Following tea and coffee, the AGM was officially opened at 2.05pm
by David Asquith.
Members
Present were:
D. Asquith, K. Hunt, J. Siabi, J. Baker, C. Gingell, E. Williams,
J. Evans, D. Hussey, R. Evans, P. Spencer-Farr,
R. Shelley, G. Brent, S. Holt, M. Hone, R. Forster, M. Sanders,
B. Barrow, D. Gardener, J. Blackburn, J. Kotwica,
S. Southgate, D. Hannaford, J. Pearce, C. Summers, N. Patten,
M. Bargery, I. Thomas, R. Williams, B. Dennett,
P. England, D. Dowell, N. Markby, R. Davis, J. Sweet, N. Hill,
N. Gabb, M. Kilpatrick: D. Oliver: B. Heath: R. Stone,
K. Branchflower, T. Hackling, A. Rowland, M. Haskins,
A. Chance, S. Kitcher, N. Cochran, E. Smallwood, B. Marsh.
Apologies: D. Mugridge: M. Jewell: J. Wandless:
As John Wandless was unavailable for this meeting, David Asquith
has been asked to chair the AGM.
Item Four: Adoption of the Constitution.
Nothing was arising and this was adopted on a Proposal by Steve
Holt and Seconded by Roger Stone
Item Five: Chairman's Welcome.
David thanked everyone for attending and gave a brief outline of
how the meeting would run. He advised that John Baker had been
co-opted onto the committee as Secretary until we reach Item 7 on
the agenda. He also reminded everyone that AOB was limited to the
written submissions already received.
Item Six: Minutes of the last AGM.
No issues arose and the minutes were adopted on a Proposal Keith
Hunt and Seconded by Chris Gingell.
Item Seven: Captains Report.
Captain Keith Hunt gave an in-depth report on his year of office and
this is detailed on a separate sheet.
Item Eight: Financial Statement.
David Asquith went through all the numbers with great clarity. A
copy of the Financial Statement is attached separately. He made
members aware of the new Financial guidelines which are posted on
the notice board, and anyone with issues should contact him. Year
end is now formalised as 30th September to give enough time to
close the books and get the accounts audited before the AGM. The
target is to break even on the Operational side and the Charity side.
We have 98 paid up members of which 3 new members joined
halfway through the year and only paid £5 each. 18 members were
exempt from paying as they are over 80 years of age as far as we
know. So, 116 members in total. It was suggested that, as we were
doing well, subscriptions remain at £10 and this could be paid cash
or by BACS. It was difficult to know which members of the club
that are over 80 want to join the Seniors Section. A sheet will be put
on the notice board for those that wish to be a member to sign,
without a subscription.
Charity Monies: David gave a breakdown of the Charity monies.
Over £4000 raised by monthly raffle and 4 ball vouchers and a big
thanks goes to Jim Laughlin and Martin Leigh for their efforts. As
yet, we have no fundraiser for next year. The Captains Drive-in,
Seniors marketplace, donations, Charity collection (SSAFA), Battle
of Britain were all explained to the attendees. £1000 of £9000
charity donation was for last year but went into the accounts too late
(SSAFA) so overall, £1000 more was donated than was collected.
And £8000 was donated to Keith's charity, Age UK which everyone
should be very proud of.
Overall Assets: He explained that funds decreased by around £600.
This was effectively a £400 increase due to the £1000 late charity
payment, Still some engraving to come and any excess after
engraving to go into next years charity. Plan to reduce end of year
assets to around £2000 which is sufficient through additional
donation to charity next year.
Audit: This is the last year that Barry will audit the accounts and
thanks were given by all for his service. From next year, the books
will be audited by an external auditor and this will be Richard
Holmes’ wife who is not connected with the club and is an
accountant.
The full financial statement is attached separately.
Item Nine: Election of officers.
Three posts are automatically filled. Captain, James Siabi. Past
Captain, Keith Hunt. Treasurer, David Asquith who has two years
left to serve having been voted in at the last AGM.
