The Monthly Journal of Whitstable and Seasalter Golf Club
Volume 2 Issue no.1, 1st January 2012. Editor Bob Ireland. News & Social Functions
Sat December 17th Christmas Party
Around 85 people enjoyed a light meal supplied by Tony Love and danced the night away to the sounds of Baktrak. The grand draw was held and many lavish prizes were distributed to the lucky winners.
Saturday 31st December New Years Eve Party
A full house sat down to a lovely meal followed by dancing to Bitter Sweet, midnight was celebrated in the usual way and with Auld Lang Syne ringing in our ears the night was illuminated by fireworks to welcome in the New Year. To all those who weren’t there a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Midweekers Section
Captain Bob Ireland
Secretary Eynon Price
Midweekers Tony Bensted December Cup
The trophy was contested on a blustery day, freezing winds reflected the low scoring. Mike Wyles coming in with the best score of 37 points, second on count back with 35 points was Margaret Barker and third also on 35 points Mark Blackmore. The captains Challenge was halved after a tightly fought match between Bob Ireland and Peter Shearing for the Midweekers and John Wegner and Mel Bashford for the guests. No one won the first and second prizes in the charity sweep so that will be donated to the captains’ charity. Bob McCormick won third prize. Mel Bashford, Don Crawford, Ted Backhouse and Mark Blackmore collected birdie prizes.
Several attendance awards were presented. Ted Backhouse for 250, Mike Cousins and Dave Morgan 200, Albert Adams and Eric Rochester for 150 appearances, Tony Lavender and Mike Kelleher 100 each.
Midweekers Christmas Dinner
The Midweekers Christmas Dinner was taken after the competition and was a resounding success, with 50 sitting down to enjoy the excellent meal. This was followed by a spirited rendition of “The night before Christmas”, each verse being read by the diners on table one in turn. The other three tables singing Christmas songs followed this. Ted Backhouse then led the assembly in spirited renditions of Christmas classics, thank you Ted. We have to give a hearty vote of thanks to Eynon Price for the excellent work he did producing the place setting cards with all the relevant song and poetry readings attached. Congratulations are also due to Tony Love and the catering staff for their efforts.
The Midweekers also matched the Old Salts donation of £25.00 for the children’s party.
Golfer of the Year
Mark Blackmore won with a fantastic 71 points, second was Trevor Kelly with 64 and third Ernie West with 57 points.
The Tony Love December Trophy. 30th December 2011
The Captains challenge was a closely fought competition with the captain and vice getting to 4 up on the first nine, then playing within themselves reached an honourable draw on the 18th against Ray Thomas and John Wakeham.
Mike Cousins won the trophy with a pretty impressive 45 points, followed by John Wakeham who pushed Ivor Harrison into 3rd place on count back with 43 points each. Mike Kelleher 1st, Fred Lynn 2nd and Gary Hartley- Trigg 3rd were the charity sweep winners.
Birdie prizes were picked up by Bob Ireland, Ernie West, Frank Netts, Des Barker, Don Crawford, John Wegner, Kenny Bills, Rod Whitehead and Jack Scott.
Ladies Section
Captain Mel Bashford. Secretary Jackie Witten.
Ladies Chrismas coffee morning Saturday 3rd December 2011
The event was very well attended with all manner of raffles, stalls and attractions to entertain. The morning raised the considerable sum of £542.83 for the Ladies funds, well done everyone.
On Tuesday 13th December the Ladies Pink Ball Competition was held followed by a Christmas Lunch where all participants enjoyed a table present as well as a game of pass the parcel and a magnificent rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
The Lady Captains from Chestfield and Faversham presented the immediate past Ladies captain with a plaque to commemorate the Centenary Year and this will be placed under the solar clock in the Ladies Changing Room
Social Committee Meeting
The children’s Christmas party was discussed and John Wegner agreed to provide a portable CD player. The cost of the entertainer was agreed at £90, £35 of which was to be donated by The Old Salts. Bob Ireland said he would speak to the Midweekers section to get a similar donation. In total there were 24 names on the list to attend. In previous years only children over 3 years old received a present, children under this age having their gift supplied by their parent however this information was not stated on the poster advertising the event, this oversight will be corrected for next year.
