AWHITSTABLE 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 9 Issue no.3 1st September 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.
From The Office
DRESS CODE
I promised to let Members have the results of the recent Dress Code questionnaire, which are as follows: –
1. Shorts to be allowed in the clubhouse after 7.00 pm in the summer For 62% Against 38%
2. Shirts must be tucked in at all times
For 67% Against 33%
3. Tailored or smart shorts only to be worn
For 97% Against 3%
4. Smart clean jeans (excluding blue denim) to be worn in the clubhouse only
For 61% Against 39%
5. Smart clean jeans of all types to be worn in the clubhouse only
For 33% Against 67%
6. The existing rules regarding the types of socks worn to be deleted
For 49% Against 51%
Unfortunately the number of responses represented less than one third of the membership – which may perhaps indicate a lack of interest in the code or may be just sheer apathy.
Many interesting and constructive suggestions and comments were made by members including: –
• Male and female fashions and dress sense are completely different and a Dress Code covering all members is ridiculous
• The concept of a Dress Code is out of date, elitist and unenforceable.
• Many tailor made golf shirts do not have collars
• What is the definition of jeans? Many trousers currently regularly being worn on the course are certainly jeans style.
• Many golf tops are designed to be worn over trousers / shorts
• Obese members look ridiculous with tucked in shirts – which seldom stay in place
• Some modern golf shoes look very like trainers
The Committee now have to decide whether any changes will need to be made, taking into account these results.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Martyn Dines has tendered his resignation as Finance Director effective from the next Annual General Meeting in November.
His main reason for resigning is that he feels that the on-going tensions within the Club, arising from a small minority, no longer makes this voluntary position enjoyable.
Martyn has been a very valuable asset to this Club and has helped to bring the Club back to profitability after some difficult years.
He has pledged his support to his successor and we all wish him well for the future.
The Board is nominating Mrs Fran Price as Martyn’s successor but if anyone else wishes to be considered please see the Secretary who will provide a job description
B R Best
Secretary 31st August 2013
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
Greens and Course News
Greens Committee Meeting Notes
10.30am Wednesday 28th August 2013.
Present; Malcolm Kent, John Rosser, Brian Best Steve Suttle. (Copy to Captain)
Apologies; Seth (Meeting date changed at short notice)
Matters arising;
Confirmed the path behind the 4th green to be re-laid prior to the winter.
Borehole update is positive with more research continuing.
Green keeper will be piloting a rye grass removal product on a few tees.
We discussed the machinery and whether or not leasing should be considered. After looking at the repair costs and the general condition of the machinery it was decided to continue with the existing policy of purchasing good second-hand machines when available. The current mobile maintenance is more then satisfactory.
We are still pursuing a contactor to install more course drainage. This has been difficult and means that the drainage will probably not be carried out in maintenance week.
There is much work to be carried out in that week, some being continued after but before the onset of winter weather.
A.O.B.
Discussions were had regarding the installation of a new bunker to the left of the 6th green in the face of the mound. It was thought this may help focus players on the green and hopefully avoid a few “beach hut shots” Cost are being sort although most work will be carried out by the greens staff. If the new bunker is installed the bunker behind the 5th will be filled in and allowed to be part of the rough.
Costs are being sort regarding a high netting to protect the caravan park along the 7th.
Next meeting will take place during December on a date to be fixed.
Malcolm Kent
The Old Salts Captain Colin Chapman, Vice Captain George Bawden
Secretary Alec Parrett
The first medal of August saw John Wegner triumph in the Seniors Cup. It was the first ever trophy won by John as an Old Salt, and the way he is playing there should be more to come. But he only just scraped through to victory this time as he edged out dour Martyn Dines (60) on countback, who equally just escaped the clutches of galloping Dave Morgan who carded a fine 61 in third place. That morning the Players showed the Gentlemen a fine pair of heels as John Williams (64) just pipped evergreen Ron Fuller on countback. Mike Harrison followed them in on 67. In the Captains Challenge, Peter Steigmann and John Shepherd were far too strong for the senior duo and ran out five and four winners.
