Thursday 21st September

Christmas came early for Robin Binny today as his 34 points was the best of the seventeen who played and second placed Brian Taylor with 33. Conditions were unusually mild and calm for the time of year. All the best to everyone for the festive season.

Tuesday 19th December

Cool and damp at the start for today's sixteen competitors. David Frith romped home with 40 points followed by Mike Mapleton with 37. Two members have been struggling with their health for a while. Tommy Neilly has shingles and Alan Heywood is recovering from surgery. Let's hope everyone recovers enough to enjoy Christmas.

Tuesday 12th December

Twenty dedicated Sandpipers turned out in what seemed like the middle of the night to play the annual Christmas Competition as a Texas Scramble. Unfortunately the course was covered in thick frost so as we were on the short winter course it was decided to cut across from the eighth green to the fourteenth tee thereby reducing the risk of frostbite. Everyone received a prize and thanks were given to Brian Taylor for running the comp, John Wraight for selecting the prizes and Bruce Bedford for his quiz on the rules of golf. No team got all the answers right. The caterer provided an excellent meal which meant I was too full to be bothered to write this report up last night.

Tuesday 5th December

Damp and windy today so not the conditions for standing about. The two winners came from the first two three balls, Jim Gilfillan with 37 points and John Wraight with 34.
Thursday's forecast looks poor so possibly our next get together will begin at 9.00am on Tuesday 12th for a Texas Scramble followed by lunch.
In the event of unplayable conditions lunch may be brought forward and the competition played at some future date.

Tuesday 28th November

Another good turn out of twenty one in bright cool conditions and another good win for Gerry Fisher who now plays off 3.
34 points was enough to win, just one ahead of Willie Smith.

Christmas Bottle Trot

Due to popular demand (eh?) the format for our Xmas bash will be a Texas Scramble with quality prizes for everyone. If you haven't already selected your choice of dishes from the menu on the notice board please do so as soon as possible to assist our caterers.

Thursday 16th November

This morning's strong wind died down to leave pleasant conditions for nineteen players. My 35 points was just enough to win, one ahead of  Eddie Varah.
The menu for our Xmas bottle trot dinner is now on the notice board so please select your choice of dishes as soon as possible.

Tuesday 14th November

Joe Penrice made a welcome return to the winning podium today with 37 points in near perfect conditions. Gerry Fisher was second with 36. Twenty three played and all finished in around three and three quarter hours.
With the nights closing in it was widely agreed that our secretary should explore a proposal to commence play at 10.30am with the main committee for the winter period.

Thursday 9th November

Grant Anderson won today with 37 points, identical to Joe Holmes with the count back being decided on the second hole. Conditions were very kind for the second week in November although turning chilly towards the end.

Tuesday 7th November

16 players. Overcast.cold.
1st place Bob Finlinson,, 40pts Hcp 9 to 4
2nd place David Low,  33pts Hcp 14 to 13
John

Thursday 2nd November

Today couldn't have been more different from Tuesday. Wall to wall sunshine and virtually no wind.
John Gibson took full advantage with 35 points followed by David Frith with 34. Twenty turned out.
Printed copies of "play when ready" rules are available for anyone who is struggling with the concept and finally, Happy 90th Birthday to John Dixon tomorrow. We all wish you well John.

Tuesday 31st October

Clouds, a strong wind and a heavy shower made scoring difficult for the nineteen players. Gerry Fisher's 16 points on the back nine just pipped Clive Milburn for first place, both having 33 points.

Thursday 26th October

17 played today
Calm sunny conditions
Winner J Campbell 37 pts. 16 to 13 hcp
Runner up R Cutts 36 pts.  21 to 19 hcp

Regards
John

Tuesday 10th October

Have you heard about the Englishman, the Scotsman and the Welshman? They won today's Texas Scramble in the persons of  Mike Mapleton, Joe Campbell and Lynn Hopkins. Twenty five turned out to play in breezy conditions and thanks to John Gibson for stepping aside to leave eight 3 balls.. The event proved so popular amongst those who played that it is proposed to use this format occasionally through the winter. Dates will be announced well in advance.

