Janet Biscoe – Director of Marketing and Communications
I joined the Hertfordshire Golf board in February 2018 and have responsibility for the Marketing and Communications portfolio.
I am a member of Mid Herts Golf Club, where I thoroughly enjoy playing golf and attending the various social events. I would call myself an active member and like to offer support to the club whenever I can, whether that’s by organising events or helping out in the background. I was Lady Captain in 2016. I have served on two golf boards of management – at Mid Herts (2008 to 2011) and at Arkley Golf Club (late ‘90s).
My marketing and communications career spanned 30 years, including 12 as Head of Public Relations at Tesco and eight as Head of Communications for the department of Children, Schools and Families at Hertfordshire County Council. I also successfully ran my own PR business for nine years.
Richard Blanchflower- Director of Player Development
I am a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and pre retirement was Senior Partner of my firm of retail property consultants Blanchflower Lloyd Baxter.
I have been a member of Brookmans Park Golf Club for 32 years, having been junior organiser for 16 years and subsequently Club Captain in 2011 and Chairman of Management from 2017 to 2020.
I was Captain of the Society of Hertfordshire Golf Captains for two years until March 2021. I am also a qualified County golf referee.
Karen Bond - Director without Portfolio
I was appointed to the Hertfordshire Golf Board in November 2021 which coincided with my retirement after a 40 year career with a major global financial institution. During that time I held a number of senior roles in Sales, Relationship Management and most recently Operational Risk. I qualified as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
Although described as a Director without portfolio, I work closely with Richard Blanchflower on Player Development.
I have been a member of the Club at Mill Green in Welwyn Garden City since it first opened in 1993. I have previously held a number of positions on the ladies committee and I am currently one of three Ambassadors at the Club who act as liaison between the members and management and assist with their charitable endeavours. I am also the scratch captain
Frank Clapp - Finance Director
I was elected as Finance Director of Hertfordshire Golf in 2019. I have been playing golf for over 50 years. I spent 12 years on the committee of Muswell Hill Golf Club in various roles including Club Captain in 1991 following which I spent 6 years on the general committee of the Middlesex County Golf Union.
My initial career was in banking with Barclays Bank, 22 years in North London plus, in the mid 80’s, a 3-year secondment to the Costa del Sol in Spain. After leaving banking I spent some time as a Practice Manager for a firm of solicitors before taking up the appointment as Secretary/Manager and Company Secretary at Ilford Golf Club in Essex. After just over 4 years at Ilford I took up the position, in September 2001, as General Manager and Company Secretary at Harpenden Golf Club Ltd, retiring in 2018 after 17 years. I am an honorary member of Harpenden Golf Club.
For nine years from 2005 to 2014 I was on the National Committee of the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA), four of which as Chairman and in 2013 as National Captain. I am a trustee of the GCMA Benevolent Fund.
I qualified as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in 1978 and am treasurer of a few social organisations.
Robin Colbourne - President
I have been playing golf since I was 9 and been a member of Moor Park Golf Club (MPGC) since 1976, where I was a Board member for several years and Captain in 1992-3.
I joined the Executive Committee of the Hertfordshire Golf Union in 2009 as I wanted to put something back into the sport I had enjoyed so much. I served as Championship Chairman for 6 years having gained my EnglandGolf referee‘s qualification and then had the honour to be elected President.
During my tenure as President the County Union merged with the Hertfordshire Ladies Golf Association to form Hertfordshire Golf Ltd. This company now runs all golf within Hertfordshire and I had the honour of being elected as its Chairman at the inception.
I still play golf regularly at MPGC although my handicap has declined seriously since the heady days of my youth
I am long-time retired but was Sales Director for an American training company with responsibility for the Middle East and Africa.
Jane Clarke - Director of Club Services
I have been playing golf at The Melbourne Club for 26 years and remain an active member. I currently sit on the Handicap Committee and had the pleasure of serving as Lady Captain in 2004.
I was elected Club Services Director in 2023 after serving on that committee. I am also on the Marketing & Communications Committee as well as currently being the Pearson Manager for Hertfordshire.
I gained my Banking professional qualifications in 1988 but left that behind to raise my family.
