Captains and Presidents

Captain

Dean Pratley

Back in early 2017 I joined Lilleshall Hall golf club (LHGC) as a second club member at that time, and like a lot of individuals my prime objective was to just play golf. Quite often you would have only seen me out on the course playing at a silly o’clock time, either on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Playing early, then still provided me with ample free time afterwards to enjoy my family and friends company, especially over the weekend. Towards the end of the year my second club membership was then upgraded to a full 7-day member, which is still the case today. Since my wife Ann took up and started playing golf regular, I have never spent so much time at a golf club until then.

No matter what sport I have played, and I have played quite a few, I have always been extremely competitive. That is still the case now, however, as I have matured and my circumstances have changed, I also like to enjoy myself wherever possible even more. I now have more aspiration of socialising with others, not only have I got to know many individuals at LHGC, but I would also like to hope that the vast majority I can say will be friends for a long time. Here at LHGC, we have a fabulous group of individuals from various sections, and one of my goals is to get more interaction between these and to increase the fun levels that we can all achieve out on the golf course, and afterwards in the clubhouse. I do appreciate not everyone will want to get involved, we all have a choice in life, and we must live it.

Growing up, I was taught that sooner or later over time everything changes, and I have always taken this approach to life. I recall my teacher saying, “that change should be for the better, and that if it doesn’t work, then it can be changed back, until a better option is identified”. One step forward at a time significantly helps all of us to adapt and move with change, lets help each other and push our great club onwards and upward, and attempt to exceed some of those expectations that members have.

I have and will continue to support, numerous Shropshire & Herefordshire Union of Golf Clubs (SHUGC) competitions, whilst this year, I will also be your representative for LHGC at these events. I am also very much involved with the Mixed section here at LHGC, and after quite a successful run in the National Mixed Knockout last year, where we managed to reach the regional final. I’m hopeful that this year we can all but try again. I encourage anyone new or existing who would also like to get involved with any interclub competitions, to please step forward, at the end of the day we only get out what we put in, lets go and enjoy ourselves.

It is with pride as your club captain for the 2025/26 season, working alongside the Lady captain (the wife) we will endeavour to aspire in influencing others, making them feel more welcome. For most of us here at LHGC we are not just a golfer, we are all a member of the club. Our joint chosen charity this year is Cancer Research UK. Many of us will be affected by cancer in one way or another in our lifetime, so please join us at some stage throughout our year and support this worthwhile charity, in which ever way you feel comfortable with.

To the members, I am here to represent you to the best of my ability and voice your opinion, so please do not hesitate to contact me should you have anything you wish to raise going forward.

Ladies Captain

Ann Pratley

Ann’s first introduction to Lilleshall Hall Golf Club was back in 2018, when she came to a starter session. These sessions were once per week over a 6-week period with Richard Beech who was the Pro at that time. The group was a fabulous selection of differing standards of golfers, some like herself, never tried before, others a little rusty as not played for several years. Ann had lots of fun and laughter, so much so, that Richard then ran a further 6-week course a little later in the year. Ann was hooked and made some great new friends. The following year she joined as a full member.

In Ann’s words she was not a natural golfer, but has persevered, had lots of support, joined in the ‘Drop-in Classes’ with our Pro, Lisa Shervill, and spent hours at the practice ground. Ann very quickly became involved in the Lady Captain Matches, Mixed Matches, Mini-handicap League, Handicap League, British Mixed National Knock Out, and all the general competitions held throughout the year.

She has also been a proactive member of the Ladies Committee since 2022, holding a secretarial position for the year prior to her Vice-captaincy.

Ann is now also a member of the Club’s Social Committee and will work hard to ensure that all club events are a success. Ann has agreed with the Men’s Captain, Dean Pratley, to nominate Cancer Research UK as their joint charity for the year.

Ladies President

Sue Askins

Career

Having attended Bilston Girls’ High School and meeting husband David whilst in 6th form, I obtained a degree in Biological Science and then a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
A great time was had teaching biology to 11to18 year old boys, particularly as I was the only woman on the staff!
After teaching for a short time, I became a full -time mom enjoying the experience of having 3 full on boys!
We joined LHGC in 1982 and since then I have been trying to get the hang of the game, but I have to say I am on the Honours Board at LHGC and at Worfield Golf Club!
I had a wonderful year as Lady Captain in 2009 having served previously on committee as secretary for 4 years at a time the new clubhouse was being built.
It is a very great honour to now be Lady President

Life Long Interests

These are community based and as my motto is “to be involved is to understand” I seem to collect committees!
I was WRVS Emergency Services Manager for Shropshire for several years, certainly a challenge when the River Severn decided to flood and for 14 years a volunteer at Telford Samaritans. A very humbling experience.
I am a board member of a Newport based Housing Trust again a very fulfilling and rewarding role.
Gardening of any sort is my passion. David was a founder Member of Worfield Golf Club and so I became involved with tree planting. I did have a nasty experience on bank running alongside the 14th fairway as so very nearly turned the tractor over!
At present a churchwarden at Chetwynd Church. This can be full of challenges too, the present one being the roof!

Ambitions

To see our 8 wonderful grandchildren make their way safely in the world.
To play a good round of golf and to support Ann in her year as Lady Captain.

President

John Cotterill

Junior Captain

Daniel Cadman

I was born in Wolverhampton on the 17th of August 2007 and moved to Moreton, Shropshire when I was 6 years old. I have always enjoyed playing sports such a football and tennis.

Career

I am currently studying Electrical Engineering at college and my dream is to work for National Grid

Lifelong Interests

I am interested in farming and always enjoy spending time in the fields driving the tractor’s and looking after our horses

Golf

I have been playing golf at Lilleshall now for 5 years. My golf journey started when I went to watch my nephew have a lesson and the instructor asked if I wanted a go, a couple of shots later and it felt so natural. My current handicap is 18.4 and I hope to improve this. I really enjoy getting out on the course and making new friends. Golf is all about learning new skills and enjoying the game.

Aspirations

Now that I am junior captain I would like to get involved in more competitions and encourage other members of my team to get out on the course and have fun.