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
Volume 8 Issue no.3 1st August 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 1700hrs and 1900hrs.
Frend Cup news!
Anthony Wright scores hole in one at the 15th!
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
Captain’s Day
Despite the poor weather forecast the combined Captain’s Day and Centenary Bowl was played in fine conditions, everyone enjoying a fairly benign day, a slight zephyr of around 30mph cooled us as we stroked the ball around the course.
The result was a fantastic win for Mike Calthrop with 43 points, 2nd Brian Wilde 42 points, 3rd Andy Selwood 41 points. The Ladies winners were Holly Butler, back to her usual good form with an excellent 40 points, followed by Margaret Barker losing on countback with Penny Perkins third. Prizes were also given for the longest putt on the 5th won by Dave Atkins with a seventeen footer and nearest the pin on the 6th won by Steve Chambers 15 inches! The evening was a great success Ben Mills provided a great nights entertainment at the keyboard, Steve Rumball and Andy Sargeant braved a torrential downpour to provide us all with excellent burgers and hotdogs with salad accompaniments from Jackie Witten, Linda Bawden and yours truly.
Thanks must go to our Club Captain Richard Gremo for a fantastic day providing amongst other things TWO close up magicians (one being his son George who performed his card tricks with great patter if somewhat lacking in finesse, that boy will go far)
Richard would like to express his thanks to all members who helped make the day memorable, you know who you are!
He is also looking for sponsorship for the Charity Day on August 24th anything would be considered as long as it raises funds for the charity!
Greens and Course News
Here is a reply from The Course Director to the many questions that were raised during the recent EGM concerning the Greens Committee report of their last meeting and matters arising thereof.
Dear member,
Firstly let me apologise for the above, I have a number of replies and I wanted you all to receive this as soon as possible after the meeting Saturday and I have very little time available to me to individualise the letter.
Thank you for your contact regarding the proposal to improve the approach to the second green. I understand your concerns but can assure you that the proposal was to improve the course and certainly not make it any easier otherwise the growing in of the fairways and rough would have been pointless. As you know on the approach to the 2nd you can hit 2 identical balls, one landing on an upslope and stopping dead the other on a down slope and going through the green This means a lottery which golf should not be.
The idea was to make the undulations less extreme (my use of the words flatter and leveled was a poor choice) to take away the lottery effect and to allow better drainage therefore avoiding water damaged grass as seen elsewhere on the course. Any work would be carried out by the greens staff with minimal expense. The work would peel back the existing turf to allow infilling before the turf was replaced. We do not envisage significant amounts of new turf being used. Better drainage and healthier grass would be a vast improvement.
Links courses are developed using the natural contours of the land. We believe those contours were man made at some point in time and they are steadily becoming more pronounced.
The discussion point in the greens notes was not printed in full in “Tidings”, I insert below for your information. The matter was discussed before it went in my report to the board.
“We discussed at some length the area in front of the 2nd green which will be levelled in the Autumn with turf being used to give a flatter area between the ditch and the green”
The greens committee is there to do a job and all discussions are referred to the board and the main committee. It will make mine and the greens committee job impossible if all work was referred to the members. Hopefully we can improve the course wherever possible within a very limited budget. These changes would do just that and make the hole far more resilient to wet conditions and help protect our ageing machinery.
I trust the explanation is of help to you.
Kind regards,
Malcolm Kent.
The Old Salts Captain Colin Chapman, Vice Captain George Bawden
Secretary Alec Parrett
That old fox (and Old Salts vice) George Bawden lived up to his recent promise by carrying off the Frank Fox Trophy as July warmed our hearts with some overdue sunshine.
George’s win was well overdue too, and his smile mirrored it as he sat in the bar with the trophy, that he won handsomely with a handicap-cutting success of 61, seeing off a hearty challenge from Rod Whitehead who carded the lowest gross for the day with a 77. But Rod’s nett 64 couldn’t catch George. Brian Best carded a fine 65, shared with Gentleman George Earlam, with Trevor Coombes and Mike Harrison closely in attendance.
