Climbing Walls

I hope I'm not alone in having spent the last week either staring out of the window, falling asleep and generally wishing I could get out and about again as normal.
The club's top car park was inaccessible last Saturday and I could feel my feet sliding under me as I tried to open the car door, even though it just looked damp underfoot.
Realistically it doesn't look as if the course will be open before the New Year, even on temporary greens so if you're planning on turning up it would be better to phone the pro's shop on 016973 32404 for an update before setting off. Silloth was very foggy this morning.
All the best to everybody for 2010.

Merry Christmas

Here we are, sitting at home, course closed and looking dodgy for the weekend.
I wish everyone the best for the festive season and if you have any news that you want published contact me at sales(with the funny looking character)sunside(full stop)co(full stop)uk.
I've published it this way to prevent spam bots from collecting the address.

Thursday 17th December

With frost in Allonby I didn't expect to be playing the full course but 22 players enjoyed the day in fairly calm conditions on the proper greens.
Tom Neilly took the pot with John Gibson a close second.

Annual Bottle Trot

We couldn't have wished for a better day, with sun and very little wind.
35 Sandpipers teed off and afterwards retired to the lounge for aperitifs before the Christmas Dinner.
Once again Octavia and David did us proud and the proceedings finished with a prize list going down to 33 points.
Stuart Jones, on behalf of the members, thanked Geoff and Terry for the work they had put in to make the day such a success.

Thursday 10th December

33 Sandpipers teed off in near perfect conditions which became warm and sunny before the mist came down. Most of us persevered in the limited visibility and 'Cat's Eyes' Wright turned in 39 points with Graeme Walton in second place with 36.
Congratulations to John Bland for his hole in one on the sixth which we duly celebrated with the whiskey he kindly provided.
The draw on Tuesday will be made at 8.55am so early attendance is recommended.

Tuesday 8th December

Super conditions and Robin Binney made the most of them with 38 points followed by David Barnes with 36.
Twenty six players teed off.

Thursday 3rd December

Who would have thought that such a miserable day would turn out so well after just three holes?
Twelve hardy regulars turned out (one rather unwillingly) to vie for a first prize of of £7.20p which cost Joe Campbell (37 points) 3 shots, and Tony Davis 2 for his 36 points.

Tuesday 1st December

The frosty morning turned  into a pleasant (if a bit nippy) day on temporary greens for the first time this winter. Richard Robinson knows when to come good, lifting a substantial first prize from the 28 players with 54 points, followed by Alan Proud with 51.
Please make sure everyone knows that the 'knees up' on the 15th commences at 9.00am and as 36 have put their names down to play we have an extended tee time to 10.30am.
Geoff Waite has pinned a notice on the board for us to pre-order the meal of our choice.

Thursday 26th November

Thirteen Sandpipers were so desperate to get out of the house for a change, they braved the challenging conditions and all thirteen completed the round. Torrential rain, hail and a howling wind weren't enough to stop David Low scoring 31 points and a strong finish from Roy Williams got 2nd place with 30 points and handicap reduction of 6 to 5.

Tuesday 17th November

Who needs a full set of clubs? In windy conditions, yours truly managed to amass 35 points to lift first prize. Geoff Scott will be delighted when he finds out that his second place score of 30 has lost him another shot.
Mike M only realised on the 6th that he hadn't changed into his golf shoes, which makes me feel a bit better about forgetting to bring my clubs the other week!

Thursday 12th November

Rather late in posting but twenty five played with John Gibson's 34 points pipping Charles Tidswell on a back nine count back.

Tuesday 10th November

There was no report for last Thursday as I didn't think anyone in their right minds would turn out on such a crap day. 17 set off to prove me wrong but none made it past the 5th.
Today was much better though, with benign conditions suiting Malcolm Donald who scored 41 points and Geoff Scott's second place reducing his handicap to single figures.
Mats are now in place on the par 3s for the rest of the winter.

