Whittington Heath Golf Club says goodbye to Jenny Burton
1987
The Great Storm – hurricane force winds batter south-east England, making Michael Fish famous!
Work begins on Channel Tunnel
Black Monday – stock markets around the world crash
Andy Murray is born
JENNY BURTON ARRIVES AT WHITTINGTON
At the beginning of 1987 Jenny’s son, Richard, began his primary education and Jenny registered with a staffing agency, hoping to find suitable part-time job. She was directed to Whittington Barracks Golf Club.
The rest, as they say, is history!
The club manager at that time, Mr Mike Scargill, gave Jenny a brief interview and offered her the post of part-time secretary (replacing Sue Barker!).
On arrival for her first day she was given a desk and very little guidance. It was September and the annual subscriptions were arriving. It was Jenny’s responsibility to record these in a little black book, which is still in the office. Collecting and accounting subscriptions has been dutifully carried out annually ever since.
Mr Scargill seemed to be on the golf course a great deal and Jenny’s responsibilities grew at an alarming rate - weekly wages (paid in cash!), bookkeeping, bookings for societies and visitors, handling general enquiries
Following Mike Scargill’s departure, Mr Nevil Spence and Mr John Macalester were appointed with responsibility for administration and golfing matters respectively.
THREE in the office but Jenny survived. –just!
Wisely, Jenny volunteered to run the open competitions – Mixed Open, Invitation Day etc. – and thus gained some escape from the crowded office. It was, however, no easy task – all the organisation prior to the event and a long day starting at 7.30am and not ending until after the prize presentation. Her reward was a day off in lieu, which she could enjoy with her family.
During the AGM in January 1996, Mr Spence announced his retirement. The captain, Mr Iain Rae, offered Jenny the position of Administrator, which she accepted.
Since this time Jenny has worked with many captains (23 in total), all of whom were different in their requirements and expectations. Jenny preferred those who were still working!! All past captains have testified to Jenny’s knowledge and numerous skills and have appreciated her total loyalty to the Captain and the Golf Club.
Jenny has run a friendly and efficient office, supported by a number of assistants. She has risen to the many challenges which her position presented and enjoyed the fact that every day was different.
Then, along came governance! Changes to structures, job descriptions, responsibilities, HS2 issues, new clubhouse etc!
After much thought Jenny decided that the time was right for her to move on and she reluctantly resigned. “I will be very sad to go but I have many happy memories and have made many friends. I love my Spanish holidays and look forward to more of those and to time spent with my family”
She has also insisted that she is not retiring – no doubt she will find a part-time job and others will benefit from her undoubted knowledge and experience.
Thank you, Jenny. Be happy with your husband, Tony, your two children, Richard and Susan, and, of course, your much-loved grandson, Elliott.
