WHITSTABLE TIDINGS
The monthly journal of Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club
Collingwood Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EB Tel 01227 272020
e-mail secretary@whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Web site www.whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Issue no.4 Volume 3 1St March 2014
Editor Bob Ireland, 01227 638425, 07802874914,robert.ireland@gmail.com
News
Brian MacNally
It is with great sadness that we heard the news of the death of Brian on the course, Wednesday 19th February. He was a lovely person and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I am sure that Gabby will find some solace in the knowledge that the club held him in high esteem. He was instrumental along with Holly Butler, in the club obtaining the defibrillator, which was purchased with the intent of helping the recovery of heart attack victims and it seems ironic that the first person it was needed for was Brian himself.
Our thoughts are with Gabby and her family.
Captain’s Address
Quiz night was a great success with 97 egg heads battling it out, plenty of banter flying around and maybe a couple of Mobil phones switched on?
Winners – table six they had that “condor” moment well done to them.
A big thanks to Dave and Debbie for giving us a great night.
Club Charity Raffle
Win a top of the range Motocaddy M1 pro with 7 speeds, lithium battery plus bag worth £650 great prize,
To enter Just pick a raffle ticket from 1 to 500 and pay and you pay that in pence i.e. Raffle number 123 You pay £1.23 . Lucky dip box see Steve behind the bar.
Draw will take place once all tickets are sold. Good luck everyone.
Race to Dubai
Good luck to Ronnie Rumble who is in the semi finals of this competition
See you on Sky sports Ronnie.
MEMBERSHIP
Like most Golf Clubs we are always looking for new Members to replace those who move away or just get too old to play. Our average age is higher than most clubs, which has its effect on our membership.
We will therefore be advertising again this year from March onwards and our new Membership Director Richard Gremo is currently considering our advertising campaign with our President Michael Behr. If anyone has any ideas please contact either of them – they will be pleased to hear from you.
We will also be offering a £50 Incentive to existing Members who introduce new Full Playing Members to the Club. Full details will be available soon – the incentive will be by way of a discount from the next year’s subscription. There will be no limit to the number of incentives, which can be earned in any year. So introduce 10 Members for a free year!
Greens Committee Report
Present; Malcolm Kent, John Rosser, Steve Suttle. Seth Divine
(Copy to Captain)
Apologies; Brian Best
Matters arising;
As you will appreciate much of the discussion centred on the terrible weather we have suffered for the last 2 months. There are some very wet areas on the course but the greens are holding up remarkably well. Despite the weather most of the fairways and some of the rough have been cut. It is hoped that the white tee’s will be out for the 16th March medal, if not before. You will notice they are freshly painted, as is everything that could be taken into the green keepers shed!!
The new out of bounds area to the left of the 5th fairway will come into play shortly.
The borehole work has been delayed because of the wet weather with the contractor being about 6 weeks behind his schedule. Again because of the conditions the new bunker on the 6th has been rescheduled to take place in October time to allow any turf used to properly establish. This will avoid constant watering during the HOT summer we are expecting.
The improvement of the land to the left of the 8th fairway ditch will continue despite building materials being placed there. This is an ongoing situation. All residents have been written to regarding dumping of garden refuse etc. on the course.
A.O.B.
The Agronomist is due to visit on the 11th March and we await her report/suggestions with interest.
Next meeting to be arranged April time unless needed before.
Forthcoming Events
March 22nd
Race Night, The White City comes to Whitstable in the form of Greyhound racing!
The notice is now up on the Social Events Board so get your names down. Fish and chips will be provided at a nominal cost please order your preference when entering your name.
St George’s Day
There will be a golf competition on April 23rd. the exact details will be published before the event, so keep your eyes open for further details!
The evening will comprise, good English grub, patriotic songs and poems, maybe a short quiz and some silliness I expect!
The final date is to be decided but keep a spot in your diary around that time to indulge in the wonder that is England (Scots, Welsh, Irish or any other ethnic group are also welcome to marvel at that which has made us what we are!)
Future Secretary
We are looking for a secretary to take over when Brian Best retires, so all those who know how to run the club (and there are plenty of those!) are welcome to put their names forward. I should point out that this is not an immediate position change, it’s just that Brian will want to retire his position at some time in the future and a new secretary will be needed to take over then.
Website
I am looking for some good photographs of the Club and course, which I can include on the Web site. If anyone has any or would like to go around with me before the weather gets too bad and get some please get in touch.
The Old Salts Captain George Bawden Vice Captain and
Secretary Ian Wingrove
Press and publicity Alec Parrett
That unmentionable four-letter word was still with us throughout February, and ruined many a planned golfing experience, but the rain didn’t warp everything at Collinwood Road for the Old Salts.
Doughty Captain George Bawden, fresh from a re-grip of his clubs, wielded them in some style as he and Vice Ian Wingrove sloshed to a nine-hole draw in the Captain’s Challenge over Tony Bensted and John Dowle, fresh from his Hawaiian holiday. George settled for a few days in Lanzarotte and weekly visits to the gym in Whitstable to get into trim for his busy season and to help see off the challenge of such a strong combination. Ian, ready to sport some recently bought new golf shoes, wisely kept them at home and suffered the creeping dampness around his soles wearing his old pair.
Only three men endured 18 holes and are to be applauded, if not pitied. The slashing rain held up the two dozen or so eager Salts who turned up to play, although only around 15 hardies went out to brave the elements that turned in their favour later on.
This was the only event of note during the wettest February on record, here or anywhere in the British Isles. But lots of action is to be seen in the Clubhouse for the Captain’s raffle of a superb £600 electric trolley and bag with just about every gizmo known to man. The unique draw is governed by the number on the raffle ticket that determines the price to be paid. If someone draws ticket number three, its 3p. If one picks a ticket the end of the book, such as 200, it’s £2 to buy the ticket. To date the cost of the prize has been recovered, due to great response from all sections of the club with the Salts furnishing close on £100 and Club Captain Andy Sargeant is to be applauded for furnishing the prize. Other such draws are planned and all receipts go to the On Course Foundation for Disabled Servicemen, which is the chosen golfing charity this year.
On the social front, the Salts Dinner is nearly upon us once more, with 82 ready to sit down on Thursday March 13 at 8pm. Club trophies for last season will be presented at the dinner. Cost is £15, payable on the evening. Lounge suits or jacket and tie is the obligatory dress code.
The sit-down time has been moved back because of the planned wake after the funeral on that day of Brian McNally, whose untimely death occurred when he collapsed on the course recently. He was a keen and very popular member of the Club, whose ukulele playing entertained the Midweekers at many a function. He was due to entertain the Salts at the dinner as a member of the Ukaholics Anonymous who plan a few rousing Irish songs as a tribute to Brian on the night. Our condolences go to his wife Gabby and his family. He will be sadly missed.
Junior Section Captain Jack Tucker, Vice Captain
Regarding the Junior section, as with everything else presumably, there is not much to report.
There was a competition on Sat 8th Feb but it was cancelled because it was too wet-think the course was probably shut as well.
The March competition was supposed to be on Saturday (1st March) – again cancelled because the course was shut!!
The next competition is on Saturday 5th April-surely by then better weather will be with us?
Please note that it is Junior Captain’s Day on Saturday 3rd May.
The day is open to all sections of the Club, please support the Juniors- they are the future of the club and we are hoping to get as many people out to play as possible.
Ladies Section Captain Linda Bawden, Vice Captain Beryl Wingrove
Secretary Jean Hudson
February has been another quiet month on the course for the ladies, with more coffee being drunk than holes of golf played!
Although the course was open for 3 out of the 4 Tuesdays of the month, no competitions were played. A few ladies did venture out for a few holes but there is unfortunately nothing to report on the competitive golfing front.
Due to the on going poor conditions a decision has been made to cancel this years Winter Knockout Competition and also the Winter Eclectic. With the course being shut more than it’s open it has proved impossible for the ladies to arrange knockout matches or play enough competitions to warrant an eclectic.
Social golf has restarted on Thursday afternoons so if you are free for 9 holes just turn up and play, or speak to Mary Calthrop for more details.
