Each month, our three Captains share with us their news from the previous few weeks and take a quick look ahead to the upcoming month. This time, Norman Davidson, Stella Hammond and John Parkinson give us their final comments before ending their Captain’s Year.
Men’s Captain, Norman Davidson
My Captain’s year did not start well when the nerves kicked in and hit my Drive-In some 50 yards. Unfortunately, this inability to hit a tee shot has continued throughout the year and I can only hope that once I hand over the Captaincy to Matt Tunstall the pressure will subside, and I can get back to playing some proper golf.
I apologise to those Swindles who invited me to play with them and hope there may be other occasions when I can join them once my game has returned.
You will all remember the appalling weather we endured at the beginning of my term of office with endless weekends of golf lost and the previously unheard of ‘Course Closed’. But eventually things started to improve, and we all got back to playing.
The club team competitions had unfortunately limited success this year. With the weather having put paid to any form of selection process, our Team Captains rallied the troops and did the best they could to field teams in all competitions.
My sincere thanks go to all those who willingly give up their time to manage these teams and to the players themselves who sacrifice their weekends in order to play for our club.
I must say that despite our limited success, I thoroughly enjoyed supporting these matches both home and away and all players were a credit to the club.
My Charity this year was the St Helena Hospice, and I am grateful to all those who helped me raise in the region of £5,000 for a very worthy cause. The final figures are still awaited and I will confirm these once they have been agreed.
I would also like to congratulate all those winners of the various competitions we run throughout the year and hopefully look forward to even more members competing for them next year.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Ladies Captain, Stella Hammond and Seniors Captain, John Parkinson on their successful year and thank all those people who have helped and supported me throughout the year, especially my wife Elaine, who in addition to her role as Essex Ladies County Captain, has always been there whenever she was needed.
Good luck to the incoming Captains, Matt Tunstall, Jill Pottle and Kevin Price
Ladies Captain, Stella Hammond
Well, I can’t believe this is my final newsletter before handing the role of Ladies Captain into the capable hands of Jill Pottle.
The year has flown by especially the last 3 months. After a very wet start when it seemed we would never get in any golf, we eventually took off at a pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed supporting the respective teams on their journeys around the county and wish to thank both Sue Gregory and Barby Jones for all their hard work in organising the matches. I’m pleased that they are continuing in the role next year along with Janet Hodge.
We have completed all the finals this month, Stableford, medal and June Davis, congratulations to the winners, also to Lesley Hitchcock who came second on count back in the Essex ladies Windfall trophy. The Daily Mail foursomes qualifier was won by Fran Chandler and Corinne Jackson.
Finally, I wish to thank all the ladies of Stoke by Nayland, players and non-players alike for their help and support in the last year, from helping to organise special event days, flowers, cakes, halfway hut and sign in duties.
Their generosity has also meant the charity Little Lifts will receive nearly £3,500. Without you all I would have struggled to have what I hope has been a successful year.
Final joke of the month
Three clubs went into a bar
The first club, a wedge, asked for a pint of beer
The second club, a putter asked for a JD and coke
The Barman said to third club and what would you like? Just water please, the club replied, just water?, yes I’m the driver
Final quote of the month
• “Golf with friends is like therapy, but with more swearing and laughter.”
• “Golf with friends is the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, where every shot is an adventure and every round is a celebration.” – Unknown
Seniors Captain, John Parkinson
My year as Seniors’ Captain has gone by quickly, but believe it or not, I have enjoyed my time as Captain.
I would like to thank all those who supported my charity, Parkinson’s UK, and their generosity throughout my year as Captain. The final figure I can confirm is £10,500 raised. These funds will help research into this cruel disease and support those living with the condition. This is a fantastic result, way beyond my expectations. It must be said that the Senior section is an amazing, generous group that it has been a privilege to be part of.
My year started in some of the worst weather we have seen in a long time – rain, rain, and more rain, resulting in the closure of our courses for the first time in their history. Six of our early season competitions were cancelled, and we didn’t get going until the April Stableford, which we used to raise awareness and some money for World Parkinson’s Day. Just before my 67th birthday, I did a 67-hole challenge. What a day! It started at 4.15 am and finished at 7.20 pm. Thanks to those who supported me through that memorable day. I am pleased to say you responded fantastically to my charity day. Eighteen teams started, and a good day of golf was had by all, followed by a fun auction afterwards, again raising money for a great cause.
My inter-club match, recorded as Malcolm Norton likes to remind me, is not as good as his when he was Captain, but we did end the season with a fantastic 8-0 result against The Essex – possibly the first time that has been achieved by us. Anyway, something Malcolm didn’t achieve… Get in there!!
I would like to thank my small but able support team, creatively known as the “Senior Captain’s Helpers.” They have provided me with knowledge, advice, and wise counsel during my year as captain. Malcolm Norton, Kevin Price, Allen Smith, Peter Jay, Pete Hele and Graham Cork, thank you, gentlemen.
Finally, it is my pleasure to hand over the Captain’s role to Kevin Price, who I am sure will bring experience, knowledge, and attention to detail in what I expect to be an excellent year as your Captain. Good luck, Kevin. I am sure you will enjoy your year.