Nominations received by the deadline: Only one name was put
forward for each so they are duly elected as per the Constitution
:
Secretary: John Baker: Proposed by Nick Patten and Seconded by
Keith Hunt
Internal Competitions Secretary: Chris Gingell: Proposed by Bob
Barrow and Seconded by John Pearce.
External Competitions Secretary: Martyn Jewell: Proposed by David
Asquith and Seconded by Anthony Harris
No nominations were received in writing in time for the following
positions so these will be co-opted at the next committee meeting.
One name for each position has since come forward and these are.
Chairman: John Wandless: Handicap Secretary: John Wandless:
Fixtures Secretary for Friendlies: Keith Hunt. These will be co-opted
until next AGM.
Vice Captain: No names have been put forward for the position of
Vice Captain, and under the Constitution, the Chairman asked for
nominations from the floor. Ian Thomas volunteered to take on this
role and was Proposed Andy Rowland and Seconded Bob Dennett.
Ian Thomas was duly elected as Vice Captain.
Item Ten: Any Other Business:
Two items were received in writing, both by Andy Rowland.
First item was fundraising. Andy explained in great detail his
suggestion for this. In short, each member wishing to participate
would buy one number for £5 per month. This number would be
valid for ten monthly draws, so £50 in total. Members could buy 3
numbers for £10 per month Money would be paid in cash and each
month there would be 3 prizes paid in cash totalling half the fund
collected, with the other half collected going to the Captains Charity.
After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that this be discussed at the
next committee meeting. It would need a volunteer to organise, so if
anyone is interested, please let the committee know.
Second Item was the Cyder Cup: Andy explained that this was
becoming difficult to play because of the time of year and the
weather. He suggested moving it to 3 Mondays or 3 Wednesdays in
October, or if possible, in September. After a discussion, it was
decided to leave to the committee to discuss.
Item 12: Handover of Captains:
Before the handover of Captains, David pointed out that no-one had
thanked Keith for all his hard work throughout the year. Everyone
joined in congratulating him.
Keith then officially handed over the office of Captain to James Siabi
and wished him all the best for 2026 with the hope he will get the
support afforded him this year.
James complimented Keith on his year as Captain and hoped to
follow in his footsteps, although it would be a challenge. He touched
on his ongoing health problems and hoped, if needed, he would get
the support needed. He hoped that everyone would pull together as a
group and support each other. He has found friendship and a spirit in
this club, he hasn’t seen elsewhere and hopes to build on it. He
suggested an alternative way of fundraising was through a hole in
one competition on a monthly basis. Committee to discuss.
Chairman suggested that if anyone has any ideas for fundraising, or
wishes to help in any way, to please contact a member of the
committee.
Item 11: Trophy Presentation:
Past Captain, Keith Hunt then presented the various winners with
their trophies. A full list of trophy winners is attached separately.
The Chairman then thanked everyone for attending and the AGM
was closed at 3.15pm
Captains Report:
Could everyone please remember lost members and those struggling with health issues.
Brian Hodder, he was a previous club champion. His wife and daughter have purchased a trophy to be called the Brian Hodder Memorial Trophy which will be played for in June each year off the white tees as a Medal competition. All proceeds to go to Parkinsons Charity. Thanks to John Evans helping with this.
Thanks to Steve and Jacqui Hill, Honor Smith the general manager and the catering bar for feeding us through the year and to Matt and the staff in the Pro shop for all things golf.
A big thanks to the officers and committee who have been a big help and do so much behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Special mention to Chris Gingell for the Roll ups, John Wandless for stepping in as Chairman, Andy Rowland as Past Captain, David Asquith for stepping in as Treasurer and to Keith Branchflower who held the role for 10 years.
Those standing down from the committee are Barrie Heath as Fixtures Secretary, Dave Muggeridge as Avalon League, Knighton Heath and Somerset Bowl captain. A difficult job at times. Ian Thomas as Secretary, Andy Rowland as Past Captain and Internal Competitions organiser. A big thank you to all of these for their support. Charity Day raised £8000 for Age UK Somerset. A big thanks to all who contributed. Thanks also to Jim Laughlin and latterly Martin Leigh for organising raffles etc.