The Salts’ Invitation Day was a great success. Played in ideal weather, 60 players set off to enjoy some convivial golf with their mates from many other clubs ranging as far afield as Dartford to near-neighbours Chestfield. A famous face or two could be seen on our links, one of whom was Derek Underwood, now President of Chart Hills but best known, of course, as an England cricketer whose fiery spin bowling was responsible for 200 enemy wickets (quite a few Australian) in his heyday. He managed to spin one in on the 11th hole that had a bottle of wine for nearest the centre line as a prize. He ousted Colin Holton’s huge and (for once) accurate effort, only to be himself given out as our own Mike Moore got within inches to grab the plonk.
Overall winners, who went back to the clubhouse to sample Tony Love’s beef and mushroom pie and treacle pud were past winners Graham Shepherd from Dartford and our very own Super Salt, Leslie Cox on a very creditable 44 points. Ian Wingrove and Jerry Bayliss got the better of Andrew Pout and his brother on 42 on countback. Brotherly bonds came to the fore on the back nine too as the Fudges took the prize, with John Williams and John Lehane besting the field on the outward nine.
The rain finally came to mar the grand golfing month of August, during which time our members had enjoyed weather simply designed for our great game. However the rain did not stop some hardy Salts competing in the inaugural playing of the Dave Gould Memorial Trophy .
Dear Dave must have smiled from above as we tried to play golf of the gods in conditions not designed for us older folk. But his daughter Carina and grand daughter Elizabeth were in the clubhouse to welcome the Salts as they paddled in to lodge their scores and take some much earned refreshment. Captain Colin said some moving words before the presentation, reminding the Salts of Dave’s huge contribution to the club. Past Salts Captain, Treasurer, as well as the purveyor of the finest marmalade in Kent. How we all miss him.
Winner of Dave’s Stick trophy, now on show in a very appropriate place, above the bar, was Dave Morgan on 62, just shading John Dowle, 63, whose last hole brought him not only a personal disaster, but a tale to tell over a pint. As big John moved his marker from behind his ball on the 18th his putter slipped from his wet hand and hit the ball, to incur a penalty stroke. Gentleman George Earlam, still enjoying a rich vein of form, was third with 66.
The Captain’s Challenge played out its own drama as Fred Stokes, standing in for Captain Colin, joined George Bawden, to grab a half against Malcolm Lane and Tony Bensted after being three down in the constant rain. What stars!
It took countbacks galore to decide the drawn Greensome Pairs as August waned. But the weather again played fair with The Salts. As many pairings hit the 40 mark, Gwyn Oakley and George Earlam took the overall on 42, with Peter Fox and galloping Dave Morgan edging out Colin Holton and Ron Fuller. This pair had 24 points on the front nine.
Our matches against other clubs have had successes, and of course a couple of seconds. As July ended we went to Westgate and came away with a fine 5-3 win, whilst at Walmer not too many of the Salts won, going down 6 ½ – 1½. At St Augustines we returned to winning ways, grabbing a 4½ – 3½ victory, but sadly overall, as we lost 6-2 away earlier in the year, St Augustines recaptured the Kay Shield.
Junior Section Captain Richard Smith, Vice captain Jack Tucker
Secretary Peter Wade.
On Friday August 9th the Junior section was in action again, two trophies were up for grabs – The Ford Five Club Trophy for under 28 handicaps and The Genesis Cup for over 28 handicaps.
Results
Ford Cup
1st Jonathan Nevett 47 points
2nd Oscar Girling 43 points
3rd Mia Waddington 34 points
Genesis Cup
1st Oscar Bensted
2nd Joe Smith
On Thursday August 15th the Juniors played the Ladies in a Stableford match. 7 Pairs set out in glorious weather at the 9 hole mark, Steve provided several large welcoming jugs of cold drinks for the players, thanks Steve.
