2025 Captains Welcome

Dear Members,

 

Welcome to the 3rd year of the HAL Basingstoke Golf Society. I am truly honoured to be Captain this year and I will do everything I can to honour the traditions of our society as we continue to evolve. Looking back, 1988 appears an interesting year. Terry was our Captain, most of our trophies were contested with Terry taking more than his fair share ! I joined IBM in 1988 based in Birmingham, an interesting year indeed. 

 

Much has changed as we start the 2025 season. We are evolving the way the Society is financed with each event designed to financially stand alone and make a slight profit to cover our small overheads. This results in no annual membership fee which we hope will encourage those members who just want to play a handful of events each year. We will be holding a joint event with Surrey & Sussex over the summer which will be a first. The idea was to trial a joint event where traditionally our numbers are low. These events are in the ‘shoulder’ months but as The Drift was geographically perfect for both Societies, we are proceeding in July. After significant effort by many of our colleagues, our events schedule for the year is now confirmed so we hope this will enable us all to plan our Society golf well in advance. See schedule ->  HERE

 

The Silver Jubilee Cup is back in our schedule at the end of August. I personally really enjoy this event which was first played for in 1973. We last won the cup in 2010 when Rona was Captain. I would very much like to bring this cup “home” ! We have a few days away at Tewksbury in early May which should be fun. Terry has done a superb job in organising this event and although deposits have been paid, I’m sure you can join if your interested. 

 

My nominated charity for 2025 is the Broadwater Conservation Society based in Weybridge. The Broadwater lake was part of the royal palace grounds built by Henry VIII in Weybridge. Elmbridge and Surrey CC agreed to fund a public footpath on the north side of the Lake in 2017, which runs from Walton-on-Thames to Weybridge. This beautiful path is now used by hundreds of people each day. I’m part of the maintenance crew which keeps the footpath from becoming overgrown. We currently use our own hand tools but my ambition is to fund the purchase and maintenance of a petrol strimmer, hedge cutter and  a rough-cut lawnmower. https://www.broadwaterconservationsociety.co.uk 

 

I’m really looking forward to playing with you all in 2025 with the support of Anil as Vice Captain and the committee. Our bonds as a Society are very strong, we enjoy a rich heritage and strong character. We are evolving but personally I will always remember where we have come from and do my best to keep our Society on a strong trajectory. 

 

Here’s to a great 2025 of golfing fun and I hope to see you all at Pine Ridge on 23 April for our 1st event followed by our AGM.