Penrith Team Result

Low clouds from the start but minimal rain fortunately. Workington came first with Silloth fourth which was a big improvement over previous years. We finished six points behind third place which was achievable if two of us had taken our fingers out.
Next Tuesday we have our annual Texas Scramble organised by Brian Taylor.

Tuesday 3rd October

Twenty played in challenging conditions for the Brindley Salver. John Wraight and Ian Hind blew away anybody else's chance of winning with their 45 points.
At the following well attended AGM thanks were recorded for the work undertaken by Geoff Waite and John Dixon who have both decided to stand down after many years service as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Their positions have been taken over by John Wraight and Brian Taylor.
The other main items voted on were adopting a smart casual clothing dress code after matches and playing when ready rather than waiting for playing partners who are not up to speed.
Only one person was unable to collect his trophy at the prize giving due to being on holiday, the remainder all being present.
It is sad to report that Bernard Keighley who played with us until he was well into his eighties passed away recently.

Thursday 28th September

Only ten turned up today but several other things to report. First, our sympathies to Charles Woodhouse whose wife passed away last weekend after a long illness.
Next Tuesday we kick off at 9.00am for the Brindley Salver Greensomes followed by the AGM, election of officers and Prize Presentations.

Tuesday 26th September

Lots to report today. First of all, congratulations to Gerry Fisher on winning the Sandpipers Championship and commiserations to runner up David Frith.
Secondly we've gained a new member John Fulton who regularly uses his holiday accommodation in the area. He's already blotted his copy book by coming second today with 37 points to Tony Davis's 38. Twenty played in ideal conditions.
Geoff Scott recently had a close call following his heart surgery with a perforated ulcer. Luckily it was treated just in time and I'm told Geoff is on the mend.
Finally, our normal start time has been brought forward to 9.30am to accommodate some competition or other on Thursday 5th October.

Thursday 21st September

Nobody thought we would be able to play today but the rain cleared at 11am and sunshine followed. Only thirteen played with Clive Milburn losing four shots for his 38 points and myself one shot for 35.
Good news - the Maryport to Silloth road is now open.

Tuesday 19th September

Ideal calm and sunny conditions for the George Wright Trophy competition which was won by Ian Hind with 39 points and runner up Bruce Bedford with 37 (best back nine). Another good turnout of twenty eight.

Thursday 14th September

The strong north wind persisted but no rain. Tim Herbert won with 33 points, Jim Johnson second with 32.
The road to Silloth will be closed from Monday 18th September for six days on the Silloth side of Beckfoot. There are several minor roads joining the Aspatria road which will probably become rat runs so its going to be fun and games.

Saxons v Celts Result

Happy days: Celts 2 - Saxons 4

Penrith Invitation Postponed

Due to its current waterlogged condition and the prospect of more heavy rain overnight on Tuesday, Penrith have sensibly decided to rearrange the team competition for Wednesday 3rd October.
A new sheet for names will be on the notice board shortly.

Penrith Invitation Event Team

Wednesday 13th September
Stableford, best 7 scores to count.
1 D.Frith
2 B.Taylor
3 D.Wood
4 J.Campbell
5 C.Milburn
6 J.C-Nixon
7 I.Porter
8 L.Hopkins
Reserve: J.Johnson
£15.00 per head, optional nearest pin etc £2.00
9.30am Shotgun Start which might involve a good distance to walk to your designated tee.
Some may have to start at 9.20am.
Free refreshments on arrival if you have time to enjoy them.
Access to the Club via the normal route may still be closed, check for update.

Thursday 31st August

Eighteen was a good turnout considering we had a qualifier on Tuesday and our Penrith match yesterday. David Frith won with 35 points, Bruce Bedford second with 34. The draw for the Penrith team game will be sorted after next Tuesday.

Penrith Match Result

Unfortunately we couldn't carry forward our success at Silloth to Penrith, going down by the very narrow margin of 3.5 - 4.5 but the match was played in good conditions followed by a good meal.

Tuesday 29th August

Twenty three played in the Bob Saunders Cup competition, my 39 points winning followed by David Low with 37. Conditions were cool, dry and a bit breezy.

