by Bob N

As Ron Chilby and his partners were approaching the 8^th green today, there were shouts from the group on the 5^th: “Is anybody missing a buggy?”. Ron heard the calls, noticed something was amiss and was suddenly seen scampering toward the 5^th, moving faster than anyone has seen him move for many years. It seems his buggy was finding it a bit hot and decided to cool off; unseen by any of Ron’s group, it had taken off to the south, missed several trees and had jumped into the creek for a refreshing dip just beside the 5^th bridge. Ron rescued his belongings and returned to the 8th, but the buggy remained disobedient for the rest of the round, refusing to obey instructions and insisting either on staying put or taking off at top speed, with Ron struggling to keep up. Golf is hard enough when the ball won’t do what it’s asked, but when your buggy also develops a mind of its own, it’s even worse.

Just ask Ron.

Ron’s buggy watering the 9th tee

It is with sad tidings that I announce the passing of member Colin Cuthbertson last Friday at home after a short illness. Beloved husband of Sarina. Colin will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends.

Colin’s funeral will be held at Parson’s Dapto on Thursday at 12pm.

As 2024 finishes I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the Jamberoo Veteran Golfers for their support during the year and wish all a very Happy New Year.

Playing numbers have stabilised to a range of 55 to 65 each week. This is underlined by the Barry Walker Shield numbers in which there were 47 players who made the 18 rounds necessary to be considered. We have not had 40 previously.

Barry Walker Shield.

The Barry Walker Shield is a season long competition with the winner being determined by the aggregate of the best 18 stableford scores each year from 1 October to 30 September. Anyone who plays in a Veterans stableford competition at Jamberoo is automatically entered. Play regularly and you are in with a chance. This year’s winner was William Perry with an aggregate of 600 points for his best 18 rounds. There were three other players within 10 points of the winner.

We received a grant from New South Wales Veteran Golfers Association to support “Grass Roots” veterans golf. I put it to NSWVGA that this competition would be a suitable candidate for their grant and they agreed. Consequently the first four places in the Barry Walker Shield shared the grant funds. The grant probably won’t occur again as NSWVGA is looking to give more support to struggling Veterans clubs in future.

Trevor Bell Memorial Shield.

The Trevor Bell Memorial Shield is an inter club team competition for Veteran golfers whereby the aggregate of the best six scores from teams of eight are accumulated over the seven rounds of the competition. The competition is run by Illawarra Veteran Golfers Association and the seven clubs in the IVGA group with veteran golfers participate. Jamberoo won the TBMS in 2014 and 2018. We were again successful in 2024. Congratulations to all who represented the Club during the season and particularly to the eight who played in the final round at Wollongong Golf Club.

The 2025 TBMS competition starts at Wollongong Golf Club on 7th April. Keep an eye on the Vets notice board in early March when nominations for the TBMS team will be called for.

Seaside / Valley Veterans Week of Golf.

Again in 2024 Jamberoo shared the hosting of the Seaside / Valley Vets Tournament with Kiama Vets. The Tournament was very successful with Tournament Director Jeff Lynch, from Kiama, having his first experience in the job following Bob Smith who had run 11 tournaments.

This was the twelfth year we had hosted the Tournament with Kiama after many years of holding individual two day events. Thanks to the volunteers who hepled out with starting at the tees, spotting at the creek crossings and with the BBQ. The tournament will again be held in 2025 in the last week of  November.

Quarterly Medals.

2024 saw the introduction of Quarterly Medal events. The first three medals were won by Geoff Reid, Gary Brickell and Col Harris.

Congratulations to all winners and again a Happy New Year to all.

Lance Fredericks

Happy, Healthy, Fun 2025 from Peter Young, and all our Volunteer Shop personnel.

As General Manager at Jamberoo Volunteer Golf, Pete finally got his wish this Christmas—a Robot Volunteer! (ET) as back up 🎅🤖.
After three years of asking Santa, Peter opened the box to find a robot that immediately asked,

“Are all the Systems working well as I am feeling off colour?”

Not a good start to the day but Peter is used to trouble shooting in the early mornings and so are our Jamberoo V Team, but hey, there’s evidence that ET can go home but you must ring Jamberoo first on 02 42 360 404 and speak to Peter Young.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to our new robotic friend, Pete is on the lookout for 10 highly motivated personalities to join the fun in the shop. Whether you’re from Sydney, Charleville. Kiama, or even Broken Hill, we need you! ET is here to listen, learn, and tell jokes with Huckleberry. 

So come and join the Volunteer family at the Roo! 🛒💪

Let’s make this New Year wish a reality with a bit of humor and a lot of teamwork! From the V Team and ET.