From small acorns...
With lack of resources and relying largely on word of mouth, the inaugural meeting of the IGA London branch was moderately advertised, yet the 9 tradesmen present were full of confidence and optimism that the nucleus was there to build and advance the IGA in this largely populated area.
Accounts of the origins of the organisation were offered from visiting president Martyn Jones, who made the long trip from Lancashire to attend the meeting, along with a background of the Executive Committee members by Jim Easton of Sudbury Golf Club, and a call to establish the association in this area was made by Matthew McLean of Pinner Hill Golf Club.
A lively discussion then took place, ideas were exchanged on how to gain more recognition for greenkeepers and the tasks that would lie ahead for the branch, and organisation as a whole. Aims and methods were discussed and the decision was made to form a committee to take the IGA London branch forward.
The Committee was selected as follows
Chairman - Jim Easton - Course manager, Sudbury Golf Club
Vice Chairman - Stuart Bertram - Course Manager, Moor Park Golf Club
Secretary/treasurer - Matthew McLean - Deputy Course Manager, Pinner Hill Golf Club
Richard Scott - Assistant Greenkeeper, Sudbury Golf Club
Scott Patrick - Greenkeeper/Mechanic, Pinner Hill Golf Club
Keith Graham - Deputy Course Manager, Moor Park Golf Club
Robert Clark Eaglesham - Assistant Greenkeeper, Sudbury Golf Club
The new committee then agreed to meet at 5pm, on July 4th at Moor Park Golf club, where anyone interested in joining the IGA is welcome to come along for a discussion on the branch and the direction of the trade in general. Ideas were also discussed about publicising the IGA in the local area and a golf outing was suggested, committee members are now investigating this and hopefully information will be available for the next meeting.
It was noted that, as the IGA is an open and transparent organisation, our committee meetings will be open to all IGA members and will be advertised to allow them to attend and participate. The closing discussion was one of enthusiasm as the new committee members looked forward to the new venture and the hard, but ultimately necessary work that lay ahead.
Those interested in joining the IGA London branch, or anyone looking for more information should contact secretary Matthew McLean on 02088681779 or m.mclean83@hotmail.co.uk
