1. Season Overview

It has been another successful Avalon League season in 2024 for the Main League and the Seniors League. I think it worth mentioning the cooperation of so many team captains and clubs in managing to re-arrange fixtures after they were unable to be played owing to waterlogged courses throughout the summer. Thanks to everyone involved.

On behalf of the Avalon League another big thanks to Keith Parker for the continued development and success of the new website and it’s prompt servicing throughout the year. As you see below a new position is being proposed on the committee to recognise the work that Keith puts in to ensuring the smooth operation of the fixtures, results and website management.

The continued success of the Avalon League in changing times for golf and many other sports is still proceeding positively with 8 main League divisions for 2024 and for the 2^nd year the Seniors League having 3 divisions. Owing to the withdrawal of Farrington Park before the start of the season and a couple of other withdrawals, we are pleased to confirm that 4 new teams are joining the main League for 2025, with 1 new golf club in Saltford.

2. Mockridge Cup.

This year’s Mockridge Cup was not able to be played owing to too late notice of an issue with the club booking. The 2025 competition is booked at Mendip Spring GC in April 2025 subject to final confirmation.

3. Finals Day.

Finals Day this year was held at Mendip Spring GC. Our thanks to Mendip Spring Golf Club for their hospitality and putting on a great day really enjoyed by all participants. With an amazing overall consistent performance by their 5 pairs it was won by Isle of Wedmore A with 193 points. Cricket St Thomas B were runners-up on count back with 187 points.

4. Terry Crane Trophy.

The 11^th time of holding the Terry Crane Trophy was won by Rob Edney & Paul Lewis of The Mendip A with 43 points on count back of the back 9.

5. 2025 League Divisions.

For next season as mentioned above we have 4 new teams joining the League with Saltford A,  joining division 8. The divisions for next year are as has been published on the website by Keith.

6. 2022 Shackleford Trophy.

The Shackleford Trophy played for the 10^th time was won by Cricket St Thomas Seniors with an average points per game of 10.45.

7. 2023 Match Fees & Subscriptions.

It is proposed that subscription for 2025 are maintained at £25 per team.  (Carried)

For 2025 match fees, it is proposed that the match fee for home and away teams will be £200.  (Carried)

8. Avalon League Committee

The committee members up for re-election this year are Keith Parker, Mike Garbutt & Jeff Lewis and they are all willing to continue subject to AGM acceptance.  (All Re-elected)

9. Avalon League Seniors Finals Day

For the 2^nd time there was a Seniors Finals Day held at Tall Pines GC with Worlebury running out winners with an extremely impressive team score of 220 points. The Runners up were Wheathill with a more normal 207 points.

10. The Parker Cup

Inevitably the Parker Cup for the best individual pair score at Seniors Finals Day was one by the Worlebury pair of Keri Allchurch & Steve Taylor with 49 points.

11. Proposals

There have been a number of proposals made from Oake Manor, Long Sutton & The Mendip Clubs together with proposals from the Committee. Regarding handicap allowances in general and maximum allowable handicaps in each division there were a number of rather similar proposals from those presented, which would not have been practical to put to the AGM as it would not be feasible to decide on precedent. The thrust of the proposals received was that there needed to be some modification with the new WHS system and EGU rules in 2024. Hence regarding this aspect the Committee has reviewed all options and tried to synthesise one proposal to put before the AGM to represent the sentiment being proposed for the 2025 season.

11.1.    Committee proposal:  (Carried)

            Clause 4.3                   – To add an additional specific committee role of ‘Media & Communication Coordinator’ to truly reflect that Keith is currently fulfilling but will also be needed when Keith retires.

11.2.    Committee proposal:  (Carried)

            Clause 8.4                   – To be redrafted as below to allow for EGU rule changes that may be announced after an AGM as from 1.4.24 this year.

            ‘8.4 Matches will be 4-Ball Better Ball Matchplay. Handicap allowances will be in accordance with EGU rules at the time matches are played. All games will be played off the white tees or equivalent as agreed with the committee at registration.’

11.3.    The Mendip GC proposal:      (Carried)

            Clause 9.4                   Should be modified that ‘Div 1 have 2 relegations and 2 promotions from Div 2 as in all other divisions’

11.4.    Committee proposal:  (Carried)

            Clause 9.3                   – The intention of this proposal is to reflect the WHS changes and some variations in handicap allowances that have been evident in 2024 season. Proposed clause to read as:-

            ‘The maximum course handicap allowable in each division is as follows:-

            Division 1        10.0

            Division 2        12.0 etc

11.5.    Long Sutton GC proposal:      (Not Carried)

            Clause 8.4 addition as:-

            ‘In Division 1 the 1^st match out will be played off scratch with no handicap allowances.

11.6     Committee proposal:  (Carried)

            Clause 9.4 addition regarding Trophies as follows: –

‘The winners of each division will be awarded a trophy and remain the property of the League and signed for when collected.

The trophies are to be returned by 1^st October the following year for cleaning etc.’