Dear Secret Valley Members,

Captains Acceptance Letter to Members for the 2021-2022 Season    

A very good day to you all and I dearly hope you are keeping safe, sane and your spirits are high?

Great news that we are being allowed to play golf from Monday 8^th February, but I feel it will be a while until we are competing in organised events!

Due to the circumstances and with the AGM cancelled, I must resort to writing to you. This is not ideal as I’d rather be speaking face to face so you could enjoy my wit, humour and of course, my Scottish charm; but I’m sure they’ll be plenty more opportunities!!

Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to our departing Captain and thank Andy Richardson and his Committee for all their hard work over the last year.

It’s not been the season he anticipated due to the Pandemic, but despite this, Andy remained positive throughout, kept all members aware of issues with his “News from the Bridge” and encouraged members to get in the “Pink Spirit”

The year was crowned by his superb Captains Day, ably assisted by his family and his team. Andy already mentioned to you about raising over the 10K mark and I know that the Cyprus Stroke Association will be very appreciative of such a wonderful donation. Well done to him and all those who participated.

He now finds himself as part of an incredibly unique group of golfers, that of the past Captains Club, but still no car parking space!

I would like to wish Gail and Andy, the absolute best for the future.

Secondly, I am deeply honoured and privileged to take over the role as Club Captain. I’ve been a member of SVGR for over 5 years and during that time I’ve got to know the layout, personalities, and nuances of the Club “Honest men and Bonnie lassies” as Robert Burns would say!

With the Pandemic, we live in challenging times and as you have experienced over the last year, it’s a waiting game. We are all frustrated, but safety is and always will be, top priority.

I’m glad that you have no reservations with the New Committee, but not as pleased as me!

It’s heartening that Jamie, Susan and Sergey have all agreed to stay on in their roles and will clearly provide some continuity from last year. I am equally thrilled to have Keith, Meg and Andy on board and feel we have a strong team to look after our members this year. A fond farewell to Treasurer Graham H-B-put your feet up mate and thanks for your musings.

SVGR Management and Committee have decided to streamline the 2021-2022 season to tie in with the Captains handover date and the Fixtures list is now on the website. There will be some diary changes, but we’ll get that information to you well in advance!

How’s my humour so far? I did warn you!!

We are also lucky to have a few volunteer members to assist me and the Committee and I’m pleased to announce that Elaine MacMillan will continue to run the 150 Club, Shelagh Koulaouzos has agreed to liaise and educate New Members and Catrin Koring has volunteered to snap away with her photography. Thank you, ladies.

I’m going to take this opportunity and thank the Course Superintendent in advance for always maintaining the course to such a high standard and would urge you all to continue to support Derek and his team.

Keith Ioakim has also volunteered to be Grounds Liaison member, so if you have any observations about the course, simply send him a message. Did I hear someone say “Pitch marks” 😊?

The first Committee Meeting has taken place earlier today and the Minutes will be out soon. Please have a read as it will highlight our intentions regarding Qualifying and Fun Competitions, entry fees, prize percentages, Knockouts, Club Championships, Order of Merits and lot’s more.

No one likes changes and lot’s have their own ideas but, believe me when I say that we haven’t taken any changes lightly and have now agreed on a positive way forward. Please embrace these changes too.

Members have also mentioned an area which I have been asked to highlight this year and it is our Code of Conduct. Please reacquaint yourselves with the Conduct Guidelines and what’s expected of members and their guests on the course and in the Clubhouse.

Remember, “Fashion changes, Standards don’t”

On a lighter note, we have planned some Club social events.

A Burns Supper for the 13 Feb has had to be cancelled, but hopefully we will be able to enjoy The Reggae Rockers on 21 May, a Summer Party on 4 September and a Christmas Party on 18 December.

Clearly all of this will depend on the Covid situation, but let’s look to the future, think positively and live-in hope!!

My charity of choice this year is PASYKAF who are The Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends. They provide professional health and home palliative care services to cancer patients and support programmes to families Island wide. Most of us in the Club would have experienced a friend or relative who has been affected by this horrible disease, and charities like this provide a valuable service. I would ask to please give generously if you can, throughout the year as by donating, you are helping PASYKAF to continue to offer specialised services free of charge.

Just about finished!

Speaking of charities, I am pleased to announce that I have secured over €2,400 for three of the Charity events. A huge thanks to Paddy Sarsfield and Anthony Beasant who helped secure sponsors for these events and also, a massive thanks to the anonymous donor who has donated €1,000 of that money……now, that’s got you thinking eh!

It’s been horrible being house bound for all those months, but on the positive, it means we’ve saved lot’s and I know you are all minted, so if any kind member would like to sponsor an event, please get in touch…my safe is widely open 😊

Lastly and on a serious note, I just want to highlight that in these Pandemic times, we really need to look after each other, be kind to one another and raise awareness of anyone who is struggling, but with each week that passes, it’s another week closer to freedom!

I know this Committee are committed to do everything possible to ensure you have a cracking golfing season.

I did say at the start that you would miss my wit & humour, so to end my letter, if you think the situation is bad at present, check out the Richmond GC Wartime Golf Rules from 1940 below!

Go safe, go strong and hope to see you all soon.

Let’s go!

Graham Highet

Captain

SVGR

[email protected]