R and A Ruling Please

 What did Roger do next? Answers on a postcard.

David Allison

 For those who remember "Father David" it was his funeral today with the wake held in the golf club.

 In order to preserve this 26 year record of Sandpiper activities and prevent deletion through lack of use I will make occasional contributions that may or may not be of interest.

The follow on blog contained in the new web site can be viewed at:

https://sites.google.com/view/sillothsandpipers/home

Viewing is restricted to registered members.

Dave Wood

August 2025 ------------ This Blog will no longer be updated. 

All information can now be found in the new Sandpipers Web Site

Thursday 14th August 2025

Seniors Open  148 competed ( + 3 no shows ). Although cool, the weather stayed dry with a stiff westerly breeze. From the day the event opened for entries until the morning of play all bookings, changes, administration and handicap checks were carried very efficiently by Alan Oliver and the girls in the office. They do so much work in advance for these events. 

On the day Gary, David and Rebecca in the Pro shop warmly welcomed all the competitors and offered guidance for quite a number who had never played the course before. They are also to be thanked for organising a nearest the pin competition on the 16th. The Man of the Day was once again Grant Anderson who spent 9 hours on the first tee shepherding the players in his inimitable style. The all headed out well informed and appropriately advised which would no doubt enhance their experience.

Thanks must also go to the Sandpipers who gave of their time to assist in the smooth running of the day and be part of the warm welcome everybody received. The course was once again star of the show and the reason the event is so popular and enjoyable. One participant ( John Hawker )who had travelled from London the previous day for his first experience of the course, posted photos and his experience on the Facebook site Top 100 Golf Courses, saying "As the ranking suggest this is a very special course. Certainly in my top 3 links courses in England. Great value and hospitality playing in Seniors Open today." Here are the results of the competition.

J W Banks Trophy

43 points gave Jim Johnson (22) a clear victory over Steve Whitehead (14) who ended with a respectable 40 points. 20 took part in total, in very warm conditions. Monday's away match at Hexham unfortunately saw the Sandpipers at the wrong end of a 6-2 scoreline.

Thursday 7th August 2025

Round 8 of the Summer League had 14 competitors today. Our newest member Derek Smyth ( 16 ) came out on top with 36 points beating Gordon Shaw ( 12 ) on a countback. Gordon now has a 30 point lead in the Summer league but with two games to go all the other positions are still up for grabs. 

Tuesday 5th August 2025

 Only 9 played today. David Atherton ( 20) won with 37 points

Thursday 31st July 2025

Only 13 played today. Our Team played at Workington yesterday and didn’t win so perhaps 3 days of golf in a row was too much for some. Gordon Shaw (13) won with 37 points  and for the second match in succession, Bob Fletton (26)  took second with 36 points.

Tuesday 29th July 2025

 

A calm muggy day for the 26 who competed for the Laurie Carrick Trophy. Two very good scores were well ahead of the pack. David Frith (24) won with 46 points and Bob Fletton (26) was 2nd with 42 points.  Bob also won nearest the pin prize.

Thursday 23rd July 2025

 

The weather was perfect for the 19 who took part in round 6 of the Summer League. Second place went to Jim Shaw (29) who had 37 points and the winner with 40 points was Dave Atherton. It was great to have Owen Swift back amongst us after his recent hip replacement, as he played a few holes to test his fitness.

R B Thompson Memorial Trophy

With 4 of our members playing knockout games we only had 15 competing for the Trophy, including our newest member , Derek Smyth.    6 of our 15 returned an NR card due the Medal format of play. Holding his cool and returning an excellent net 69 to win was John Wraight (9).     David Frith (24) came a creditable second with a net 70. The nearest the pin prize was won by Gilmour McKellar. Thanks to the birthday boy Dave Houldridge for supplying the post match drinks.

Tuesday 15th July 20205

 No golf today due to the heavy rain. Yesterday's match at Powfoot resulted in a 4.5 to 3.5 win for the home team.

