WHITSTABLE TIDINGS
The monthly journal of Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club
Collingwood Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EB Tel 01227 272020
e-mail wandsgolfclub@talktalkbusiness.net
Web site www.whitstable-golfclub.co.uk
Volume6 Issue no.3 1st June 2013
Editor Bob Ireland, 01227 638425, 07802874914,robert.ireland@gmail.com
Stop Press
Will all members note that Mondays through the summer the 1st 2nd, 10th and 11th tees are reserved for the juniors and their mentors between 1730hrs and 1900hrs.
From The Office
COURSE DRAINAGE
In May we had a further encouraging visit from the Canterbury City Council Engineer responsible for land drainage and ditches in this area. The previous visit was over five years ago.
His responsibility is limited to the condition of the ditches and the water flow through them, up to the point of discharge into the sea. It does not include the general drainage of the course, which is purely the responsibility of the club.
As most members will be aware, it was on the Council’s recommendation that the plant life surrounding and in the ditches was allowed to grow unchecked. A previous attempt to clear the ditches had resulted in a bank collapse
Briefly the results of the survey were as follows:-
* The water flow in all the ditches and underground pipes is excellent, even at times of high rainfall
• The exception was in May 2012 when the council had closed all final sea valves in the area, in an attempt to conserve water.
• There was no build up of water level immediately before the underground pipe sections and the entrances had been kept clear.
• Where the spring enters the course next to the 10th tee there was a build up of silt which required clearance
• The purpose and use of the Penstock valve near the 8th green is fully understood by the Green Staff.
• The plant life around the ditches should be encouraged and only trimmed or pruned when necessary.
If any member would like to discuss any aspect of the report in greater detail please let me know.
B R Best
Secretary May 2013
AGM Minutes
Any member wishing to read the minutes of the last AGM or for that matter any previous AGM minutes may get a copy from the Secretary.
Forthcoming Events for your Diary
Golf Week Saturday 8th June to Friday 14th June
The week commences with a medal round all day followed by a barbecue in the evening with entertainment chicken, steak and sausages will be available with all the usual salad trimmings!
Saturday Medal tee times 0830-1006, 1230-1326, 1600-1736.
Sunday Joint Stableford tee times 1230-1326, 1600-1736.
Monday’s tee times 0830-1006, 1230-1326, 1600-1736
Tuesday Stableford tee times 0830-1006, 1230-1326, 1600-1736
Wednesday 5 Club Stableford tee times 0830-1006, 1230-1326, 1600-1726.
Thursday Bogey tee times 0830-1006, 1230-1326, 1600-1726.
Friday Pink Ball Stableford tee times 0830-1006, 1230-1326, 1600-1726.
With prize giving in the evening and the announcement of Golfer of the Week (unless a tie in which case the winner will be decided by an 18 hole play off on Saturday.
Website
The website has been revamped and there are still some small problems to sort out. If you are having trouble accessing the members page e-mail Bob Ireland at robert.ireland@gmail.com and all will be resolved! Your comments on the website would be appreciated any improvements you can suggest will be considered. I am currently awaiting new photographs of the course and clubhouse for inclusion in the website so please be patient, it will rise to a thing of beauty before too long!
Recent Events
Those who made the effort enjoyed games night held on The 11th May. Some of the games provided obviously were not as popular and will be dropped in future events. Backgammon being the main culprit!
Perhaps some suggestions for other games will be forthcoming from the membership?
Greens and Course News
Anyone who has questions about the course or greens should now direct them to the new course director Malcolm Kent, who will answer them through the greens committee.
The answers will be published in the Tidings.
Away Days
Kent County Cricket
I have access to some Stakeholder days at the St Lawrence county ground. The day comprises tea and coffee on arrival, two-course lunch, afternoon tea, coffee and biscuits plus entry to the ground for only £35.00.
Dress code is formal so jacket and tie for men.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of this fab offer should contact Bob Ireland on 07802 874914, 01227 638425 or leave a message on the club notice board.