Tuesday 3rd November

Starting off in the last fourball was no problem for Tony Davis who turned in 36 points under challenging weather conditions. Brian Taylor's second place was testimony to his surgeon's skill in reconstruction (on his shoulder to those who may have considered other areas).

Thursday 29th October

36 turned out on a balmy day to enjoy a round in near perfect conditions. Everyone managed to get off within our allocated hour but those at the tail end were worried about getting in before the light failed.
Les Heyes was man of the match with his 41 points and the appropriate 5 shot handicap reduction. David Allison was second.

Tuesday 27th October

In conditions officially classified as fair, Tom Neilly took full advantage to amass 39 points and take the pot. Jim (Zippy) Gilfillan was second. Once again slow play spoiled the day for those at the back of the field, although on this occasion it seems to have been caused by one individual, and worse still, done on purpose.

Thursday 22nd October

David Barnes continued his run of form with 37 points, leading the field of 32 Sandpipers. David Allison's 36 points claimed 2nd place and a 2 stroke penalty !!!

A reminder to all Sandpipers that subscriptions became due at the AGM (if you don't believe me check the constitution on our web site). Although the final date for compliance is a while off, it would help our Treasurer if the money came in sooner than later, and don't forget - there is a waiting list for membership.

Sandpipers' AGM

At last I've found time to update our website with details of our 2009 AGM.

A full record of what transpired is published including the Minutes, Secretary's report and amendments to the Constitution.

You can access it via the link in the margin and is well worth bookmarking because although it's quiet now, details of all Sandpiper events will be published there.

Tuesday 20th October

15 Sandpipers defied (or didn't hear) the weather forecast and were rewarded with a dry, although breezy, afternoon.

Mike Mapleton easily took the pot with 39 points, 4 ahead of David Barnes and was duly rewarded (punished).

For once Terry Stubbs couldn't get a word in to announce the result as the ladies had the prize giving for their 'white elephant' competition at the same time.

Thursday 15th October

From the notice board I see that Richard Brogden took pole position with 41 points and Malcolm Donald joining him on the podium with 2 points less. Handicaps were cut by 5 and 3 shots respectively.

Tuesday 13th October

Lovely autumn weather which meant 32 Sandpipers turned out.

Joe Donlan scored 37 points to take first place with Tom Neilly runner up.

Jim Gilfillan deserves special mention for using his buggy like a dodgem and rear ending Tony Davis twice!

28 Sandpipers turned up to enjoy probably the most benign weather of the year so far. Four turned in scores of 38 points with Terry Stubbs' better back 6 relegating Stuart Jones to second place.

Good to see our Geordie friend back in the fold again and also the County team selector recording 34 points off his 2 handicap.

A. Brindley Salver

John Kennedy and Robin Binny's pairing amassed 36 points in this greensomes' format to lift the trophy with Geoff Scott and Joe Penrice claiming second place with the same points but poorer back nine.

The competition was well supported as was the ensuing AGM.

A copy of our Secretary's report will be published on our web site in due time and our Treasurer's accounts showed an increase in balance of around £250.

The existing committee were re-elected en bloc with thanks given to all for their work during the year.

Both the Secretary and Competition Secretary made reference to the increasing length of time to complete our rounds which the Club interprets as 'Slow Play' and the necessity to make sure we are blameless.

Match v Carlisle

The Squirrels once again proved too strong with the Sandpipers only recording 2 halves. On the bright side the course was in good condition, it didn't rain and the meal was very enjoyable.

A reminder to all who read this, on Tuesday play commences at 9.00am according to the fixture list for the Arthur Brindley Salver followed by the AGM.

Celts v Brits

Congratulations to the Celts for a sizable win over those that they couldn't co-opt into playing for them. Only Mike Mapleton and Charles Tidswell held the flag of St. George high. Stuart Jones presented the trophy in his usual manner which equally graciously accepted by Joe Campbell. The Saltire flag pinned to the bar together with irritating music were nice touches.