Penrith Match Update

Several things to note, firstly that the published team on the blog has been amended and that matches 7 and 8 will commence at 9.20am and 9.30am from the 15th tee which is the par 5 after crossing back over the road.
Secondly, the road we would normally take up to the golf course is closed which means taking a detour from the Stoneybeck roundabout (off Junction 41) up Bowscar Road (signposted Bowscar and Gt Salkeld) for 1.8 miles and turning right at the "T" junction into Salkeld Road downhill towards the course which is then 2 miles away. The lane below the course is also closed.

Seniors Open Highlights

SANDPIPER WINNERS
Wet conditions for the early starters then clearing out.
Nearest the pin on the 9th: Sandy Tonner
Two's: David Wood, Johnathan Crookall-Nixon
Division 3
1st Ian Hind 42 pts (Competition Winner)
2nd Bruce Bedford 41pts
3rd David Low 37pts
Division 2
5th Barry Carruthers 37 pts
Numerous comments from competitors on the good condition of the course.Thanks to Brian Story and his staff.
Thanks to all the office staff, Simon and Hannah in the pro shop.
Catering and bar staff did a sterling job in providing liquid and food refreshments throughout the day.
A very big thank you to Roger Cutts, Willie Smith, David McCrumb, Geoff Waite, Harry Wright and John Dixon for all their help throughout the day and not forgetting Joe Campbell who through the year has trained Roger, Willie and David up on the computer for this event.
John Gibson

Tuesday 22nd August

Possibly the best turnout this year and equally good playing conditions. Andy Edwards won the Banks Trophy with 39 points, once again just one point ahead of David Frith. Twenty eight turned out but nobody else reached 36 points.
Thursday is reserved for the Seniors' Open.

Thursday 17th August

Just a quick note that from the fourteen players, John Gibson won and Clive Milburn came second.

Penrith v Sandpipers Team

Wednesday 30th August

Dress: Smart Casual

09.30 - G Anderson ( C ) / J Holmes
09.38 - D Frith / R.Cutts
09.46 - R Williams / I Porter                  
09.54 - G Fisher / D Wood
10.02 - J Johnson / J Campbell
10.10 - T Neilly / J Gibson
09.20 - I Hind / B Bedford Start at 15th tee 
09.30 - L Hopkins / J C Nixon

Penrith Match Result

The first four pairings started in heavy rain but the tail enders got round dry. Penrith could only manage three halves which gave us a comfortable win.
Our professional's coaching session yesterday proved very informative and we did manage about an hour and a half's bunker and chipping practice between showers. The next session teaching another aspect of the game is pencilled in for 11th September.

Thursday 10th August

I'm informed that twelve turned out, Mike Walton winning with 36 points and Tony Davis second with 34.
Next Monday our Professional has organised a two hour coaching session limited to eight Sandpipers for bunker and chipping practice. There is one space left at the moment and the sheet is on our notice board. Well worth the money at £5 per person.

Sandpipers v Penrith Team

Tuesday 15th August

Dress: Jacket and Tie

10.30 - C Milburn ( C ) / T Neilly
10.38 - D Frith / W Smith
10.46 - T Davis / R Williams                
10.54 - J Gibson / I Porter
11.00 - I Hind / J Campbell
11.08 - J Wraight / B Bedford
11.16 - J Johnson / D Wood
11.24 - P Taylor / J Holmes

Reserves: S Tonner

Tuesday 8th August

Calm and warm conditions today and a good turnout of twenty six trying to win the Carrick Trophy. Eddie Varah came out on top with 38 points beating Clive Milburn on countback. Next Tuesday is our home match against Penrith.

Tuesday 1st August

Too windy for most of us playing in the Ronnie Thompson Trophy medal competition but not for Andy Edwards who carded an excellent nett 68. Lynn Hopkins came second five shots behind.
Note that this Thursday is a normal Sandpipers day as the Junior Open has been put back to Friday.

Tuesday 25th July

Hi
Only 13 took part today.
L Hopkins  41 Pts.
D Low   35 Pts.
Joe

Powfoot Match Result

Ideal sunny weather for our match with the Otters and a good 5.5 - 2.5 win under the captaincy of Grant Anderson. The course was in good condition and a choice of dishes for every taste at the meal afterwards.