Thursday 10th July 2025

A warm windy day supplied ideal conditions for the 15 who competed in round 5 of the Summer League. Coming out on top was Gordon Shaw (13) with 37 points and second was David Low (19) with 35 points.

John Eilbeck Trophy

22 players took part in sunny conditions but a stiff breeze proved a challenge on the front 9 holes. The runner up with 37 points was Gordon Shaw (14).  The winner was Martin Fouracre ( 21) with 38 Points. Nearest the pin on the 9th was Terry Bunn.

Tuesday 1st June 2025

The fact that a heatwave down south is providing record temperatures is hard to believe as we got a good soaking at Silloth today in a maximum of 17°. However 13 souls battled it out with Gordon Shaw (14)  coming out on top with 36 points and Douglas Keyden (20 )  second with 35 points. The report from the group playing for the PIGS trophy over 3 days at Peebles and Cadronna is that Arthur Thompson was the winner. 

Thursday 26th June 2025

20 played today in the fourth round of the Summer League. Runner up was Arthur Thompson (31) with 36 points and clear winner was Eddie Varah (16) with 38 points.

Tuesday 24th June 2025

The threatened rain that saw 50% of the field call off did not materialise. The 7 that played today's comp did so in pleasant but windy conditions with one short blustery shower blowing quickly through. Dave Atherton (21) won with an excellent 39 points considering the strong wind.

Thursday 19th June 2025

Thankfully a slight breeze kept the temperature around 21° compared to the 25° being experienced elsewhere in Cumbria. The sun brought out several forms of protective headgear and keeping a level head was Jim Johnson (22) who won with 39 points. Colin Graves (15) was second with 38 points.  22 played which was a very good turnout considering many of them had played at Brampton the previous day ( winning 5-3)

Tuesday 17th June 2025

The Tommy Anderson 5 Club Trophy was fought over as a non-qualifier by 25 players today against a stiff prevailing wind. Second was Peter Taylor ( birthday boy - thank you for the refreshments Peter ) with 35 points. Howard Foster took first place with 38 points. Vince Ross won nearest the pin on the 9th

Tuesday 10th June.

The speed of play of our greensome format, off the yellow tees, combined with visiting parties ahead of us meant that quite a bit of congestion occurred on many of the tees. However the pleasant weather and friendly format brought a smile to most of us. Once again Clark Black acted as a marker to allow 11 teams of two to compete. David Frith and John Parker came close with 39 points but Tony Davis and Martin Fouracre took the money and the trophy with 41 points. Brian Taylor won our nearest the pin prize on the 9th. 

Tuesday 2nd June 2025

15 took to the links today in very breezy conditions to compete for the John Norton Cup. The winner after a countback was Gordon Shaw (15) with Colin Graves (14) in second. The nearest the pin prize was taken home by Tim Herbert

Thursday 29th May 2025

Tuesday’s weather was bad enough but an increase in wind and rain saw only 5 turn up, 4 play, 7 holes - no fun. Round 3 of Summer League is on 19th June as we have Brampton and Powfoot matches over next two Thursdays.

Tuesday 27th May 2025

It was hard to believe we have just had the sunniest May on record as we prepared to face a strong blustery prevailing wind, cool temperatures and squally showers. However the burnt fairways and slick greens quickly reminded the 22 who set off at ten minute intervals between 11.00 and 12.00. The nasty weather got the better of three of our number who only played a few holes before seeking the shelter of the clubhouse. The remaining 19 battled on and Dave Atherton shone, winning with 37 points, beating David Low, with 36 points, into second place ( after countback).

Thursday Summer League 22nd May 2025

 Summer League Week 1

21 Sandpipers turned up to play week 1 of the summer league plus 1 Sandpiper turned up to play the match against Brampton! 

22 enjoyed another hot day and lots of run on the fairways. In the second place was Clark Black 40 points. The clear winner with 44 points and shooting his age of 78 was Brian Taylor, congratulations. 

