I am writing to you today in regard to my recent retirement from the position of Head Club Professional at the Young Golf Club. 

I would like to express my deep and genuine gratitude to the Young Golf Club and everyone involved with my farewell.

It was truly a special and heart-warming experience to hear all the sincere messages of thanks and congratulations from members past and present and one that will live long in my memory.  

My sense of gratitude and appreciation to all the well-wishers, and to all those who went out of their way to be involved cannot be understated.

I want to thank everyone who attended that evening in late September, and all that could not but still passed on their cards, gifts and inspiring words and kind thoughts.

It is never easy to especially mention some without missing and offending others, but I must make special mention of a few particularly for my farewell night. 

To the lady golfers who organised the event, and especially to Helen Spencer, Gail Hanigan, Carolyn Shaw, Jenelle Connelly, and Liz Harding my sincere thanks for your wonderful efforts.

To our Club President, Mr Patrick FitzGerald, and to the boards past and present, I want to express my genuine thanks for your continued support and understanding throughout my 33 years at the club. 

A special thank you must go to the MC on the evening, Mr Ian Page, for providing so much laughter, enjoyment and for doing such an exceptional job orchestrating and conducting the evening. 

I am sure that everyone present understands what I mean when I say that he brought a light hearted and entertaining atmosphere to the evening. 

I am not sure if I had more tears of laughter or tears of sorrow on the night.

A huge thank you also to the many speakers on the night for your kind words and fellowship. 

To Ladies President, Ms. Helen Spencer; Veterans Tournament Director, Mr. Bill Kearney; and to Young Golf Club President, Mr. Patrick FitzGerald who all spoke on the night, my sincere thanks for your kind words and sentiments. 

Also to some unexpected speakers that evening in my very good friend and shop assistant, Lyndsay Regan; to James Lamb (who travelled from so far away to attend); to the NSW PGA Executive Officer Mr. David Barker; and to my wonderful wife Leneve, who also unexpectedly spoke on the night; my gratitude for your thoughtful words and insights.

My thanks also to Cheryl Minehan for providing the fantastic catering on the night and to Wally Wilder and Wilder’s Bakery for the wonderful ceremonial cake.

Lastly to all the members, guests and public who have assisted during my time in the Pro Shop, my deep thanks and genuine appreciation for your long standing friendship and support.  

I wish the Young Golf Club and the new Club Professional, Mr. Bryce Mawhinney, a long, happy and prosperous future.

Sincerely

Phil Cartwright

Former Young 

PGA Golf Professional

SO Barnaby Joyce is against a sugar tax. 

I can only assume the junk food industry are big donors to the National Party. 

That's how it works, isn't it?

Bob Vinnicombe

Sefton