I note from the list of players that of the 10 strong Celt's team, only 5 speak with a foreign accent and next year perhaps claims to Celtic ancestry will have to be supported by appropriate documentation.

Thursday 17th September

Bouncing back from his defeat in the Sandpipers' championship, Dave Wood turned in 39 points and was duly rewarded with a 4 shot handicap reduction. Celts v Brits tomorrow and away game against Carlisle on Thursday.

Sandpipers Champion

Congratulations to Barry Bower on winning the final of this year's championship against Dave Wood. Going 2 down after 2 he battled away to lead 2 up on the 17th, only to lose the last 2 holes and force the match down the 19th. Dave suffered the worst bounce you have ever seen with his second shot to the green but Barry was on in two and with a shot in hand, didn't make any mistake.

Unfortunately, those playing the Ellis Beattie Trophy competition were too far behind for me to wait for the result but I'll post it here on Friday.

Home Match v Appleby

This match has been rearranged for Thursday 8th October.

The same team is selected, but J.Campbell, D.Wood and I.Porter are now available as reserves.

The team can be viewed further back on this web log or on our web site.

Away Match v Carlisle

Thursday 24 September 2009

9.30 - R.Williams / B.Bower

9.37 - J.Penrice / T.Stubbs

9.44 - I.Nelson / M.Mapleton

9.51 - S.Jones / J.Eilbeck

9.58 - J.Donlan / J.Campbell

10.05 - D.Barnes / J.Dixon

10.12 - D.Wood / I.Porter

10.19 - B.Taylor / J.Kennedy

10.26 - T.Davis / H.Wright

10.33 - G.Scott / E.Harle

Jacket and Tie

Please confirm you can play by ticking the notice.

There are no reserves.

Congratulations to Harry Wright on winning the Bob Saunders Trophy from a field of 28 Sandpipers.

12 names have gone up for the Ellis Beatty competition with the ladies - see the notice board for details, and the team for the Carlisle match will be posted soon. The Jocks (aka the Celts) are currently one player short against the Brits and I'm not sure why a former garage proprietor from Wukkinton is down to play for their side!

Not much news posted lately as I've been away for a well earned break in the same sort of weather that caused last Thursday's match against Appleby to be postponed and made today's (Tuesday 8th) play impossible.

Look out for a rearranged date for the Bob Saunders' Trophy to be played.

Thursday 24th's team against Carlisle is still a couple of players short so give Joe Campbell a call if you're available.

Play commences at 9.00am on Tuesday 29th September for the A. Brindley Salver followed by our AGM. Please make the effort to attend as a good turn out will send the right message to Silloth Club's committee.

Home Team v Appleby

Home Match v Appleby

Thursday 3rd September 2009

Dress: Jacket & Tie

10-30 - T.Stubbs ( C ) / R.Williams
10-37 - D.Barnes / J.Kennedy
10-44 - S.Jones / J.Tudor
10-51 - B.Taylor / T.Neilly
10-58 - T.Davis / J.Dixon
11-05 - H.Wright / M.Mapleton
11-12 - I.W.Nelson / B.Bower
11-19 - L.Heyes / D.Low

No Reserves

Tuesday 18th August

Just the sort of weather to test Harry Wright's replacement Galvin Green waterproofs. Strong wind, drizzle and heavy rain, but all the 11 contestants completed the round with Grant Anderson's 36 points scooping the pot.
Spare a thought for Roy Williams whose faulty Galvin waterproofs haven't been replaced after 3 weeks and had to make do with an umbrella.

T. Sowerby Trophy

Once again the weather gods got grumpy and threw heavy downpours into the already windy conditions.
Geoff Scott was the closest of the 30 contenders to par with 35 points and Ian Porter just one behind.
Trevor Wilson turned up to show he is really on the mend now, but a round of golf is still a little while away just yet.
A meeting with the Club's committee seems to have calmed the waters regarding the Sandpipers "clogging up the course" complaint but membership is now closed and we must ensure that we do not tee off after 12 noon unless we book later times as individuals.