On Saturday 5th April the ladies section are holding their Spring Coffee Morning at the Club. Please come down if you’re free. There will be the usual raffle, tombola, bottle stall, cake stall, darts competition, etc so a good way to spend a couple of hours and a couple of pounds. Look forward to seeing you all there!
The list is now up in the foyer for the Mixed Invitation on Sunday 6th April. We have had to cancel this event the last two years so we are very keen to get it back up and running this year. We need 24 pairs (12 fours) to make this event viable. The cost is £30 per couple which includes the green fee for your guest, 2 course dinner, tea or coffee, mints and prizes. Playing for a beautiful trophy-get your name down now!
There is currently a raffle on at the Club for a brand new, top of the range Motocaddy powered trolley complete with golf bag. All proceeds go the Captain’s charity. It’s no ordinary raffle-see any of our Captains for more details. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Men’s Section Captain Andy Sargeant, Vice Captain Ted Henderson
Golf Report for Sunday mornings – Feb 14
Following a dearth of Sunday morning golf since the start of 2014, recent conditions proved just good enough for eventual completion of the Wood Trophy. Cancellations over the past two months have led to only one of the expected three rounds being played and many of those competing struggled with their form after the enforced layoff. However one exception was Tony Taunton and he enjoyed a superb morning’s golf to finish easy winner with 42 points. Despite two double bogies, Tony scored consistently on the remaining holes and ended well clear of the rest of the field. His playing partner Rob Wraight finished in second place on 38 points and would have done better but for failing to score on two holes. Robin George was in a strong position after he carded a front nine total of 21 points, but he dropped too many shots over the closing holes and ended with just 37 points at the close to take third place.
Midweekers Section Captain Ray Thomas, Vice Captain Bob Ireland
Secretary Peter Fox
What should have been a happy occasion with the course just opening that morning after about two weeks of bad weather turned out to be a very sad day indeed. When most of us were back in the clubhouse after finishing our round, the news filtered in that someone had collapsed on the course. When we heard the final outcome and it was Brian we were all in a state of shock and disbelief. Don had been laughing and joking with Brian only moments before. I for one will miss him enormously, being a fellow musician in the club, I loved his enthusiasm for his music and above all his ukulele playing. I played guitar alongside him at several venues at the club and hoped to do a lot more. A very sad loss for the club and all who knew him.
As for the competition The L.Fessey Cup that I feel uneasy about reporting but the results were sorted before we heard the news. The Captains Challenge went according to plan. Our opponents were Tony Lavender and Roy Lee. We stood all square on the 18th tee. Then Tony decides to put his drive five foot from the pin, and the rest as they say is history. In 3rd place with 34 pts was Ray Thomas, 2nd place with 37pts Glen Snook, and the winner on 38pts Colin Holton. Birdy on the 18th went to who else Tony Lavender
Friday 28th Feb saw a very diminished field start the Stuart Ashworth Snowdrop Cup in the pouring rain (but we’re real men) After a short while the weather turned out fine and an enjoyable morning was had by all. The news the World has been waiting for with baited breath was that we won the Captains Challenge against a very good pairing of Peter Shearing and Dave Hodson. When we shook hands after the match I’m sure I saw tears in Peters eyes, but he’ll have to get over it. In 3rd place with 25pts was Eynon Price. 2nd with 31pts was Bob Ireland and the winner on countback that man again Tony Lavender. Not very high scores but we played mainly on temporary greens.
Ray Thomas
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
I’m sorry to report that The Ridge has dropped out of the league due to the departure of many of their players because of the condition of the course and management. We hope they may be able to return in the future.
2014 Fixture List
Etchinghill home Friday 4th April 0900 hrs
Canterbury away Monday 28th April 1230 hrs
(Dress Note Jacket and Tie for dinner)
Canterbury home Friday 9th May 0900 hrs
Chestfield away Friday 23rd May 0830 hrs
Tudor Park home Monday 2nd June 0900 hrs
Broome Park away Tuesday 24th June 0830 hrs
(Now subject to change as it conflicts with Ladies Jamboree)
Broome Park home Friday 11th July 0900 hrs
Chestfield home Friday 18th July 0900 hrs
Tudor Park away Tuesday 22nd July 0830 hrs
Etchinghill away Friday 8th August 0830 hrs
This list will be posted in the Clubhouse so please indicate your availability to play to avoid disappointment!
Super Seventies Organiser and Captain Alec Parrett
There has been a positive development in the proposed first competition in Kent for the more mature golfer. It is to be held at Broome Park, as first revealed in an earlier edition of Tidings. The competition will be an 18-hole Stableford to be held on Tuesday August 19 that will be for teams of four, including one Broome Park member, the best three scores on each hole to count.
Entry fee will be £30 per player to include a rolling buffet. Broome Park has followed the Super Seniors ethos in attempting to keep costs to a minimum, so players will have to pay for any drinks etc. with the buffet, although coffee is included.
Dress code will be very relaxed, with tee-off from noon onwards and the competition will involve a two-tee start. With luck the noon starters should be in the house by around 4.30 pm.
The Super Seniors competition is open to all males over the age of 70 with handicaps of 24 or under. Higher handicappers can enter but must play of 24. There will be prizes for the first three winnings teams with, as always, individual prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive.
Closing date for entries is June 30 with no refunds given for withdrawals after July 18.
At Whitstable Tuesdays is normally a good day for away involvements with no clashes in our diary for this year. Broome Park is to be applauded for championing the concept of golf for the more mature player and fully deserve some healthy response.
If your pocket is deep enough and you have two other like-minded mates from Collingwood Road who are just as keen, get your names down and wave the flag for Whitstable and Seasalter.
Forms are up soon in the changing room and it is good to see a fixture such as this figuring in the Senior’s diary.
Just a reminder that on the home front Alec is anxious that we put out our strongest teams this year and try to get off the bottom of League C. He has compiled a hit list of 30 players who meet the requirements of over 70 or thereabouts, 20 of whom have played in Seniors matches for him over the past couple of years. The other 10 or so will be hunted down to help fill the ranks because this season he needs 12 for each match, two more than last year when in some matches he struggled and had to press gang some youngsters to play with a limp!
Your club really needs YOU this year. For a fiver a game and no dressing up with a pie and a pint, it is golf like it used to be. Don’t miss out.
Mark Tuesday April 28 in your club diary, as it is the first game of the season for the Supers. Against Chestfield, noon for a 1pm tee-off, it should be close and one to be in. We need ten names so watch for the play sheet up soon.
Fundraising 100 Club
This fundraising venture costs £1 per month, with monthly prizes of £30, £20 and £15. There is a bonus double draw at Christmas each year. There are plenty of spare numbers so get buying!
Winners
1st £30.00 Bill Dance
2nd £20.00 Tony Henley
3rd £10.00 Penny Perkins
What’s on for the next two months?
March
Saturday 1st 1300hrs Juniors MedaL
Sunday 2nd am March Hare Trophy Stableford
Tuesday 4th am Ladies Competition
Sunday 9th am Captains swindle
Tuesday 11th am Ladies Competition
Thursday 13th Old Salts Annual Dinner
Sunday 16th am Monthly Medal
Tuesday 18th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 19th am Midweekers Ernie West Winners Trophy
Thursday 20th 1200hrs Ladies v Westgate (away)
Sunday 23rd am Captains swindle
Monday 24th Old Salts v North Foreland (away)
Tuesday 25th am Ladies 5 club Stableford
Wednesday 26th am Midweekers Peter Glenn March Shield Stableford
Wednesday 26th pm Midweekers annual lunch/AGM
Thursday 27th 1100hrs Ladies v North Foreland (away)
Friday 28th am Midweekers John Bills Trophy Stableford
Saturday 29th 1300hrs Club v Westgate (away)
Sunday 30th am 4 ball betterball Stableford drawn
April
Tuesday 1st am Ladies Competition
Thursday 3rd am Old Salts Ken Vickers Trophy Medal
Friday 4th 0900hrs Kent Vets v Etchinghill (home)
Saturday 5th am Ladies Spring Coffee Morning
Saturday 5th 1300hrs Juniors Medal
Sunday 6th am Monthly Medal
Sunday 6th pm Mixed Invitation
Monday 7th am Old Salts v Walmer and Kingsdown (away)
Tuesday 8th am Ladies Medal
Tuesday 8th 1300hrs Super Seventies v Chestfield (away)
Wednesday 9th am Midweekers P West Easter Cup Medal
Thursday 10th am Old Salts v Chestfield (away)
Sunday 13th am Ex Captains Skinner Trophy Stableford
Monday 14th am Old Salts v Sheerness (home)
Tuesday 15th am Ladies Spring Greensomes
Wednesday 16th 1100hrs Ladies v St Augustines (away)
Sunday 20th am Club v Old Salts Invicta Trophy
Monday 21st 1230hrs Mixed Greensomes
Tuesday 22nd am Ladies Cancer Spoon Stableford
Friday 25th am Midweekers Kenny Bills April Cup Stableford
Friday 25th 1230hrs Ladies v Sheerness (home)
Saturday 26th am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 26th 1300hrs Juniors Allard Cup Medal (under 12 Y.O.A)
Saturday 26th 1300hrs Juniors Comer Cup Scratch Medal
Sunday 27th am Club v Sheerness (home)
Tuesday 29th am Ladies Competition
Ebb and Flow (letters section)
The Editor would appreciate your comments or suggestions of ways to improve the club, magazine, web site, social activities, or anything else that comes to mind! Get writing – it’s your club say what you want!
