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 5 Issue no.3 1st May 2013
Editor Bob Ireland, 01227 638425, 07802874914,robert.ireland@gmail.com
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
Games Night
Saturday May 11th 1800hrs
This is a new event we would love everyone to come to.
The sports you’ll be competing will be Darts, Shove ha’penny, giant Jenga, putting, cribbage, Backgammon and passing the orange. The last event will be a quiz on the rules of golf!
The format will be mixed teams of 6 players. One player will be selected from each team to play a maximum of 3 games each.
The putting, skittles and giant Jenga will be pairs competitions, the quiz a team event and all other games individual. The scores will be allocated on a league basis, the winning team winning bottles of booze!
Table snacks will be provided and the entry cost will be £5 per person
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.
Greens and Course News
I owe an apology to Steve Suttle for putting his name to the reply to John Shepard’s letter last month. The queries raised were in fact answered by Brian Best after consultation with Steve and Steve was justifiable annoyed that I had put his name to the answers. There was no intended criticism of either Steve or the Board by the questions asked.
Most members want to play golf and become frustrated when the course is closed!
Anyone who has questions about the course or greens must 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 40 Salts set out more in trepidation than expectation for the Ken Vickers Trophy early last month. Many fell by the wayside to grab a chair by the bar side as the wind chill and sleet again took its toll.
But one stalwart stood out. Vice-Captain (he’s back!) George Bawden triumphed with a one-stroke win for a net 67 to trump new Salt Mick Wyles by one stroke. Mick has not played too many OS competitions but has already proved how competitive he will be. John Dowle was a further stroke away in third place for the Players.
For the Gentlemen, Brian Ridley and Trevor Coombes continued their close rivalry as the best of the rest. Brian coming home with a net 70 and winning on countback. Trevor had the lowest gross after countback
Clive Witten was up there again with a net 74. Clive revealed to those who could still hear how cold it was on the 10th, one of his red balls turning white as he watched. That makes you wince and full of sympathy for those who ventured that far, and even further on the back nine. In the Captain’s Challenge George Bawden was joined by John Dowle and this pairing triumphed over Bernie Whitaker and Brian Daw by four and three.
On April 18 the last of the Chapman’s Chases saw John Wegner triumph on a bitter day that began with 33 starters and ended with very few finishers. It was a qualifying round but John’s 32 points, although few, were enough to see him over the line from Clive Witten, on 31, who just shaded Henry Kernighan on countback. The Best Three Cards of Six element in the Chase was decided with this game which saw Colin Holton tie with Captain Colin with 111 points, giving a great average of 37 points for the winners. The trophy is to be presented as we go to Press. Second was Galloping Dave Morgan, a newcomer to the Salts whose consistency is rivaled only by Colin Holton in week to week competitions. Dave averaged 35.7 points over the three cards, with gritty Gwyn Oakley averaging 35.
A week later the sun shone, shorts were the order of the day for two or three doughty Men of Kent, including Robbie Fudge, when a Texas Scramble, played in almost Texas weather was enjoyed by nine fourballs. Top again was Colin Holton, playing with Tony Bensted, Henry Kernigham and Roger Trice with a creditable net 55.
In the first Friendly match of the season on April 8, a great drive on the last by Walmer’s Captain Sam Brittain saw the ball end two feet from the flag to notch a birdie and grab a half point from Old Salts Captain Colin Chapman and Bob McCormick. But luckily it was too little to bring home the bacon for the visitors. The Salts swept to a convincing 5 – 3 win as the weather at last smiled on Collingwood Road.
The Captain’s both thought the course was well up to scratch for this time of year, the greens especially coming in for praise, despite a top dressing.
The players dined well, as always, on Tony Love’s Beef and beer pie and apple pie and custard. The after-lunch jokes were kept to a minimum, which was a shame as the visiting captain had one of true vintage. Short, funny and dirty. How we miss Roger Backhouse!
