The Sport-lot Project at Pontypool Golf Club
As a result of a meeting at Alice Springs Golf Club in April 2001 Janet Davidson informed the junior committee that it was possible to obtain funds to improve golf facilities if there were people prepared to give the time and effort.
An application had been made prior to this but had been unsuccessful.
On the 10th April 2002 Brian Davies (Golf Development Officer) attended a meeting at the club to give information on what was on offer.
As a result of this meeting it was agreed by the junior committee that Janet and Angus Davidson go ahead to try and obtain a Sport-lot Grant to upgrade our facilities for juniors.
A meeting was arranged with James Parkin on the 21st May 2002 who gave advice on how to proceed.
Janet and Angus proceeded to take the necessary steps to submit the Part One Application to Sport-lot. There were various obstacles to be over come but eventually the application was submitted to Cardiff for approval. We were notified that we had been successful and that we were to have £102 000 to cover the project. The club would have to provide 20% of the costs.
Meetings took place with the General Committee to keep them updated on what was happening and for their approval to go forward.
Enfys Griffiths and James Parkin came to the club to give more advice on the way forward. The meeting took place in January 2003. Once again Janet and Angus took the required action and the Part Two application was submitted for approval. To send this application in required quite a bit of effort and involved many meetings with Club, Contactors and with Enfys Griffiths.
Approval was given in the autumn of 2003. An application to the Royal and Ancient at St. Andrews for an interest free loan was sent for. This was duly received.
Work began in January 2004. We experienced the usual
winter conditions but the buildings were completed satisfactorily. Janet and I left the country at this stage and left the project in the hands of Jim Howard the golf club Professional. Jim did his usual professional job and when we returned to the club the project was more or less completed.
The facilities were opened by Mr Alun Pugh A.M. on the 14th October 2004.
As you will see when you look at the new facilities there is still work ongoing around the club to further upgrade our facilities. Hopefully by next Spring the place will be in perfect condition.
Thanks to Les Dodd who also had to endure extra work at this time.
We are very pleased to be able to have the facility officially opened on the 10th October 2004. The junior committee hope that as a result of the efforts of volunteers that the future juniors, members and local schools benefit from the facilities provided by the Sport-lot Grant
We had a great deal of help. The Torfaen Leisure/Recreation department did outstanding service for Janet and Angus to be able to succeed with the project. Names to be mentioned Alun Page, Steve Groucott, Eric Hitchens, Lorraine Hicks and once again Jim Howard our Professional.
Thanks to the Club Captains and committee's who backed the project throughout. To the members who saw fit to come along and vote however they felt.
Finally thanks to the Junior Committee led by the late Ron Couzens and taken over by Janet. The efforts of the junior committee members throughout enabled Janet and Angus to get on with the job knowing that the junior coaching etc. was being taken care of by the likes of Gary Lewis, Roy Walkley, Mike Metcalfe, Irene and Gordon Downing. There were others who have since moved on but our appreciation to all who assisted.
The results of our efforts over the last couple of years hopefully will be of some benefit to all members of Pontypool Golf Club and local schools etc. We have enjoyed the exercise we undertook. Anyone thinking of taking a similar project be prepared for giving up some time and energy along with growing a few grey hairs but if you succeed then it all becomes worth while.
We thank all the people we have dealt with through Sport-lot for their fair and helpful guidance throughout.
The facilities are to be opened by Mr Alun Pugh A.M. on the 14th October 2004. We will have children from local schools to demonstrate what will be on offer to local schools should they wish to bring their respective pupils along. Our aim is to encourage new young golfers with a view that they can enjoy the game for their foresee-able future.
We also expect the Mayoress to be present along with representatives from Sport-lot and the Ryder Cup Committee.
Any further information can be obtained from Angus or Janet Davidson on 01495-758227
"E" mail angus@storkone.freeserve.co.uk (Janet is a Midwife hence the stork)