Bill Simpson, left, Skipton Golf Club’s new men’s captain, with outgoing captain Gerald Corrigan.

Skipton Golf Club has elected new officials for 2019. They will be the first to serve a full year since the club launched its much praised newly remodeled course, including two brand-new par 4 holes and many other improvements, last August during its landmark 125^th anniversary year.

Tom Hayes, of Skipton, takes over as president and Bill Simpson, of Skipton, as men’s captain. Both received their club jackets at a special general meeting this month from their respective predecessors, Jonathan White, of Addingham, and Skipton’s Gerald Corrigan. Representing the ladies, Carolyn Murphy, of Colne, succeeds Skipton’s Pat Eaton as lady captain.

Bill Simpson was born in Skipton and has lived in or very near the town all his life. He started, and finished, full time work with Silentnight, where he made his way up from office boy to finish as chief executive for 11 years, before resigning in 2002.  He then embarked on a second career as a non-executive director with a number of companies and then company chairman, before finally retiring just over five years ago.

Bill is keen on most sports and has been involved in local football for more than 45 years as treasurer, vice-president and vice-chairman of the Craven Football League, also spending more than 15 years as a soccer referee.

After joining Skipton Golf Club in 2005, Bill took an active part in organising seniors golf before handing over his responsibilities late last year.

Mr Simpson said:”I regard my appointment as a tremendous honour and I will do my best for the club and all the members.  The enhancements to the course and to the facilities have greatly improved what are our greatest assets.  Membership is increasing as word spreads and we can all help to continue this trend by encouraging others and welcoming new members and visitors alike.

He paid tribute to his predecessor Gerald Corrigan. “He has done a splendid job and will certainly be a hard act to follow.  I believe people make their own luck and Gerald has had his share, with great weather, all the events surrounding the opening of the new course and our 125 year celebrations.  That all were so successful is testimony to Gerald’s hard work and support from lots of other people,” said Mr Simpson.

New Skipton Golf Club ladies captain Carolyn Murphy, left, with her predecessor Pat Eaton.

New lady captain Carolyn Murphy comes from a retail background and now helps run the family cleaning business with her golfer husband Danny and son Ben. She and her husband joined Skipton Golf Club some five years ago.

“I am very honoured to be lady captain 2019 and looking forward to the new season,” said Carolyn, whose chosen charity during her year of office is Macmillan Cancer Support.

New Skipton Golf Club president Tom Hayes, right, is congratulated by his predecessor Jonathan White.

Tom Hayes has been a Skipton member for 15 years. He is a former club captain and also served as treasurer, chairman and captain of the rabbits section. For 40 years Tom has also been a stalwart of Skipton Rugby Football Club as a player, captain, coach and club chairman. He is the current president. His chosen charity for the year is Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope.

Dr Nick Shaikh, of Ilkley, remains vice-president, with Ian Sewell, of Sutton, elected men’s vice-captain and Janet Emmett, of Silsden, vice-captain of ladies. Ben Topper is to carry on for a further year as junior captain, with Frazer Clarke as his vice-captain.

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