Again the sun shone a week later as the Old Salts were entertained heartily by the Ladies for the Centenary Cup. The match was followed by some fine fayre and some good wine. The Ladies scribe will no doubt give details elsewhere in Tidings of the Salts’ fine win. Modesty restrains this writer from doing so, but we should mention here Clive Witten’s best score of the day with 42. A man to watch for a handicap cut.
In the Best Three Cards game in mid -July Gentleman Clive again showed everyone the way with 41, just edging out David Kinnersley (40) with George Bawden straining for top honour again with a fine 39. Brian Best and Ron Fuller shared a 38, whilst Ryn Hudson took third place for the Gentlemen with a 37 on countback.
The Captain’s Challenge saw a good four -and -two triumph for Colin and George over Tony Bensted and Henry Kernighan.
For the popular Captain’s Day Colin Chapman laid on the weather, and a sausage roll and coffee, and a bottle for the nearest the pin. Cup winner was the improving Ryn Hudson, who again took home a trophy (and an overdue handicap cut) as he overwhelmed everyone with a massive 45 points. On any other day Trevor Coombes could be excused for top expectations and a trophy at last, coming in with 44 points, but not to be again for the consistent Trevor, who still counts Ryn as one of his mates. Third place went to David Dale on 41 points. The old fox Les Cox again took the nine-hole Peter Tucker over- 75 trophy.
In the Dennis Fewtrell Trophy Graham Williams had to take a one-stroke cut as a reward for winning with a nett 62, whilst Henry Kernighan, who played his usual tight game, recorded a 64. Some 37 Salts enjoyed a really great day in good weather and the ever-improving Trevor Coombes, now playing off 21 and a real Player, just pipped Rod Whitehead on countback with a 66.
Our matches with North Foreland at home and Westgate away saw a fine 4 ½ – 3 ½ win for the Salts, whilst the trip to Westgate notched another great success. The early starters had the best of the weather, whilst those teeing off later got some blustery showers. However our gallant boys brought home a five to three overall win to add to their recent run of successes.
Junior Section Captain Richard Smith, Vice captain Jack Tucker
Secretary Peter Wade.
On a hot Saturday July 13th the Juniors competed for The Maflin Trophy and in the sunshine several handicaps melted leaving the way clear for some of the younger and higher handicapped players to put in good cards resulting in a win for George Steadman-Gay with Oscar Girling second and Richard Smith third.
Handicap adjustments resulting from the competition:-
Oscar Girling 30 to 28
Joe Smith 42 to 36
George Steadman-Gay 36 to 28
I would like to thank Sue Maflin for the prizes and the huge bag of sweets that was devoured gleefully by all present.
The next Junior’s fixtures are the Ford Five Cup and the Genesis Cup both to be played on Friday August 9th starting at 1300hrs.
On Thursday August 15th the Juniors will play the Ladies.
Well done to Joe Smith on the fourth, he hit a 5 iron to within a metre and holed the putt for a great birdie!
Welcome to four new members George Gremo. Archie Rumball , Zack Spencer, and Chester Speed (what a great name, possibly only improved by the addition of a mysterious Y in the middle! Ed.)
Peter Wade
Ladies Section Captain Jackie Witten, Vice Captain Linda Bawden
Secretary Jean Hudson
July opened with the Jamboree, played this year at Faversham. The home team were the victors in the three way competition, Chestfield being the third team. Unfortunately Whitstable ladies only made it to 3rd place, despite their best efforts. It was as ever, a lovely day.
However, the next match, against St Augustines was a very different story, with a satisfying 3 ½ – ½ in.
The competitions for the Wren and Woodhead trophies were contested on the 5th. The Wren, a par competition for handicaps 0 – 29, was won by Mel Bashford, with a +1 score, on countback from Jenny Vening. The 30 and over handicap competition, a stableford, was won by Jean Hudson, 28 points, with Penny Kinnersley second, again on countback, from Sally Lawson, both with 27 points.
A vibrant competition was held between the ladies and the Old Salts, with the only problem for the ladies being that the Old Salts won! The gauntlet is now down, gentlemen! As ever, it was a most enjoyable day, played in good spirit, with good food afterwards, appreciated by all.