The hungry Salts visited Chestfield two days later, but had to swallow hard as they suffered an 8 – 0 drubbing. They were just too good, says Captain Colin.
When we were home to Sheerness five days later things were decidedly more rosy as the Salts ran out 4 1/2 – 3 ½ winners. But things got a little out of hand perhaps when Westgate came to play at Collinwood Road and snatched a win from us by the same margin. At the end of April the Salts’ Friendly match tally stands at won two lost two.
Back on the domestic front, the Winter Eclectic competition saw that man Colin Holton; again shadowed by the wily Colin Chapman, share the spoils with an average of 57. Quiet man Henry Kernighan was just one stroke off with 58. Peter Steigmann was third with a very tidy 59.
Junior Section Captain Richard Smith, Vice captain Jack Tucker
Secretary Peter Wade.
On the 27th April two trophies were contested, The Comer Cup for over twelve’s and the Allard Cup for under twelve’s.
The junior section turned out in force to show off their new junior team shirts. Rod Whitehead photographed the event for posterity and he returned an hour later with a copy for each of the juniors as well as one that has been posted on our notice board for your appreciation.
The Trophies were contested in bright sunlight and the course was in excellent condition thanks to Steve and Seth for their efforts.
Winners were:-
Comer Cup 1st Jack Tucker, 2nd Marijke Rapley, 3rd Ryan Daniels
Allard Cup 1st Oscar Bensted, 2nd George Steadmen-Gay, 3rd Joe Smith
Well done to all of you (Rod Wood remarked that he had won the Cup in 1953 so there is hope for you all)!
The members who help the juniors have to renew their CRB registration and Peter Wade, John Bills, Martin Newton, Mel Bashford and John Wegner are being processed now. Our thanks go to them for their time and efforts.
If anyone else would like to volunteer to help in this important part of the club please contact Peter Wade or the Secretary.
Ladies Section Captain Jackie Witten, Vice Captain Linda Bawden
Secretary Jean Hudson
April started in fine, albeit cold style, with the first of the year’s merry Mixed Greensomes on Easter Monday. The wind kept the temperature down to something evil, and there was a quote from our esteemed Club Captain that it was all about survival out there. Both the Club Captain and his Vice Andy Sargeant attended the frolic (a first), and seemed to be pleased with it all: they should be, having featured in the prize list. Super meal courtesy of Tony, and lovely prizes organised by Jackie Witten and Linda Bawden.
Winners, with 33 points, reflecting the conditions, were Linda Bawden and Andy Sergeant, on countback from Barry and Molly Broadbent. Close behind were Margaret and Desmond Barker, then Captain Jackie and Captain Richard. Winners of the first nine were Mel Bashford and John Wegner; the back nine winners were Ian and Beryl Wingrove.
The following day, 18 stalwarts trouped out in the icy Arctic conditions to play a drawn competition; the yellow ball. Amazingly, despite losing the yellow ball, with its double points scoring power on the second hole, the winning trio with 80 points were Margaret Barker, Helen Gurney, and Mary King.
The Coffee Morning on the 6th was a success, raising £573, so a great big thank you to all helpers and supporters.
There was a cold rainy start to the medal on the 9th,but conditions improved for the second nine. First, on countback was Mary King, from Linda Bawden, on 76. Sue Maflin was the winner of the 9-hole competition.
A merry band of 21 lady pilgrims descended on the London Beach Hotel and Golf Course on the 10th/11th. On the first day, 18 holes were completed quite happily, with a little bit of trouble with golf bags falling off buggies, but the only problem that caused was excessive laughter.
After lots of lovely cream tea, there was lots of lovely dinner, the in the morning, lots of lovely breakfast preceded the golf.
Unfortunately overnight, heavy rain muddied the course to the extent that the competition had to be abbreviated to 9 holes, as it was considered dangerous to use the buggies any further. At one stage, the RNLI were nearly on standby to rescue one from a ditch, but all was well!
So instead, we had more lovely food, and prizes supplied by our Lady Captain.
