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
Volume 3 Issue no.2 1s February 2013
Editor Bob Ireland, 01227 638425, 07802874914,robert.ireland@gmail.com
FROM THE OFFICE
Although the Course has been closed for a period due to the exceptional amount of rain we are having, it has been a very busy time in the office dealing with Subscription renewals and Standing Order payments. As expected Member numbers are down but still in line with budget.
At the AGM I agreed to update Members with the the more important discussions and decisions dealt with in recent Main Committee and Board Meetings :-
• Some time ago we decided to look into the possibility of having a borehole installed to boost the Irrigation system. In addition to saving water costs, it would mean that we would not be wasting treated drinking water on the course and would avoid the possibility of losing our greens during a future drought – which was close to happening last year. The cost is substantial and a Sub-Committee has been formed to consider all the implications.
• The armchairs in the clubhouse are in need of refurbishment or replacement. They are Parker Knoll chairs and it has been decided to refurbish all 38 of them spread over 18 months. The exact details have not yet been finalised.
• The proceeds of the 100 Club this year will be used to fund a defibrillator to be installed close to the Clubhouse
• Minor repairs to the Car Park have been completed and in the Spring the parking lines will be re-marked giving additional spaces. In the longer term the car park will need to be re-laid at a substantial cost.
• The course marker stones by the Tees have been re-sited.
• The protective netting to the side of the Clubhouse and behind the 3rd Tee has been strengthened – many thanks to Bob Ireland and Eynon Price for helping Seth Devine with this work.
• As agreed at the AGM a questionnaire for completion by Members regarding the Dress Code etc will be available very shortly.
• Peter Fox has been appointed as Mens Handicap Secretary.
• Graham Williams has agreed to act as the Club’s new Health and Safety Officer.
• Consideration is being given to the re-positioning of the Mens 3rd Tee 30 yards further back. A definite decision will be reached shortly.
• Further improvement work to the Kitchen area is required, which will be discussed at the next Board Meeting
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.
Burns Night 26th January
The Burns Night was once again fully attended with around 80 sitting down to the traditional haggis with neeps and tatties, following the parade of the beast around the club and an address to the haggis by Roy Campbell, delivered in an almost unintelligible Burnsian accent! The meal was then taken to the accompaniment of a piper, Roast Beef was enjoyed by all as usual our thanks to Tony Love and his staff as well as Steve, Emily and behind the bar
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.
Greens and Course News
Well what a terrible start to the year golf wise!
With the course waterlogged golf was impossible and just as the rain stopped and the course started to dry out down came the snow!
The Midweekers managed to get in a couple of rescheduled competitions with a vastly reduced field but most Saturday and Sunday competitions since Christmas have had to be cancelled.
Any members having questions about the greens or course in general can write to me or e-mail and I will get an answer from our Greenkeeper. The question and answer will be published in the newsletter and on the web site.
The Old Salts Captain Colin Chapman, Secretary George Bawden
In the only Old Salts’ fixture to survive January’s toxic mix of snow, sleet, mist, ice and rain some 20 stalwarts set out on January 10 to tame the foggy conditions for a round of Chapman’s Chase.
For the first nine holes not too many of the Old Salts saw much, attained much, or remembered much except for two notables who were on something special and played above their handicaps, despite having to carry in bitter conditions.
Some Salts were completely fogged off and walked in. Others, like Captain Colin Chapman and vice George Bawden, showed the way playing Tony Bensted and Ryn Hudson and triumphed 2&1 in a tight Captain’s Challenge match. The early fog cleared and Tony came on very strongly as they could all see who they were playing.
Eight Salts finished the 18 holes. The Gentlemen were topped by John Shepherd with 33 points and Ryn Hudson came in with a brave 27. Colin carried off The Players category with a fine tally of 37 points, just beating Kit Ryan on countback. The indomitable Tony Bensted carded 33 points.
The Old Salts have their next committee meeting scheduled for February 14. Anyone having ammunition to invade this Valentine’s Day huddle should contact George Bawden.
The ever-popular annual Old Salts Dinner, scheduled for Thursday March 14, is nudging new records already. Within a week of the list going up, it was full with 73 names posted. A review of the arrangements is due on February 25 after Head Chef Tony Love returns from a well deserved holiday in the sun. If he can cook it, there could be places for eight more. So if you and your nearest and dearest are still pondering. Ponder no more and hit the list!
Junior Section Captain Richard Smith, Vice captain Jack Tucker
Secretary Peter Wade.
The junior section is in need of help the membership having fallen to very low levels since renewal this year. This section is crucial to the club, as it will hopefully provide the nucleus of the club in the future. If you have any relatives or friends with children who would qualify and benefit from learning and playing the wonderful game of golf and being members of this lovely club, get them signed up the subscription are very reasonable and the rewards can be life changing for young people!
Anyone requiring further information on the junior section should contact Peter Wade on 01227 266210, Mandy Rapley on 01227 274247 or Glenis Smith on 01227 266269
Ladies Section Captain Jackie Witten, Vice Captain Linda Bawden
Secretary Jean Hudson
Not much to report as there has been no play since Christmas, better luck for February we hope
Men’s Section Captain Richard Gremo, Vice Captain Andy Sargeant
No report from the Men’s Section for obvious reasons!
