Dear fellow members,

As I look forward to what I am sure will be an exiting and busy year for me both on and off the golf course I am reminded what an honour and privilege it is to represent our fine golf club. When I joined some 16 years ago Mr Tony Palmer was the captain (now President) and I am pleased to see he hasn’t changed at all! Except for a few grey hairs. The thing I remember most about back then was how friendly everybody in the club was and how passionate they were about Fishwick. We have a very special atmosphere at our golf club and that is down to our members. I am sure we can all maintain this attitude throughout this year and in subsequent years.

We had a very successful year last year on the course with our P&D team winning the league for the first time in seventeen years and Josh our junior captain winning the North West Lancashire Junior Trophy and not forgetting our “scratch” team of Phil, Eddie, Carl and Neil winning the Stirrup cup at Leyland! Results like these put Fishwick on the map so let’s see if we can maintain this form during 2010. I aim to support our junior section wherever possible during 2010 and I know our President and Phil Myerscough are looking at ways to increase the number of members in the junior section. The juniors are the future of the golf club and I would ask you all to encourage any youngster you know who has recently, or is thinking about taking up golf to come down to the club.

Golf clubs years ago had a surplus of money and most requests for purchases would be passed, how things have changed, golf clubs all over the country are tightening their belts and in some cases closing altogether. We are in the fortunate position of having a financially robust club with many assets and few debts, however we must all endeavour to ensure the longevity of the club and with this in mind I have decided to donate 20% of my charity monies to our centenary fund for 2012, the other 80% will be going to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation as I feel this is a charity to which we can all relate and I would urge you to visit their website at www.rosemere.org.uk. Can I thank you in advance for your support towards these two fine causes.

I would like to personally thank our outgoing captain Mr. Philip Myerscough and his wife Angela for their hard work and sound advice throughout the year. They have single handedly resurrected the social events at the club and I am pleased to announce that Phil will be taking up the role of House Chairman so all our functions are in safe and experienced hands.

I am also looking forward to working with our new Lady Captain Shirley, her Vice Captain Maureen, Graham our Cordon Bleu chef and our terrific professional Martin. As most of you will know Mr. Neil Gardner has been installed by the past captains and directors as my Vice Captain and I know we will make every effort over the coming year to ensure Fishwick is a continuing success both on and off the course.

And finally I am always available for a chat at the bar for all things golf, or alternatively you can e mail me at pauldietz@hotmail.co.uk with any thoughts and ideas.

I look forward to seeing you all during 2010.

Paul Dietz

2010 Captain