23rd March – Aldwicks v Redbourn GC (Home) –Organiser: John Rowland.

30th March – Aldwicks Tony-Fowler Shoot-out (Fun competition with 6 holes each of 3 formats) –Organiser: Trevor Bull (note: not Phil Benson).

Dear Redbourn

OK – that’s it for me. I hope to see you on the course or in the Clubhouse in the next month or so.

Member,

The only other competition that has been held was our February Winter Stableford and the results were:

Cheers

Mick Beaufoy

Aldwicks’ Captain 2023

There was also a parallel 9-hole competition and that was won by Malcolm Proudley.

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I should mention that the club has chosen a united charity for 2023 and that is the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted. The charity has helped several of our members over the years and I hope that we will have a successful year raising substantial funds for them.

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Division 1: Winner John Harris; Runner-up Alistair Holt-Thomas.

Division 2: Winner Mike Crofts; Runner-up Kim Nguyen

GOLF UPDATE

Ladies Report

The Ladies section finished its year with its traditional Xmas lunch and entertainment, and reconvened in January to for the formal events which marked the end of Diana Godden‘s year as Lady Captain (Left).

Dear Redbourn

A large number of ladies attended Diana’s Lady Captain’s Farewell dinner at which speeches were made and gifts presented to Diana to thank her for the hard work she has put in. Diana has done a fantastic job in 2022 and is fully deserving of a rest and a lovely trip to New Zealand.

First we had the Annual Awards presentation, at which the many Trophies we compete for were presented. Notable winners were:

• Spring Meeting – Pauline Anderson

• Rose Bowl – Gill Lee

• Club Championship 36 Hole Gross – Linda Reeve; 36 hole nett Chris Marsden

• Lady Golfer of the year - Elaine Meagher

• Ladies Senior Championship – Elaine Meagher

• Ladies Tin Cup – Margaret Benson

• Most improved player – Van Higby

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Sadly the Ladies section does not have a Captain for this year and so the section will be run by the Ladies Committee until such time as somebody comes forward. Work is being done to make sure everything runs like clockwork and also to simplify things a little so that future candidates do not feel put off by the challenge!

Finally, a good selection of Ladies played in the Captain’s Drive In to wish good luck to Steve Pick and Mick Beaufoy as they start their year. Caroline Skelton, our Handicap secretary, agreed to represent the Ladies section at the Drive In competition and put in a very decent drive which went straight down the middle of the fairway (unlike some of the other balls…… just saying!).

We look forward to golf at Aldwickbury in 2023.

Kate Bull Ladies Communications Secretary

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GOLF UPDATE

Tip of the Month: Acceptance!

I think we’d all agree that it’s been a frustrating start to the year from a golfing perspective. First, we had to contend with the wet and muddy conditions, and more recently the rock hard frozen ground. I’m sure the patience of those who did venture out was severely tested. Golf is a hard enough game as it is without having to contend with balls bouncing off at all angles, especially after what felt like a perfect strike.

Redbourn

Member,

Maybe we can learn something from this experience too. Maybe we can learn to accept things as they are and stop trying to control the uncontrollable. I am convinced that being able to accept the outcome of your shot will put you more at ease and allow you to keep your attention where it needs to be. If you can truly accept the outcome then you’re on your way to more enjoyable and fulfilling rounds. Give it a try, I know it will help.

Steve Barker PGA Professional

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Hole in one(s)

On 20th February, something extraordinary happened during the Monday Swindle – we had two holes in one on the same day – which we think is a unique occurrence at the club.

The first bull’s eye was on the 3rd and was achieved by Keith Sheffield who, as a higher handicapper, scored 1 for 6 stableford points! His playing partners were heard shouting “IT’S IN THE HOLE!!!”

The second ace was by John Maynard on the 14th which, for most players, is a difficult green to even stay on. This was John’s second hole in one.

I’m sure that you will all want to join me in congratulating Keith and John on these remarkable achievements. Keith immediately bought a round of drinks for all the swindlers, and John will buy his round next week when the hole in one fund has been topped up.

The Monday swindle is a full qualifying competition, and the scores were entered into the PSI and the WHS, so they should qualify as entries for the hole in one board at the club.

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Dear

COURSE UPDATE

Course Report

January produced a mixed bag in terms of weather with very low morning temperatures and heavy spells of rainfall leading to very hard frosts. Adding foot traffic to this unstable surface can cause the grass roots (which we work hard to promote growth as deep as possible) to shear causing damage to the plant and reducing the quality of the surface both in the immediate and longer term. We appreciate that the decision to restrict play can be frustrating, particularly when everything above ground appears to be fine, but it is a decision we don’t take lightly and only do so to protect the surfaces when necessary.

Course

The cold weather has allowed us to focus attention towards other areas of the course and we have been able to complete a lot of tree work and clearing where it was required. Low hanging branches and canopies have been raised. Thankfully we managed to get a woodchipper in and 90% of what we chopped away from those trees has been turned into bark chippings, which can be reused on the flower beds around the clubhouse at a later on in the year.

We have made a start on bunker renovations that had initially been delayed due to the bad weather. There are a few small bunkers that we would like to tackle and improve, so watch this space.

Damage

Greens

Despite the cold snap we have managed the greens well, there was only slight damage around some old pin locations where we weren’t able to change holes for nearly 2 weeks with the freezing temperatures. We will be looking to complete greens renovations in early March.

I just wanted to remind members that we really do need your help to avoid inconsiderate, lasting damage. To the right you can see the damage caused by a trolley being tracked over the 4th green and the burn marks created that will take weeks to recover. Please also keep trolleys off the tees – for some reason this appears to be happening more often but trolleys should always be kept well away from the teeing ground, particularly during the winter. If you see me around and have any questions or queries please feel free to ask – I’m always happy to talk about the course and it’s rewarding to see members take an interest in our work.

See you on the course!

Craig Betts Course Manager