Tuesday 18th July

Steaming hot for most of the day with twenty two competing for the late John Eilbeck Trophy.
Sandy Tonner came out on top with 37 points followed by Andy Edwards with 36.

Workington Match Result

Unfortunately Workington gave us the "Christmas Turkey" treatment winning 7.5 to 2.5 and retaining the Shanks Trophy by 12 games to 8.

Powfoot v Sandpipers Team

Monday 24th July

Dress: Smart Casual

11.00 - G Anderson ( C ) / I Hind
11.08 - W Smith / J Gibson
11.16 - J Johnson / R Cutts                  
11.24 - J C Nixon / P Taylor
11.32 - L Hopkins / J Campbell
11.40 - T Davis / G Fisher
11.48 - D Frith / R Williams
11.56 - D Wood / B Taylor

Reserves: J.Wraight, I.Porter

Seascale Match Result

Another comprehensive 5.5 - 2.5 win today in windy but reasonably warm conditions.
Things are getting busy now with our match against Workington on Monday and at Powfoot the following week.

Workington v Sandpipers Team

Monday 17th July

Dress: Smart Casual

09.30 - B Taylor  ( C ) / M Mapleton
09.38 - D Frith / J Gilfillan
09.46 - J Wraight / J Holmes                    
09.54 - B Finlinson / G Fisher
10.02 - L Hopkins / J Campbell
10.10 - T Neilly / G Anderson
10.18 - I Porter / W Smith
10.26 - D Wood / J Johnson
10.34 - A Heywood / B Bedford
10.42 - J C Nixon / S Tonner

Reserve: A Proud

Tuesday 11th July

Twenty one enjoyed good conditions, Andy Edwards coming second with 37 points and Joe Campbell getting his wings clipped by five shots for a winning score of 41 points.
Thursday is our home match against Seascale.

Brampton Match Result

A much closer result than the home encounter but at 4.5 - 3.5 to the Sandpipers a win is still a win. The course was well presented, the meal very good and luckily the early low clouds lifted to give pleasant conditions.

Sandpipers v Seascale Team

Thursday 13th July

Dress: Jacket and Tie

10.30 - R Williams ( C ) / J C Nixon
10.38 - J Johnson / W Smith
10.46 - J Holmes / L Hopkins                  
10.54 - T Davis / G Fisher
11.00 - R Cutts / D Wood
11.08 - I Porter / J Campbell
11.16 - J Gibson / M Mapleton
11.24 - I Hind / B Bedford

Reserves: B Taylor, D Frith, T Neilly, T Herbert 

Tuesday 27th June

The rain eased by 11am but remained changeable and not very pleasant. Gerry Fisher returned an impressive 40 points (with 5 clubs) to lift the Tommy Anderson Cup and with only nine playing scooped the pot as well.
Thoughts with Peter Taylor who had a recent "significant" birthday but is undergoing surgery today.
I've just zeroed the results sheet and out of 45 members 25 are playing below their club handicap

Brampton v Sandpipers Team

Wednesday 5th July

Dress: Smart Casual 

09.30 - D Wood ( C ) / J Campbell
09.38 - T Davis / M Mapleton
09.46 - W Smith / I Porter              
09.54 - R Cutts / G Fisher
10.02 - J Holmes / G Anderson
10.08 - D Frith / J Johnson
10.16 - I Hind / B Bedford
10.24 - L Hopkins / J Gibson

Reserves: J C-Nixon, R.Williams

Thursday 22nd June

Only thirteen today which was surprising with very pleasant conditions.
The rough is very punishing now hence a good winning score of 35 from Willie Smith followed by Joe Campbell with 34. Next Tuesday is the Tommy Anderson 5 Clubs competition.

Tuesday 20th June

Hot conditions for today's Walters Greensomes competition, won by Gerry Fisher and David Frith with 41 points and a better back nine than Andy Edwards and David Barnes.
Posted from my sick bed.

Brampton Match Result

A very satisfactory result for Captain Tony Davis with a 6.5 - 1.5 win in windy conditions. Congratulations to all.

Phishing email

Do not click on the "reply" link if you receive a request for funds to cover passport and luggage stolen in Turkey from one of our Carlisle members. The reply address has been doctored with an extra full stop.Delete the email immediately.