The Old Salts Captain Colin Chapman, Vice Captain George Bawden
Secretary Alec Parrett
Some 32 Old Salts put their best foot forward to compete in the Norman Trophy, played in better conditions at the beginning of the month. Despite some computer glitches that were more man-made than software, ever-improving Gwyn Oakley came home the winner with a fine nett score of 63, and suffered a cut to 22 for his efforts.
He beat the evergreen Robbie Fudge 66, who carded a gross 79, who topped the Players Section after countback to edge out Colin Satchell who had a gross 80.
A week later and with a few days of what could be described as some sunnier conditions the Best Three Cards event saw Mick Wyles romp in with 41 points for the Players, just shading Colin Holton on countback. They both just pipped Terry Suggett on 40 points for the Gentlemen. It took a five-way countback to see determined Brian Daw home in fourth place on 39.
The Captain’s Challenge, firmly entrenched again as a popular favourite with the Salts as they jostle at the notice board to put their names down for a chance to duff up the top guns, saw the pairing of George Bawden and John Dowle come home by two and one over Tony Bensted and Clive Witten, who is already up for a rematch! The Challenge does not always go the way of the Captain, however. A week earlier, when the Salts met up for some Friendly Fourballs, Colin Chapman and George Bawden came second when Colin Satchell and the doughty John Wegner saw them off three-and-two.
For the rest of the rain-sodden month some salty Salts took to the boating pond for some friendly fourballs, in the last one of which Captain Colin and vice George Bawden took on the challenge again and triumphed. The old team can certainly still turn it on, even when the tap from above is in full flow. They beat David Dale and Ian Holton four-and three.
Not surprisingly, some water seems to have got into this author’s works in the last issue of Tidings when Trevor Coombes failed to get a mention as the winner with Colin Holton of last season’s Best Three Cards. This one Colin Chapman did NOT win. Apologies Trevor!
Junior Section Captain Richard Smith, Vice captain Jack Tucker
Secretary Peter Wade.
Just in to catch the June Issue, from our wonder boy reporter Peter Wade!
June 1st The Juniors played for the Aspen Trophy for a junior and a relative playing together in a foursomes Stableford and the King Trophy for a junior and non-relative in a greensomes Stableford.
The results were:-
Aspen Trophy
1st Jack and Louise Tucker 38 points
2nd Adam and Richard Davis 25 points
3rd James and David Green 24 points
King Trophy
1st Marijke Rapley and John Wegner 42 points
2nd Richard Smith and Mel Bashford 38 points
3rd Ryan Daniels-Hubble and Martin Newton 32 points
The Juniors next fixture is the match against The Old Salts on Saturday 22nd June at 1300 hrs.
I would like to welcome 3 new members Ellie Gadsdon-Baybutt James Green and James Williams.
Also a hearty vote of thanks to members who have donated golf equipment to the juniors-you know who you are!
Ladies Section Captain Jackie Witten, Vice Captain Linda Bawden
Secretary Jean Hudson
May came in with a good start when the ladies beat a team visiting from Sheerness, in a friendly match, 21/2 to ½.
Then there was the ever popular Mixed Greensomes game on May Bank Holiday Monday, which turned out to be one of the first proper summery days of the year. A particularly sunny day for Alec and Vilma Parrett, 36 points, overall winners. They won on countback from others on 36 points; Janet and Tony Henley, second and Mary King and Jack Dale, third. Best front nine, 21 points, was won by the Captains’ pairing of Jackie Witten and Richard Gremo; best back nine, 19 points, by Bob Ireland and Maddy Shaw, on their debut appearance; hope the win makes them come back for more!