The Juniors won the day by a margin of 14 points, well done guys!
I would like to thank the Lady Captain Jackie Witten for her hard work in ensuring that this match took place and thanks to Mary Calthrop for her wonderful food.
This will be my last report as Junior’s Secretary as I have resigned the position.
To all who helped me with the Junior’s a sincere thank you,
Peter Wade
Thanks must go to Peter for his years of tireless effort in organizing the Juniors.
Ladies Section Captain Jackie Witten, Vice Captain Linda Bawden
Secretary Jean Hudson
There were a couple of friendly matches at the beginning of August, against Westgate, at home, and North Foreland, away. Unfortunately, the results need to be glossed over, but a good time was had by all.
On the 6th, the ladies held a charity stableford competition, and Penny Perkins won with an amazing 42 points, cutting her handicap to 10. Second was Holly Butler, 37, then Beryl Wingrove, 36. Donations received totaled £ 60.85.
Penny’s run of good play continued the following day, when she took part in the Past captains Trophy, and won, with 40 points this time, reduced again, her handicap is now on the cusp; 9.5.As she pointed out, lightning doesn’t usually strike twice; but it did for her this week! 10 Past Captains competed for the trophy, and there was a prize for the front 9, 21points, Mary King, and the second 9, 20 points, Mel Bashford. These were kindly donated and presented by Past Captain Janet Drewitt, as she has done in previous years. The competitors were joined by other Past Captains and the Ladies Committee, so there were 20 for tea, and what a yummy one it was! A few of the Past Captains present had had mothers who had also held the position in the past, but Past Captain Margaret Barker was present with her mother, Joan Nash, who had been Captain 50 years ago. Joan still looks amazing for her age; so good, she looks capable of still getting round the course.
The monthly medal was played for on the 13th, and if you really concentrated, you could hear the tumbling of handicaps at the end of the morning. The winner, Chris Chapman, net 65, continued her 2013 fall going from 26 to 25. Second, Beryl Wingrove, 67, went from 28, which had only briefly visited, to 27. And in third place, Fran Price, 68, fell from 24 to 23.
Well done you ladies!
Two days later, a team of 7 juniors took on the Ladies over 9 holes on a lovely sunny, but very breezy afternoon. Individual stableford scores were totaled for each team and the victors were the Juniors with 116, ladies 102. Everyone won afterwards, with lovely cakes, thank you Mary Calthrop!!
Next year it is intended to make this event a tripartite one with the Old Salts, same format.
Something to look forward to, gentlemen!
The following day, a match against The Ridge at home, resulted in a gratifying 3-1 win, well played, team!
The much-postponed Jubilee Foursomes, a victim of the weather earlier in the year, finally took place on the 20th. The pairing of Penny Perkins and Holly Butler took first place 39 points, and Jackie Witten with Pat Bensted were runners-up, 35 points.
The match between teams for Captain and Vice Captain was closely fought on the 22nd. The morning had been a complete washout for the Old Salts, with various drowned rats returning to the clubhouse after real soaking. However, after a start in wet conditions, things improved for the ladies, and the sun even shone on the righteous, towards the end of the 9 holes. 13 pairs played, and the reigning Captain, Jackie, won by one game, winning the trophy donated by Helen Gurney. Cakes courtesy of Pat Bensted and Mary Calthrop provided a nice finish to the afternoon.
The RNLI Bank holiday meeting is always tinged with sadness, because it’s heralding the end of the summer, but there were no dimmed spirits to be seen amongst the competitors; 18 pairs, fighting it out in glorious summer weather for the honour of a prestigious win. Well, a win, anyway. The glorious victors were Steve Rumball and Sue Pout with a lovely total of 42 points. With 39 points, Penny Perkins and Rodney Wood followed, then David and Doreen Dale, 41. A prize for the first nine was won by Desmond and Margaret Barker, the second nine: Tony and Janet Henley.
