The council’s decision to expel Mrs Denise Fletcher, following allegations of serious misconduct in the clubhouse, was approved by a majority of 116 votes to 9 at a Special General Meeting of members called to hear her appeal on January 29.
Despite this vindication of the council’s action, the Oldham Evening Chronicle quoted her as saying after the meeting: “I walked out with my head held high. I told them exactly what happened, but it didn’t seem to matter what I said.”
This was somewhat surprising in view of the massive 93 per cent vote against her, and her failure to produce any witnesses willing to challenge the council’s decision.
Seven lady members and two men alleged that, following the AGM of the ladies’ section on November 30, she had:
Evidence was also given that, before the ladies’ AGM had begun, she made it clear she intended to cause trouble for the new lady captain – “I am going to spoil her day.”
Mrs Fletcher refuted each witness’s version of events. Initially, Mrs Fletcher had offered to resign but later changed her mind.
As the council had received an official letter of complaint from a male member about her behaviour – backed by a petition signed by more than a dozen other members – the council then had no option other than to invoke the disciplinary procedure outlined in rule 11 of the club’s constitution.
This states: “The council shall have the power to expel, or to suspend for a stated period not exceeding three months, any member who, in the opinion of the council, has wilfully acted contrary to the rules or by-laws of the club, or in a manner injurious to the welfare of the club or to the interests of its members.”
A disciplinary meeting was held on December 18, attended by 13 members of the council, none of whom had been present when the alleged incidents occurred.
Eight witnesses gave evidence and Mrs Fletcher was allowed to cross-examine each of them.
After a three-hour meeting, the council decided unanimously that, based solely on the evidence of the witnesses, she was guilty of a serious breach of rule 11.
In a second vote, they decided – with one abstention – that the evidence against her was so damning that she should be expelled.
As was her right under the terms of rule 11, she then decided to lodge an appeal – believed to be the first to be held in the club's long history.
The council felt it both fair and correct to appoint an impartial chairman for the hearing and recruited Mr Michael Shaw, a solicitor who is national secretary of the National Golf Club’s Advisory Association.
The club’s case was conducted by Mr Steve Wild, a barrister who is a member of the club.
Mrs Fletcher said she had consulted a solicitor but that he was unable to attend.
After almost two years as the club’s chef, Jayne Buckley – daughter of stewardess Carol - has decided to take a break from the heat of the kitchen, but remains coy about her future plans.
She has been replaced by 20-year-old Lisa Yemm, who has been at the Ram’s Head, Denshaw, for the past two-and-a-half years.
Lisa is no stranger to the club, of course – her father is council member John Yemm, and she often helped out in the kitchen when Keith and Maureen were our stewards.
And she has made it clear: “Apart from Mondays, when the club is closed, I expect to be here from about 9am each day – and prepared to cook whenever asked.”
Club captain Brian Hope has finally marked his year of office with a prize – albeit as a runner-up.
Battling against rock-hard frozen conditions over 16 holes he carded 32 Stableford points in a pro’s comp., one fewer than Geoff Dawson.
But Mike Fogo has proved to be the master of winter conditions – and of the back nine - with two hard-won victories.
First he defeated Tony Bozward on a card play-off - both scored 43 points. Then, again on a CPO, he defeated Steve Wild, both scoring 38pts.
Other recent winners:
Jan 11 – Graeme Holt (35pts) and Peter Davies (34pts)
Jan 18 – Roy Garforth (35pts) and Ian Grant (34 pts)
Feb 1 - Peter Griffin (35pts) and Arnold Parker (34pts) – CPO Danny Wilkinson.
The Captain’s “Magical Dinner Party”, featuring close-up magic by the remarkable Adrian Sullivan, was a great success.
Quite apart from leaving the 28 diners totally bamboozled, the event also raised £80 for the Oldham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society – the Captain’s charity.
All that remains is the bottle on the bar – please give generously.
Local rivals Blackley and Oldham have been drawn in the same group as Werneth in the Lawrence Batley Seniors League.
The full fixture list:
April 11 – Bradley Park (H).
April 25 – Oldham (A).
May 2 - West End, Halifax (H).
May 9 - Blackley (A).
May 16 - Crow Nest Park (H).
May 30 - South Leeds (H).
June 6 - Bradford Moor (A).
June 13 - Bradley Park (A).
June 20 - Oldham (H).
July 4 - West End (A).
July 18 - Crow Nest Park (A).
July 25 - Blackley (H).
Aug 1 - S. Leeds (A).
Aug 8 - Bradford Moor (H).
With more than twenty seniors already having put their names forward for inclusion in the eight-man teams, the selectors face a major headache if they are to please everyone.
Sponsors are being sought for both the men’s club competitions and for the Senior Men’s Open on Wednesday, May 21.
Please see the lists in the locker room and on the seniors’ notice board.
There will be prizes on every hole in the Seniors’ Open, plus three top prizes. Prizes will also be provided for the best better-ball scores in two age groups -130-138 years and 140-plus years.
Golf is not the only game being played at Werneth these days.
A mystery couple have been spotted driving into the car park in separate cars, getting together in one of the vehicles for a cuddle, and
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