If you have any specific questions about the course please direct them to the Course Director Malcolm Kent or use the suggestion book.
I know there are people reading this publication as all the copies printed disappear, doesn’t anyone have something to say?
Flotsam and Jetsam
Competition
The winner of last month’s competition was Geoffrey Hughes who actually found 3 more trees than I put in so congrats to him.
They were:-
Acer, Apple, Ash, Aspen, Birch, Cherry, Hazel, May, Pear, Whitebeam and Willow.
This month’s comp is to find the answer to the following question.
The well known quote below is encoded with a simple exchange system where each letter is replaced by another letter or number but beware the number value increases by one each time the letter it is replacing is used. Good luck, a £20 bar voucher awaits the first person to tell Steve the answer!
D STTE D1B X6R 4T2CA DPC RTT3 LDPNCB
Sodoku
Answer to last month’s Sodoku
5 9 4 1 3 2 7 6 8
1 6 2 4 8 7 9 5 3
8 3 7 9 6 5 4 1 2
4 7 6 8 9 3 1 2 5
3 1 9 5 2 6 8 4 7
2 8 5 7 4 1 3 9 6
7 4 1 6 5 8 2 3 9
6 2 8 3 1 9 5 7 4
9 5 3 2 7 4 6 8 1
9 2 1 3
5 3 1
6
6 7 5
7 4 9
4 8 3
6
5 2 1
9 4 3 2
Poetry Corner
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history,
Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
The Lanes
Street cafes, cream teas and buns,
Inns and Pubs, Kings Head, Three Tuns,
Antique dressers, chairs and tables,
First editions Aesop’s Fables,
Bric-a-brac and curios,
Potters plate lined studios.
Shoe shops, leather soles and uppers,
Theatre trips and late night suppers.
Bottle glass and velvet slippers,
Pale pork chops and smoky kippers.
Dusty books, once loved drawings,
Shaded under stripy awnings.
Sparkling wines and vintage port
Stilton Brie and Roquefort.
Baby clothes that draw a sigh,
Symbols of an age gone bye.
Cigarettes, pipes and cigars,
Gobstoppers, liquorice, sweets in jars,
Sparkling eye of Dover sole,
Looks out at Barber’s red striped pole.
Newspapers shout the headlines bold,
Ice creams, lollies oh so cold,
Feather dusters – cobwebs beware,
Footsteps creaking on the stair.
Flagstones paving narrow alleys
Peg tiled roofs with leaded valleys
Ceilings crossed with oaken beams
Rafters holding faded dreams.
Regency terraces lined with trees
Lazy walks in a cooling breeze
Children’s laughter heard in play,
Reminders of another day.
They’ve been there for hundreds of years
In country towns and seaside places
Cobbled walkways, winding shyly, steers
One down half-timbered spaces.
Magic journeys into the past, cheers
Your heart with memories traces.
Beachcomber
The bounty hunter rode into town and asked the sheriff which wanted men were still at large. The sheriff looked through his list, discounting all those capture or dead he eventually came up with one. The Brown Paper Kid was still wanted and there was a 10-dollar reward for his capture. The bounty hunter asked why he was called the Brown Paper Kid and the sheriff explained the Kid had a paper fetish, dressing completely in brown paper, shirt, trousers, coat, brown paper saddle, hat, boots, etc. The bounty hunter asked what he was wanted for, the sheriff said “rustling”
Castaways
If you have any unwanted clubs or equipment sell them through this Publication or the Web Site and donate 10% to the Captains Charity! Send the details to my e-mail robert.ireland@gmail.com , by post or place the details on the notice board marked for my attention.
Callaway Big Bertha Heaven Wood 1H
14 degree loft with Big Bertha Uniflex steel shaft.
Good condition with Benross head over.
£ 30
Peter Steigmann
Tel. 01227 262278
e-mail. steigmann@btinternet.com
Ladies Clubs
Cobra Ladies offset driver, 3 wood and 5 wood, £60 the lot
Contact Ernie or Di West 01227 266581
Some from Eric Bean
Woods:-
Loco 10 degree £10.00
Ocean 10.5 degree £10.00
Hippo plus 10 degree £10.00
wood Wilson 25 degree £10.00
Offset £10.00
Hybrid Onyx 18 degree £10.00
Full set of clubs and bag £50.00
Lob Wedge Condor 60 degree £ 5.00
3 assorted putters £ 3.00 each
Hill Billy electric trolley battery and charger £50.00
Eric Bean 01227 740190
Please let me know when these items have gone and I will delete them.
WHITSTABLE TIDINGS
The monthly journal of Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club
Collingwood Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EB Tel 01227 272020
e-mail secretary@whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Web site www.whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Issue no.4 Volume 3 1St March 2014
Editor Bob Ireland, 01227 638425, 07802874914,robert.ireland@gmail.com
News
Brian MacNally
It is with great sadness that we heard the news of the death of Brian on the course, Wednesday 19th February. He was a lovely person and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I am sure that Gabby will find some solace in the knowledge that the club held him in high esteem. He was instrumental along with Holly Butler, in the club obtaining the defibrillator, which was purchased with the intent of helping the recovery of heart attack victims and it seems ironic that the first person it was needed for was Brian himself.
Our thoughts are with Gabby and her family.
Captain’s Address
Quiz night was a great success with 97 egg heads battling it out, plenty of banter flying around and maybe a couple of Mobil phones switched on?
Winners – table six they had that “condor” moment well done to them.
A big thanks to Dave and Debbie for giving us a great night.
Club Charity Raffle
Win a top of the range Motocaddy M1 pro with 7 speeds, lithium battery plus bag worth £650 great prize,
To enter Just pick a raffle ticket from 1 to 500 and pay and you pay that in pence i.e. Raffle number 123 You pay £1.23 . Lucky dip box see Steve behind the bar.
Draw will take place once all tickets are sold. Good luck everyone.
Race to Dubai
Good luck to Ronnie Rumble who is in the semi finals of this competition
See you on Sky sports Ronnie.
MEMBERSHIP
Like most Golf Clubs we are always looking for new Members to replace those who move away or just get too old to play. Our average age is higher than most clubs, which has its effect on our membership.
We will therefore be advertising again this year from March onwards and our new Membership Director Richard Gremo is currently considering our advertising campaign with our President Michael Behr. If anyone has any ideas please contact either of them – they will be pleased to hear from you.
We will also be offering a £50 Incentive to existing Members who introduce new Full Playing Members to the Club. Full details will be available soon – the incentive will be by way of a discount from the next year’s subscription. There will be no limit to the number of incentives, which can be earned in any year. So introduce 10 Members for a free year!
Greens Committee Report
Present; Malcolm Kent, John Rosser, Steve Suttle. Seth Divine
(Copy to Captain)
Apologies; Brian Best
Matters arising;
As you will appreciate much of the discussion centred on the terrible weather we have suffered for the last 2 months. There are some very wet areas on the course but the greens are holding up remarkably well. Despite the weather most of the fairways and some of the rough have been cut. It is hoped that the white tee’s will be out for the 16th March medal, if not before. You will notice they are freshly painted, as is everything that could be taken into the green keepers shed!!
