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, Matt Tunstall, Jill Pottle and Kevin Price give us their first thoughts as they begin their Captain’s Year.

Men’s Captain, Matt Tunstall

As the incoming Men’s captain for this year, I thought it would be a good opportunity to very briefly, introduce myself to you all. My name is Matt Tunstall. I was born and raised in West Bergholt and have been playing golf at Stoke by Nayland for as long as I can remember.

I work full time as a Project and Production engineer at a manufacturing company in Loughton where we manufacture machines for the mailing industry.

I have recently purchased my first property in Beaulieu Park alongside my better half Zoe, who will be helping me out this year with various events.

Sam Volk will be my Vice captain for this year. Between us, we will be looking to inject some fresh ideas to the club for all to enjoy. I would also like to mention. for those that couldn’t attend the Drive In, that I will be continuing with St Helena Hospice this year as the captain’s charity.

I wish the very best to Jill Pottle and Kevin Price who have taken over from Stella Hammond and John Parkinson as Ladies and Seniors captains.

Lastly, on behalf of the members, I would like to thank Norman Davidson, Stella and John for their efforts over the past year. Many thanks and I look forward to the coming year!

Ladies Captain, Jill Pottle

Wow! What a welcome I have received following my Drive-Ins last month. It was a pleasure to see so many of you in attendance cheering me on.

Thanks for all your support and encouragement which was very much needed as I approached the tee terrified that I was going to duff my shot. Thankfully it all went well – I think partly down to adrenalin and also a heart rate of 128 bpm as I stood on the tee.

Congratulations to Mark Battle, a member of the TMS, who correctly guessed the length of my drive on Saturday at 135 yards. Well done Mark!

We started our Christmas festivities with the annual Ladies v Seniors Christmas Greensomes which was played on Monday 25th November on the Gainsborough course. The competition was won by Lesley Hitchcock and Gordon Bryan. After the game, all players enjoyed a Christmas lunch (the first of many for some, I’m sure). The weather was perfect after the appearance of Storm Bert the previous weekend. So very different to last year when the competition was abandoned due to heavy rain!!

In early December we will be holding two Christmas socials for the Ladies Section. These will take the form of 9 or 18 holes of golf played in Greensomes format followed by lunch.

The Ladies will also be supporting Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 12th December so look out for us donning our finest winter woollies if you are around the course or the clubhouse on that date. I will be collecting donations towards my Charity for this year, Parkinson’s UK, from everyone that wears a jumper. We will then take a well-earned rest until the New Year.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with success both on and off the golf course during 2025.

Seniors Captain, Kevin Price

Firstly, a well-used phrase, but it is indeed an honour and privilege to be the Seniors Captain for 2025. I thank all the members for having the trust in me and will endeavour to carry out my duties to the best of my ability.

Although I am only in my fourth year at SbN, it feels significantly longer, and that is due to the fantastic camaraderie that exists within the Seniors Section. I’m looking forward to an enjoyable year, and I’m extremely blessed to have a great VC, Graham Cork, and a knowledgeable group of helpers, who between them have a vast wealth of experience.

My belated drive-in was due to take place on November 27, some 3 ½ weeks later than scheduled, however, waking up to be greens resembling Lake Windermere meant that once again, it has been postponed. It will hopefully take place at the Senior Yuletide scramble on December 11.

At this time of year, I would like to give the greenkeepers a massive round of applause. When it’s cold, wet, windy and generally miserable, they turn up early every day and set about their duties.

With the amount of trees we have at Stoke, they have done an amazing job of keeping the fairways and general play areas remarkably clear of leaves and debris. The roped areas around the Gainsborough greens do a superb job, they are unobtrusive, and we will reap the benefits come spring.

I wish you all an enjoyable festive season and a great golfing year ahead.