The next day was the Ladies Spring Meeting, when Mike Behr, in his President role, started the morning medal. First was Jackie Witten with net 68,closely followed by Pat Bensted, 69 and Margaret Barker with net 71.Best front nine was won by Molly Furlong, net 35, and best back nine by Debbie Murray,32.5. The sky dripped rain early on in the morning, but this disappeared, and the afternoon four ball better ball competition was held in glorious weather. Winners were Jackie Witten (yes, again!) with her partner Jean Hudson, 19 points. Linda Bawden and Sally Lawson were second. With lunch and tea provided by Tony, a pleasant day was had by all.
Margaret and Desmond Barker retained the Grandparents Trophy, on countback from Pat and Tony Bensted; 33 points. Another good day, with tea to follow.
The following Tuesday was a four-ball better ball competition, won by Margaret Barker and Fran Price, 31 points, followed by Jackie Witten and Judy Butcher; 29 points.
The following day was Presidents Day, memorable for everything except the golf; we needed anchoring down as we went out in a gale! That was bad enough, but along came a prolonged squally shower, midway through the game, half drowning us. Trollies became washing lines after that, and it was a good drying day for a while! Not surprisingly, of 23 starters, only 15 finished. Winner was Janet Henley; 31 points; second, Chris Chapman, 28;third,Joyce Jaynes,27; fourth, Fran Price 25. Lovely tea and prizes supplied by our Club President, Mike Behr.
8 pairs travelled to Sheerness, and had brilliant afternoons golf weather-wise, for a change. The result was brilliant as well; we beat Sheerness 6 to 2; a record, we think, in the history of this competition. An added highlight was the wildlife; your correspondent saw hares, rabbits, pheasants, fox cubs, Canada geese goslings (5) and a pair of oystercatcher eggs being protected in a bunker. What a treat!
Another chilly wintry day after that, for the May medal. Penny Perkins did well to win with 71, Doreen Dale followed with 74, and Mel Bashford;75.
The chilly theme continued for our White Elephant trophy, when Captain Jackie thought we showed that our golfing ability was second only to our ability to eat cake, yummy ones made by Mary Calthrop, following yet another swamping on the course. However, despite grim conditions, Christine Chapman won the afternoon with 18 points, Joyce Jaynes second, 16, Linda Bawden third with 15.
Come on, June, warm us up and give us some decent golfing conditions so we don’t spend the time wishing we were back in the clubhouse!
Men’s Section Captain Richard Gremo, Vice Captain Andy Sargeant
Golf Report for Sunday mornings – April / May
Despite a double bogie on the fifth, Mark Pearce finished with net 63 in the April Medal to claim first prize and twelve committee cup points. Dropped shots on the last three holes gave Steve Chambers a chance but he too dropped shots over the final holes and had to settle for second place on countback. Ronnie Rumball finished with net 64 to take third place but he could easily have been outright winner but for triple bogies on holes five and eighteen.
It was the club’s immediate past captain John Wegner who won this year’s Skinner Trophy prize. Another solid performance from John, with just one birdie on the thirteenth, put him four points clear of runner up Robin George.
The Harry Johnson Cup, played for in glorious conditions, failed to see any great scores though the three placed players all managed to finish with excellent net 62’s. Early leader in the clubhouse was Club Captain Richard Gremo. Unfortunately, following a faultless start he had unexpectedly dropped shots on three of the last four holes. Richard, with his level par 66 gross score, had to settle for third place and the scratch prize after winner Jonathan Whorlow and Brian Best who took second place beat him on countback. Jonathan steadied after a double bogie on the fifth and finished strongly with only three dropped shots over the subsequent holes. Jon’s win also puts him into the lead for this year’s committee cup, six points clear of Ronnie Rumball in second place.
Midweekers Section Captain Peter Shearing, Vice Captain Ray Thomas
Secretary Peter Fox
The Peter West Easter Cup Medal was played on 10th April in perfect weather conditions for a change.
After a good March for the captain and vice, The April challenge reverted to the norm. Leading by 1 hole coming off the 14 green, the young at heart Albert scored 3,4,5(net 4) to give him and his partner Roy a 2 and 1 victory
Colin Satchell won the competition, on count back, with 63 from Robin George 2nd, 3rd was Don Crawford 3rd in with a 64.