The new out of bounds area to the left of the 5th fairway will come into play shortly.
The borehole work has been delayed because of the wet weather with the contractor being about 6 weeks behind his schedule. Again because of the conditions the new bunker on the 6th has been rescheduled to take place in October time to allow any turf used to properly establish. This will avoid constant watering during the HOT summer we are expecting.
The improvement of the land to the left of the 8th fairway ditch will continue despite building materials being placed there. This is an ongoing situation. All residents have been written to regarding dumping of garden refuse etc. on the course.
A.O.B.
The Agronomist is due to visit on the 11th March and we await her report/suggestions with interest.
Next meeting to be arranged April time unless needed before.
Forthcoming Events
March 22nd
Race Night, The White City comes to Whitstable in the form of Greyhound racing!
The notice is now up on the Social Events Board so get your names down. Fish and chips will be provided at a nominal cost please order your preference when entering your name.
St George’s Day
There will be a golf competition on April 23rd. the exact details will be published before the event, so keep your eyes open for further details!
The evening will comprise, good English grub, patriotic songs and poems, maybe a short quiz and some silliness I expect!
The final date is to be decided but keep a spot in your diary around that time to indulge in the wonder that is England (Scots, Welsh, Irish or any other ethnic group are also welcome to marvel at that which has made us what we are!)
Future Secretary
We are looking for a secretary to take over when Brian Best retires, so all those who know how to run the club (and there are plenty of those!) are welcome to put their names forward. I should point out that this is not an immediate position change, it’s just that Brian will want to retire his position at some time in the future and a new secretary will be needed to take over then.
Website
I am looking for some good photographs of the Club and course, which I can include on the Web site. If anyone has any or would like to go around with me before the weather gets too bad and get some please get in touch.
The Old Salts Captain George Bawden Vice Captain and
Secretary Ian Wingrove
Press and publicity Alec Parrett
That unmentionable four-letter word was still with us throughout February, and ruined many a planned golfing experience, but the rain didn’t warp everything at Collinwood Road for the Old Salts.
Doughty Captain George Bawden, fresh from a re-grip of his clubs, wielded them in some style as he and Vice Ian Wingrove sloshed to a nine-hole draw in the Captain’s Challenge over Tony Bensted and John Dowle, fresh from his Hawaiian holiday. George settled for a few days in Lanzarotte and weekly visits to the gym in Whitstable to get into trim for his busy season and to help see off the challenge of such a strong combination. Ian, ready to sport some recently bought new golf shoes, wisely kept them at home and suffered the creeping dampness around his soles wearing his old pair.
Only three men endured 18 holes and are to be applauded, if not pitied. The slashing rain held up the two dozen or so eager Salts who turned up to play, although only around 15 hardies went out to brave the elements that turned in their favour later on.
This was the only event of note during the wettest February on record, here or anywhere in the British Isles. But lots of action is to be seen in the Clubhouse for the Captain’s raffle of a superb £600 electric trolley and bag with just about every gizmo known to man. The unique draw is governed by the number on the raffle ticket that determines the price to be paid. If someone draws ticket number three, its 3p. If one picks a ticket the end of the book, such as 200, it’s £2 to buy the ticket. To date the cost of the prize has been recovered, due to great response from all sections of the club with the Salts furnishing close on £100 and Club Captain Andy Sargeant is to be applauded for furnishing the prize. Other such draws are planned and all receipts go to the On Course Foundation for Disabled Servicemen, which is the chosen golfing charity this year.
On the social front, the Salts Dinner is nearly upon us once more, with 82 ready to sit down on Thursday March 13 at 8pm. Club trophies for last season will be presented at the dinner. Cost is £15, payable on the evening. Lounge suits or jacket and tie is the obligatory dress code.
The sit-down time has been moved back because of the planned wake after the funeral on that day of Brian McNally, whose untimely death occurred when he collapsed on the course recently. He was a keen and very popular member of the Club, whose ukulele playing entertained the Midweekers at many a function. He was due to entertain the Salts at the dinner as a member of the Ukaholics Anonymous who plan a few rousing Irish songs as a tribute to Brian on the night. Our condolences go to his wife Gabby and his family. He will be sadly missed.
Junior Section Captain Jack Tucker, Vice Captain
Regarding the Junior section, as with everything else presumably, there is not much to report.
There was a competition on Sat 8th Feb but it was cancelled because it was too wet-think the course was probably shut as well.
The March competition was supposed to be on Saturday (1st March) – again cancelled because the course was shut!!
The next competition is on Saturday 5th April-surely by then better weather will be with us?
Please note that it is Junior Captain’s Day on Saturday 3rd May.
The day is open to all sections of the Club, please support the Juniors- they are the future of the club and we are hoping to get as many people out to play as possible.
Ladies Section Captain Linda Bawden, Vice Captain Beryl Wingrove
Secretary Jean Hudson
February has been another quiet month on the course for the ladies, with more coffee being drunk than holes of golf played!
Although the course was open for 3 out of the 4 Tuesdays of the month, no competitions were played. A few ladies did venture out for a few holes but there is unfortunately nothing to report on the competitive golfing front.
Due to the on going poor conditions a decision has been made to cancel this years Winter Knockout Competition and also the Winter Eclectic. With the course being shut more than it’s open it has proved impossible for the ladies to arrange knockout matches or play enough competitions to warrant an eclectic.
Social golf has restarted on Thursday afternoons so if you are free for 9 holes just turn up and play, or speak to Mary Calthrop for more details.
On Saturday 5th April the ladies section are holding their Spring Coffee Morning at the Club. Please come down if you’re free. There will be the usual raffle, tombola, bottle stall, cake stall, darts competition, etc so a good way to spend a couple of hours and a couple of pounds. Look forward to seeing you all there!
The list is now up in the foyer for the Mixed Invitation on Sunday 6th April. We have had to cancel this event the last two years so we are very keen to get it back up and running this year. We need 24 pairs (12 fours) to make this event viable. The cost is £30 per couple which includes the green fee for your guest, 2 course dinner, tea or coffee, mints and prizes. Playing for a beautiful trophy-get your name down now!
There is currently a raffle on at the Club for a brand new, top of the range Motocaddy powered trolley complete with golf bag. All proceeds go the Captain’s charity. It’s no ordinary raffle-see any of our Captains for more details. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Men’s Section Captain Andy Sargeant, Vice Captain Ted Henderson
Golf Report for Sunday mornings – Feb 14
Following a dearth of Sunday morning golf since the start of 2014, recent conditions proved just good enough for eventual completion of the Wood Trophy. Cancellations over the past two months have led to only one of the expected three rounds being played and many of those competing struggled with their form after the enforced layoff. However one exception was Tony Taunton and he enjoyed a superb morning’s golf to finish easy winner with 42 points. Despite two double bogies, Tony scored consistently on the remaining holes and ended well clear of the rest of the field. His playing partner Rob Wraight finished in second place on 38 points and would have done better but for failing to score on two holes. Robin George was in a strong position after he carded a front nine total of 21 points, but he dropped too many shots over the closing holes and ended with just 37 points at the close to take third place.
Midweekers Section Captain Ray Thomas, Vice Captain Bob Ireland
Secretary Peter Fox
What should have been a happy occasion with the course just opening that morning after about two weeks of bad weather turned out to be a very sad day indeed. When most of us were back in the clubhouse after finishing our round, the news filtered in that someone had collapsed on the course. When we heard the final outcome and it was Brian we were all in a state of shock and disbelief. Don had been laughing and joking with Brian only moments before. I for one will miss him enormously, being a fellow musician in the club, I loved his enthusiasm for his music and above all his ukulele playing. I played guitar alongside him at several venues at the club and hoped to do a lot more. A very sad loss for the club and all who knew him.
