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As nationally things get tough this is to bring you up to date with the present situation at Bracken Ghyll:
1. Membership Renewals
A significant number of membership renewals have been received to date and we thank all those members who have committed to continue their membership despite the uncertainties of the current situation.
However as many members wait until the due date before progressing payment it will be another 2-3 weeks before we can share a much clearer picture of this year’s membership income.
2. Course Maintenance
Golf clubs have now been advised by government that only essential course maintenance can be undertaken during the current lockdown and accordingly the R&A, in consultation with BIGGA (British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association), has advised golf clubs what this means in practice e.g. fairways to be mown maximum once per week.
This means that the directors have had to revisit their earlier decision to continue employing all 4 greenkeepers at least until the end of April and effective from Monday 6th April the Club will be furloughing two greenkeepers at any one time under the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. This means that the Club will receive circa £3,500 per month from the government towards the cost of retaining the furloughed green staff.
3. Rent
The Club is extremely grateful to our landlord, Chloe Walker, who has agreed a rent holiday for the quarter commencing on 1st April. This gesture will have a very significant and positive impact on cash flow.
4. Other Expenses
Similarly we have negotiated 3 month payment holidays for the mortgage i.e. the land purchase loan, the buggy leases and all the current leases for greens equipment. Again these will have a very significant impact on cash flow demands.
5. Club Pro
Your directors have agreed to continue the retention of Mark Tyler as the Club Pro for the foreseeable future.
6. Government Grant
And last, but definitely not least, the Club expects to be receiving a grant of £25,000 from the Government’s Business Support Grant Scheme in the very near future.
So in summary, these are tough times for all businesses but your directors believe that taken together all the above actions will have a major impact upon the financial sustainability of the Club and we all look forward, like you, to the day when we can once again enjoy all the benefits of our very special course and club.
Stay safe.
Peter Knowles
Club Secretary on behalf of your directors
(Dave Gilbert, Ian Silverthorne, Tony Fox, Mike Robertson and myself)
E: secretary@brackenghyll.co.uk |