A big thanks to all who rallied round to help on and before the day. Clive Fisk and Mark Saunders for hole sponsorship, Matt for Beat the Pro, the Ladies Section for help at the Halfway House, Quinny for the scores, John Pearce, the marquee man, John Baker and Alan Chance for being starters, John Sweet for helping Matt, and John Wandless for helping out generally. Also, a big thanks for all who played on the day.
Friendlies: Very pleased with the support for these, new members were encouraged to take part. Thanks to the various match captains. We played 24 matches. Won 15, Drew 2, Lost 7
Ladies Matches We only played 2 of these, June and December as time unfortunately got the better of us. Thanks to all who took part in all of these matches.
Challenge Cup: This year was well organised by James Siabi and sponsored by Mike Light with the final played at St Pierre.
Round one winner at Tiverton was Tim Purrett: Round two winner at Minehead was John Wandless: Round three winner at Woodbury Park was Rob Shelley.
The winner of the final at St Pierre was Rob Shelley.
Captains Away Day: Thanks to all who took part. Winner Terry Rutherford: 2nd Richard Forster: 3rd Chris Hiam: NTP 7th Chris Chapman: NTP in 2 on 17th Glyn Sims
SGU Seniors Stableford: CST had 26 entries out of 105. Individually we came 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th. Winning team was Ian Hildred, Steve Sutcliffe, Rob Shelley and Mark Kilpatrick. Andy Rowland and Barrie Heath won their age categories.
Avalon League, Knighton Heath and Somerset Bowl: We didn’t do very well this year. Avalon, relegated to Div 2. Knighton Heath, lost in quarter final. Somerset Bowl, we won at Fosseway but lost at Stockwood Vale. Dave would like to thank all who took part, those that stood in as captain, and good luck to Martyn Jewell who takes over as captain next year.
Roll Up Figures: Roll ups are the heart of everything we do. Over 10 months there were 3589 games of golf played and £7420 was distributed in prize money. Average number attending is 34.18.
Most games played, Bob Barrow, 104 times. Terry Rutherford and Martin Leigh were joint 2nd with 101. Most money won was Bob Barrow £197.37. Looking at competitions entered against winnings, the most well off player is Danny Dowell and the most out of pocket is Nick Hill.
Holes in One: John Griffiths in April: John Tomney had two, and another from Danny Dowell. Congratulations to each of you.
Course Modification: Old holes 8, 9 and 10 are progressing well. They will become the new 10th, 11th and 12th holes and the new 10th tee is yet to be built due to access. It is confirmed current holes 12, 13 and 14 will close when new course is open. The current 11th green will be moved to the left behind the current hedge and work will start this winter. This will become the new 14th. The 15th white tee will also possibly be moved back. It is hoped new holes will be open for one or two weeks in late summer 2026 and fully open in Spring 2027. Final irrigation work on holes 6,7.16 and 17 will be completed by Spring next year.
So, in closing, please accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you for encouraging me and supporting me through the year. And good luck to James for next year.
Cricket St Thomas Seniors Trophy Winners 2025
Winter League Trophy: Charles Summers and Derek Maxwell
March Hare: Steve Holt and Terry Rutherford
Foursomes Trophy: Martin Leigh and Chris Hiam
Super Seniors Cup Over 75: Terry Hackling
Canadian Greensomes Trophy: Mark Kilpatrick and Bob Tuttiett
Past Captains Trophy: Bert Robinson
Memorial Trophy: Roger Stone, Bill Hilson and Ian Thomas
Challenge Cup: Rob Shelley
Challenge Plate: Andy Rowland
Seniors Championship Scratch: Kevin Barry
Seniors Championship Nett: Keith Hunt
Jubilee Salver: John Wandless, John Evans and Danny Dowell
Yellow Ball Trophy: Paul Prendergast, Roger Davis and Terry Rutherford
Battle of Britain Trophy: Brian Marsh
Knockout Cup Singles: Nick Patten
Knockout Cup Pairs: David Asquith and Gordon Brent
Order of Merit Winner: Roger Davis
Eclectic Winner: Danny Dowell
Most Improved Player: Eric Smallwood
Clubman of the Year: John Baker