As for the competition The L.Fessey Cup that I feel uneasy about reporting but the results were sorted before we heard the news. The Captains Challenge went according to plan. Our opponents were Tony Lavender and Roy Lee. We stood all square on the 18th tee. Then Tony decides to put his drive five foot from the pin, and the rest as they say is history. In 3rd place with 34 pts was Ray Thomas, 2nd place with 37pts Glen Snook, and the winner on 38pts Colin Holton. Birdy on the 18th went to who else Tony Lavender
Friday 28th Feb saw a very diminished field start the Stuart Ashworth Snowdrop Cup in the pouring rain (but we’re real men) After a short while the weather turned out fine and an enjoyable morning was had by all. The news the World has been waiting for with baited breath was that we won the Captains Challenge against a very good pairing of Peter Shearing and Dave Hodson. When we shook hands after the match I’m sure I saw tears in Peters eyes, but he’ll have to get over it. In 3rd place with 25pts was Eynon Price. 2nd with 31pts was Bob Ireland and the winner on countback that man again Tony Lavender. Not very high scores but we played mainly on temporary greens.
Ray Thomas
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
I’m sorry to report that The Ridge has dropped out of the league due to the departure of many of their players because of the condition of the course and management. We hope they may be able to return in the future.
2014 Fixture List
Etchinghill home Friday 4th April 0900 hrs
Canterbury away Monday 28th April 1230 hrs
(Dress Note Jacket and Tie for dinner)
Canterbury home Friday 9th May 0900 hrs
Chestfield away Friday 23rd May 0830 hrs
Tudor Park home Monday 2nd June 0900 hrs
Broome Park away Tuesday 24th June 0830 hrs
(Now subject to change as it conflicts with Ladies Jamboree)
Broome Park home Friday 11th July 0900 hrs
Chestfield home Friday 18th July 0900 hrs
Tudor Park away Tuesday 22nd July 0830 hrs
Etchinghill away Friday 8th August 0830 hrs
This list will be posted in the Clubhouse so please indicate your availability to play to avoid disappointment!
Super Seventies Organiser and Captain Alec Parrett
There has been a positive development in the proposed first competition in Kent for the more mature golfer. It is to be held at Broome Park, as first revealed in an earlier edition of Tidings. The competition will be an 18-hole Stableford to be held on Tuesday August 19 that will be for teams of four, including one Broome Park member, the best three scores on each hole to count.
Entry fee will be £30 per player to include a rolling buffet. Broome Park has followed the Super Seniors ethos in attempting to keep costs to a minimum, so players will have to pay for any drinks etc. with the buffet, although coffee is included.
Dress code will be very relaxed, with tee-off from noon onwards and the competition will involve a two-tee start. With luck the noon starters should be in the house by around 4.30 pm.
The Super Seniors competition is open to all males over the age of 70 with handicaps of 24 or under. Higher handicappers can enter but must play of 24. There will be prizes for the first three winnings teams with, as always, individual prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive.
Closing date for entries is June 30 with no refunds given for withdrawals after July 18.
At Whitstable Tuesdays is normally a good day for away involvements with no clashes in our diary for this year. Broome Park is to be applauded for championing the concept of golf for the more mature player and fully deserve some healthy response.
If your pocket is deep enough and you have two other like-minded mates from Collingwood Road who are just as keen, get your names down and wave the flag for Whitstable and Seasalter.
Forms are up soon in the changing room and it is good to see a fixture such as this figuring in the Senior’s diary.
Just a reminder that on the home front Alec is anxious that we put out our strongest teams this year and try to get off the bottom of League C. He has compiled a hit list of 30 players who meet the requirements of over 70 or thereabouts, 20 of whom have played in Seniors matches for him over the past couple of years. The other 10 or so will be hunted down to help fill the ranks because this season he needs 12 for each match, two more than last year when in some matches he struggled and had to press gang some youngsters to play with a limp!
Your club really needs YOU this year. For a fiver a game and no dressing up with a pie and a pint, it is golf like it used to be. Don’t miss out.
Mark Tuesday April 28 in your club diary, as it is the first game of the season for the Supers. Against Chestfield, noon for a 1pm tee-off, it should be close and one to be in. We need ten names so watch for the play sheet up soon.
Fundraising 100 Club
This fundraising venture costs £1 per month, with monthly prizes of £30, £20 and £15. There is a bonus double draw at Christmas each year. There are plenty of spare numbers so get buying!
Winners
1st £30.00 Bill Dance
2nd £20.00 Tony Henley
3rd £10.00 Penny Perkins
What’s on for the next two months?
March
Saturday 1st 1300hrs Juniors MedaL
Sunday 2nd am March Hare Trophy Stableford
Tuesday 4th am Ladies Competition
Sunday 9th am Captains swindle
Tuesday 11th am Ladies Competition
Thursday 13th Old Salts Annual Dinner
Sunday 16th am Monthly Medal
Tuesday 18th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 19th am Midweekers Ernie West Winners Trophy
Thursday 20th 1200hrs Ladies v Westgate (away)
Sunday 23rd am Captains swindle
Monday 24th Old Salts v North Foreland (away)
Tuesday 25th am Ladies 5 club Stableford
Wednesday 26th am Midweekers Peter Glenn March Shield Stableford
Wednesday 26th pm Midweekers annual lunch/AGM
Thursday 27th 1100hrs Ladies v North Foreland (away)
Friday 28th am Midweekers John Bills Trophy Stableford
Saturday 29th 1300hrs Club v Westgate (away)
Sunday 30th am 4 ball betterball Stableford drawn
April
Tuesday 1st am Ladies Competition
Thursday 3rd am Old Salts Ken Vickers Trophy Medal
Friday 4th 0900hrs Kent Vets v Etchinghill (home)
Saturday 5th am Ladies Spring Coffee Morning
Saturday 5th 1300hrs Juniors Medal
Sunday 6th am Monthly Medal
Sunday 6th pm Mixed Invitation
Monday 7th am Old Salts v Walmer and Kingsdown (away)
Tuesday 8th am Ladies Medal
Tuesday 8th 1300hrs Super Seventies v Chestfield (away)
Wednesday 9th am Midweekers P West Easter Cup Medal
Thursday 10th am Old Salts v Chestfield (away)
Sunday 13th am Ex Captains Skinner Trophy Stableford
Monday 14th am Old Salts v Sheerness (home)
Tuesday 15th am Ladies Spring Greensomes
Wednesday 16th 1100hrs Ladies v St Augustines (away)
Sunday 20th am Club v Old Salts Invicta Trophy
Monday 21st 1230hrs Mixed Greensomes
Tuesday 22nd am Ladies Cancer Spoon Stableford
Friday 25th am Midweekers Kenny Bills April Cup Stableford
Friday 25th 1230hrs Ladies v Sheerness (home)
Saturday 26th am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 26th 1300hrs Juniors Allard Cup Medal (under 12 Y.O.A)
Saturday 26th 1300hrs Juniors Comer Cup Scratch Medal
Sunday 27th am Club v Sheerness (home)
Tuesday 29th am Ladies Competition
Ebb and Flow (letters section)
The Editor would appreciate your comments or suggestions of ways to improve the club, magazine, web site, social activities, or anything else that comes to mind! Get writing – it’s your club say what you want!
If you have any specific questions about the course please direct them to the Course Director Malcolm Kent or use the suggestion book.
I know there are people reading this publication as all the copies printed disappear, doesn’t anyone have something to say?
Flotsam and Jetsam
Competition
The winner of last month’s competition was Geoffrey Hughes who actually found 3 more trees than I put in so congrats to him.
They were:-
Acer, Apple, Ash, Aspen, Birch, Cherry, Hazel, May, Pear, Whitebeam and Willow.
This month’s comp is to find the answer to the following question.
The well known quote below is encoded with a simple exchange system where each letter is replaced by another letter or number but beware the number value increases by one each time the letter it is replacing is used. Good luck, a £20 bar voucher awaits the first person to tell Steve the answer!
D STTE D1B X6R 4T2CA DPC RTT3 LDPNCB
Poetry Corner
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history,
Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
The Lanes
Street cafes, cream teas and buns,
Inns and Pubs, Kings Head, Three Tuns,
Antique dressers, chairs and tables,
First editions Aesop’s Fables,
Bric-a-brac and curios,
Potters plate lined studios.
Shoe shops, leather soles and uppers,
Theatre trips and late night suppers.
Bottle glass and velvet slippers,
Pale pork chops and smoky kippers.
Dusty books, once loved drawings,
Shaded under stripy awnings.
Sparkling wines and vintage port
Stilton Brie and Roquefort.