The following day was a bit tough for the ladies who had played the mixed greensomes on the Bank Holiday, as it was monthly medal day! Sue Maflin scored a stupendous net 60, to win by a mile, and in the process, reducing her handicap from a briefly visited 22, back to 19. Judy Butcher was second,; Vilma Dunning third.
Another glorious day was in store for the Ladies Invitation Day, on the 30th. Our President saw the ladies off, for a joint stableford competition. It was a very successful day, with good food and many prizes, very green horticultural ones, making a corner of the conservatory resemble a nursery.
Winners overall were Margaret Barker and Janet Fright (North Foreland), 72 points, who got the bigger bay trees.
This was on countback, from Maz Garlinge and Moira Streetfield, winning the smaller bay trees. The third pair, Jenny Vening and Mary Robinson,69 points , won topiary evergreens.
Janet Fright also featured in the twos competition, winning the whole amount outright, having birdied the 15th.
There were other birdies, and the winner of the Captains’ china birdie, decided by a draw of cards from birdie achievers, was Maz Greenin who had managed a super birdie on the 7th.
Best 18 hole “home” scorer was Maz Garlinge 36 points, best visitor, Mary Robinson (Chestfield) 39 points.
Best individual first nine; Liz Harvey 21 points, best second nine, Lesley Mumford, 18 points.
Nearest the pin on the 6th was Janet Henley, and nearest drive to the line on the 2nd was Helen Foad.
A brilliant day, Good buffet from Tony, lots of happy faces.
Men’s Section Captain Richard Gremo, Vice Captain Andy Sargeant
Brian Best played out of his skin in the August medal to finish with a winning net 59 ahead of Steve Rumball. Brian dropped just three shots to par on the front nine to set up his win; whilst Steve had to settle for second place, despite bogies on two of the last three holes. Guy Vine, Ian Burton and Ted Henderson each finished on net 6, but a sub-par back nine from Ted gave him third place on count back.
Derek Bates
Midweekers Section Captain Peter Shearing, Vice Captain Ray Thomas
Secretary Peter Fox
Results of the Ted Backhouse Rose bowl medal
Captains Challenge v Bob Ireland and Bob McCormick a defeat by one hole
Competition winners 1st Alan Fowler 61 2nd Roger Bryant 61 3rd Bob Ireland 62
Birdies 6/15th Mark Blackmore Jon Aldridge Eynon Price 4/13 Roger Bryant
Steve Chambers Brian McNally Tony Love Peter Shearing
Whiskey winners Mark Blackmore and Jon Aldridge.
Charity sweep Colin Satchell Bob Ireland Roy Lee.
A presentation of a signed card and a cake was made to Albert Adams on
his 88th birthday, congratulations from all.
Results of the Tony Sait August Shield Stapleford
Captains Challenge v Roy Keohane and Don Williams all square.
Competition winners
1st Martyn Silverton 44 2nd Alan Fowler 43 Bob Ireland 41.
Birdies 6/15th Bob Ireland Mike Kellerher.
Charity sweep John Cook and Rodney Whitehead
Veteran’s Section
Captain Barry Broadbent, Secretary Bob Ireland
Just a quick reminder that the Vets Annual Meeting is at the club on Friday 4th October, the general meeting will be followed by a game of golf and a meal provided by your own veteran chef Tony!
Super Seventies Organiser and Captain Alec Parrett
Not much to report as the Supers prop up the bottom of League C, three points below Etchinghill, but all to play for as we go into the fray against Foreland in September, and the one other remaining match of the season at home to Etchinghill. Both are vital if we want to get off the bottom….the table that is, not ours.
North Foreland will be looking for revenge at their venue, but we managed to surprise them there last year and denied them the honour of champions. So watch this space.