The take up for the adult christm,as party stood currently at 60 people wishing to eat and further members wanting to attend for the entertainment only. The group Baktrak had been chosen as good reports had been received after their previous booking. Concerns were raised regarding seating arrangement due to the more relaxed format of the occasion, John and Mel agreed to review this and come up with a solution to give as much seating as possible for diners and non-diners. The Christmas draw would take place in the interval and John would ensure all winners were notified.
New Years Eve Party menu was revise by Mel and Tony to extend the choice available and the cost was to be negotiated so that a figure of around £18 per head could be agreed. The meal was set for 7.30 and John Wegner was to ensure that all diners were seated by this time. Tony Love was to be made aware of the importance of quick delivery of the meal so that full value could be gained from the band afterwards.
Burns Night 21st January 2012
This event would be published on the notice board during the first week of January. A booking had already been made for the Piper and it was hoped an Highland dancer (JW’s relation) could also be engaged, this was to be confirmed The toast to the ladies was to be made by Richard Gremo and the reply by Jackie Witten, Roy Campbell was to be approached to make the toast to the Haggis. It was thought appropriate to extend an invitation to David Christie and his son to attend the event.
Scottish misic is usually played after the ceremony and extra speakers were to be fitted so that everyone could enjoy this, JW to provide this and RG to organise installation.
Social Fund account, as Derek Bates was relinquishing this Jackie Witten agreed to take over the role. The Nationwide account would be retained and the signatories changed to include Jackie.
Any other business
Various events were proposed for the coming year included among these were Wine and Wisdom in late February- original format preferred, Cabaret Night, Race Night, the hire of the necessary equipment to be investigate by Bob Ireland.
Richard Gremo was keen to promote a day for the junior members which would be supported by the local pro. Steve Tiley. The idea was well received and would be considered for the new season.
Richard G also put forward the suggestion for a family evening each week, say Friday. He explained there were various members with young children who would like to get together and use the facilities of the club. This was considered to be a good idea, which would not only provide a venue for young members but also extend the opening hours for others particularly during the winter months. January was thought a good time to start this project.
Next meeting was to be held on Jan 17th so that feedback from the various events could be communicated to the next board meeting ion the 19th.
Junior Section
Captain Bradley Packham Secretary Peter Wade
The 10th December saw the juniors competing for the December Medal. 18 juniors took part and played in bright but cold conditions. The 14 hole competition was won by Jonathan Nevett, second Jack Dale and third was juniors captain Bradley Packham. The 9 hole competition was won by George Steadman-Gay, second Jake Hardy and third Joe Smith. Thanks are due to Louise Tucker for escorting the two girls around the course
The junior’s Christmas Party was held immediately afterwards in the club house and a good time was had by all, thanks to the organisation and entertainment arranged by Mandy Rapley, Karen Packham and Karen Daniels-Hubble. It should be noted that due care was taken to prevent casualties during the energetic games played!
Junior Diary Dates
Next Medal 14th January 1200 hrs
28th January 1300 hrs Manston Driving Range
The Old Salts
Captain Brian Best Vice Captain Colin Chapman Secretary George Bawden
Waiting for info.
Kent Veterans’ Golf Matches
Captain Rod Wood Secretary Don Crawford
Don Crawford will be putting up the list for players interested in participating in the Vets matches for 2012 so get your name up if you want to enjoy these great days!
Social Events (news from The Galley)
January 21st 1700 hrs for 1930 hrs Burns Night (Kilts Optional)
Waiting for further info
Fundraising 100 Club
This fundraising venture costs £1 per month, with monthly prizes of £25, £15 and £10
You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Board Meeting 1st December 2011
The meeting lasted for over three hours and many matters of interest to all members were discussed the pertinent details are here in précis form for your information.
New practice nets have been constructed and are awaiting mats before being put into service.
New members amounting to 11 in number, predominately from Herne Bay are being processed and should be boosting the membership soon.