John Todd Shield

24 Sandpiper’s attended on Tuesday. The course continues to bake in this long dry spell. Dave Atherton collected the nearest the pin prize. The shield was a close affair with two players tied in 40 points. Steve Whitehead finishing second on the countback. The winner was David Frith. 

Thursday 15 May 2025

Thursday League 15th May.

26 Sandpipers played on a breezy sunny day. The course continues to harden and burn so we are getting some interesting bounces on the fairway. 

Vince Ross continued his good Thursday form and took second place with 37 points.  Martin Fouracre was a clear winner with 43 points. 

Next Tuesday is the John Todd shield. 

Tuesday 13th May 2025

With our team playing away at Carlisle yesterday, we ended up with only 11 taking part today. Another glorious day but a very stiff breeze from the east proved a challenge. 3 players ended up with 35 points and the winner was Howard Foster.  

Thursday 8th May 2025

The fairways are now running much faster as the course has started to burn due to the lack of rain. Putting this to their benefit were Vince Ross who came first with 36 points and Denzil Addison second with 35. As this was the 9th game of the Spring league, next week is the final. Can anybody catch Vince? ( he leads by 13 points )

Tom Sowerby Trophy - Tuesday 6th May

 21 enjoyed a lovely day at Silloth with the course playing hard and dry. Two nearest the pins took place and were won by Jon Derry and Martin Fouracre. 

Second place was taken by Terry Bunn with 37 points but 1st place and the trophy goes to Jim Shaw with a magnificent 42 points. Well played Jim. 

Thursday 1st May 2025

24 set off in bright sunshine but were soon having to add layers as the breeze was stiff and quite cool. Martin Fouracre was equally cool and accrued 38 points to win with John Wraight second with 35.

Sandpiper’s Outing to Slaley Hall

 The Sandpiper’s made the trip over to the East and played a verywarm and dry Slaley Hall. Longest drive was won by Jon Derry and nearest the pin by Gordon McCulloch. 

1st place Jon Derry, 36 points

2nd place Tim Herbert , 34 points

3rd place Clark Black, 32 points

4th place David Houldridge, 30 points. 

Team event won by Joe Campbell, Gilmour McKeller, David Houldridge and David Frith. 

Thanks to John Parker for organising and David Houldridge for running the day. 

Thursday 24th April

 A cool start to the day welcomed 25 Sandpipers for the Thursday league. The course was looking stunning with the ironed greens playing fast. David Atherton kindly provided birthday drinks after play and captured second place with 37 points. Beating him on the count back also with 37 points was Clark Black. 

No golf on Tuesday as Sandpipers travel to Slaley Hall.

Tuesday 22nd April 2025

With the team away at Seascale, 10 of us competed for the prize with General play cards. Joe Holmes took that prize with 36 points. 

Thursday 17th April 2025

22 played in bright sunshine but had to cope with a brisk prevailing wind. David Houldridge took second place with 37 points and Colin Graves enjoyed 1st place with 38 points.

 Match v Seascale GC at Seascale Tuesday 22nd April 09.30am first Tee

• Team to play:
• Howard Foster, Vince Ross
• David Blain, Eddie Varah
• Tony Davis, Denzil Addison
• Gerry Fisher, Jim Johnson
• David Houldridge, Peter Taylor
• Dave Atherton, Terry Bunn
• Tim Herbert, David Frith
• John Gibson, Bob Fletton
• Res: John Parker, Charles Woodhouse, Colin Graves

Please ensure you arrive in time to meet the opposing team. Enjoy the day on a lovely course. Contact John if unable to play.

 Match v Carlisle GC 10th April

My apologise for late match result. Great win last week 7 - 1 victory. Lovely weather and outstanding play, well done team Sandpipers.

Tuesday 15th April 2025

 Doughty Cup

25 played today in humid and dry conditions, despite the forecast of rain that never materialised. 

Dave Atherton captured the nearest the pin prize. 

