At our last AGM Mark Reading was voted in as Junior Vice Captain of the club for 2009. Mark has served on the committee since 2008 and has made an invaluable to contribution to our “back office”. 

He re-wrote our membership database and handicap system, integrating this with the monthly draw process and the automated production of our monthly playing cards. This was an amazing endeavour. Like any good administration system the more efficient the system the less obvious it is to members. The monthly score cards (with personalised handicaps, annual comp standing etc ) provide a small glimpse of Mark's hard work.. Mark has asked that his contribution to the club remain focussed on systems and that he therefore step down as Junior Vice Captain. Mark will  continue to contribute to the improvement of our systems and anyone who has been involved in the running of a club knows just how important this function is so we are indeed fortunate to have Mark in this role. 

The Junior Vice Captain position is the only position voted by members and through a 4 year committee involvement, ensures continuous succession in the running of the club.  Typically this involvement  comprises:-        

Year 1 – JVC (key responsibility : Knockout Competition)        

Year 2 – Vice Captain (key responsibility : Charity Day)        

Year 3 – Captain-        

Year 4 – Past Captain 

Whilst we are thrilled Mark will continue to look after much of the “back off” we are most fortunate to have received an indication from Steve Betts that he would be willing to take on the important position of JVC, should the members vote as such. We are fortunate to have members of this calibre who are willing to be involved in the leadership of the club for the next 4 years. Steve has already launched the 2009 Knockout Competition with a fantastic repsonse by members.

The Sydney North Club has reached a signifiant phase in it's development. The membership base grew through 2008 and members have eagerly renewed their membership in 2009.

This has meant that the club is nearing the position where the membership may soon have to be closed and a waiting list managed.

Because of the high membership level the February game has been oversubscribed and, unfortunately, a number of members will not be able to play.   This "near saturation" is being managed on a few fronts as follows:

- more playing spots are arranged at courses where possible

- a strict policy is being maintained to ensure members receive preference over visitors

- a waiting list of new applicants will be maintained

- a definied level of visitors will be included in each game in order to provide an induction path for applicants at the top end of the waiting list

Typically winter is somewhat quieter and we expect that, through winter and with more available playing spots, members should be able to play each month.

Derrick Jones

Captain 

• The uniform has been “freshened up” and new shirts are included in 2009 subs. February game at Long Reef will be a “bright” affair.

• The away trip this year will coincide with our first National Championships in October. The winner of this inaugural tournament will have bragging rights forever so let’s not lose to a bunch of Queenslanders. A strong contingent from South Africa is also expected for the weekend.

• As part of our contribution to junior golf we are excited about the creation of 2 junior golf scholarships in 2009, each valued at $2000. This will be administered by the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation and will be used to allow 2 emerging juniors to participate in events which they would otherwise not have been able to afford to attend. The juniors will participate in a Nomads day and provide updates on their progress through our website.

• An individual knockout competition which is simple and easy to manage  

On behalf of all of the members of Nomads Sydney North, I would like to thank Marc Breytenbach for his contribution to the club in 2008 in his role as Captain.

This is not an easy role and Marc's leadership has resulted in a much improved club. In his year as Captain Marc supported the appointment of Phil Clapham and the role out of this wonderful website.  He activiely particapted in a successful Charity Day.

Marc nurtured the Jack Newton Golf Foundation relationship. 

Through 2008 we saw a major "back office" process development to improve a very shaky registration and memebershio records system. Marc supported Marc Reading admirably during this development.

Marc steered us through a mid year JVC/Kockout change and admirably managed his role as Captain whilst in the first year of a new job.

 I know all of this took its toll on Marc's golf prowess, but hey it brought you back to the field mate.

Thanks Marc - we all appreciate your sacrifices for the club and wish you well in your lesirely re-ignition of your golf game.