There were prizes for 1 birdie on 6/15 Mike Cousins and 3 on 4/13 Ian Horton, Ron Rumball and Bob Daniels
The first time this Captain has given the prize for a birdie on the 8/17 went to Don Crawford. Don decided to take the cash as he might have had to share the whisky (only joking)
Charity Sweep went Roy Lee Frank Sheldon and Stan Dobson.
Only one consolation for your Captain, standing in the queue to put a 9 in hearing, someone say a 10, can’t say who (John)
The Ken Bills April Cup. Stapleford played on 26th April was played in conditions totally different to the previous competitions, this time driving rain and a cold wind. An already reduced field was further reduced after 9 holes and only 8 hardy soles (foolhardy some say) finish the round.
The Captains Challenge became the Captains humiliation. After winning the first hole proceeded to lose the next 8, finally losing, was she worth it, 7 and 6! Well played Trevor and John.
The winner, with a very good score in the conditions, was Gary Hartley-Trigg on 38, 2nd Trevor Croxton 35 and Roy Lee 3rd with 33. two birdies Trevor and Roy. Roy drew himself in the Charity Sweep and was the only
winner.
The Dennis Fewtrell May Madness Shield-Medal was played a week late due to heavy rain on the original date, a controversial decision. The May Madness Shield lived up to its name. With almost gale force winds blowing down the coarse.
The Captains Challenge went the way of most of this seasons results with a one hole defeat to Frank Sheldon and Tommy Burns , well done “lads”.
The competition looked as if no one was going to beat their handicap but in the end two players managed to.
The winner on count back was Colin Horton with 65 from in 2nd place Dave Chalk, 3rd, with a creditable 38 Bob Ireland (with a 10 on the 1st!).
The birdie prizes on the short holes went to Brian MacNally and Colin Satchell 6/15 and Tommy Burns 4/13
For the second competition in a row the whisky on 8/17 was won, this time by Robbie Fudge.
Only one Charity Sweep winner, Rod Whitehead.
Three replica trophies were presented, Mike Moore (P. Glenn Shield) Colin Satchell (P. West Cup) and Tommy Burns (Special Award)
More poor weather for the Martin Trophies Trophy resulting in a field of only ten
The winner Mark Blackmore with 34 points 2nd Frank Netts 32 and 3rd Ernie West 31, the scores reflecting the difficult conditions.
The captain challenge was another defeat, this time without the captain, so it not all his fault. Thanks to Robbie Fudge for standing in.
Wed 29th May was M/W Invitation Day with a very good turnout. Conditions on the day were good the Midweekers as it only rained for half the round. Good company was enjoyed by all and Tony provided his usual high quality
meal. Steve had the course looking very good considering the amount of rain the previous day. Mike Behr was on hand to send the players off the 1st tee.
Good to see Mike Kelleher at the committee table, just back in time from his holidays. and the ever present Eynon producing the result sheet and sorting the prizes.
Bottles of wine were the order of the day for prizes, the winners being.
Best front nine Joe Cousins and Karl Fisk.
Best back nine Les Cox and Stan Clode
Nearest pin on the 13th Dave Wright
Nearest pin on the 15th Les Cox, with a hole in one, many thanks Les for the traditional drinks all round, CHEERS
Longest drive on the 17th Gary Crawford.
The over all pairs winners
3rd place Tony Lavender and the evergreen Albert Adams with 42 points
2nd place John Fullager and Andy Morgan with 44
The winner of the inscribed Tankards, provided by Holdings of Whitstable, were Don Crawford and his grandson
Thomas Crawford on 45.
Congratulations to all our winners and a hope to see all those competing today again next year.,
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
Hot news Monday 3rd June, the vets beat Tudor Park 5-0!