Wednesday’s winner was Linda Bawden 29 points, closely followed by Shirley Rosser, 27. On Thursday’s 9 holes there was a pairs competition, won by Linda Bawden and Mel Bashford, with Pat Bensted and Helen Gurney as runners up.
The overall individual winner for the 2 days was, you guessed it, Linda Bawden, 42 points over the 27 holes, and Helen Gurney, second with 37 points.
A brilliant time was had by all, not least down to lots of hard work on the part of Lady captain, Jackie. Roll on next year!!
Debbie Murray and Louise Tucker travelled to Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club for the second round of the Daily Mail Foursomes. After a shaky start, they recovered well, but lost 3 and 2 on the 16th, an admirable effort.
Whitstable ladies came second to St Augustines G.C. ladies in a friendly match, a couple of pairs went all the way, in quite tricky conditions.
Must be Spring! We have held our Spring Greensomes competition, on a rather un-spring like day, with an increasing breeze, which whipped up from not too bad, to grim, during the 18 holes. 30 ladies struggled through, but wind must suit Beryl Wingrove and Betty Washby, who, in spite of starting last and getting the worst buffeting, won with 29 points, on countback from Penny Perkins and Irene Snowdon. Third were Margaret Barker and Judy Butcher.
Mel Bashford had the honour of playing at Ifield on the 17th, in the All- England final. She became eligible due to putting in the 4 best medal cards of the ladies last year, and the top 100 in the country go into this competition. She enjoyed her day and was pleased to put in a very creditable performance.
The Medal Winners trophy was played for on Sunday 21st, and Margaret Barker was the winner with 69, Mel Bashford second. Pat Bensted made lovely post match cakes, providing the off course highlight.
The final of the winter knock out; a much weather- delayed competition, was eventually played, and Linda Bawden continued her winning streak by beating Sheila Wyles on the 18th.
A stableford was played for Macmillan Cancer Support on April 23rd,an annual competition for the Cancer Spoon.
Penny Perkins won, with 34 points, followed by Shirley Rosser, 31.
Thursday Social golf has started, at 1.30pm each week and we are hoping for lots of ladies to come for a sociable 9 holes, just turn up with 50p,and aim for the prize of the week! In the sunshine on the 25th, thirteen ladies turned up; very encouraging, and cake seems to be on the weekly menu now, so an added incentive!!
A friendly home match against Sheerness resulted in a very satisfying win for the Whitstable team, with 3 wins and a draw. Well done team!!! More please!
On an unexpectedly chilly day, the last day of a wicked April, there was a Texas scramble competition, won by Linda Bawden (that name again!), Pat Bensted, and Inge Parry, with 65.4. Runners up: Jackie Witten, Shirley Rosser, and Penny Kinnersley.
Men’s Section Captain Richard Gremo, Vice Captain Andy Sargeant
Still awaiting info on recent events
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 2and1victory
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, cant 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.
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
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 Organiser Alec Parrett
The Super Seventies played their first game in League C on Tuesday 9th of April in dry conditions, which were exactly the opposite to those endured by the Ladies in the morning! Eight stalwarts from our neighbours Chestfield enjoyed the usual bacon and cheese baguettes with a slug of coffee before doing battle.
After a first game disaster, brought about by a visiting ten handicapper and who left early after the game for a table tennis match (how did he get in there?) David Kinnersley drew admiring comments from the Chestfield duo as he and Alec Parrett strode away to be four up at the turn.
They shook hands on the 13th as Alec holed a putt for a change to seal victory by 6 and 4.
Rod Wood, back from sunny climes but nursing a golfing back, paired well with newcomer to the ranks George Earlam to win by one after a close game.
Des Barker and Ian Wingrove were always in their game but had to shake hands for a 3 and 1 defeat. So it was a draw. Not quite as good as last year but with new faces in the ranks and some stalwarts still to sign up for this season, we look to be set fair for a great golfing season. Because an away win merits more points than one at home Chestfield bagged eight points to Whistable’s six.