Tuesday 4th August

Only thirteen turned up for the advertised 4BBB competition which was not surprising as on Monday most of the active members had been at either the ABP mixed open or as part of the ill fated team who went down by 6 to 4 at Maryport.

Jim Gilfillan posted 31 points to win the money having beaten 2nd placed Joe Donlan by two shots on the back nine.

A reminder that the juniors' open is on Thursday, so our next competition will be the T.Sowerby Trophy on Tuesday.

I have forgotten to mention our Geordie friend recently. I'm reliably informed that he continues to go from strength to strength but has recently suffered a bereavement.

Seascale Result

Captain Roy Williams' inspired leadership brought success at last with a 5.5 - 2.5 win in windy and sometimes wet conditions. Apart from his speech, the highlight of the day was the meal, with a choice of either Steak Diane or Fish and Chips followed by Ice Cream or Bread and Butter Pudding.

The quality was of the highest standard and our new caterers deserve our full support.

John Cooper is now out and about (including shopping) and I'm told Trevor Wilson continues making good progress.

Maryport Match Team

Away Match v Maryport

Monday 3rd August

Dress: Smart / Casual

10.00 - T.Stubbs (C) / H.Wright

10.07 - J.Campbell / B.Bower

10.14 - D.Barnes / G.Anderson

10.21 - J.Donlan / G.Scott

10.28 - J.Gilfillan / L.Heyes

10.35 - J.Penrice / D.Young

10.42 - T.Neilly / G.Waite

10.49 - M.Donald / M.Mapleton

10.56 - R.Williams / R.Cutts

11.03 - J.Dixon / I.Porter

Please advise Joe Campbell ASAP if you are unable to play.

Good News

Both John Cooper and Trevor Wilson are home after trips to hospital.

Trevor has successfully undergone a quadruple heart bypass.

Appleby Match

David Barnes and substitute Roger Cutts were the only pairing with the determination, fortitude and other vital qualities of character to play the full 18 holes in atrocious conditions, only to lose on the 18th. The rest of the sensible wimps realised when enough was enough and quit at various points round the course.

The meal and hospitality was of the usual high standard.

Seascale Match Team

Home Match v Seascale

Thursday 30th July

Jacket and Tie

10.30 R.Williams ( C ) / J.Campbell

10.37 J.Penrice / J.Tudor

10.44 G. Scott / T.Neilly

10.51 D.Wood / B.Bower

10.58 T. Davis / J.Kennedy

11.05 J. Gibson / I.Porter

11.12 D. Barnes / H.Wright

11.19 T. Stubbs / J.Dixon

Reserve: D.Wood

If you are unable to play please contact the first available reserve and write their name on the sheet.

Thursday 16th July

19 golfers got round in dry but windy conditions.

Winner J. Campbell 37pts H/C 19 to 16.

Runner up J. Dixon 33pts H/C 19 to 18.

Brampton Match Result

Revenge for the Curlews with a 6 - 2 games stuffing. We couldn't blame the course so perhaps we were over-golfed.

I'm informed that John Cooper has suffered a stroke but is due out of hospital tomorrow so hopefully he will not suffer any permanent damage.

Tuesday 14th July

David Allison took first prize with 35 points in front of a field of 26.

Tuesday 7th July

Who needs 14 clubs?

Superman Geoff Scott came in with 42 points to win the T.Anderson 5 Clubs Competition. Dave Wood took second place with 38.

Please note minor changes to our Brampton team for the 15th.

Appleby Match Team

Away Match v Appleby

Tuesday 21st July

Please confirm you are able to play by ticking the sheet on the notice board.

9.30 - R.Williams / B.Bower

9.37 - T.Davis / T.Neilly

9.44 - J.Penrice / T.Stubbs

9.51 - S.Jones / J.Kennedy

9.58 - D.Barnes / J.Campbell

10.05 - D.Wood / J.Tudor

10.12 - B.Taylor / M.Mapleton

10.19 - G.Scott / H.Wright

Reserves: G.Waite, R.Cutts, C.Tidswell, I.Nelson, I.Porter and L.Heyes.

