PENNY Cook has taken up the newly-created position of business manager at The Worcestershire in Malvern Wells.

The role also incorporates that of club secretary and Cook comes with strong finance, business and staff management skills as well as a diverse background of experience.

Having spent seven years in Hong Kong recruiting pilots for Cathay Pacific, she returned to the United Kingdom to work in London for many years as administrator for various chambers in the Inner Temple, Middle Temple and Lincoln’s Inn.

On moving to Herefordshire, Cook worked for a leading firm of patent attorneys in Cheltenham.

In more recent years, she has held positions as finance controller and practice manager for an optometry practice, general manager of a media and publishing company and freelance property manager.

In her spare time, Cook enjoys walking her dog and having a stroll around the golf course.

She has played golf for many years and is working hard on her handicap.

Retiring from the role of club secretary, Terry Smith steps down after six years in the post.

A senior town planner by profession, Smith served as club captain in 1992 and a member of the board of directors for many years, sitting on many committees.

He was chairman of the board for six years prior to taking the post of secretary in 2009.

Well-respected by members and staff alike for his courtesy, warm welcome to all-comers and invaluable depth of knowledge, Smith said he looks forward to the prospect of many more years of golf with his friends at The Worcestershire.