Midweekers Section Captain Peter Shearing, Vice Captain Ray Thomas
Secretary Peter Fox
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
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 £12.00 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
Monday 18th March Canterbury away 1230 hrs
Monday 25th March The Ridge home 0900 hrs
Friday 19th April Etchinghill home 0900 hrs
Friday 10th May Canterbury home 0900 hrs
Friday 24th May Chestfield away 0830 hrs
Monday 3rd June Tudor Park home 0900 hrs
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
The Super Seventies, captained by Alec Parrett, start their 2013 campaign on April 9 at home against Chestfied, whom they beat last April at home and finally topped by five points in League C.
Newcomers for this season are the very strong Etchinghill, who are set to entertain us on Monday July 29. Lists for games go up in good time on the Kent Vets board. So if you are 70-plus and can sport a fiver for the day and are happy playing off 21 or better, give it a go. You have to be in it to help win it, as they keep saying. Below is the fixtures list, which can also be found now in your new Club diary.
April: Home v Chestfield on the the 9th. May: Home Broome Park 14. Away Canterbury 24. 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!
December Winners
1st £30.00 Malcolm Kent, Denise Bates
2nd £20.00 Richard Davis, Dave Gould (donated to Battersea Dogs Home)
3rd £10.00 Sally Lawson, Mike Moore
Forthcoming Golf events in January and February.
Fixture List 2013 Notes on Tee reservations
Tuesdays 0800 -1130 Ladies
Tuesdays (Summer) 1600 -1700 Men’s Social
Wednesdays (Summer) 1230 – 1300 Ladies Social
Midweekers Tournaments 0830 – 1130 2nd Weds Last Friday each month
Friday (Spring onwards) 1730 – 1800 Social
On Mondays (Summer) Tees 1, 2, 10 and 12 will be closed from 1700o – 1830 for the Juniors
February
Sunday 3rd am Wood Trophy Winter Stableford
Tuesday 5th am Ladies Competition
Saturday 9th pm Juniors Medal
Sunday 10th am Captains Swindle
Tuesday 12th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 13th am Midweekers L Fessey Cup Medal
Sunday 17th am Stableford
Tuesday 19th am Ladies Competition
Friday 22nd am Midweekers S Ashworth Cup Stableford
Sunday 24th am Captains Swindle
Tuesday 26th am Ladies Competition
March
Saturday 2nd 1300 Hrs Juniors Medal
Sunday 3rd am March Hare Trophy Stableford
Tuesday 5th am Ladies Competition
Sunday 10th am Captains Swindle
Tuesday 12th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 13th am Midweekers Peter Glenn March Shield Stableford
Wednesday 13th pm Midweekers annual lunch and AGM
Thursday 14th pm Old Salts annual dinner
Sunday 17th am Monthly Medal
Monday 18th 1230 Hrs Kent Vets v Canterbury (home)
Tuesday 19th am Ladies Jubilee Foursomes
Thursday 21st 1300 Hrs Ladies v Westgate (away)
Friday 22nd am Midweekers John Bills Trophy Stableford
Sunday 24th am Captains Swindle
Monday 25th 0900 Hrs Kent Vets v The Ridge (home)
Monday 25th am Old Salts V North Foreland (away)
Tuesday 26th am Ladies 5 Club Stableford
Wednesday 27th am Midweekers Ernie West Winners Trophy
Thursday 28th 1030 Hrs Ladies v North Foreland (away)
Sunday 31st am Fourball Betterball Stableford drawn competition
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!
Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2012 – 2013
Question: A player’s ball lies in the rough directly behind a loose stone the size of a watermelon. The stone can be removed only with much effort. Is it a loose impediment which may be removed?
Answer next month
Flotsam and Jetsam
Acronyms
Answers to last months Acronyms
1400 Two o’clock, 1415 Quarter past two, 1430 Half past two, 1445 Quarter to three, 1500 Three o’clock
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history, Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
Beachcomber
The Reverend Francis Norton woke up Sunday morning and realizing it was an exceptionally beautiful and sunny Spring day, decided he just had to play golf. So… he told the Verger that he was feeling unwell and convinced him to cover for him that day.
As soon as the Verger departed, Father Norton headed out of town to a quiet golf course about forty miles away. He knew he wouldn’t accidentally meet anyone from his parish. Setting up on the first tee, he was alone. After all, it was Sunday morning and everyone else was in church!
At about this time, Saint Peter leaned over to the Lord while looking down from Heaven and exclaimed, “God, you’re not going to let him get away with this, are you?”
The Lord sighed, and said, “No, I guess not.”
Father Norton hit a ball off the 1st tee and it shot straight towards the pin, dropping just short of the green, rolled up and dropped into the hole…….. 320 YARDS AND A HOLE IN ONE!
The second hole was a par five. Still in shock from the previous hole, he skied his tee shot. A passing seagull caught it in its beak, flew down the fairway and dropped it straight into the hole over 500 yards away.
And so it continued. Miracle shot after miracle shot!
After 18 holes the Reverend had carded a score of 18! An astonishing new course record!
St. Peter was dumbfounded. He looked at the Lord and asked, “Why did you let him do that?”
The Lord smiled and replied, “Who is he going to tell?”
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.