If you are unable to play please contact the first available reserve and write their name on the sheet.

The official sheet states Jacket and Tie but this may be optional. Check with Joe.

Brampton Match Team

AWAY MATCH V BRAMPTON

WED. 15th JULY 2009

DRESS - JACKET & TIE

9.30 D.Wood (C) / J.Tudor

9.37 J.Penrice / J.Campbell

9.44 G.F.Scott / G.Waite

9.51 S.Jones / B.Bower

9.58 R.Williams / T.Stubbs

10.05 C.Tidswell / M.Mapleton

10.12 D.Barnes / H.Wright

10.19 I.Porter / T.Neilly

Reserves: R.Cutts, E.Harle.

If you are unable to play please contact a reserve and write their name in your place on the sheet in the locker room.

Thursday 2nd July

Barry Bower put in a tremendous 42 points but Joe Donlan came in later with an even better 44 points to earn himself a handicap reduction of 7 shots by my reckoning. Once again, a steaming hot day. How long can this weather last?

Tuesday 30th June

28 balls were drawn out of the hat for the Terry Walters' Greensomes competition.

Grant Anderson and Dave Wood overcame heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunstroke to amass 46 point and lift the trophy. Modesty prevents me naming the person who's name will be engraved on it for the second year running.

Workington Match Team

AWAY MATCH V WORKINGTON

MON 6th JULY 2009

DRESS - JACKET & TIE

9-30 M.Mapleton (C) / J.Gibson

9.37 T.Davis / J.Campbell

9.44 D.Barnes / J.Kennedy

9.51 J.Gilfillan / H.Wright

9.58 J.Penrice / T.Neilly

10.05 J.Donlan / G.Anderson

10.12 B.Taylor / B.Bower

10.19 L.Heyes / I.Porter

Res: J.Tudor

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PLAY PLEASE CONTACT A REPLACEMENT

AND WRITE THEIR NAME IN YOUR PLACE ON THE SHEET

Brampton Match Result

Five wins, two halves and one failure was a creditable win for Silloth on a day of sunshine with the wind blowing from the wrong direction.

Once again our caterers treated to an excellent meal.

John Norton Trophy

Ideal playing conditions so nobody had any excuse for not turning in a good score.

Roger Cutts' handicap stood him in good stead with a winning 42 points. John Pearson was pipped on the count back.

Maryport Match Result

A little 40mph breeze made things interesting. It appears that the Bank Enders weren't able to cope with the conditions as expertly as us hence the result Silloth 6 wins , Maryport 2 wins and two halfs. A comprehensive 7-3 to us.

This was also the first opportunity to sample the new caterer's menu and the comments from our table were highly complimentary.

A busy week to come with the John Norton Cup on Tuesday and our home fixture against Brampton on Thursday. The team has already been published in this column.

Tuesday 16th June

Bob Hetherington demolished the rest of the 31 Sandpipers by winning the Carrick Trophy with 47 points. John Tudor's 42 points claimed second place. The competition was played in bright sunshine but a stiff breeze and punishing rough makes these scores all the more remarkable.

Ian Porter confounded the statisticians by winning once again even though he has just joined the Sandpipers. Usually you are allowed to win once for encouragement followed by loads of paying out.

His better back nine of 36 points was enough to relegate David Allison to second place.

We are informed that Alan Proud's operation has been successful and with any luck he should be back home today. All the best Alan and we look forward to suffering your inimitable brand of rectal discomfort in the near future.

Brampton Match Team

HOME MATCH V BRAMPTON 25th JUNE 2009

DRESS JACKET & TIE

10-30 T. DAVIS T. NEILLY

10-37 I. NELSON B. BOWER

10-44 R. WILLIAMS J. TUDOR

10-51 B. TAYLOR J. CAMPBELL

10-58 D. BARNES M. MAPLETON

11-05 S. JONES T. STUBBS

11-12 G.F. SCOTT J. PENRICE

11-19 D. WOOD H. WRIGHT

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO PLAY PLEASE CONTACT THE FIRST RESERVE

AND WRITE THEIR NAME IN YOUR PLACE ON THE SHEET

RES. J.KENNEDY, G.GILFILLAN, G.WAITE, D.YOUNG, L. HEYS, I. PORTER.