Revised Sandpipers v Brampton Team

10-30 T Davis ( C ) / R Cutts
10-38 T Neilly / J Campbell
10-46 I Hind / M Mapleton            
10-54 G Fisher / A Heywood
11-00 P Taylor / G Anderson
11-08 I Porter / J Holmes
11-16 D Frith / B Bedford
11-24 J Johnson / W Smith

Tuesday 13th June

Jonathon Nixon is this year's custodian of the John Norton Cup having put together 38 points in fairly benign conditions. David Low's 22 points for the back nine put Joe Holmes into third place, both with 36 points.

Sandpipers v Powfoot Match Result

Played last Thursday, I understand that the match started in poor conditions which deteriorated. The captains agreed that an honourable draw was an appropriate result as none of the pairings completed a full round.

Thursday 1st June

Seventeen started today but one had to return to the pits with a faulty trolley. A strong east wind limited scoring, Brian Taylor the winner with 35 points and Joe Holmes second with 34.

Workington Rearranged Match

Monday 17th July, team selection will be published nearer the date.

Sandpipers v Powfoot Team

Thursday 8th June

Dress: Jacket and Tie

10.30 - G Anderson ( C ) / J Penrice
10.38 - J C Nixon / C Milburn
10.46 - R Cutts / T Neilly                  
10.54 - J Gibson / J Holmes
11.00 - B Taylor / J Johnson
11.08 - P Taylor / W Smith
11.16 - J Gilfillan / I Hind
11.24 - A Heywood / M Mapleton
Reserves: None

Carlisle Match Result

The Red Squirrels proved too strong for us on their home turf, but led by captain Tony Davis we did win three games to draw over the home and away legs.
Some good news, Malcolm Donald has rejoined after some persuasion and his son paying his subs for him.

Thursday 18th May

Today's bright and breezy conditions only attracted twelve players and everyone held back to let Roy Williams win £7.20 and lose two shots with his 31 points. Sandy Tonner came second with 29.
Next Tuesday and Thursday could be quiet as we have our match against Carlisle on Monday and on Wednesday some of us are away at Lochmaben for a social day out.

Carlisle v Sandpipers Team

Monday 22nd May

Dress: Smart Casual

09.30 - T Davis ( C ) / D Wood
09.38 - J Wraight / G Fisher
09.46 - R Cutts / I Hind                  
09.54 - W Smith / D Frith
10.00 - I Porter / J Campbell
10.08 - J Gibson / J Gilfillan
10.16 - B Taylor / J Holmes
10.24 - R Williams / J C Nixon
Reserves: None

Tuesday 16th May

Yesterday's strong wind remained but luckily the rain held off. Tommy Neilly won the Sowerby Trophy with 33 points, Gerry Fisher just behind with 32.
Several names are still required for our home match against Powfoot, not helped by the fact the some of us are away that week. Also our social away day at Lochmaben is six names short so please support these events. Both entry sheets are on our notice board.

Workington Match Result

Unfortunately the weather was so poor that although the course remained open nobody wanted a soaking in a howling gale. The match will be rearranged.

Tuesday 9th May

Unfortunately I couldn't play today in what seemed good conditions. From the Club's website I see that David Low won with 41 points and Peter Taylor second with 39 and twenty six took part in playing for the John Todd Shield. I've been through the Club handicap list and several have been adjusted. Please ensure you play off the correct handicap.

John Kennedy Service

A service for John will be held at All Saints church Cockermouth at 1.00pm 15th May with a wake at Hundith Hill afterwards. Unfortunately this coincides with our match against Workington but John Dixon as an old friend will be attending and also representing the Sandpipers and has offered a lift to anyone who wishes to pay their respects. Contact John (Dixon) on Cockermouth 827346.

John Kennedy

Sadly, our old friend John Kennedy died overnight last night, the only comforting thing was that he had no pain, and it came quickly after he was diagnosed. I reckon he served on the committee for 15 years.
Geoff.
Those who played in our match at Powfoot will remember John turned up to renew old acquaintances.

Thursday 4th May

The strong north east wind put paid to some good front nine scores today. Fifteen played and Sandy Tonner's 34 points was the best of fifteen followed by David Low with 33. The new caterers have started and their menu looks pretty comprehensive.

