29 Nov '09

For the TERM OF HIS/HER NATURAL LIFE

We were again blessed on the day of the Annual General Meeting to have all our current Life Members in attendance. It was great to see all four in the one spot again, as not all are still active as golfers at NGC.

But how did they become life members??

 Stuart Thomason, Ron "Coach" Greenwood, Joan Grace and Lindsay Robinson at our AGM in 09.

Life Memebrship isn't awarded lightly - it is well earned for valuable contributions to our club over an extended period of time. "To be nominated a person must have at least 15 years membership at the club and have given outstanding service; or irrespective of how many years membership, has made a contribution to the club of such magnitude that it can only be recognised by election to life membership." (Rules of Association.)

Then there is a quite an exhaustive process through Management Committee before an AGM or Special Meeting. So it is no mean feat to be offered Life Membership as a recognition of your valued contributions to the Nambour Golf Club.

Stuart Thomason, according to our records, has been a member over 25 years, and during this time was involved in club management through stints as a Committee man, Club Captain and Greens Director. But apart from these valuable contributions, the club valued his voluntary work using his trade skills to keep our course machines running. He always answered any SOS when we had breakdowns, so not only saving us heaps in dollars, but also keeping down time to the barest of minimum.

"Coach" has the membership number of 0006, and has been a member since 1960 at least (it could easily have been earlier, as records are maybe a bit sus!). But during these decades he has served in just about every position on Committee - lengthy stints as Vice President, Captain and Vice Captain, Treasurer and Secretary. Ron also used his business connections well to serve us, as he was instrumental in the early days of the Nambour Open in obtaining donations of great merchandise for prizes - a tradition continued today. Ron has also been involved with the Vets Committees over the years and is currently their President. Another little known fact is his position as Patron to the Sunshine Coast Golf Zone.

Joan Grace (Amazing Grace!) has been a member for well over 30 years and has spent a great deal of that time serving the members of the club in various capacities. She has been on the Management Committee now for 10 years, and is entering her third term as our Club Patron. Prior to and concurrent with her service on the committee, Joan is also well involved with the Ladies (previously Associate) Committee, having been President for 4 years, Captain for three and another couple of years as Treasurer. Everyone who plays on a Saturday knows Joan as she positions herself at the halfway shelter and sells raffle tickets which has raised untold dollars for the club over many years.

Lindsay Robinson, since selling up his sugar farm at the right time is now a "grey nomad" I think. He often returns and tells tales of his experiences around Australia. But before leaving, his commitment to NGC was recognised in Life Memebrship. He also is a long term member, having started here as a Junior. He has served on the committee as Greens Director for a number of years, and as President and Vice President. But a lot more was done behind the scenes - Lindsay would often be here with his own machinery (and his time) maintaining operations and grounds voluntarily, which was most useful when we went through times without the money or staff to keep our course in tip-top shape. And he still plays off single figures, even after a lengthy lay-off!

So you can see why we are proud to have these four as life members, and welcome them to our Club warmly any time they wish to grace us with their presence!