Maryport Match Team

HOME MATCH V MARYPORT 18th JUNE 2009

DRESS JACKET & TIE

10.30 B.Taylor R.Williams

10.37 D.Wood B.Bower

10.44 T.Davis G.Waite

10.51 H.Wright J.Campbell

10.58 I.Porter R.Cutts

11.05 D.Barnes J.Dixon

11.12 T.Stubbs T.Neilly

11.19 G.Scott J.Kennedy

11.26 J.Gilfillan M.Mapleton

11.33 J.Gibson J.Tudor

No Reserves

John Todd Shield

33 Sandpipers turned out for probably the sunniest Tuesday of the year so far.
Roy Williams showed a remarkable return to health by recording 40 points to win the competition. David Barnes' 39 points eased out David Allison for second place with a better back 9.

Thursday 21st May

Joe Penrice was on winning form with 35 points with Charles Tidswell second on 33. Nineteen Sandpipers took part.
Next Tuesday's competition is the Ron Thompson Memorial Trophy and is the only one of our singles competitions played in medal format.

Thursday 14th May

Just for a change the weather improved throughout the day but only eleven of us turned up to take advantage of it.
Tom Neilly scooped the pool.
It was also our first opportunity to sample the new caterer's cooking and hopefully we will be able to support them.
Next Tuesday may be quiet as nine Sandpipers will be away at Kinross.

Seascale Match 12/05/2009

Captain Terry Stubbs led from the front by knocking in a par putt on the 18th to secure our first win of the day. In glorious sunshine with a bit of breeze to make it interesting, the rest of the squad managed to hold off the home team and secure a 4.5 to 3.5 win.
The head greenkeeper led the field with his top dressing spreader on the greens but was less quick with the drag mat which lead to some interesting putts, but the course in general was in good condition and as always, the catering was first class.

Open Success

Congratulations to Harry Wright and Dave Wood for their prize winning sixth place in yesterdays 4BBB at Silloth. 43 points was enough to lift the only non golf related prize.
More crystal for the cabinet (yawn)!

George Doughty Cup

Those who believed the weather forecast and stayed at home probably made the right decision, as conditions at the start of the round deteriorated by the 9th to a thoroughly miserable day. The strong winds accompanied by a heavy drizzle gave all 13 competitors a good soaking but Grant Anderson prevailed with a creditable 34 points and a better back 9 than Harry Wright with the same score.
Please note that Thursday 7th May is a 4BBB competition with partners drawn out of the hat.

John Cooper Trophy

Played on Tuesday 28th April by 28 of those who had read the notice board, David Barnes and Barry Bower are the first to get their names on this prestigious trophy with 41 points in the 4BBB format. The continual threat of rain held off, but a persistent mizzle made things uncomfortable. Mike Mapleton and Brian Taylor managed the runners' up place by a countback on 40 points.

Team for away match v Seascale, Tuesday 12th May.
10.30 T.Stubbs / D.Wood
10.37 H.Wright / J.Tudor
10.44 G.Scott / T.Neilly
10.51 J.Penrice / J.Dixon
10.58 B.Taylor / J.Campbell
11.05 D.Young / M.Mapleton
11.12 T.Davis / J.Kennedy
11.19 D.Barnes / B.Bower
Reserves
C.Tidswell.
Jacket and Tie required.
Please confirm by ticking your name on the noticeboard sheet.
Team selection is duplicated on our web site.

Thursday 23rd April

The brighter skies over Carlisle failed to head west so 12 intrepid Sandpipers completed the round in weather ranging from 'not raining' to a light fret.
Joe Campbell did enough to claim first prize and a 2 stroke handicap reduction by beating David Allison on the back nine.
Next Tuesday's 'John Cooper Trophy' has been revised at his request to Stableford format.

