Each month, our three Captains will share with us their news from the previous few weeks and a quick look ahead to the upcoming month.

But before you read on…. if you don’t already have a ticket, there is still time to join the other 160 or so members and guests who will be taking part in our first ever Bingo night this Friday, April 5. Tickets cost just £10 each and you can book by letting either Harry Hibbert or Becky Daniels know.

Men’s Captain, Norman Davidson

Despite another very wet month, we were at last able to see the start of some competitive golf.

The Spring Foursomes qualifier was held on the March 16, with the St. Patrick’s Day Team event played in somewhat miserable conditions the following day. Winners were the team of Colin Pottle, Steve Tree, John Partridge and Mark Baxter with a very respectable score of 125 points. An Irish Stew had been laid on by the Chef with magician Jack Blackbourn entertaining the members in the Sports Bar after the competition.

The first round of the Laird took place on the Constable course off white tees on Saturday March 23, and, judging by some of the scores, I wasn’t the only one to find conditions challenging.

Our Jubilee Cup Team, led by Team Captain, Ian Smith started their campaign with an opening match away at Nazeing. Unfortunately, whether it was the speed of the greens, (so much faster than we have currently been used to) or just the quality of the opposition, we succumbed to a 6 – 3 defeat.

A number of Team competitions are scheduled for April, and Leslie Wood Captain Chris Hopkins is still looking for players with a Handicap of 6+ who would like to be considered to play in the team. The format for this competition is Foursomes in the morning followed by Singles in the afternoon. If you think this might be of interest to you, please contact Chris direct or myself. Contact details can be found under the Members section on ClubV1.

Ladies Captain, Stella Hammond

Results from this month as follows Thursday March 23: Division 1 Katie Clark, Corinne Jackson, Bev Thompson. Division 2: Elaine Davidson, Elaine Harris, Stella Hammond
Sunday 24th Claire Nixon, Katie Clark, Bev Ellender

The coaching session held with the James Andrews school was very successful with 23 ladies participating. There was tactical information and tips on match play, including pre round preparation, on-course strategy and what to practice. Thank you to the Board for contributing to this event. Team competitions start in April..

On Thursday 28th the ladies braved gale force winds and rain for the Easter waltz competition, followed by a quiz and raffle. The winners of the 18 hole competition were Claire Nixon, Katie Clark and Corinne Jackson, the winners of those who managed 9 holes before weather conditions came into play were Maureen Adams, Pamela Randle and Amanda Hall. A fantastic £166 was raised for the Little Lifts charity thank you all for your generosity.

The Sumbler 9 hole competition resumes on the April 2, an opportunity for 9 hole members to play and meet other ladies. Tee times from 4pm.

The Friday Night mixed also makes a welcome return on April 26. This is a drawn event, just enter your name on Club V1 and we’ll do the rest.. only £2.00 to enter and no 12 card rule. Traditionally a social game with the opportunity to have something to eat and drink afterward before the awarding of prizes.

The Lady Vets held a social event and raised approximately £50.00 for St Helena hospice.

Round 1 of the Mary Riddleston also took place with Hilary Cairns taking the top spot with 33 points.

Upcoming competitions in April include the Rita Blewitt – Thursday 18th and Sunday 21st and the Coronation Foursomes on April 25.

Joke of the month from Jessica my granddaughter (not wishing to be outdone by her brother) is “Why did the golfer carry an extra pair of socks? “ – “ In case she got a hole in one “

Quote of the month “The most important shot in golf is the next one “ Ben Hogan

Seniors Captain, John Parkinson

As we move towards spring, we continue to face the challenges of unpredictable weather, but we are hoping for a sustained spell of dry and sunny days to help our courses dry out.

Regarding inter-club matches, our match against Stowmarket away was cancelled, but we had a home match against Newton Green which we won 4.5 v 3.5 in a close match. Unfortunately, we lost to Colchester 3.5 v 4.5 again in a close match. For April, we have home matches against The Warren and Ipswich, and away matches against Brett Vale, Colchester and The Warren.

In terms of monthly competitions, both our March monthly competitions were cancelled. The Mike Moore Memorial Scramble has been rescheduled and will now be held on May 1. The Past Captains match will be held on April 19.

On April 10, we will be holding the monthly Stableford to help raise some money for World Parkinson’s Day which is on April 11. Please wear something blue and help support a great cause.

Quote for this month: “Let the ball get in the way of the swing instead of making the ball the object.” – Jack Burke snr.