From Trevor Wilson

To all Sandpipers,

                                   Can I please take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the future and thank you for the past five years. Sue and I have a busy few weeks ahead of us, so I'm not sure if I will be able to get up to the golf club before we head South. As with most groups of people not everyone is going to see eye to eye with everyone, but I would like to say that 95% of you, I have enjoyed your company and friendship.

 I hope the Sandpipers continue, because when I joined the golf club and was able to join the Sandpipers it enabled me to meet many more members than I probably would have, if I was just an ordinary member.

The one area that has puzzled and frustrated me greatly since joining the club, was the attitude towards the Sandpipers from some of the main club committee members, then and now, it is my experience from my previous clubs (I say clubs in plural as I've had to change clubs through work commitments) in the South that Senior sections are an integral part of a successful golf club. Because of the clicks (most of you know who they are) within the club I do not see this changing in the foreseeable future, which is a real shame and a very narrow minded way of thinking.

Anyway I leave with mostly good memories and I hope it takes a while before you say " ah yes that chap from down South, blimey I cannot remember his name".

Happy 2013 to you, your wives, partners & families.

Trevor

Thursday 27th December

Only ten took part in the slight drizzle at the start but the day did improve.
My 43 points was enough to scoop the pool and round off the year on a high note.
Very best wishes to all for a Happy New Year, especially those who through illness or infirmity etc. have decided not to renew their membership.

Tuesday 18th December

What a difference in the weather. Bright warm sunshine with no breeze for the twenty who turned out.
Bruce Bedford won with 39 points and Trevor Wilson second with 36.
Once again most supported the 19th hole for the apres golf.

Stuart Jones (Updated)

I'm informed that Stuart who attended our Christmas Lunch recently fell of some ladders and was taken to Carlisle hospital.
I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery and I'll post an update when more facts are known.
Update:
Stuart fractured his Femur when he fell from the ladder, he had surgery on Saturday afternoon, apparently after a few problems they managed to put him together again. Jan spoke to him this morning and the physio had just got him out of bed.

Tuesday 11th December

Twenty turned out at 9.00am and kicked off in frost at -3C for our Bottle Trot.
Half of the game was played as Blind Man's Golf due to a combination of chimney smoke and rising fog but Ian Porter scored a winning 40 points from the 16 holes on the short course with Eddie Varah (50 points last Sunday) one behind. Everyone received a prize and retired to the dining room for a superb Christmas dinner with the other members who had better sense than to play.
Secretary Geoff concluded the proceedings by extending our appreciation to the catering staff, wishing everyone the seasons greetings and making mention of an item of gardening equipment.

Bottle Trot Rules

Providing more than six play, the competition will be run as a qualifying competition (ie full handicap).
If on temporary greens we will play off half club handicap.
Geoff

Tuesday 4th December

Sixteen of us managed to get half way round before the rain started but a least it came down vertically so an umbrella was everyone's best friend.
Tommy Neilly found half sandpiper's handicap no problem with 37 points, outpointing me on the back nine.
Our Secretary informs me that for our Christmas bash next Tuesday smart / casual attire is acceptable as well as collar and tie. Note that I used the word attire and not dress but if that is your preference you will be equally welcomed.