May 2008
Dear Members,
I would like to pass on my best wishes to you for an enjoyable and successful season. A special welcome goes to all new members who are hopefully by now starting to get ‘into the swing of things’ at Loudoun.
As you are all aware, the weather has not been kind to us since the beginning of the year and as a result the course suffered badly. However, in the part few weeks, the course has come on leaps and bounds. The Head Greenkeeper David Armstrong and the greenstaff have put in a lot of effort to improve the appearance of the course, with particular attention being paid to the paths and bunkers. The new 18th green is now in play and there is a paved area at the 1st tee.
In the clubhouse, following on the refurbishment of the lounge last year, the small bar has been upgraded and now has a much cleaner, lighter and more spacious appearance. A new carpet will soon be laid in the lounge to mark the centenary of the Club. Bar turnover is starting to pick up with the start of the competition season and Fiona and her staff continue to provide an excellent meals and snacks service at extremely competitive prices. The clubhouse has become a very popular venue for private functions, especially since all the improvements in the facilities.
There have been a number of very successful social events at the club since the start of the year. The Ladies’ Concert was very well supported, with a wealth of talent on display. In April, Elvis visited the club and some of the ladies are still recovering from the experience. Forthcoming attractions are the Fox and Hounds Competition on 19 July and the 2 Divas cabaret on 4 October.
As already mentioned, the Club celebrates its centenary next year. Among the events planned are: an opening ceremony on 21 February, a Burns Supper on 21 March, a Centenary golf week from 13-20 June, culminating in a Centenary Dinner on 20 June. It is hoped that members will make every attempt to support as many of these events as possible. Special centenary products – clothing, memorabilia etc – will be on sale at the Club later in 2008 and Frank Donnelly’s book on the History of the Club is nearing completion.
The Committee meets on the second Monday of every month, and we are always pleased to receive written comments or suggestions from the membership on ways to improve the course and the Club generally. Minutes of Committee meetings are available in the lounge.
Finally, a reminder that Loudoun is your club. Please look after the course: replace all divots and repair all pitch marks, and help to maintain standards of behaviour and dress both on and off the course. The key to a harmonious club is consideration for the feelings of your fellow members.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Morton
Captain