One of England’s oldest golf clubs will shrug off 123 years of tradition next week when women are appointed to all its key positions.
Royal Norwich Golf Club in Norfolk will give a champagne welcome to new club captain Angela Loveday and club president Cherry Bishop, who will be supported by junior captain Jasmine Campbell and ladies’ captain Janet Clare. The historic drive-in on March 19 will be attended by all four and by England Golf President-Elect Marian Rae.
The club’s general manager, Phil Grice, said: “We have appointed the best people for these roles, regardless of their gender, and it is a shame in some respect that this is considered ground breaking. We hope that other clubs, while respecting their heritage, also look forward with an open mind in terms of equality and developing our sport.”
Angela Loveday, who has been a member of Royal Norwich for almost 14 years, will be the first woman club captain in Norfolk, but her appointment will be quickly followed by at least two other county clubs, which have women vice captains.
“The golf environment is changing so rapidly and these roles are becoming genderless, open to anyone on their merit, said Angela. “Young people of both genders come together socially and in sport much more comfortably than they did in previous years. I applaud this and would like to develop this across our golf club. The inclusivity of family friendly golf with ladies, gents, mothers and fathers, grandparents and children having a good time together is part of our vision for the future.”
Loveday has been on the club’s general committee for eight years, holding key roles, including close involvement in the club’s planned relocation within the county. She has also held posts within the ladies’ section and on the county handicapping committee. A Level 1 coach, she has also helped the club professional with junior activities.
Incoming president Cherry Bishop has been a club member for 24 years and also holds a key role in the relocation project. She has been ladies’ secretary and captain.
Junior captain Jasmine Campbell, who plays off four, has been the Norfolk girls’ champion for the last two years and is a past winner of the Abraham Trophy, which is awarded to England’s most improved girl golfer.
Janet Clare has been a member at Royal Norwich for about 40 years and is taking on her second term as ladies’ captain. She has also been ladies’ president and the Norfolk county second team captain.
The club also runs a junior scholarship programme where 30 per cent of the members are girls. The programme is part of an overall strategy to grow the club’s female membership and has produced players including Hope Neild, a member of the winning team at the English schools’ team championship, and county girl player Chloe Gibbs.
Royal Norwich club captain Angela Loveday (front) with (from left) Janet Clare, Jasmine Campbell and Cherry Bishop.