Baby clothes that draw a sigh,
Symbols of an age gone bye.
Cigarettes, pipes and cigars,
Gobstoppers, liquorice, sweets in jars,
Sparkling eye of Dover sole,
Looks out at Barber’s red striped pole.
Newspapers shout the headlines bold,
Ice creams, lollies oh so cold,
Feather dusters – cobwebs beware,
Footsteps creaking on the stair.
Flagstones paving narrow alleys
Peg tiled roofs with leaded valleys
Ceilings crossed with oaken beams
Rafters holding faded dreams.
Regency terraces lined with trees
Lazy walks in a cooling breeze
Children’s laughter heard in play,
Reminders of another day.
They’ve been there for hundreds of years
In country towns and seaside places
Cobbled walkways, winding shyly, steers
One down half-timbered spaces.
Magic journeys into the past, cheers
Your heart with memories traces.
Beachcomber
The bounty hunter rode into town and asked the sheriff which wanted men were still at large. The sheriff looked through his list, discounting all those capture or dead he eventually came up with one. The Brown Paper Kid was still wanted and there was a 10-dollar reward for his capture. The bounty hunter asked why he was called the Brown Paper Kid and the sheriff explained the Kid had a paper fetish, dressing completely in brown paper, shirt, trousers, coat, brown paper saddle, hat, boots, etc. The bounty hunter asked what he was wanted for, the sheriff said “rustling”
Castaways
If you have any unwanted clubs or equipment sell them through this Publication or the Web Site and donate 10% to the Captains Charity! Send the details to my e-mail robert.ireland@gmail.com , by post or place the details on the notice board marked for my attention.
Callaway Big Bertha Heaven Wood 1H
14 degree loft with Big Bertha Uniflex steel shaft.
Good condition with Benross head over.
£ 30
Peter Steigmann
Tel. 01227 262278
e-mail. steigmann@btinternet.com
Ladies Clubs
Cobra Ladies offset driver, 3 wood and 5 wood, £60 the lot
Contact Ernie or Di West 01227 266581
Some from Eric Bean
Woods:-
Loco 10 degree £10.00
Ocean 10.5 degree £10.00
Hippo plus 10 degree £10.00
wood Wilson 25 degree £10.00
Offset £10.00
Hybrid Onyx 18 degree £10.00
Full set of clubs and bag £50.00
Lob Wedge Condor 60 degree £ 5.00
3 assorted putters £ 3.00 each
Hill Billy electric trolley battery and charger £50.00
Eric Bean 01227 740190
Please let me know when these items have gone and I will delete them.
WHITSTABLE TIDINGS
The monthly journal of Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club
Collingwood Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EB Tel 01227 272020
e-mail secretary@whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Web site www.whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Issue no.4 Volume 3 1St March 2014
Editor Bob Ireland, 01227 638425, 07802874914,robert.ireland@gmail.com
News
Brian MacNally
It is with great sadness that we heard the news of the death of Brian on the course, Wednesday 19th February. He was a lovely person and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I am sure that Gabby will find some solace in the knowledge that the club held him in high esteem. He was instrumental along with Holly Butler, in the club obtaining the defibrillator, which was purchased with the intent of helping the recovery of heart attack victims and it seems ironic that the first person it was needed for was Brian himself.
Our thoughts are with Gabby and her family.
Captain’s Address
Quiz night was a great success with 97 egg heads battling it out, plenty of banter flying around and maybe a couple of Mobil phones switched on?
Winners – table six they had that “condor” moment well done to them.
A big thanks to Dave and Debbie for giving us a great night.
Club Charity Raffle
Win a top of the range Motocaddy M1 pro with 7 speeds, lithium battery plus bag worth £650 great prize,
To enter Just pick a raffle ticket from 1 to 500 and pay and you pay that in pence i.e. Raffle number 123 You pay £1.23 . Lucky dip box see Steve behind the bar.
Draw will take place once all tickets are sold. Good luck everyone.
Race to Dubai
Good luck to Ronnie Rumble who is in the semi finals of this competition
See you on Sky sports Ronnie.
MEMBERSHIP
Like most Golf Clubs we are always looking for new Members to replace those who move away or just get too old to play. Our average age is higher than most clubs, which has its effect on our membership.
We will therefore be advertising again this year from March onwards and our new Membership Director Richard Gremo is currently considering our advertising campaign with our President Michael Behr. If anyone has any ideas please contact either of them – they will be pleased to hear from you.
We will also be offering a £50 Incentive to existing Members who introduce new Full Playing Members to the Club. Full details will be available soon – the incentive will be by way of a discount from the next year’s subscription. There will be no limit to the number of incentives, which can be earned in any year. So introduce 10 Members for a free year!
Greens Committee Report
Present; Malcolm Kent, John Rosser, Steve Suttle. Seth Divine
(Copy to Captain)
Apologies; Brian Best
Matters arising;
As you will appreciate much of the discussion centred on the terrible weather we have suffered for the last 2 months. There are some very wet areas on the course but the greens are holding up remarkably well. Despite the weather most of the fairways and some of the rough have been cut. It is hoped that the white tee’s will be out for the 16th March medal, if not before. You will notice they are freshly painted, as is everything that could be taken into the green keepers shed!!
The new out of bounds area to the left of the 5th fairway will come into play shortly.
The borehole work has been delayed because of the wet weather with the contractor being about 6 weeks behind his schedule. Again because of the conditions the new bunker on the 6th has been rescheduled to take place in October time to allow any turf used to properly establish. This will avoid constant watering during the HOT summer we are expecting.
The improvement of the land to the left of the 8th fairway ditch will continue despite building materials being placed there. This is an ongoing situation. All residents have been written to regarding dumping of garden refuse etc. on the course.
A.O.B.
The Agronomist is due to visit on the 11th March and we await her report/suggestions with interest.
Next meeting to be arranged April time unless needed before.
Forthcoming Events
March 22nd
Race Night, The White City comes to Whitstable in the form of Greyhound racing!
The notice is now up on the Social Events Board so get your names down. Fish and chips will be provided at a nominal cost please order your preference when entering your name.
St George’s Day
There will be a golf competition on April 23rd. the exact details will be published before the event, so keep your eyes open for further details!
The evening will comprise, good English grub, patriotic songs and poems, maybe a short quiz and some silliness I expect!
The final date is to be decided but keep a spot in your diary around that time to indulge in the wonder that is England (Scots, Welsh, Irish or any other ethnic group are also welcome to marvel at that which has made us what we are!)
Future Secretary
We are looking for a secretary to take over when Brian Best retires, so all those who know how to run the club (and there are plenty of those!) are welcome to put their names forward. I should point out that this is not an immediate position change, it’s just that Brian will want to retire his position at some time in the future and a new secretary will be needed to take over then.
Website
I am looking for some good photographs of the Club and course, which I can include on the Web site. If anyone has any or would like to go around with me before the weather gets too bad and get some please get in touch.
The Old Salts Captain George Bawden Vice Captain and
Secretary Ian Wingrove
Press and publicity Alec Parrett
That unmentionable four-letter word was still with us throughout February, and ruined many a planned golfing experience, but the rain didn’t warp everything at Collinwood Road for the Old Salts.
Doughty Captain George Bawden, fresh from a re-grip of his clubs, wielded them in some style as he and Vice Ian Wingrove sloshed to a nine-hole draw in the Captain’s Challenge over Tony Bensted and John Dowle, fresh from his Hawaiian holiday. George settled for a few days in Lanzarotte and weekly visits to the gym in Whitstable to get into trim for his busy season and to help see off the challenge of such a strong combination. Ian, ready to sport some recently bought new golf shoes, wisely kept them at home and suffered the creeping dampness around his soles wearing his old pair.
Only three men endured 18 holes and are to be applauded, if not pitied. The slashing rain held up the two dozen or so eager Salts who turned up to play, although only around 15 hardies went out to brave the elements that turned in their favour later on.