Players are required for the Vet’s matches as shown on the fixture list below. These are good matches; teams composed of 10 a side play betterball fourballs against some great clubs and good courses. The cost is £10.00 per match home and away and the only qualifications are a maximum handicap of 20 and to be over 60 years of age. If you haven’t played for the club before come and give it a try it’s great fun and very competitive.
An entry list and fixture list are posted in the men’s changing room; please indicate if you are unable to make any fixture.
2013 Fixtures
Tuesday 25th June Broome Park away 0900 hrs
Friday 12th July Broome Park home 0900 hrs
Friday 19th July Chestfield home 0900 hrs
Tuesday 23rd July Tudor Park away 0830 hrs
Friday 9th August Etchinghill away 0830 hrs
Friday 16th August The Ridge away 0900 hrs
Super Seventies Organiser Alec Parrett
Something of a struggle these days to get ten good men and true regularly for the Supermen. It is nothing new that several alternative events vie for our players’ favours, but please give the Seventies the best of attention when the lists go up, cos they sure do need it!
Readers were asked to watch this space in the last issue of Tidings when big-hitting Broome Park came to play. Well on May 14 they brought their very best with them once more. It took Whistable’s Tail-end Charlies Ian Wingrove and the dour Ron Fuller to grab some vital points.
Out last, they got the worst of the weather but still paddled in with a fine five-and-three win!. They were the only pairing to succeed as Whitstable sank to a three games to one home defeat.
In the Captain’s match Alec Parrett and David Dale went two down after two holes then rallied but never really saw much of the game after that as visiting Mike Dodsworth smacked every drive what seemed a million miles, chipped to within feet and putted a dream. As if he needed it, he was ably supported by his captain Ken Marsh.
With such fine form, no wonder we came second! Three down at the end Alec and David learnt that Dodsworth had regularly partnered Steve, our Greenkeeper when at Foreland. With Steve then off single figures and giving Dodsworth some weekly master clinics, class will always tell, even when a player turns seventy and his memory is shorter than it was.
Then more woe…………..oh woe. We paddled over to Canterbury with a weakened but determined team, a few weeks later, only to be slaughtered by some hefty competition.
Facts: We didn’t win a match (although Tony Taunton and Alec Parrett were one up early on the outward nine as they continually grabbed halves to defy a determined local pair before the downpour and some bad luck ruined the whole thing).
Rented buggies kept spirits up and offered some respite for Bernie Whitaker and Mike Harrison, but they skidded to a stop just after the turn. However John Williams and the old fox Les Cox kept Alec and the home captain swigging hot toddies in the clubhouse, anxiously awaiting a result long into the day as our last two stalwarts battled for a half, or even better.
Sadly they just came up short, but carried our limp flag further than anyone that grim and rainy day.
George Bawden said he never really got into his game, missing far too many short putts. He was partnered by a youthful Brian Pratt, who with Mike was pressed ganged into serving with the Super Seventies at the eleventh hour. Many thanks to everyone who eventually played. To those who thought better of it. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing.
Please watch for the list, now up in the cloakroom, or things could get even worse.
Fixture List
June: Away Chestfield 21. Home Canterbury 25.
July: Away Broome Park 25. Home Etchinghill 29.
August: Home North Foreland 13.
September: Away North Foreland 12. Home Etchinghill 24.
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. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
April Winners
1st £30.00 Trevor Croxton
2nd £20.00 Trevor Coombes
3rd £10.00 Bill Mumford
Our Captain Richard Gremo is looking for support for a 9 hole qualifying competition to be held on a Friday which will hopefully replace the social golf which seems to have died a death last year! There is a form in the clubhouse for you to put your name to if you are for the proposal.