Rowena Hemmings - Director of Golf Development
In 2006 I was a founder member of Herts Golf Partnership, now known as Herts Golf Development. As Development Director I have special responsibility for introducing people of all ages to golf, including people with disabilities.
From 2000 to 2005 I was Junior Area Manager for South East Division 1 (Berkshire, Buckingham and Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Hertfordshire), reporting back to England Golf. I was County Captain and 1st team Captain from 2005 to 2007 and have served on the HCLGA committee for many years. I am a member of Porters Park Golf Club, where I have been Lady Captain and served on the Executive Committee as Chair of Golf.
Bobby Kendall - Chair
I was appointed Chair of Hertfordshire Golf in January 2021, having previously held the positions of Finance Director and Director Without Portfolio. I was Treasurer of the Hertfordshire Golf Union from 2016 until the 2018 merger. I am a member of Moor Park Golf Club, where I joined as a junior and currently serve on the General Committee. I enjoy travelling and playing other golf courses and I compete in a range of seniors' tournaments.
I completed a degree in Biochemistry at Birmingham University. In 1978 I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked for KPMG in London and Tokyo before moving into commercial finance roles. I was Finance Director for a range of companies over a period of 25 years, from start-ups to a large quoted company and then for number of governmental organisations, including Sport England. I am now retired.
Louis Matamala - County and Company Secretary
I started employment with the Hertfordshire Golf Union as County Secretary in October 2012 and on merger in 2018 my services were retained in the same role for the new body. Prior to that I worked for 3 years at Brocket Hall, which followed 6 years at the PGA East Region, based at Bishop's Stortford Golf Club, as a Tournament Controller.
I am also Hertfordshire's represenative on the Men's South East Group Committee and the Local Handicapping Authority.
I have been a member of Verulam Golf Club in St Albans since 1992 and have been a 'Category 1' handicap golfer since 1996.
Chris Medley - Director Without Portfolio
I was appointed to the Hertfordshire Golf board on incorporation as one of three Directors without Portfolio and re-elected for a second term in 2019. Prior to that I was a member of the Executive of the HGU.
As a member of Stocks Golf Club, I participate fully in the life of the club having served as both Treasurer of the Men’s Section and Seniors Captain. I was very active in the development of the club’s golfing activities following the move into a new clubhouse in 2012. Since then, I have helped to increase the number of interclub matches and supported participation in several leagues.
I am a qualified Golf Referee and accredited by England Golf as a Course Rating Team Leader. My role in Hertfordshire Golf includes membership of the Championships Committee, Chief Referee at county events, supporting the WHS and ensuring all our affiliated clubs are Course Rated and issued with a Slope Index.
My career in the pharmaceutical industry spanned over 30 years and included several senior commercial roles. After stepping down from full time work, I taught business and management at a university where I specialised in People Management and Employment Law for Business Students.
Simon Shepherd - Director without Portfolio
I am a Technology Company Director, based in the City.
My background is in Property Finance and Investment Banking. I have a depth of knowledge and a variety of experience that I have brought to bear in my role as Director without portfolio.
I have been a Member at Hadley Wood since August 1992 and have seen many changes in both the Club, the Course and its representation at Hertfordshire Golf. I want this evolution to continue and look forward to working with both the County Development Officer and Hadley Wood's new Golf Operations Supervisor.
I am keen to further my understanding of what Hertfordshire Golf does and to spread the good word about all its activities for all members of the golfing community, contributing when and where I can, as required by the Board.
Alan Thomson - Director of Championships
As Director of Championships, I chair the Championship Committee which oversees the organisation of all Hertfordshire Golf competitions.
Before the merger I was an elected member of the HGU Executive Committee, Chairman of its Championship Committee and the England Golf Voting Member. I was a member of the merger steering group and had previously organised the men’s Scratch League.
I am a member of the England Golf Tournament Panel and have a Level 3 refereeing qualification. I act as either the Chief Referee or an on-course referee at many county events. A member of Verulam Golf Club since 1972, I spent time as an elected board member, served as Chairman of the Greens Committee and was Captain in 2005, the club’s centenary year.
I am a former General Practitioner and was a partner in a St Albans practice for 20 years before taking early retirement in 2012.
