FROM THE CAPTAIN

Firstly, I would like to pass on my congratulations to Steve and Carol for a well organised and successful year; they will be a hard act to follow. However, having served as vice captain, I feel more prepared for the year ahead, and am delighted to be working along side Marilyn Brownlow – the Lady Captain.

Over the past few months we have seen considerable change at Magnolia. Our new Managing Director, Derwynne Honan brings with him a wealth of experience in all aspects of golf, and I look forward to working with him and his new team. I am particularly excited to welcome Patrick Flynn, our new club pro who is very enthusiastic about his new role at Magnolia. I hope we can now look forward to an enjoyable year of good weather, good golf, and a continuation of the friendly atmosphere within the club. I have often said that we have an excellent, challenging course and superb club house facilities, but feel it’s the contribution of the members that make Magnolia such a special golf club. Long may this continue.

Under the guidance of Pam Twynam, the Junior Section has gone from strength to strength and achieved success in both Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Pam is standing down from this role and I would like to thank her for her considerable dedication and hard work over the past three years.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Phil and his team who continue to maintain the course to a very high standard which is appreciated by both members and visitors.

Our chosen joint charity for this year is ‘FOOTSTEPS’. This foundation provides financial assistance for children to take part in the Footsteps Centres’ innovative physiotheraphy programme. Footsteps’ helps children and young adults with neuro-motor disorders to develop and maximise their physical abilities. This local charity is based in Warborough, South Oxfordshire. I’m sure with your help and generosity we will be able to make a difference to a great number of youngsters.

I feel privileged to have been invited to be club captain of Magnolia Park and look forward to your support during 2009 and rest assured I will do all in my power to ensure that we all have an action packed enjoyable year.

Alan Gray

FROM THE LADY CAPTAIN

I felt honoured when Carol asked me to be her vice and although I have always sworn that I would never want to be a Captain I found myself saying yes. I feel that golf has given me so much over the past few years that now it is time to give something back. As Carol finishes her captaincy I know you will agree that we have all really appreciated her hard work and enthusiasm throughout the whole time. If I can at least match that, then I know that I will have done my best. Her year will be a memorable one for all the right reasons and I know she will support me as I share 2009 with her husband, Alan, as Club Captain.

You will all be aware of some of the management changes that are affecting us all within the club at the moment. I have no doubt that it is going to be an interesting year as we build relationships with the new team. Whenever I hear anyone talking about the current situation the overriding comment is that what makes Magnolia special is the great mix of members that we have and the unique atmosphere that is created in the clubhouse when we all get together. My overall aim this year will therefore be to do everything that I can do to work with the management team to ensure that this continues.

Alan has mentioned our joint charity Footsteps which is based in Warborough. This village is close to where I grew up and still live so I am excited about raising funds to help this very new and local charity.

I am looking forward to my year as your Captain in 2009, I know it will be very hectic but enjoyable time. I am looking forward to enjoying golf – that is why I am here after all – and I am looking forward to the support that I know I am going to get from you all. I hope that you are looking forward to it too.

Marilyn Brownlow