June
Saturday 1st am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 1st 1300hrs Juniors Aspen and King Trophies
Sunday 2nd am Monthly Medal
Monday 3rd 0900hrs Kent Vets v Tudor Park (home)
Tuesday 4th am Ladies Tim Pullman Trophy
Wednesday 5th am Midweekers P Hadlow June Cup Medal
Saturday 8th all day Golf Week to June 14th
Friday 14th Golf week Prize giving
Sunday 16th am Captains Swindle
Monday 17th am Old Salts v Chestfield (home)
Tuesday 18th am Ladies Medal
Thursday 20th am Old Salts v Faversham (away)
Friday 21st 1200hrs Ladies v North Foreland (home)
Friday 21st pm Super Seventies v Chestfield (away)
Sunday 23rd all day Canterbury Cup 36 Holes
Monday 24th am Old Salts v St Augustines Kay Shield (away)
Tuesday 25th am Ladies Competition
Tuesday 26th am Super Seventies v Canterbury (home)
Tuesday 25th 0900hrs Kent Vets v Broome Park (away)
Thursday 27th am Old Salts Hugh Ridley Trophy Medal
Friday 28th am Midweekers D King June Trophy Stableford
Sunday 30th am Geo Fitt Bowl- Seasalter
Sunday 30th am Billmeir Plate Chestfield
July
Monday 1st am Ladies Jamboree at Faversham
Tuesday 2nd am Ladies Woodrow/Wren Trophy
Thursday 4th am Old Salts Frank Fox Trophy Medal
Friday 5th 1200hrs Ladies v St Augustines (home)
Saturday 6th all day Men’s Invitation Day
Sunday 7th am Captains Swindle
Monday 8th am Ladies V Old Salts Centenary Cup
Tuesday 9th am Ladies Medal
Wednesday 10th am Midweekers Eynon Price Members Medal
Friday 12th 0900hrs Vets v Broome Park
Friday 12th 1030hrs Ladies v Faversham (away)
Saturday 13th am Qualifying Medal
Sunday 14th am Qualifying Medal (Scratch Cup)
Monday 15th am Old Salts v North Foreland (home)
Tuesday 16th am Ladies Captains Day
Thursday 18th am Old Salts Captains Day & Peter Tuckers 75’s Trophy
Friday 19th 0900hrs Vets v Chestfield (home)
Sunday 21st am Sheerness (away)
Sunday 21st am Captains Swindle
Monday 22nd am Senior Secretaries meeting at St Augustines
Tuesday 23rd am Ladies competition
Tuesday 23rd 0830 Vets v Tudor Park (away)
Thursday 25th am Old Salts Dennis Fewtrell Trophy Medal
Friday 26th am Midweekers July Sweeps Stableford
Friday 26th 1200hrs Ladies v Chestfield (away)
Saturday 27th all day Captains day
Sunday 28th am Frend Cup Stableford
Monday 29th am Super Seventies v Etchinghill
Tuesday 30th am Ladies Lowe Trophy
Tuesday 30th am Old Salts V Westgate (away)
Ebb and Flow (letters section)
The Editor would appreciate your comments or suggestions of ways to improve the club, course, magazine, web site, social activities, or anything else that comes to mind! Get writing – it’s your club say what you want!
Ditloids
Answers to last months Ditloids
20 Numbers On A Darts Board, 24 Pieces On A Backgammon Board, 28 Dominoes In A Set, 91 Game Of Cribbage, 60 Wooden Blocks In A Giant Jenga Set, 9 Sections On A Shove Ha’penny Board.
3 LOAT, 4 CITH, 5 PIABT, 6 BIAO, 7 EIAH, 8 LOAS, 9 LOAC, 10 SATEOABA
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history, Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
Beachcomber
Some thoughts on life etc.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right – only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Evening news is where they begin with ‘Good evening’, and then proceed to tell you why it isn’t.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; To steal from many is research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a workstation.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don’t need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says “In an emergency, notify:” I put “DOCTOR”.
I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
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.
Some new items from Bernie Whitaker
A set of Benross Gold Irons, 5 to pitching wedge
They have senior flex graphite shafts and are in very good condition
Price £75.00
Contact Bernie Whitaker on 01795 539595