Golf Tip

The GOLF CLUB you need to join…

Why should you Join South Staffs Golf Club?

Club manager, Sue LeBeau explains: “We pride ourselves on being Wolverhampton’s premier golf club with an outstanding course which has been maintained to the highest standard even through lockdown. “A warm and friendly welcome awaits you – even in lockdown our Captain has been calling all new members to welcome them into the club. “Due to the restructure of our full membership fees and a successful marketing campaign, we are delighted to say our membership for male 7-day membership is now full. However, as we have still been receiving a steady stream of enquiries we have created a new category of membership – a Wait List membership. This gives access to the course from Sunday afternoon through to Friday evening. There will be mid-week competitions to enable people in this category to either gain or maintain their handicap. The cost for this is £900 per annum or £75 per month. This is a temporary membership for those awaiting full membership at South Staffs and as soon as full membership is offered it must be accepted. Please contact us for more details. “We do have some space for Ladies on a full 7-day membership basis and we would love to increase the numbers in our ladies’ section. Each new joiner will be given a mentor to welcome them and help them integrate into our section. This was introduced a couple of years ago and has proved to be a great success as it’s never easy joining a new club particularly on your own. “Full membership not required? – take a look at our flexible membership options – we are confident we can find something that works for you including our very popular House / Playing category.

Our clubhouse is being refurbished!

undertake a refurbishment project. Our new spike bar and associated areas will give us a lovely open space for members to enjoy with the flexibility of separating some of the areas off for private hire rooms for our visitors and corporate members. These areas will complement our dining room refurbishment which was undertaken a while ago and means we can offer a variety of flexible options for private functions. “We are now taking provisional bookings for Winter functions as well as for 2021 – so whether you are looking for a select wedding reception venue, a private party or celebration meal, a birthday afternoon tea or looking to book your Christmas event early – please use our lovely venue. “Additionally, any SME looking for Corporate facilities albeit meetings, luncheons or dinner, or golf days - why not consider South Staffs Golf Club, we would be happy to show you around and work to give you a great experience”.

NEWSFLASH

– We will be opening our dining room as “The Danescourt Restaurant” this winter on Friday and Saturday nights. Members of the public will be able to reserve tables to come and enjoy our fabulous facilities and food.

How you can ease the pain at times of loss

There is no doubt that the global coronavirus pandemic and its indiscriminate nature has been a stark reminder about how precious life is.

It has led many people to focus on their estate planning “just in case”. Christina Polychronakis, an Associate solicitor in the Private Client team at FBC Manby Bowdler, explains the one easy step you can take to make life easier for your loved ones after your death: “For many people, making a will is one of those things filed in the

‘must-do’ pile that never quite gets sorted. But if there is one simple thing you could do to help your family and friends when you’re gone, it would be to make a will. “Dying without a will – intestate – is an additional problem that friends and family would have to deal with at a time when they are already grieving. It’s no surprise that arguments about who gets what are common between families if you haven’t set out your wishes in a will. “And with the increasing number of second and subsequent marriages, blended families and higher house prices it means more people than ever need a will. If you die without one, there is no guarantee that the people you love will receive the property, money or gifts you want them to. “A will doesn’t have to be complicated and, by getting one drafted by a solicitor, it means that your wishes will be clearly documented. Solicitors have to keep notes about your discussions so they can evidence the reasons behind your choices. “It is, of course, important to update your will if any of the beneficiaries die, you get divorced or you change your mind. And when appointing executors – the people who administer your estate - you should be confident that they would carry out your wishes to the letter. If you’re concerned that this may cause a family feud, consider appointing a solicitor as an executor.”

Christina has nearly 10 years experience in the legal sector in the West Midlands and Shropshire and deals with all aspects of estate administration including obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration, the preparation of wills and lasting powers of attorney and applying for deputyship orders. She can be contacted at christina.polychronakis@fbcmb. co.uk or 01902 702093.