The medal on the 9th was won by Holly Butler, net 72, who we welcome back after a recent bout of illness. Second was Molly Broadbent; third was Helen Gurney, who has also been away from the tee for a while.
Another friendly away match was played against Faversham, again, a really nice day, but the result shall be glossed over.
There was the stupendous Lady Captains day on the 16th, when 40 ladies teed off to go melting round the course. The game really was surviving the heat, halfway refreshments were gratefully received as was the complimentary reviving Pimms on return to the clubhouse. Lovely buffet, Tony, and a great atmosphere. Winner overall was Chris Chapman, 41 points, followed by Sue Pout, 38, and Betty Washby third, with 37. Mary King was the winner of the first 9, Shirley Rosser the winner of the second 9. Nearest the pin was Beryl Wingrove; Louise Tucker had the longest drive. Thanks to Captain Jackie for a great day!
The following week there was an attempt to have a waltz round the golf course, a different competition, which seemed to be well received. The winner was the weather, as there were thunderstorms in the area and the game was called off for safety’s sake. But it has been re-scheduled, by request, and will be held in September.
The match against Chestfield was close, but we were just pipped by the visitors; 2½ to 1½. It was again a case of survival in the heat.
On the 30th, a medal competition for the over 60 ladies was held for the Lowe Trophy. No heat this time, but wind and rain. A field of 27 started, 8 came to their senses half way round and didn’t finish, but 19 stuck it all the way round, including your correspondent, who should have had more sense; having a hatred of playing in the wet stuff. However, of these, Sally Lawson won, with a net 69; Pat Bensted was second with 71. Well done the survivors!
Sheila Wyles
Men’s Section Captain Richard Gremo, Vice Captain Andy Sargeant
Club Captain Richard Gremo retained his Club Champion title for another year after he won the scratch cup with a fabulous gross sixty-nine score. In near perfect conditions birdies were proving elusive and Richard Smith had a share of the lead. Unfortunately, Richard Smith suffered a double bogie on the easy fifteenth to end his challenge. Don Crawford nearly caused an upset after he made a late charge over the closing holes. Three consecutive birdies on 11, 12 and 13 put him into the lead for a while but he eventually had to settle for second place with a gross 70 after he dropped two shots on the 14.
The July medal competition ended with an amazing win for Club President Michael Behr. His net 57 proved to be just good enough to edge Don Crawford’s net 58 into the runner up slot.
Ronnie Rumball proved he can win major competitions and collect maximum committee cup points when he won the prestigious Frend Cup. Ronnie’s 40 stableford points was just good enough to snatch the winner’s prize from Chris Dale on countback. Martyn Silverton also did well to take third place with 39 points.
Derek Bates
Midweekers Section Captain Peter Shearing, Vice Captain Ray Thomas
Secretary Peter Fox
The Eynon Price Members Medal no the 10th July was played in good conditions for this Captains year, just high winds.
Captains Challenge was a close fort affair, all square until the 16th,
but Bob Ireland could not be contained any longer and he and Eric Rochester ran out 2 and 1 winners, no surprise there.
Two new players to m/w competitions were introduced Gerald Palmer and Eddie Garland, welcome.
A hole in one certificate was presented to Roy Keohane, well done Roy.
Birdie prizes went to Colin Holton 6/15′ Rod White head 4/13 and whisky prize to Mark Blackmore a birdie 8/17
Roger Bryant and Colin Satchell were Charity Sweep winners.
The competition proper results were in 3rd place on countback, Colin Satchell with a 63 from a fit Don Crawford. The winner with magnificent, outrageous, 55 was Brian McNally; this fantastic score cost him 2 shots from his handicap
The July Sweeps Stableford was played in very warm conditions with a very light breeze. Before the M/w notices and presentations were given a special announcement was made to the effect that Duke and Duchess Cambridge had had a baby boy, 3rd in line to the Throne. As it turned out it seemed rather superfluous, as all the members had already heard the news.
