MCLGA Meeting held on October 18th 2006 to discuss Centenary in 2009
Present: Gillian Kirkwood (Convenor), Ellice Cackett (Captain MCLGA), Linda Caine, Maggie McPherson, Mairi Pollock, Janet Wake. Pamela Williamson Apologies: Karen Ballantyne, Noreen Fenton, Tracy Laughland
1.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
- Karen would continue to make progress with collating the Junior Girls historical information over the winter.
- As Jane George was very fully committed, it was agreed that Centenary Committee members should make a start on collecting information from 'senior' members. Gill, Janet and Maggie would meet with Ethel Jack. Maggie, and Pamela would meet with Joan Marshall and would also investigate possible links with Jean Burnet.
- Gillian had obtained more information on the history and early beginnings of the Association and golf in Midlothian. She reminded the Committee that The Scotsman provided a free search through its records for one week each year around the 30th of November. It was well worth looking out for this and making searches when the offer was available.
- Ellice had written to all the golf clubs in 'Midlothian' asking for a brief summary about the clubs and any members who the clubs believed had made great contributions to golf. 6 of 38 had replied.
- Maggie had put together information on the County Finals in which Midlothian had participated. She had sent this to Gillian and to Janet. Janet would publish this on the web site. Maggie was currently collecting more historical information and photographs on Midlothian County Teams
- Linda had collected more information on County training and coaching, although this was somewhat sparse in the earlier minute books. She offered to look through some of the old committee minute books over the winter
- Pamela undertook to work over the winter to extract and write up interesting items and events from the early AGM Minute Book.
- It had been 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 had brought to the meeting examples of books published by other golfing organisations. It was agreed that members of the Committee would continue to gather together information over the next 6-12 months, and this could be put on the Centenary section of the MCLGA Web Site. More early photographs were required. After some discussion it was agreed that, if a book was to be published, it would have a greater impact if it was ready for distribution at the time of the Centenary events
2. It had been 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 had brought to the meeting examples of books published by other golfing organisations. It was agreed that members of the Committee would continue to gather together information over the next 6-12 months, and this could be put on the Centenary section of the MCLGA Web Site. More early photographs were required. After some discussion it was agreed that, if a book was to be published, it would have a greater impact if it was ready for distribution at the time of the Centenary events
3. The SLGA had already agreed that the County Finals would be held in Midlothian during the Centenary Year, 2009. Maggie had nominated Duddingston or Baberton as possible courses. Unfortunately Duddingston had said no to the SLGA's request. (Action SLGA)
4. Events for the Centenary Year were discussed. These might include:
- Publishing a book (agreed - see above)
- Hosting the County Finals (agreed - see above)
- Matches or events 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 MCLGA Capt/Secy)
- The SLGA had not responded favourably to the suggestion of a special scratch competition which could be arranged for all county associations. It was envisaged that 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. However, it might still be possible for Midlothian to organise such an event for the Centenary Year.
- 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. (Action MCLGA Capt/Sec)
- It had been agreed that a Centenary lunch should be held (possibly on Saturday January 17th 2009). It was noted that this date might have to change to the week before or the week after so as not to clash with SLGA and LGU AGMs. Maggie had contacted the Balmoral, Roxburgh, Carlton Highland, Caledonian. Some ot the quotes were quite expensive, and the Roxburgh appeared to offer the most reasonable prices. Maggie would continue to investigate this further. (Action Maggie)
- A memento for each member of the Association - It was suggested that a pin might be appropriate. Janet would investigate that produced for the Dunbar 150th anniversary (Action Janet)
- Sponsorship would be required to support the planned events.
5. It was agreed provisionally that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Wednesday February 28th 2007 at 7.30pm at 6 Hallhead Road