The Super Seventies are set to host Broome Park, the two-time League champions, next in mid-May. Watch this space!
Fixture List
May: Home Broome Park 14th May. 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!
April Winners
1st £30.00 Mike Moore
2nd £20.00 Steve Rumball
3rd £10.00 Ryn Hudson
Fixture List 2013 Notes on Tee reservations
Tuesdays 0800 -1130 Ladies
Tuesdays (Summer) 1600 -1700 Men’s Social
Thursdays (Summer) 1230 – 1300 Ladies Social
Midweekers Tournaments 0830 – 1130 2nd Weds Last Friday each month
Friday (Spring onwards) 1730 – 1800 Social
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.
On Mondays (Summer) Tees 1, 2, 10 and 12 will be closed from 1700 – 1900 for the Juniors
May
Thursday 2nd am Seniors Open at St Augustines
Friday 3rd 1200hrs Ladies v Hythe (home)
Saturday 4th am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 4th pm Directors Cup
Sunday 5th am Match v Sheerness (home)
Monday 6th pm Mixed Greensomes
Tuesday 7th all day Ladies Spring Meeting
Wednesday 8th am Midweekers D Fewtrell May Madness Shield Medal
Thursday 9th am Old Salts Norman’s Trophy Medal
Friday 10th 0900hrs Vets v Canterbury (home)
Sunday 12th am Captains Swindle
Sunday 12th pm Grandparents Trophy
Tuesday 14th am Ladies Fourball Betterball
Tuesday 14th pm Super Seventies v Broome Park
Wednesday 15th pm Ladies Presidents Day
Saturday 18th pm Ex-Servicemen’s Trophy
Sunday 19th Captains Swindle
Sunday 19th 1300hrs Match v Sheerness Mixed (away)
Tuesday 21st am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 22nd pm Ladies White Elephant
Friday 24th am Midweekers Martins Trophies Trophy Stableford
Friday 24th pm Super Seventies v Canterbury (away)
Friday 24th 0830hrs Vets v Chestfield (away)
Friday 24th 1030hrs Ladies v Chestfield (away)
Sunday 26th am Harry Johnson Cup
Sunday 26th am Monthly Medal
Monday 27th pm Mixed Greensome
Tuesday 28th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 29th am Midweekers Invitation Day
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 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
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
These are all concerned with the games night!
20 NOADB, 24 POABB, 28 DIAS, 91 GOC, 60 WBIAGJS, 9 SOASHB.
Answers to last months Ditloids
3 Colours On The Union Jack, 9 Planets In The Solar System, 21 Spots On A Die, 2 Legs In A European Cup Tie, 2 Sides On A Slice Of Bread
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history, Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
Beachcomber
10 Interesting Golf Facts
1. 125,000 golf balls a year are hit into the water at the famous 17th hole of the Stadium Course at Sawgrass.
2. The longest drive ever is 515 yards. The longest putt ever is a monstrous 375 feet.
3. Phil Mickelson, who plays left-handed, is actually right handed. He learned to play golf by mirroring his father’s golf swing, and he has used left handed golf clubs ever since.
4. The chances of making two holes-in-one in a round of golf are one in 67 million.
5. Tiger Woods snagged his first ace at the tender age of eight.
6. Balls travel significantly further on hot days. A golfer swinging a club at around 100 mph will carry the driver up to eight yards longer for each increase in air temperature of 25° F.
7. The longest golf course in the world is the par 77 International Golf Club in Massachusetts, which measures a fearsome 8325 yards.
8. The highest golf course in the world is the Tactu Golf Club in Morococha, Peru, which sits 14,335 feet above sea level at its lowest point.
9. The longest golf hole in the world is the 7th hole (par 7) of the Sano Course at the Satsuki Golf Club in Japan. It measures an incredible 909 yards.
10. The largest bunker in the world is Hell’s Half Acre on the 585-yard 7th hole of the Pine Valley Course in New Jersey.
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