SKIPTON has elected new officials for 2018. They will serve during what is one of the most important years in the club’s history – a double landmark which sees the club celebrate its 125th anniversary and launch a new course layout.

Two new par four holes holes will be opened later this summer following work under the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme for Skipton.

Jonathan White takes over as president and Gerald Corrigan as captain. Both received their club jackets at a special general meeting this month from their respective predecessors, Graham Huntrods and Danny Hughes.

Representing the ladies, Bridget Edwards succeeds Ros Moloney as lady president, with Pat Eaton replacing Judy Shaw as lady captain.

Jonathan White has lived in Addingham for almost 40 years. A retired modern languages teacher, and freelance proofreader, he is also involved in the Civic Society, rights of way and road safety matters, with an avid interest in walking and the great outdoors in general.

A member at Skipton since 1990, Mr White has served on the greens and social committees, also running a winter mixed event for several years.

He said: “Exciting times are ahead, as the club enters a new era in 2018 with several new holes, representing a longer, more challenging course.”

Mr White’s chosen charity during his year in office is Friends of The Dales. “They work hard to protect and preserve the quality of life in the Dales and its diverse environment and Skipton Golf Club enjoys a beautiful setting within such an environment,” he added.

Incoming captain Gerald Corrigan is Skipton-born and bred. He retired after serving 31 years with West Yorkshire Police, mostly in Bradford and Keighley, undertaking various roles, including firearms officer, detective and, for his final ten years, detective sergeant.

After retirement from the force he took a lecturing post at Craven College, tutoring public service students interested in joining the emergency or military services.

Mr Corrigan has been a member of Skipton for the past 15 years, having served on the rabbits committee and, more recently, representing the 8-15 team.

He previously played for and coached Skipton Rugby Club, where he remains a vice-president,

Mr Corrigan said: “I feel very lucky and honoured to be captain of Skipton Golf Club at such an exciting time in the club’s history.

"We celebrate our 125th anniversary with some stunning new greens and holes, matched by upgraded bar and conference facilities. I'm looking forward to a busy, but enjoyable year.”

New lady president Bridget Edwards and her non-golfer husband moved from North Devon to Embsay six years ago to be near their daughter and family.

Mrs Edwards is a retired hospital social worker and former member of both Saunton and Willingcott Valley Golf Clubs, serving as both ladies secretary and vice-captain at the latter.

She has been a member at Skipton for the past five years. Mrs Edwards said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed playing here and getting to know and like the other lady members. I’m not aware of lady presidents existing in Devon, so this will be a very new experience for me!”

New ladies captain Pat Eaton lives in Skipton. She works at Skipton Auction Mart and is mother to three daughters, all accomplished golfers and Skipton members. Husband Jeremy also assists with the junior team.

Mrs Eaton said: “I joined Skipton nine years ago, deciding to take up golf as I was the only member of the family not playing.

"I am looking forward to welcoming new members and we are all looking forward to playing the new course, which will help the club go from strength to strength.” Her chosen charity during her year in office is Brooklands Community Special School in Skipton.

New vice-president is Dr Nick Shaikh, of Ilkley, with Bill Simpson, of Skipton, appointed vice-captain and Carolyn Murphy, of Colne, vice-captain of ladies. Ben Topper, of Silsden, is the new junior captain.