Tuesday 21st April

33 members (were) teed off in poor conditions, but those who persevered enjoyed a sunny back 9 with a following wind.
Barry Bower's 35 points was enough to take first prize with Peter Hetherington a couple of points behind for second place.
Please note that our away fixture against Workington Beck Watchers has been rearranged, and will now be held on Monday 6th July.
The fixture list on our web site has been amended accordingly.

Roy Williams

Roy has let us know that everything has gone well and although he won't be able to drive for a month he has asked for his name to be added for matches in June. I'm sure everyone sends Roy best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Match v Workington

A close result in our match against Workington, but unfortunately we take a one point deficit to our return match on Monday 18th May. Captain Mike Mapleton assisted by Harry Wright set us off with a win but the eventual score was 3.5 to 4.5.

Tuesday 14th April

Tony Davis and Joe Campbell both came in with 40 points to head the leaderboard of today's championship qualifier. Dave Wood scraped in for the last of the 16 places with 32 points whilst David Houdini Low's 39 points merits a mention.
The £56 raised from the 28 entries will go to the charity that last year's winner Geoff Scott nominates.

Thursday 9th April

20 members turned up today despite a poor weather forecast. The wind blew a hooley but fortunately the threatening clouds missed us apart from a few drops.
Dave Wood took a well deserved podium position with 34 points and immediately lost the 2 shots he'd only got back that morning. The ancient mariner Charles Tidswell came second with 31 points.
Next Tuesday is the qualifying competition for the Sandpipers Championship and will be played off full club handicaps.
David Low didn't get a mention for his 37 points win the other week due to unforseen circumstances so this puts the record straight.

Tuesday 7th April

The strong wind put paid to high scoring although the sun shone most of the time.
Les Heyes squeezed 30 points out of the course with Jim Gilfillan having the better back 6 for second place with 29.
The Ladies couldn't raise enough players for our match the other week and it is felt by a few that if they couldn't be bothered, why inconvenience those Sandpipers that aren't in the match who would have to play at an alternative time round a rearranged fixture. Comments welcome!!
Much to AP's relief, the new curtains are not tartan.

Thursday 2nd April

Geoff Waite will set off for New Zealand with a 41 points win under his belt with Brian Taylor runner up on 39.
The sheet for our away match against Seascale is now on the notice board together with the team selection for our home match against Workington on 16th April.
The team is also on our web site.

Match v Carlisle

Despite the sun and wind that should favour links golfers we went down by 6 games to 3 with one halved. Captain Dabber was very gracious in his speech and everyone seemed to enjoy the spirit the game was played in. Hopefully we'll be able to retrieve the lead when we play the return match in September.

Thursday 16th April
Home Match v Workington
10-30 T. DAVIS / H. WRIGHT
10-37 T. WILSON / M. MAPLETON
10-44 G.F. SCOTT / R. CUTTS
10-51 D. BARNES / B. BOWER
10-58 S. JONES / J. CAMPBELL
11-05 D. WOOD / T. NEILLY
11-12 C. HEATH / I. NELSON
11-19 R. WILLIAMS / J. TUDOR

Team selection duplicated on our web site

Tuesday 24th March

28 members defied strong winds to compete in today's Bogey qualifying competition. The predicted rain held off for long enough to allow all but the last couple of groups to get home dry.
Joe Campbell proved up to the task with a tidy score of +3 with Barry Bower pipped for second place by the better back 9 of playing partner John Gibson, both finishing on +1.

Thursday 19th March.
On a glorious day Ivor Nelson carded 36 points to win first prize.
2nd place was hotly disputed between Brian Taylor and Alan Heywood who both had 35 points.
Alan won with the best inward half.