Workington v Sandpipers Team

Monday 15th May

Dress: Smart Casual

09.30 - B Taylor ( C ) / M Mapleton
09.38 - D Frith / J Gilfillan
09.46 - J Wraight / J Holmes                    
09.54 - T Davis / G Fisher
10.02 - L Hopkins / J Campbell
10.10 - J Gibson / G Anderson
10.18 - I Porter / W Smith
10.26 - R Cutts / C Milburn
10.34 - R Williams / D Wood
10.42 - J C Nixon / B Carruthers
Reserves: None

Seascale Match Result

Played in shirt sleeve conditions the first four pairings won, the next three didn't but the Campbell / Davis duo halved the last game for a 4.5 - 3.5 win. Our next match is against Workington with our team published here by the weekend.

Thursday 27th April

Winning £8.40 and losing four shots wasn't the best idea with only fourteen playing but that's what my 38 points got. Joe Campbell's 36 points second place cost him two shots but at least we were able to play in mostly warm conditions. Next Tuesday is our away match against Seascale.

Tuesday 25th April

For the first few holes, staying at home seemed like the better option than playing for the Doughty Cup in a biting cold east wind. Things didn't get any better when the hail stones started but Jim Gilfillan confounded expectations with a winning 39 points, second placed Clive Milburn five points behind him. Sad to report that Charlotte, the pleasant young lady who worked behind the bar for a while has had a serious decline in health and I've asked her visitors to pass on best wishes from the Sandpipers.

Seascale v Sandpipers Team

Tuesday 2nd May

Dress: Smart Casual

09.30 - R Williams ( C ) / C Milburn
09.38 - J Wraight / G Fisher
09.46 - R Cutts / I Hind                  
09.54 - W Smith / D Wood
10.00 - T Davis / J Campbell
10.08 - J Gibson / L Hopkins
10.16 - E D Varah / J Johnson
10.24 - I Porter / G Anderson

Reserves: J Holmes, B Bedford 

Thursday 20th April

Just sixteen played today in cool breezy conditions. Jim Gilfillan won with 35 points, Robin Binny second with 33.

Tuesday 18th April

Eddie Varah and Roy Williams played well as a team to win the John Cooper trophy with 72 points.
The weather was fair for the twenty two players. We also welcomed another new member, Barry Carruthers.

Carlisle Match Result

A good 5 - 3 win against Carlisle played in a really cold west wind. Peter Taylor should have played but unfortunately hasn't had the best of health lately and I'm sure we all wish him well.
The sheet for our away match against Seascale is now on the notice board and places are still available for our social away day at Lochmaben.
Bev New has made an appeal on behalf of the thriving junior section for any unwanted pencil or carry bags you are able to donate.

Workington Match Result

Played in a bitter cold west wind, the first five pairings won whilst the next four lost, the day being saved by the final pair with a half. That means we carry a single game advantage to Workington for the Shanks Trophy.

Sandpipers v Carlisle Team

Tuesday 11th April

Dress: Jacket and Tie

10.30 - T Davis ( C ) / C Milburn
10.38 - J Wraight / A Heywood
10.46 - R Cutts / T Neilly                  
10.54 - W Smith / B Bedford
11.00 - L Hopkins / D Frith
11.08 - J Gibson / J Campbell
11.16 - D Wood / J Holmes
11.24 - G Fisher / R Williams
Reserves: I Porter, J C Nixon, I Hind, M Mapleton, J Johnson.                      
               D McCrum

Tuesday 4th April

Today's Championship Qualifier was played in pleasant conditions and an excellent field of twenty seven took part. Bruce Bedford won with 39 points and Joe Holmes second with 37, the £2.00 entry fees going towards the £100 charitable donation.
There was a query as to whether the winners should have shots deducted having not received any cash so I quote from last years report: "Looking back at the record of last year's competition, both the winner and second place were deducted 2 and 1 shots respectively and Geoff Waite remembers being cut 6 shots by George Wright in the 1970's so Tony and Jonathon are in for a surprise".
The highlight of the day was Geoff's presentation of card and cheque to Octavia and David in appreciation for the high standard of catering we have enjoyed over the past seven years.