Unfortunately there has been a hiccup in our planned away match against them. Please note: All those who have signed up for the second-leg match there on Thursday September 12 should by now have been contacted because of Foreland’s double booking. The match has had to be delayed. It seems that date is their pro-am day!
The match has been rescheduled by them for Thursday September 26 and is now the last game in the League for this season. Details are on our board.
We had one game in August at Collinwood Road and came in with a three games to one win over Foreland. It took an ex-County player and a 20 handicapper playing to something like 15 to hit David Kinnersley and his partner off the park. So, sadly, David’s record of wins against all comers in matches against other clubs this season came to an end.
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 Roger Backhouse
2nd £20.00 Linda Bawden
3rd £10.00 Trevor Coombes
What’s on for the next two months?
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
October
Tuesday 1st am Ladies Daily Mail Foursomes
Friday 4th am Kent Vets AGM
Sunday 6th am Monthly Medal
Monday 7th am Old Salts v The Ladies
Tuesday 8th am Ladies Medal
Wednesday 9th am Midweekers Ray Thomas Cup Medal
Thursday 10th am Old Salts AGM
Friday 11th 1200hrs Ladies v Boughton (home)
Saturday 12th pm Westgate Mixed (home)
Sunday 13th am Medal Winners Medal
Sunday 13th am Stableford
Tuesday 15th am Ladies Competition
Thursday 17th pm Ladies Supper
Saturday 19th pm Juniors Medal
Sunday 20th am Turkey Trot 1st round
Tuesday 22nd am Ladies Competition
Friday 25th am Midweekers D Rosendale Sorcerers Trophy Stblfrd
Friday 25th pm Annual Dinner and Dance
Sunday 27th am Texas Scramble
Tuesday 29th am Ladies 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!
I know there are people reading this publication as all the copies printed disappear, doesn’t anyone have something to say?
Ditloids
1 TOAH, 3 COATL, 5 OR, 7 SOAFPP, 9 PIOSS, 11 FOAB, 13 TITCT
15 DOACF.
Answers to last months Ditloids
2 Grooves On A Record, 4 Letters On A Number Plate, 6 Numbers On A National Lottery Ticket, 8 Tentacles Of An Octopus, 10 Commandments, 12 Signs Of The Zodiac, 14 Lines In A Sonnet, 16 Ounces In A Pound.
Any contributions of any type will be considered, puzzles, stories, history, Anecdotes, your chance to get your stuff in print!
Beachcomber
Here are a few truisms from some famous writers
Life is like a ten speed bicycle.
Most of us have gears we never use.
- Charles M. Schulz
A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
- Oscar Wilde
It is better to be thought a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.
- Mark Twain
History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing; it was here first.
- Mark Twain
Get the facts first. You can distort them later.
- Mark Twain
God writes a lot of comedy… the trouble is, he’s stuck with so many bad actors who don’t know how to play funny.
- Garrison Keillor
When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.
- Mark Twain
Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.
- Mark Twain
Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.
- Benjamin Franklin
The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.
- Oscar Wilde
Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
- Mark Twain
Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.
- James Dewar
When a thing is funny, search it for a hidden truth.
- George Bernard Shaw
Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact.
- George Eliot
The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the person who argues with him.
- Stanislaw Jerszy Lec
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
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
Some from Eric Bean
Woods:- Driver Trilogy 15 degree with cover £10.00
Loco 10 degree £10.00
Ocean 10.5 degree £10.00
Hippo plus 10 degree £10.00
4 wood 19 degree £10.00
5 wood Wilson 25 degree £10.00
Offset £10.00
15 wood 37 degree £10.00
Hybrid Onyx 18 degree £10.00
Onyx 25 degree £10.00
Onyx 19 degree £10.00
Lob Wedge Condor 60 degree £ 5.00
3 assorted putters £ 3.00each
Carry bag New with stand £15.00
Eric Bean 01227 740190