Jon Derry came second with 37 points but with the winning score of 39 points, David Blain captures the trophy, congratulations. 

John Cooper Trophy Tuesday 8th April 2025

 29 attended for the pairs trophy. Thanks to Charles Woodhouse for stepping aside to allow even numbers. 

A clear winning pair of Tom Borthwick, 45 points and Tony Davis with 37 points, giving a combined 82 points. Tom having a fantastic round of golf. 

Nearest the pin was our very own Happy Gilmour. 

A reminder that if you put your name down for one of the 28 slots and can’t make it. Please take out your name or at least tell us you cannot attend, allowing someone else to slot in where possible. 

Thursday 3rd April 2025

Another sunny but chilly day faced our 28 competitors. Two gentlemen from Whitehaven came out on top with Gerry Fisher enjoying a lead in the clubhouse with 36 points only to be beaten by Tony Davis who was in the last group and won with 37 points. 

Booking through BRS was in place for the first time for todays game and in the main worked well. We thank Alan Oliver for setting this up for us in a user friendly way. A reminder that you can also book by speaking to anybody in Alan's office. If you find the times are all taken and you wish to play. contact one of the committee directly and they will work to have you included in the competition.

		Sandpipers April Events
8th	Tuesday	-	John Cooper Trophy
10th	Thursday	-	Carlisle home
15th	Tuesday	-	George Doughty Cup
17th	Thursday	-	Spring League
22nd	Tuesday	-	Seascale away
24th	Thursday	-	Spring League
29th	Tuesday	-	Away Day

Tuesday 1st April 2025

29 played in the warmest day of the year so far. Clark Black coming out on top with 40 points just pipping John Parker who had 39. 

One of our regular summer players, Sandy Toner, visited us this morning to let us know he will not be rejoining us this year. We wish Sandy well. 

Thursday 27th March 2025

15 players took on a severe prevailing wind and cool conditions.

Mike Carter with 34 points lost on a countback to Martin Fouracre.

Today marks a new era for the Sandpipers as we start using the BRS booking system to let our colleagues know we are going to turn up. There is now a maximum of 28 permitted to use the 7 tee-times allotted to us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Malcolm Donald. Announcement

Malcolm Donald, former Sandpiper, lived Silloth, retired farmer, died March 18. Age 88

Thanksgiving Carlisle Crem Thurs 3 April 11.40am.

TUESDAY 25TH MARCH 2025

29 competed for the Sandpiper Qualifying Championship on a lovely sunny day at Silloth. Some excellent scores with two experienced Sandpipers coming out on top. Tony Davis came second on countback with 38 points, beating Joe Holmes and Terry Bunn.

Harry Wright won with 39 points.

The full list of qualifiers in seed order are listed below.

1. Harry Wright                      9. Jim Shaw

2. Tony Davis                        10. Tim Herbert

3. Joe Holmes                        11. David Frith

4. Terry Bunn                         12. Jonathan Derry

5. Roy Ledingham                  13. Martin Fouracre

6. Charles Woodhouse            14. Denzil Addison

7. Steve Whitehead                 15. Jim Johnson

8. Tom Borthwick                   16. John Parker

Thursday 20th March 2025

At last we all enjoyed warmer conditions as we took on our wonderful course once again.  29 played with the first group teeing off at 10.50   Excellent scores were returned and once again a count back saw Jim Shaw pip John Parker. John's excellent 24 points on the front nine saw him finish with 40 points but that not enough to beat Jim.

Joe Campbell knocked up another milestone by inviting us to celebrate his 85th birthday with him. Thank you Joe.

A reminder that next Tuesday the 25th March is the day we play for entry into the 2025 Sandpiper Knockout with the top 16 places going forward to the draw.

Tuesday 18th March 2025

Bright sunshine and a cool breeze for the 24 who played today. The breeze proved the challenge on the back 9 for a change. 3 players finished with 37 points but Howard Foster came out on top and Martin Fouracre was second ( unlucky Woodie ).

