MCLGA Meeting held on March 1st 2006 to discuss Centenary in 2009
Present: Gillian Kirkwood (Convenor), Maggie McPherson (Captain MCLGA), Karen Ballantyne, Ellice Cackett, Linda Caine, Mairi Pollock, Janet Wake. Apologies: Noreen Fenton, Pamela Williamson
- Progress on gathering historical information was reviewed.
- Mairi was awaiting information from SUGS. Once she had this she would be able to put together relevant information. (Action Mairi)
- Karen had made progress with the Junior Girls historical information and showed a layout which could be used to present the information on the web. She had arranged to meet with Joan Marshall to discuss Hazlemount and the early days. It was believed that Dorothy Fraser still held some Junior records and Mandy Easton was endeavouring to obtain them. (Action Karen)
- Janet had spoken to Jane George in October 2005 about collecting information from senior members of the Association and other personalities. Jane had said she would be happy to help, but not over the next few months. It was agreed that Janet would go back to Jane to try and establish a possible time-frame to see if one or two interview sessions could be arranged. (Action Janet).
- Gillian had obtained more information on the history and early beginnings of the Association and golf in Midlothian. The Scotsman provided a free search through their records for one week each year around the 30th of November. It was well worth looking out for this and making searches when this offer was available.
- Ellice had some information about Cammo Golf Course and was trying to obtain more on those courses which no longer existed. It was agreed that Ellice would write to all the clubs in Midlothian asking for a brief summary (no more than one page of A4) about the clubs and any members who the clubs believed had made great contributions to golf. (Action Ellice)
- Maggie had put together information on the County Finals in which Midlothian had participated. She would send this to Gillian and to Janet. (Action Maggie)
- Linda had collected more information on County training and coaching, although this was somewhat sparse in the earlier minute books. (Further action Linda)
- It was agreed previously that a book should be published to mark the Centenary of MCLGA. It was envisaged that this might be 80-100 pages in length, contain photographs and have a soft cover. Copies would be distributed to all members (~400), some other associations and collectors. ~500 copies might be required. Gillian would make some enquiries about possible publishers. (Action Gillian)
- The SLGA had already agreed that the County Finals would be held in Midlothian during the Centenary Year, 2009. MCLGA would need to suggest possible courses/venues over the next year or so. (Action Ellice)
- Events for the Centenary Year were discussed. Possibilities include:
- Publishing a book (agreed - see above)
- Hosting the County Finals (agreed - see above)
- Matches with other Counties celebrating their centenaries Those founded at the same time as Midlothian were Ayrshire, Dumbarton and Argyllshire, Fife, Forfarshire (now Angus), Lanarkshire, Perthshire (now Perth & Kinross), Renfrewshire, Stirlingshire. Dumbarton and Argyll had already contacted Maggie to suggest that a joint special event could be held with Midlothian (as had been done on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of both associations). This would probably go ahead. (Action Maggie & Ellice).
- There was support also for the suggestion of a special scratch competition which could be arranged for all County Associations. This might involve 4 top players from each county (a field of 60) and it would be possible to play 36 holes in one day. This would be best held at a weekend. It appeared that late May, after the Scottish might be a possible time. Sponsorship for this should also be considered.
- A competition for Midlothian members was also discussed. It was agreed that a team Tri-am where people could enter as a team or as individuals would be a good format. A weekday in late July or August was thought to be the most suitable time.
- It was noted that a meeting had been held on 12th January 1909 with representatives of counties to discuss the formation of county associations. Thereafter representatives of Midlothian had met on January 22nd 1909 and formed Midlothian County Ladies Golf Association. To celebrate the Centenary it was agreed that a Lunch should be held on Saturday January 17th 2009. Possible venues were discussed (Balmoral, Roxburgh, Carlton Highland, Caledonian). Maggie offered to investigate these or other possible suitable venues. (Action Maggie)
- A memento for each member of the Association - this had been raised at the last meeting and would be discussed further.
- It was agreed that a message should be put up on the Midlothian Web about the Centenary and a request be made for members and others to look out any photographs (recent or from the past) or other historical information or records. (Action Janet)
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Centenary Committee would be held on Wednesday October 18th 2006 at 6 Hallhead Road.