This was the only event of note during the wettest February on record, here or anywhere in the British Isles. But lots of action is to be seen in the Clubhouse for the Captain’s raffle of a superb £600 electric trolley and bag with just about every gizmo known to man. The unique draw is governed by the number on the raffle ticket that determines the price to be paid. If someone draws ticket number three, its 3p. If one picks a ticket the end of the book, such as 200, it’s £2 to buy the ticket. To date the cost of the prize has been recovered, due to great response from all sections of the club with the Salts furnishing close on £100 and Club Captain Andy Sargeant is to be applauded for furnishing the prize. Other such draws are planned and all receipts go to the On Course Foundation for Disabled Servicemen, which is the chosen golfing charity this year.
On the social front, the Salts Dinner is nearly upon us once more, with 82 ready to sit down on Thursday March 13 at 8pm. Club trophies for last season will be presented at the dinner. Cost is £15, payable on the evening. Lounge suits or jacket and tie is the obligatory dress code.
The sit-down time has been moved back because of the planned wake after the funeral on that day of Brian McNally, whose untimely death occurred when he collapsed on the course recently. He was a keen and very popular member of the Club, whose ukulele playing entertained the Midweekers at many a function. He was due to entertain the Salts at the dinner as a member of the Ukaholics Anonymous who plan a few rousing Irish songs as a tribute to Brian on the night. Our condolences go to his wife Gabby and his family. He will be sadly missed.
Junior Section Captain Jack Tucker, Vice Captain
Regarding the Junior section, as with everything else presumably, there is not much to report.
There was a competition on Sat 8th Feb but it was cancelled because it was too wet-think the course was probably shut as well.
The March competition was supposed to be on Saturday (1st March) – again cancelled because the course was shut!!
The next competition is on Saturday 5th April-surely by then better weather will be with us?
Please note that it is Junior Captain’s Day on Saturday 3rd May.
The day is open to all sections of the Club, please support the Juniors- they are the future of the club and we are hoping to get as many people out to play as possible.
Ladies Section Captain Linda Bawden, Vice Captain Beryl Wingrove
Secretary Jean Hudson
February has been another quiet month on the course for the ladies, with more coffee being drunk than holes of golf played!
Although the course was open for 3 out of the 4 Tuesdays of the month, no competitions were played. A few ladies did venture out for a few holes but there is unfortunately nothing to report on the competitive golfing front.
Due to the on going poor conditions a decision has been made to cancel this years Winter Knockout Competition and also the Winter Eclectic. With the course being shut more than it’s open it has proved impossible for the ladies to arrange knockout matches or play enough competitions to warrant an eclectic.
Social golf has restarted on Thursday afternoons so if you are free for 9 holes just turn up and play, or speak to Mary Calthrop for more details.
On Saturday 5th April the ladies section are holding their Spring Coffee Morning at the Club. Please come down if you’re free. There will be the usual raffle, tombola, bottle stall, cake stall, darts competition, etc so a good way to spend a couple of hours and a couple of pounds. Look forward to seeing you all there!
The list is now up in the foyer for the Mixed Invitation on Sunday 6th April. We have had to cancel this event the last two years so we are very keen to get it back up and running this year. We need 24 pairs (12 fours) to make this event viable. The cost is £30 per couple which includes the green fee for your guest, 2 course dinner, tea or coffee, mints and prizes. Playing for a beautiful trophy-get your name down now!
There is currently a raffle on at the Club for a brand new, top of the range Motocaddy powered trolley complete with golf bag. All proceeds go the Captain’s charity. It’s no ordinary raffle-see any of our Captains for more details. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Men’s Section Captain Andy Sargeant, Vice Captain Ted Henderson
Golf Report for Sunday mornings – Feb 14
Following a dearth of Sunday morning golf since the start of 2014, recent conditions proved just good enough for eventual completion of the Wood Trophy. Cancellations over the past two months have led to only one of the expected three rounds being played and many of those competing struggled with their form after the enforced layoff. However one exception was Tony Taunton and he enjoyed a superb morning’s golf to finish easy winner with 42 points. Despite two double bogies, Tony scored consistently on the remaining holes and ended well clear of the rest of the field. His playing partner Rob Wraight finished in second place on 38 points and would have done better but for failing to score on two holes. Robin George was in a strong position after he carded a front nine total of 21 points, but he dropped too many shots over the closing holes and ended with just 37 points at the close to take third place.
Midweekers Section Captain Ray Thomas, Vice Captain Bob Ireland
Secretary Peter Fox
What should have been a happy occasion with the course just opening that morning after about two weeks of bad weather turned out to be a very sad day indeed. When most of us were back in the clubhouse after finishing our round, the news filtered in that someone had collapsed on the course. When we heard the final outcome and it was Brian we were all in a state of shock and disbelief. Don had been laughing and joking with Brian only moments before. I for one will miss him enormously, being a fellow musician in the club, I loved his enthusiasm for his music and above all his ukulele playing. I played guitar alongside him at several venues at the club and hoped to do a lot more. A very sad loss for the club and all who knew him.
As for the competition The L.Fessey Cup that I feel uneasy about reporting but the results were sorted before we heard the news. The Captains Challenge went according to plan. Our opponents were Tony Lavender and Roy Lee. We stood all square on the 18th tee. Then Tony decides to put his drive five foot from the pin, and the rest as they say is history. In 3rd place with 34 pts was Ray Thomas, 2nd place with 37pts Glen Snook, and the winner on 38pts Colin Holton. Birdy on the 18th went to who else Tony Lavender
Friday 28th Feb saw a very diminished field start the Stuart Ashworth Snowdrop Cup in the pouring rain (but we’re real men) After a short while the weather turned out fine and an enjoyable morning was had by all. The news the World has been waiting for with baited breath was that we won the Captains Challenge against a very good pairing of Peter Shearing and Dave Hodson. When we shook hands after the match I’m sure I saw tears in Peters eyes, but he’ll have to get over it. In 3rd place with 25pts was Eynon Price. 2nd with 31pts was Bob Ireland and the winner on countback that man again Tony Lavender. Not very high scores but we played mainly on temporary greens.
Ray Thomas
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
I’m sorry to report that The Ridge has dropped out of the league due to the departure of many of their players because of the condition of the course and management. We hope they may be able to return in the future.
2014 Fixture List
Etchinghill home Friday 4th April 0900 hrs
Canterbury away Monday 28th April 1230 hrs
(Dress Note Jacket and Tie for dinner)
Canterbury home Friday 9th May 0900 hrs
Chestfield away Friday 23rd May 0830 hrs
Tudor Park home Monday 2nd June 0900 hrs
Broome Park away Tuesday 24th June 0830 hrs
(Now subject to change as it conflicts with Ladies Jamboree)
Broome Park home Friday 11th July 0900 hrs
Chestfield home Friday 18th July 0900 hrs
Tudor Park away Tuesday 22nd July 0830 hrs
Etchinghill away Friday 8th August 0830 hrs
This list will be posted in the Clubhouse so please indicate your availability to play to avoid disappointment!
Super Seventies Organiser and Captain Alec Parrett
There has been a positive development in the proposed first competition in Kent for the more mature golfer. It is to be held at Broome Park, as first revealed in an earlier edition of Tidings. The competition will be an 18-hole Stableford to be held on Tuesday August 19 that will be for teams of four, including one Broome Park member, the best three scores on each hole to count.
Entry fee will be £30 per player to include a rolling buffet. Broome Park has followed the Super Seniors ethos in attempting to keep costs to a minimum, so players will have to pay for any drinks etc. with the buffet, although coffee is included.
Dress code will be very relaxed, with tee-off from noon onwards and the competition will involve a two-tee start. With luck the noon starters should be in the house by around 4.30 pm.
The Super Seniors competition is open to all males over the age of 70 with handicaps of 24 or under. Higher handicappers can enter but must play of 24. There will be prizes for the first three winnings teams with, as always, individual prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive.
Closing date for entries is June 30 with no refunds given for withdrawals after July 18.
At Whitstable Tuesdays is normally a good day for away involvements with no clashes in our diary for this year. Broome Park is to be applauded for championing the concept of golf for the more mature player and fully deserve some healthy response.
If your pocket is deep enough and you have two other like-minded mates from Collingwood Road who are just as keen, get your names down and wave the flag for Whitstable and Seasalter.
Forms are up soon in the changing room and it is good to see a fixture such as this figuring in the Senior’s diary.