It was noted with some pleasure and a lot of respect that Joe Campbell enjoys ( I think that is the correct term ) his 30th Year as a Sandpiper this month. Well done Joe.

Thursday 13th March 2025

Another bright sunny day saw an excellent turnout. Plenty of good scores were returned with 40% of the eager competitors playing to handicap or better. Repeating last Thursday's win was Vince Ross with 40 points, pipping Joe Holmes on a countback.

Tuesday 11th March - Bernard Keighley Trophy

A warmer day than forecast welcomed 24 Sandpipers today. The bogey competition ended in a close finish at the top with Gerard Fisher missing out on second on the count back. John Gibson was second with +5 with Steve Whitehead taking 1st with +6. David Low was nearest the pin at the 9th. 

Thursday 6th March 2025

Bright sunshine encouraged a very high turnout of eager Sandpipers for the first game of the Spring League 2025. They however encountered a very strong prevailing wind which made the round quite challenging. Meeting the wind head on was Vince Ross who won with 36 points. David Blain took second ( on a countback ) with 35 points.

A reminder that next Tuesday the 11th March is the Bernard Keighley Cup which is a Bogey Competition.

Tuesday 4th March 2025

26 attended today for the first Texas Scramble of the year. Clark and John Wraight volunteered to drop out, creating 6 teams of four, then nipped round in 2 hours and 40 minutes. 

Congratulations to the winning team of Tom Borthwick, Harry Wright, Eddie Varah & Philip Curren with a net 55. Peter Taylor won the nearest the pin. 

Forecast looks good for the Thursday league. 

Thursday 27th February 2025

A suggestion that Spring was not far away in the playing conditions today. 24 players took part in the Winter League finale. Gilmour McKellar won with 37 points, somehow managing to outplay his more talented, more experienced and far more stylish counterparts for the second time this week. Harry Wright and Terry Bunn also had 37 points but Harry claimed 2nd place on a countback. 

	2024-25 Winter League winners after 10 games
			points
1st	Gerry Fisher		150
2nd	Steve Whitehead		116
3rd	Peter Taylor		113
4th	David Low		112

Tuesday 25th Feb 2025

With last Thursday being cancelled due to bad weather, we saw today form the 9th round of the Winter League. 19 players took on a stiff prevailing breeze in dry conditions. Second with 36 was Gordon Shaw and Gilmour McKellar won with 37 points. The final round takes place on Thursday 27th with 3 of the top 4 places still up for grabs.

As a reminder, here are our upcoming events.

Sandpipers March Events
4th	Tuesday		Texas Scramble
6th	Thursday		Spring League
11th	Tuesday		Bernard Keighly Cup
13th	Thursday		Spring League
18th	Tuesday		General Play cards
20th	Thursday		Spring League
25th	Tuesday		Champ Qualifier
27th	Thursday		Spring League

Tuesday 18th February

A cool calm day saw 16 take on the course from the red tees once again. This included our newest member, Roger Humphreys, who was welcomed by all. Peter Taylor was runner up and clear winner was Steve Whitehead. 

Thursday 13th February 2025

22, warmly clad Sandpipers, played in round 8 of the Winter League. Pockets of sunshine during the round were very welcome on another cold day. The 4th hole was still N/S but this did not prevent Clark Black from scoring 38 points and taking 1st place. Some extra scrutiny confirmed that Owen Swift was second with 37 points.

Tuesday 11th Feb 2025

Our General Play competition say 17 compete in bitter conditions. It did not rain but was a very dull cold day. Eddie Varah took the honours with 38 points beating Martin Fouracre on a countback. The 4th hole was N/S because of a forward tee in place, due to path maintenance.

 Thursday 6th February 2025

A beautiful sunny day for 23 Sandpipers to compete on the links. Welcome to our new member Douglas we hope you enjoyed your first outing with the Sandpipers.

This is a correction to the previously published results, this is due to incorrectly completed score card and computer entry error. Winner Bob Fletton 37 pts, runner up Joe Holmes 35 pts, these are points from computer result not cards. The Thursday League reflects the corrected results. Congrats guys.