Sandpiper and Friends Away Day

Lochmaben Golf Club Wednesday 24th May

A sheet is on the notice board for the first 20 names who wish to take advantage of a day out.

Bacon Roll + Coffee,

Round of Golf

2 Course Meal

1st Tee Time 11.00am

Total Cost £40. Deposit £10

Organiser: Joe Campbell

Blog Statistics

Over fifty two thousand page views now registered with the highest proportion surprisingly coming from Russia (maybe they think Donald Chump is a member). One unexplained referral is from a Brunei Medical blog, the only possible link being that one of the doctors is trying to sell some precept clubs.
Funny old world.
Joe revived the away day socials that Terry Stubbs used to run and has provisionally booked Lochmaben for 24th May if there is enough interest.

Tuesday 28th March

All twenty one of us managed to get back before the rain started. Ian Porter was sitting comfortably with a winning 40 points until Mike Mapleton from the last four ball came in with 41.
Thursday's forecast is for rain and next Tuesday the first sixteen qualify for the knock out stages of our Sandpiper Championship.

Sandpipers v Workington Team

Thursday 6th April
Dress: Jacket and Tie

10-30 - B Taylor ( C ) / L Hopkins
10-38 - D Frith / J Johnson
10-46 - D Wood / J Campbell                    
10-54 - T Davis / J C Nixon
11-02 - G Fisher / J Holmes
11-10 - J Gibson / B Bedford
11-18 - I Porter / W Smith
11-26 - R Cutts / C Woodhouse
11-34 - G Waite / M Mapleton
11-42 - A Heywood / T Neilly
Reserves: None

Thursday 23rd March

Tuesday's strong wind came from completely the opposite direction today making the back nine very difficult. David Low was up for it though with a winning 30 points, one ahead of Peter Taylor.
The team sheet for our home match against Workington is on the notice board and will be published here over the weekend.

Tuesday 21st March

It was difficult to score on the front nine into a strong cold wind so I was surprised to find that my back nine pipped playing companion Gerry Fisher for first place, both ending up with 30 points. Fourteen played.
I slipped up last Tuesday thinking that the competition was reductions only which was incorrect. Everyone with a less than par score had 0.1 added.

Tuesday 14th March

Another strong wind made playing a bogey competition particularly difficult except for Ian Hind who returned a card of +5. John Wraight playing off a more realistic handicap did well to earn second place with level. Today was also the start of qualifying competitions for club handicaps but due to the remaining low scores it became reductions only.
Joe Campbell has begun giving club computer tutoring for those who have volunteered to assist with staffing the "Seniors' Open", particularly with setting up and closing down the programme. Further lessons will be given at 10.00am prior to Sandpiper qualifying competitions.
Also, Joe is still one short for our home match against Workington.

Mungrisedale Writers Group

Charles has had a composition published around part of Silloth Golf Club.
https://mungrisdalewriters.com/tag/charles-woodhouse-flash-fiction/

Charles Woodhouse, Thursday, 9 March 2017

Thursday 9th March

Sunny and rather warmer than Tuesday. Tony Davis won with 38 points, Joe Campbell second with 34.
The team sheet for our home match with Workington is on the notice board and Joe is still three players short. Please append names as soon as possible.

Tuesday 7th March

A lot cooler than yesterday, I was caught out with not enough layers on. Seven teams of three took part in the Texas Scramble organised by Brian Taylor with David Frith, Jonathon C-Nixon and Bruce Bedford taking the pot and a hit of two shots handicap each.

Thursday 2nd March

Quite breezy today for fifteen players with Roy Williams returning 34 points and Joe Campbell second with 31.
Geoff Waite tells me he seems to be on the mend from a bout of illness following his return from the Antipodes but it will be at least a fortnight before he is match fit again.
I hadn't noticed until today that our diary for 2017 has been amended to include a Texas Scramble next Tuesday the 7th March. A popular format so let's hope for good weather.

Tuesday 28th February

Welcome to our new member John Wraight who marked his debut with a 38 point win followed by David Frith with 32.
In future, members who are not selected to play in home matches will have to reserve their own tee times should they wish to play on the same day.