Just a reminder that on the home front Alec is anxious that we put out our strongest teams this year and try to get off the bottom of League C. He has compiled a hit list of 30 players who meet the requirements of over 70 or thereabouts, 20 of whom have played in Seniors matches for him over the past couple of years. The other 10 or so will be hunted down to help fill the ranks because this season he needs 12 for each match, two more than last year when in some matches he struggled and had to press gang some youngsters to play with a limp!
Your club really needs YOU this year. For a fiver a game and no dressing up with a pie and a pint, it is golf like it used to be. Don’t miss out.
Mark Tuesday April 28 in your club diary, as it is the first game of the season for the Supers. Against Chestfield, noon for a 1pm tee-off, it should be close and one to be in. We need ten names so watch for the play sheet up soon.
Fundraising 100 Club
This fundraising venture costs £1 per month, with monthly prizes of £30, £20 and £15. There is a bonus double draw at Christmas each year. There are plenty of spare numbers so get buying!
Winners
1st £30.00 Bill Dance
2nd £20.00 Tony Henley
3rd £10.00 Penny Perkins
What’s on for the next two months?
March
Saturday 1st 1300hrs Juniors MedaL
Sunday 2nd am March Hare Trophy Stableford
Tuesday 4th am Ladies Competition
Sunday 9th am Captains swindle
Tuesday 11th am Ladies Competition
Thursday 13th Old Salts Annual Dinner
Sunday 16th am Monthly Medal
Tuesday 18th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 19th am Midweekers Ernie West Winners Trophy
Thursday 20th 1200hrs Ladies v Westgate (away)
Sunday 23rd am Captains swindle
Monday 24th Old Salts v North Foreland (away)
Tuesday 25th am Ladies 5 club Stableford
Wednesday 26th am Midweekers Peter Glenn March Shield Stableford
Wednesday 26th pm Midweekers annual lunch/AGM
Thursday 27th 1100hrs Ladies v North Foreland (away)
Friday 28th am Midweekers John Bills Trophy Stableford
Saturday 29th 1300hrs Club v Westgate (away)
Sunday 30th am 4 ball betterball Stableford drawn
April
Tuesday 1st am Ladies Competition
Thursday 3rd am Old Salts Ken Vickers Trophy Medal
Friday 4th 0900hrs Kent Vets v Etchinghill (home)
Saturday 5th am Ladies Spring Coffee Morning
Saturday 5th 1300hrs Juniors Medal
Sunday 6th am Monthly Medal
Sunday 6th pm Mixed Invitation
Monday 7th am Old Salts v Walmer and Kingsdown (away)
Tuesday 8th am Ladies Medal
Tuesday 8th 1300hrs Super Seventies v Chestfield (away)
Wednesday 9th am Midweekers P West Easter Cup Medal
Thursday 10th am Old Salts v Chestfield (away)
Sunday 13th am Ex Captains Skinner Trophy Stableford
Monday 14th am Old Salts v Sheerness (home)
Tuesday 15th am Ladies Spring Greensomes
Wednesday 16th 1100hrs Ladies v St Augustines (away)
Sunday 20th am Club v Old Salts Invicta Trophy
Monday 21st 1230hrs Mixed Greensomes
Tuesday 22nd am Ladies Cancer Spoon Stableford
Friday 25th am Midweekers Kenny Bills April Cup Stableford
Friday 25th 1230hrs Ladies v Sheerness (home)
Saturday 26th am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 26th 1300hrs Juniors Allard Cup Medal (under 12 Y.O.A)
Saturday 26th 1300hrs Juniors Comer Cup Scratch Medal
Sunday 27th am Club v Sheerness (home)
Tuesday 29th am Ladies Competition
Ebb and Flow (letters section)
The Editor would appreciate your comments or suggestions of ways to improve the club, magazine, web site, social activities, or anything else that comes to mind! Get writing – it’s your club say what you want!
If you have any specific questions about the course please direct them to the Course Director Malcolm Kent or use the suggestion book.
I know there are people reading this publication as all the copies printed disappear, doesn’t anyone have something to say?
Flotsam and Jetsam
Competition
The winner of last month’s competition was Geoffrey Hughes who actually found 3 more trees than I put in so congrats to him.
They were:-
Acer, Apple, Ash, Aspen, Birch, Cherry, Hazel, May, Pear, Whitebeam and Willow.
This month’s comp is to find the answer to the following question.
The well known quote below is encoded with a simple exchange system where each letter is replaced by another letter or number but beware the number value increases by one each time the letter it is replacing is used. Good luck, a £20 bar voucher awaits the first person to tell Steve the answer!
D STTE D1B X6R 4T2CA DPC RTT3 LDPNCB
Sodoku
Answer to last month’s Sodoku
5 9 4 1 3 2 7 6 8
1 6 2 4 8 7 9 5 3
8 3 7 9 6 5 4 1 2
4 7 6 8 9 3 1 2 5
3 1 9 5 2 6 8 4 7
2 8 5 7 4 1 3 9 6
7 4 1 6 5 8 2 3 9
6 2 8 3 1 9 5 7 4
9 5 3 2 7 4 6 8 1
9 2 1 3
5 3 1
6
6 7 5
7 4 9
4 8 3
6
5 2 1
9 4 3 2
Poetry Corner
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history,
Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
The Lanes
Street cafes, cream teas and buns,
Inns and Pubs, Kings Head, Three Tuns,
Antique dressers, chairs and tables,
First editions Aesop’s Fables,
Bric-a-brac and curios,
Potters plate lined studios.
Shoe shops, leather soles and uppers,
Theatre trips and late night suppers.
Bottle glass and velvet slippers,
Pale pork chops and smoky kippers.
Dusty books, once loved drawings,
Shaded under stripy awnings.
Sparkling wines and vintage port
Stilton Brie and Roquefort.
Baby clothes that draw a sigh,
Symbols of an age gone bye.
Cigarettes, pipes and cigars,
Gobstoppers, liquorice, sweets in jars,
Sparkling eye of Dover sole,
Looks out at Barber’s red striped pole.
Newspapers shout the headlines bold,
Ice creams, lollies oh so cold,
Feather dusters – cobwebs beware,
Footsteps creaking on the stair.
Flagstones paving narrow alleys
Peg tiled roofs with leaded valleys
Ceilings crossed with oaken beams
Rafters holding faded dreams.
Regency terraces lined with trees
Lazy walks in a cooling breeze
Children’s laughter heard in play,
Reminders of another day.
They’ve been there for hundreds of years
In country towns and seaside places
Cobbled walkways, winding shyly, steers
One down half-timbered spaces.
Magic journeys into the past, cheers
Your heart with memories traces.
Beachcomber
The bounty hunter rode into town and asked the sheriff which wanted men were still at large. The sheriff looked through his list, discounting all those capture or dead he eventually came up with one. The Brown Paper Kid was still wanted and there was a 10-dollar reward for his capture. The bounty hunter asked why he was called the Brown Paper Kid and the sheriff explained the Kid had a paper fetish, dressing completely in brown paper, shirt, trousers, coat, brown paper saddle, hat, boots, etc. The bounty hunter asked what he was wanted for, the sheriff said “rustling”
Castaways
If you have any unwanted clubs or equipment sell them through this Publication or the Web Site and donate 10% to the Captains Charity! Send the details to my e-mail robert.ireland@gmail.com , by post or place the details on the notice board marked for my attention.
Callaway Big Bertha Heaven Wood 1H
14 degree loft with Big Bertha Uniflex steel shaft.
Good condition with Benross head over.
£ 30
Peter Steigmann
Tel. 01227 262278
e-mail. steigmann@btinternet.com
Ladies Clubs
Cobra Ladies offset driver, 3 wood and 5 wood, £60 the lot
Contact Ernie or Di West 01227 266581
Some from Eric Bean
Woods:-
Loco 10 degree £10.00
Ocean 10.5 degree £10.00
Hippo plus 10 degree £10.00
wood Wilson 25 degree £10.00
Offset £10.00
Hybrid Onyx 18 degree £10.00
Full set of clubs and bag £50.00
Lob Wedge Condor 60 degree £ 5.00
3 assorted putters £ 3.00 each
Hill Billy electric trolley battery and charger £50.00
Eric Bean 01227 740190
Please let me know when these items have gone and I will delete them.