The Captains Challenge was again lost, this time by 2 and1 to a very fortunate Tony Love and Colin Satchell. A very enjoyable round, kept close by the Vice Captain’s good play, but two birdies by Tony proved to be the difference on the day. There was some dispute as to whether Colin would make such an early start, not being an early riser, but he made it with 2 minutes to spare, well done Colin.
The winner of the competition with another magnificent score was Roy Keohane 48 points. 2nd Mike Love 42, 3rd on count back from four other was Jo Cousins 40.
Birdies on the 6/15 Bob Ireland, Ron Orford, Jon Aldridge, good to see Jon again, Mike Love, Trevor Croxton, Mark Blackmore, Mark a second on the 4/15 and two for Tony Love.
Many thanks to Mike Kelleher for his sterling work at the table and good to see him back swinging his clubs again.
Charity Sweep only two winners Tony Love and Stan Dodson.
Later that day your Captain received an apology from the Ladies Vice Captain, Linda Bawden, regarding n incident, where by a group crossed the path of a M/w match going to the third tee from the club house. This was a genuine over sight not having noticed the approaching group. I hope the apology proffered at the time was accepted in a gracious manner as befitting the M/W section. Many thanks for your call Linda.
Future Events
The Mixed Frolic at Leeds Castle on Wednesday September 4th not a match v Ladies as published in the diary and elsewhere but a combined team score as well as individual scores ladies and gents, followed by a light lunch in The Parkgate Inn, book now to avoid disappointment!
Peter Shearing
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
The Vets match v Tudor Park on 23rd July, was almost a reversal of our home match in that we lost 4 matches and halved one, John Wegner playing with Colin Satchell holed his chip on the 18th to get the half and salvage some dignity for the team.
Our last two matches of the season will have to be won well to retain our current position on the leaderboard with an outside chance of first place.
Friday 9th August Etchinghill away 0830 hrs
Friday 16th August The Ridge away 0900 hrs
Super Seventies Organiser and Captain Alec Parrett
Great sunshine and a great course greeted the Supers at Broome Park in late July. We were fortunate to be able to field a stronger team to take on twice champions of our League C, and who are looking for a hat-trick of wins this year. And they are likely to get it when the league table is inspected. We publish the end-July statistics below to inspire those of you who are qualified but not moved enough to join our merry band of improving Seniors.
We fared very well and were just denied a deserved draw. It took a Barnes Wallis shot on the tricky 18th for one of the home players to bring off a miracle, and lucky shot to the green….only for the culprit to sink (if only!) his 20-footer to grab a half. His opponent David Dale said as a former sailor even he could not walk on water, but obviously the chosen can.
David Kinnersley and Alec Parrett netted a four and two win over a strong pair that included their captain and organizer Ken Marsh. He said that the Salts were surprisingly strong this year and that the 2 ½ -1½ win for Broome Park was hard work for them. It gave Whitstable six badly needed points. Those away game wins really count.
At Etchinghill we DID draw. That old campaigner George Bawden showing Alec the ropes on how to handle a tricky course to grab a last-hole win after letting a three-hole lead evaporate. The strong pairing of David Dale and Rodney Wood didn’t need the whole course to see off their rivals to take the spoils. The two-all draw gave us some very valuable points to add to our slim tally in League C and we look forward to our two remaining games with Foreland and the return at home leg to Etchinghill.
Don’t forget. The list is up for the August 13 game with North Foreland scheduled to take place after the Ladies finish their Medal in the morning. So sign up, pitch up and play up. It’s a fiver. Can’t be bad.
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!
Winners
1st £30.00 Brian Ridley
2nd £20.00 Henry Kernighan
3rd £10.00 Kit Ryan
What’s on for the next two months?
