BOB Jarman is the new Men’s Captain at Skipton Golf Club, with Lorraine Raeburn, who took over as Ladies Captain last August, retaining the role for the 2023 season and club stalwart Bill Simpson newly installed as President.

Born and raised locally, Bob has lived all his life within ten miles of Skipton Golf Club and his current residence can just about be seen from the third green! He was a member of Silsden Golf Club for over 30 years and on its closure, along with a number of his golfing pals, joined Skipton in 2019.

Bob has become an active member of the club, playing most weekends and also acting as Competition Secretary, dealing with Saturday competitions results, a role he will continue to undertake during his year as Club Captain. Off the course, his role as a Project Manager in the construction Industry takes him far and wide across the country.

On his election at a special general meeting of the club this month, Bob paid tribute to his predecessor, retiring Men’s Captain Roger Moore and Sylvia Eastwood, whom he said had proved a figurehead in her role as the club’s first-ever Lady President.

He commented: “I can only say that following the sad closure of Silsden Golf Club how welcome myself and other former Silsden members have been made to feel here at Skipton. I look forward to supporting the various sections and hope their teams will have a successful year in their respective leagues, as well as the many friendly matches already planned.

“I will also be offering my support as to our Greens Committee and the great team running the bar and catering facilities - hopefully we can get the social side of the club better supported and any ideas anyone may have will be greatly appreciated. We really do have a great club and I truly believe with a little effort from us all there is no reason why we cannot go from strength to strength both on and off the course.”

Lorraine joined the club with husband, Colin, in 2015, retiring after working as a Residential Conveyancing Executive at a local firm of solicitors four years later. She has two children and four grandchildren, two of whom also have an interest in golf and are currently taking lessons. She says she hopes to continue the good work of previous Lady Captains, promoting interest and competition in the ladies section and hopefully encouraging new members to join.

Both Bob and Lorraine will continue to support their predecessors’ chosen charity, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, with various fund-raising activities planned during their year in office.

Bill joined Skipton Golf Club in 2005, a couple of years after retiring from full-time employment, playing mostly with the Seniors and helping to organise friendlies for the oldies! In 2018 he was invited to become Club Vice-Captain, then Men's Captain for 2019, which gave him an opportunity to get more involved with members across all sectors and age groups.

Football is Bill’s other main interest and he will be combining his role in golf with his work as Chairman of the Craven Football League. He has been involved in local football for more than 50 years as an administrator, referee and season ticket holder, most recently at Bradford City.

He said: “Being asked to become President for 2023 is an incredible honour and I hope to be able to represent the club well and continue the excellent work of past Presidents. Skipton Golf Club has improved in many aspects since I joined and hopefully, with the other staff and volunteers, we can keep this going.”

Former Men’s Captain Ian Sewell has taken over from Jim Fox as Chairman, with Ollie Burton selected as Men’s Vice Captain. Other section captains are Sean Lemon (Scratch Team), Jonathan Smith (Rabbits), Ethan Wilson, (Juniors), Gordon Whinkup (8-15 Team) and Richard Spencer (Seniors).