Some tree surgery work is to be undertaken around the 9th tee as residents in Collingwood Road have complained about restricted views.
Treasurers Report
There are still some members who have not paid their subscriptions and they are to be reminded that failure to do so will result in their memberships being terminated.
Greens Report
Steve Suttle has reported that some members teed off in conditions of low visibility when he and his assistant were working on the course. The committee remind members they must check with the rules of play displayed on the notice board before commencing their round and be aware of greens staff working on the course.
It was agreed that Tee mats would be cleaned and serviced for the winter.
The recently repaired lips around the bunkers have not taken very well due to the dry conditions and these are to be re-done in the spring. As you will all have noticed the practice putting green has been replaced due to the original green becoming diseased The green should be ready for play in the near future.
Premises Report
The air compressor for shoe and wheel cleaning has been out of action and has now returned to full use. There is a slight problem with the time clock but this will also be reconciled in the very near future.
The trolley-shed door closer is also to be repaired as it does not always close the door properly and the security of the store cannot therefore be guaranteed, please ensure that you close the door after using the store.
A water softener is to be installed for the kitchen to make more effective use of the washing equipment in the kitchen.
Internal House report
The kitchen walls are to be repainted. The carpets in the clubhouse have been cleaned and look good. The locker room doors have been repaired and the pull handle of the Ladies locker room, which gets very warm in the summer is to be investigated.
Bar, catering and entertainments report.
Steve Rumball has had some good feedback from members on the new catering arrangements and has agreed to help out on the social committee.
Communications
Bob Ireland presented a sample copy of a monthly newsletter, which was well received by the board, and it was thought that it would improve communications within the club in a positive way. Everyone is to be encouraged to provide articles, results of competitions, matches, news snippets and any other information of interest for publication.
Health and Safety
John Wakeham proposed the club should develop an Environmentally friendly policy to encourage better management of the environment on and off the course.
Matters under consideration are, the wash down area for machinery, composting of waste vegetable matter and the water tank in the ceiling of the Men’s locker room
The catering operation was inspected last week and Tony Love has fulfilled the requirements of the relevant procedures. Good reports on the catering have been received from a function held on the 26th November.
Mike Harrison has suggested that we look at purchasing and installing a compressed air and receiver tank system for shoe cleaning but as the present system has been repaired the board decided to keep to the existing arrangement until the present system becomes uneconomical to run or maintain.
Consideration was given to a suggestion from a member who volunteered to be trained as a First Aider for the club. However after much discussion the board decided not to appoint a First Aider at this time.
A request for a hose connection to the water system to enable watering of the new flowerbeds was accepted and will be implemented soon.
Suggestion Book
No new suggestions were received this month.
AOB
The ordering of club logo shirts and sweat shirts is to be managed by John Lynch who has volunteered to carry out this function and an order form will be placed on the main notice board.
The chain link fence near the 6th tee, which is corroding is to be repaired as is the brickwork in the pillar wall at the club entrance.
It was noted that parking places are at a premium on Thursday mornings make sure you have your membership sticker displayed on your windscreen!
It was agreed that we would investigate fencing around the waste area by the 8th tee, as vandals had been seen removing redundant turfs and relocating them in the drainage dykes!
The ladies section has asked for block paving to be laid at the entrance to their locker room, this will be looked into by Ted Henderson.
Date of next board meeting was agreed for Thursday 19th January 2012.
The meeting closed at 22.10hrs
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!
Flotsam and Jetsam (puzzles section)
Acronyms
5 PIABT 7 PIANT 11 PIAFT 13 PIARLT 15 PIARUT 1 PIAPT
Answers from last month
3 Men in a boat, 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 7 Deadly sins, 1 is one and all alone and evermore shall be so. 22 two little ducks, 10 value of Q in scrabble.
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history,
Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
Beachcomber
A passer by at Chestfield came across four golfers in a bunker. One was lying face down in the sand while the other three were arguing fiercely.
“What’s going on?” asked the passer-by.” One of the golfers turned to him and said, “It’s these guys-they’ll do anything to win, my partners just had a stroke and they want to add it to our score!”
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!