Midlothian held their 103rd AGM on 30 November at Turnhouse GC, where 66 full members attended and it was great to see everyone.
Junior Prizegiving
Captain, Isla McCrone welcomed the Membership and handed over to Caroline Steedman to present her Junior report and undertake the Junior Prizegiving, where PGA Professional and Coach to the Junior Development Squad, Chloe Thackery presented the vouchers and trophies to the girls. It was great to have Maggie McPherson join us to present the East of Scotland Division trophies and congratulations again to the Midlothian juniors for winning the Cuthbertson Cup for the second year running 💪. Thanks to Junior Champion, Megan Fallon, for her Vote of Thanks at the end of the junior prize giving.
Past Captain, past President and Honorary member, Margaret Rodgers, was once again remembered during the obituaries, having passed away in January 2022. A full obituary was posted on the website at the time. We were unaware of any other member deaths.
Isla then presented her Captain’s report capturing the many highlights from the 2022 season and Mary Stark then presented the accounts for the year. Angela Hughes shared her Secretary’s report and advised the Scottish Golf transition from VMS to tech provider DotGolf was progress and would take effect from 1 January.
Election of Office Bearers
Isla thanked outgoing Honorary President Sheila Stuart for her continued and unwavering commitment to Midlothian over the past three years and commented on how appreciative the County was of all she had contributed during her time. Isla presented Sheila with some beautiful flowers from the Membership.
She then proposed Margaret Fergusson (Murrayfield) as Honorary President for the next two years and Sheila provided an introduction to Margaret for the Membership, who duly voted her in. Unfortunately Margaret was unable to attend the AGM due to personal commitments but is very much looking forward to her role as President and getting to the know the Membership.
Isla was delighted to propose Paula McDougall as Vice Captain. Paula is a member of both Ravelston and Turnhouse and has an impressive golfing history – some of you will remember her as Paula Silver. She was County Champion in 1995 and 1997, Champion of Champions in 1999 and 2011, and part of the County Team from 1995-2000. She played in the Scottish Girls Home Internationals in 1992 wining her first Scottish Cap and was Irish Ladies Golf Union Open Strokeplay Championship Winner in 1997. She won the Turnhouse championship in 1997 and has been Ravelston Champion 9 times. Paula currently works at Ravelston GC, is married to Andrew and has two grown up sons who were the reason she stopped playing golf back in 2002. Paula enjoyed a return to golf when the boys were in their teens and although confesses to ‘not being the golfer she used to be’, she still has a competitve edge and loves a good match! Isla stated that Paula will be a great asset to the County offering her support and assisting with the general business of Midlothian and the Membership duly voted her in.
Isla thanked Honorary Secretary, Angela Hughes, for bringing her wisdom, knowledge and experience to the Secretary’s role, over the past four years and for ably managing all the things that go on in the background – things that aren’t always fully appreciated or visible but make the County run smoothly. Angela was presented with a small gift from the Membership in collective appreciation of all she had done during her term.
Isla then proposed Maureen Joyce as Honorary Secretary for the next three years. Maureen is a member of Turnhouse having taken up golf in her late forties. She is very organised and efficient and has utilised her skillset in a range of committees and activities held at the Club over the years. She was also involved in the Morison Millar Committee. Maureen initially trained as a Primary School teacher but has spent most of her career as an IT analyst bringing futher skills to the role of Secretary, not least as we transition to using the DotGolf software. After retiring in 2020, Maureen joined Marie Curie as a community volunteer and enjoys (and is very good at) organising charity events. Maureen is married to Mark, who despite her best efforts, does not play golf!
Isla also thanked Honorary Treasurer, Mary Stark and Junior Secretary, Caroline Steedman, who both retired from their posts. Mary had the unenviable task of taking over from Maureen McLeod who had served as our Treasurer for some 14 years and was thanked for her hard work and effort in managing our finances over the past three years. Caroline first started supporting the juniors in 2018 and was thanked for her time and commitment to the Junior Secretary role over the past four years and helping to create a great team spirit amongst the girls. both were presented with some beautiful flowers as a small token of our collective appreciation.
Whilst Isla was unable to propose replacements for either role she delivered a serious plea for support from the Membership, to come forward and volunteer their time to ensure the ongoing running and success of the County.
Presentation of Prizes
The Presentation of Prizes followed the business of the AGM and immediate past Honorary President Sheila Stuart presented the Trophies and Prize vouchers, assisted by new Honorary Secretary, Maureen Joyce. Unfortunately our County Champion, Kate McIntosh was unable to be with us due to work commitments but Isla delivered Kate’s speech on her behalf. Thanks to Champion of all Champions, Louise Fraser, for her Vote of Thanks at the end of the evening.
Some fabulous golf was played this year by Midlothian members and Midlothian was well represented at various events at all levels. Isla recognised what a fantastic year it has been for all our Midlothian Seniors but in particular, for Karen Ferguson-Snedden – Scottish Senior Women’s Open Champion, East Vets Champion, Scottish Veteran Ladies Champion and representing Scotland at International level – what an achievement. Huge congratulations Karen!
All committee and active volunteers with their roles and email addresses will be updated shortly and can be viewed under ‘About MCLGA’ on the website.
It has been great to be back to a full season this year – congratulations to all prize winners!
A reminder to all voucher winners – you have until 31 July 2023 to spend them!
We look forward to seeing many of you playing next year.
With grateful thanks to Turnhouse for hosting us so well and to all our volunteers on the evening – Pauline Cumming, Muriel Gilligan, Jan Thomson, Paula McDougall, Mari Deans, Anne Hanson and Yvonne Wilson. With special thanks to Frances Kerr for taking all of these wonderful photographs.
Junior Prizegiving Photos Gallery
Adult Prizegiving Photo Gallery