Les Heyes

Sad to report that Les passed away recently. He was a keen Sandpiper but ill health restricted his playing a few years ago. Always cheerful he came to visit us all not so long ago and even then he hoped to play again if his health permitted.

Tuesday 21st February

Six four balls scuttled off quickly to try and avoid the promised rain. Unfortunately it didn't work with the last three groups taking short cuts in. Some of us were made of sterner stuff, Joe Holmes scoring a winning 34 points and Ian Hind second with 30 from sixteen holes (sensibly missing out the 13th and 14th).

Thursday 16th February

Pretty miserable conditions today. Sixteen played and Brian Taylor with his new driver was best of the bunch with 32 points. Robin Binny's 30 points were enough for second place, pushing out Jim Gilfillan on the back nine.

Tuesday 14th February

Valentines Day saw twenty four of us getting out of the house to play golf. Bright sunshine but a stiff breeze from the east kept scores low, Joe Holmes winning with 33 points and myself second with 32.
With Bev New and her helpers reviving healthy attendances for junior coaching, Joe Campbell  has given the junior section a cheque on our behalf for £300 from our funds to help with their expenses over the 2017 season.

Thursday 9th February

Only thirteen today despite the good conditions. Brian Taylor won with 36 points ahead of Jonathon C-Nixon with 32.
I forgot to warn everyone following Tuesday's play to be careful when walking on wet grassy slopes especially the well worn areas as they are extremely slippery in places.

Tuesday 7th February

Good conditions today apart from one squally shower. Twenty two played, Jonathon C-Nixon coming first with 35 points followed by Tony Davis whose 33 had the best back six.

Sandpiper Web Site

The web site has been updated for the 2017 season and hopefully all the dates are correct.
http://www.sunside.co.uk/sandpipers
Unfortunately the gallery page is suffering from technical problems and lack of photos.

Thursday 26th January

The ground frost cleared as eighteen of us played turning into a calm and warm day.
Remarkable that playing off half handicap even on the short course three players turned in scores of 45 points. Even more remarkable that of those, Bob Finlinson qualified for second place with the best back nine. Tony Davis destroyed the rest of the field with 49 points.
Very good news that four of our walking wounded managed to turn up for a gossip, Eddie Varah, John Dixon, Harry Wright and John Gibson all reporting improving health although Harry is going in for another op on Tuesday.

Tuesday 24th January

Conditions were a bit dreary for the first nine holes but improved through the afternoon. Bruce Bedford continued his good form, winning with 37 points followed by Jonathon C-Nixon with 34. An important tip for us all to remember - make sure you actually play your second shot before you go to look for your ball (a senior moment).
Sandpiper handicaps show that twenty five out of forty six are currently playing below their club handicaps.

Thursday 19th January

Similar conditions to Tuesday without the mist today. Tim Herbert and Jonathon C-Nixon tied with 34 points, Tim having the better back nine. Fifteen played.

Tuesday 17th January

Twenty three played in a heavy mist today but otherwise warmish and calm. Lynn Hopkins won with 37 points, one ahead of myself. To avoid confusion in the future, please ensure balls put in for the draw can be identified with either a name or initials.

Tuesday 10th January

Fourteen managed to get round, the two four balls catching a shower at the end. Willie Smith won with 32 points followed by Lynn Hopkins having the the best back six out of three 31s.
Good to report that John Gibson is up and about after surgery and Harry Wright is improving after pain resulting from his back op. Unfortunately more surgery is required on his shoulder but he passes on best wishes to all his friends.

Thursday 5th January

Seventeen played on temporary greens although the sun managed to clear the frost eventually to give very pleasant conditions. Ian Hind's 42 points and Brian Taylor's 41 were exceptional scores considering we all played off half handicap over seventeen holes as the twelfth was out of play due to drainage work.

Tuesday 3rd January

A happy new year to everyone. It got off to a good start for David Low with a winning 38 points on a cool breezy day and two temporary greens due to course drainage improvements. Mike Mapleton came second with 35, just pushing out playing partner Tony Davis on the back nine.
Sixteen played including new member Lynn Hopkins who spent half an hour in the nets preparing for the ordeal.
Our Club's open competitions can be entered on line from 9.30am next Monday.