Thursday 30th January

22 competed in round 6 of the winter league, in bright sunshine and a cold stiff breeze.

The winner with 44 points was Harry Wright and second with 38 points was Tom Borthwick. Thanks go to John Gibson who supplied the birthday drinks. We wont tell his age but it started ( and ended ) with a 7.

The label printer for our cards is now situated in the pro-shop. As this was new for us, we ended up with a lengthy queue in the shop as too many players wanted their label at the same time. Accessing your label as soon as you arrive at the club may be one way of spreading the demand out. Please be aware and plan accordingly.

Tuesday 28th January 25

 22 played off the red tee set once again. Today’s winner was Vince Ross and second was Harry Wright. 

One of the results from the analysis of last weeks cards was that the hole playing the hardest was the 7th. 

Thursday 23rd January

 Due to the weather only 3 people set off but only completed 11 holes before heavy rain set in.

Tuesday 21st January 2025

20 played off the red tee set in quite pleasant conditions for January and all of their cards were passed to the handicap secretary.

Martin Fouracre won the competition with David Frith second.

Playing off the Red Tee Set

The Sandpiper committee has been asked for assistance by the club.

The club intend to have the red tee set measured for everyone to use. They need as many gents as possible to play off the red tees to enable them to enter the resulting cards into a spreadsheet.The readings and analysis gained from that will greatly assist in creating stroke indexes etc. 

To help, we have agreed that the Sandpipers playing over the next two Tuesdays - 21st & 28th January, will play off the red tees. These are obviously non-qualifying rounds. They need to clearly show your gross score on the cards, off the reds. “No mats need to be used on the red tees. Thank you for supporting the club in this important task.

Special General Meeting

The Special General Meeting on Thursday 16th January  approved the proposed revision of the rules as outlined by the honorary secretary in his notice of the meeting posted in December 2024. The members at the meeting chose to require score cards, of all attending players, to be registered into the computer for every occasion the submission of score cards is allowed. The revised rules will apply forthwith. The meeting was well attended with in excess of 20 members and lively discussion around a number of issues ensued.

Thursday 16th January 2025

An excellent turnout today for round 5 of the Winter League. 26 played in cool but sunny conditions. Back from injury, and in good form, Bob Finlinson was first with 36 points. John Parker was second with 35  ( beating Harry Wright on the countback ).

                                                                                                                                                                  There is now a new method of competition entry for all club competitions. Sandpipers now register and have handicap labels for our cards printed off in the pro-shop. Our draw and starting order will still place from the bag 10 minutes before our first tee time. The computer screen in the hallway is for score entry on completion of our round.

Tuesday 14th January

The temperature at around 11 degrees was most welcome following the previous weeks big freeze but dense fog prevented the course from opening until late morning. Dave Houldridge reports that eventually 9 played - they went out about 11.30 and the fog lifted totally by the 5th hole.

Terry Bunn won with 38 points

Thursday 9th January 2025

Not to be put off by playing Winter Tees and Greens, 8 hardy Sandpipers braved the sunny , no wind, conditions to enjoy a lovely round of golf . A beautiful day on the links. Congratulations to Dave Atherton on today's win. Also, congratulations to David Blain, celebrating the birth of his grandchild and buying the refreshments, thank you. 

Tuesday 7th January 2025

Another very chilly but bright day.  16 played    Brain Taylor was second on a countback with 37 points,  losing to the newest member of the Sandpipers, Colin Graves.     Joe Holmes kindly purchased a drink for us all as it is his birthday later this week.

Thursday 2nd January 2025

Dave Atherton won today with 43 points.

Jon Derry was second with 37 points. 

15 played on the full course in bright but cool conditions. Thanks to Clark Black for his birthday beverages.

Meeting Reminder

The general meeting to discuss/pass the rules revision will take place on the 16th January following the golf on that day.