North Cliff Golf Club is now a long par five from its Centenary year of 2009, and events and celebrations are beginning to “Tee Up” perfectly.

It has been said that 2007 was a difficult year for raising funds for a variety of reasons, not least because of the summer washout.  However, the fund  is growing and we look to be progressing towards where we want to be.  A very big thank you to all the membership who have contributed in whatever way they have, be it financial or the giving of time, sponsorship, prize donation or simply entering an event, on or off the course.

Special mention must go to former Manchester United legend, Alex Stepney, who provided superb anecdotal entertainment at the “Centenary Sportsman’s Dinner” during November, where a packed clubhouse was also rolling in aisles to the unique humour of Billy Flywheel.  I know many of you enjoy these evenings and we are working on providing a mixed version with perhaps a variety of speakers that will suit most tastes.

One of the great positives of the year has been the bond between the main Club Committee and the Centenary Committee through the involvement of Club Chairman, Derrick Arden. Derrick has been most helpful in the dialogue between both groups, who are working towards one goal.  This has been beneficial to the final push of fundraising activities as we draw closer to the year itself.

During the unfolding months of 2008, the eternal question will be what will the Centenary fund finance and leave as a lasting memory which will benefit the Club - this will I am sure be answered.  We are aware that this is the burning 64,000 dollar question, but as documented last year, it is really difficult to nominate a project to fund without knowing the sum we have to work with.  All ideas are greatly appreciated together with your name for accreditation purposes.  Please be assured that all monies collected will be used for Centenary purposes and the funding of some lasting project whether big or small - something that the whole membership will benefit from.

The support of the Club’s membership is essential - the quickest and most practical way other than supporting events is entering the One Pound Lottery Draw each week. This is real bread and butter for the fund and something that I envisage being continued after the Centenary year.

Paul Bang
March 2008