Tuesday 17th March

29 of us turned up to enjoy the sunshine and Bob Hetherington's 42 points took the kitty. David Low came second with 39 after beating Alan Proud on a count back.
We were able to enjoy the comforts of the newly refurbished lounge bar which will be finished when the new curtains are hung in the same tartan as the carpet.

Thursday 12th March

Low scores owing to a strong wind and spiked greens left Robin Binny the winner with 34 points. The Scourge of the Jocks went straight home without claiming his second place cash, possibly because he'd seen the new tartan carpet being laid in the lounge.

Tuesday 10th March

Glorious sunshine with a slight breeze just like an early summer's day.
Harry Wright's 37 points just pipped Roy Williams for first place but cost him 3 shots down to 8.
The draw for the home match against Carlisle is on the notice board as well as our web site.

Tuesday 3rd March

Enough of us doubted the weather forecast and set off for a round. Big Mistake! With black clouds covering the horizon we chickened out on the ninth and set off back down the fourteenth.
Unfortunately this wasn't soon enough and even the most hardened players walked in from the sixteenth.

Thursday 26th February

What a difference two days makes. Cold and windy but fortunately dry.
The tartan army were nowhere to be seen at prizegiving where the honours went to Charles Tidswell and again, modesty prevents me naming the runner up.

Thursday 24th February
The Tartan Army Prevails.
On another spring-like day John Kennedy had one of his rare successes on the golf course with a 39 point winning score.
Second was Grant Anderson with 38 points.

Thursday 19th February

Congratulations to John Eilbeck for his winning score of 43 points today, 8 points clear of runner up John Tudor. Some surprisingly low scores on a calm sunny day.
'Quote of the Day' from David Low to his opponents on the 16th green. 'All you have to do is stay on your feet to win this hole' a couple of seconds before he stepped backwards into the greenside bunker. Fortunately only his pride was injured.

Tuesday 17th Feb. 2009 Result

25 Sandpipers played on a spring-like day on Tuesday 17th Febrary.
Joe Campbell won, yet again, with 37 points.
He beat Roger Cutts, also with 37 points, on a card play off over the back 3 holes.
Both players will have their handicaps reduced in the prescribed manner to give someone else a chance of winning.

Tuesday 10th February

Glorious sunshine, beautiful green fairways - course closed.
The Course Manager considers the current conditions underfoot to be dangerous and has indicated the course may remain closed for several days. It is prudent therefore to phone before setting off on Thursday. Today's greensomes will be rearranged.
The list for those who wish to play in our home match against Carlisle is on the notice board.

Yes, the Sandpipers do play in blizzards! Unfortunately we got caught out after a sunny start but Brian Taylor managed to amass 48 points and win on the back nine.

J.R.Kennedy access to the Sandpiper Blog

I now have access to the Sandpiper blog.

Tuesday 10th February is on our calender as a Greensomes Competition. Fingers crossed for a nice day and the number who turn up to be divisible by 4.

Sorry for all those who stayed at home thinking it was going to snow. Fifteen of us enjoyed a bright (if a little nippy) day, with Tom Neilly taking the cash. His round included chipping in for a two on the ninth and an obscene 50 yard put on the 15th that totally demoralised our opponents.
Owing to renovation work, the dining room is currently the lounge with a small bar in the snooker room.

Tuesday 27 January 2009

14 brave souls battled the elements today, but not as many completed the full 18 holes. David Low scooped the pot and was cut 2 shots for the privilege.
Details of the outing Terry Stubbs has organised to Powfoot are on the notice board with an entry list for those who wish to go. Friends of Sandpipers are also welcome.
Wednesday 27 May, soup and sandwiches on arrival, first tee 1.00pm and a 2 course meal to follow. A £15 deposit required to secure places.

34 point won the money yesterday with 18 players braving the wind and cold.

Modesty prevents me from naming the winner but Joe Campbell came second.

Tony Davis came in with enough points to bring his handicap down to 2 on Tuesday 13th. Harry Wright was runner up.

Six of us got round dry on Thursday with Robin Binney scooping the pool for £6 to go towards his new car.