August
Friday 2nd 1200hrs Ladies v Westgate
Saturday 3rd am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 3rd pm Match v Westgate (home)
Sunday 4th All day Presidents Prize 36 holes
Monday 5th am Old Salts v Walmer and Kingsdown (away
Tuesday 6th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 7th pm Ladies Past Captain’s Trophy
Thursday 8th am Old Salts Senior’s Cup Medal
Friday 9th 0830hrs Kent Vets v Etchinghill
Friday 9th 1300hrs Junior’s Stableford
Saturday 10th pm Mixed Invitation
Sunday 11th am Captain’s swindle
Monday 12th am Old Salts Invitation Day
Tuesday 13th am Ladies Medal
Tuesday 13th pm Super Seventies v North Foreland (home)
Wednesday 14th am Midweekers T Backhouse Rose Bowl Medal
Friday 16th 0900hrs Kent Vets v The Ridge (away)
Friday 16th 1200hrs Ladies v The Ridge (home)
Sunday 18th am Monthly Medal
Tuesday 20th am Ladies Texas Scramble
Thursday 22nd am Old Salts Duncan Monro Trophy Medal
Friday 23rd am Midweekers A Sait August Shield Stableford
Sunday 25th am Texas Scramble
Monday 26th pm RNLI Mixed Greensomes
Tuesday 27th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 28th am Old Salts v St Augustines Kay Shield (home)
Friday 30th 1130hrs Ladies Invitation Day
Saturday 31st 1300hrs Esworthy Rose Bowl
September
Sunday 1st am Monthly Medal
Monday 2nd am Old Salts v Faversham (home)
Tuesday 3rd am Ladies Autumn Greensomes
Wednesday 4th am Midweekers v Ladies Leeds Castle Frolic
Friday 6th 1200hrs Ladies v Canterbury
Saturday 7th am Qualifying Medal
Saturday 7th Spare day for knockout finals
Sunday 8th am Finals Day – Captains Prize
Sunday 8th pm Rest of Club Knockouts
Sunday 8th am Captains Swindle
Monday 9th am Old Salts 7 club shield at St Augustines
Tuesday 10th all day Ladies Autumn Meeting
Thursday 12th pm Super Seventies v North Foreland (away)
Friday 13th am Midweekers Whitstable v Seasalter
Saturday 14th pm Seasalter v Presidents Teams (home)
Sunday 15th am Captains Swindle
Sunday 15th pm Mixed Jamboree at North Foreland
Monday 16th Course Maintenance Greens and Tees all week
Monday 16th 1030hrs Ladies v Hythe (away)
Wednesday 18th am Midweekers C Wren September Cup Medal
Friday 20th am Old Salts 7 club past Captains at Chestfield
Sunday 22nd am Captains Swindle
Tuesday 24th am Ladies Competition
Wednesday 25th am Old Salts v Sheerness
Friday 27th am Midweekers H Burnett Tandoori Cup Stableford
Saturday 28th Junior Captains Day
Sunday 29th am Fourball Betterball Stableford drawn
Monday 30th am Old Salts Past Captains
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!
I know there are people reading this publication as all the copies printed disappear, doesn’t anyone have something to say?
Ditloids
Answers to last months Ditloids
1 Photo In A Passport, 3 Volumes In A Trilogy, 5 Acts In Romeo And Juliet, 7 Dwarfs In Snow White, 9 Symphonies By Beethoven, 11 Years Of Maggie Thatcher, 13 Stripes On The American Flag, 15 Players In A Rugby Union Football Team
2 GOAR, 4 LOANP, 6 NOANLT, 8 TOAO, 10 C, 12 SOTZ, 14 LIAS, 16 OIAP.
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history, Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
Beachcomber
Even more thoughts on life etc.
There are many in this old world of ours who hold that things break about even for all of us. I have observed for example that we all get the same amount of ice. The rich get it in the summertime and the poor get it in the winter.
Interchangeable parts don’t, leak proof seals aren’t, and self-starters won’t.
Keep a thing seven years and it’s bound to come in handy.
See a pin and pick it up and all the day you’ll have a pin.
Warranty – A notice telling the buyer when the product that was just purchased will no longer function.
Admiration is a very short-lived passion that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object; unless it be still fed with fresh discoveries, and kept alive by a perpetual succession of miracles rising into view.
There are men whom you will never dislodge from an opinion, except by taking possession of it yourself.
Nothing is as frustrating as arguing with someone who knows what he’s talking about.
I find I always have to write something on a steamed mirror.
People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
It’s annoying to be disapproved of by people who know only half the story – especially when you’re not sure which half they know.
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
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