Ray aiming to raise profile

RAY DEACON

MEET THE NEW CLUB CAPTAINS: BROOKDALE
SIX years after joining Brookdale, 51-year-old Ray Deacon has become captain.

Married to Donna and with two daughters, Dionne (25) and Lauren (16), the operations manager for a major heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance company has set his sights on consolidating Brookdale’s healthy status.

“From my point of view as captain, I am keen to give sales and marketing a higher profile in order to enhance our membership,” he said.

“I am also conscious of the social side and would like to engage the local community to show what we have to offer.

“The club’s refurbishment is virtually complete and the result is a beautiful and welcoming environment.”

Ray, who lives in Blackley, was introduced to the club by close friend David Roberts and has seen his handicap cut to a career-low 13.

“I enjoy playing in all the Sunday competitions at the club and I’m a believer in having a true handicap as measure of one’s own skills.

“But I am down four shots to 13 without having won a competition last season,” he said ruefully.

“I suppose it didn’t help shooting a net 63 in the Vice-Captain’s competition. Even then, someone shot a net 62, so I didn’t win that one!”

In common with most captains, Ray aims to raise money for charity and has chosen local cancer support groups following his wife’s illness last year.