| Nick Le Couteur - Profile |
 Nick Le Couteur with (from the left) Senator John Rothwell and Gerald PalmerNick comes from deep rooted Jersey stock, whose family originated in Normandy, France and most likely were part of William the Conquerors army that absorbed Britain in 1066. The name Le Couteur is derived from the French word 'couter', which translated means 'to count', and they emerged as being the Church accountants, responsible for calculating and collecting the Church Tithes (Taxes!). The family tree records begin with Colin Le Couteur in 1309 - so 700 year Celebrations beckon in 2009! Nick attended Victoria College, in Jersey, where he reveled in the Sporting arena, becoming the Captain of Hockey and in the individual sense was the School Gymnastic Champion in 1970, beating his arch rival by just a point. His peers came to nickname him 'Champ' - although he has been called many names since! On leaving school, coming from an entrepreneurial background, it was a natural step to attend The University of Plymouth where he gained a Business Degree. He then had a happy time (1973-75) working with the International Dutch Clothing Retailer C&A, owned privately by the Breninkmeyer Family. However the calling to his native roots was such that 'the prodigal son' returned to take up a Sales appointment with Le Brun's Bakery between 1975- 1984. In that time, Nick was a driving force in growing the business to be number one in the sector, rising to the role of Sales Director at the age of 32. It was time for Nick to branch out on his own and he developed a highly successful Food and Swimming Pool supply business. (1984-1997) Concurrently he was a Director in the Family Hotel business. Having many acres of land surrounding the hotel, the dream of creating a 9 hole golf course emerged. After many hurdles in the planning process between 1989- 1992, a full debate by the Government of Jersey assembly, resulted in a vote of 24 - 19 in favour! On March 30th 1993 work commenced and the crowning glory was the Official Opening on October 5th 1994 by US Masters Champion and subsequently 2006 winning European Ryder Cup Team Captain, Ian Woosnam. By this time Nick was serving on the Committee of La Moye Golf Club, and in 1999 he was asked to Chair the Centenary Committee which took place in 2002. During this time it became apparent that the Centenary of Harry Vardon winning the US Open in 1900 was to be celebrated. Not to let the moment pass, Nick, on an original concept by Senator John Rothwell, gathered a group to raise ?50,000 to erect a nine foot statue of Harry. The money by Public Subscription was raised in double quick time, with Jersey Professional Tommy Horton gathering auction lots from the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, which helped to raise ?30.000 in one evening! It was in doing this that the existence of Harry's son Peter emerged, and along with his wife Audrey, it was a very emotional day on 26th July 2001 that they witnessed the unveiling of the statue by British Open and US Open Tony Jacklin. Having been immersed in the life and times of Harry Vardon another son of Jersey, Nick then set about registering "harryvardon.com", and numerous Trademarks - which is where we are today! |