ROMILEY GOLF CLUB
January, February 2018 NEWSLETTER
Jimmy and Barbara Leith (LC)
perfectly attired for the Burns’ Night Supper
Saturday, 27th January, 2018
Peter Healey
12th June, 1933—14th December, 2017
He met Marjorie at a Valentine’s Dance at the Jubilee Hall on 14th February, 1953. Peter was then seconded to the RAF to do his two years’ National service. Most of this time was spent at Withernsea, East Yorkshire. They wrote to each other every day. He played cricket for the RAF and in one match against a Yorkshire County side which included Freddie Truman, he actually bowled out Brian Close! They married on 16th March 1957 and have two sons. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 16th March 2017. Peter loved his holidays in the sun and as soon as school finished for the summer holidays the family would set off with their trailer tent for 3 weeks to Argeles in South East France, listening on their journey to Rod Stewart tapes. On his retirement Peter went walking with his brother-in-law, Graham. They met every Wednesday, hail, rain or shine, and covered many miles over the Pennines and elsewhere. Serious stuff. No pub lunches for them, just a packed lunch and a bottle of water. They had many tales to tell. He took up bowls and played at Dukinfield Park and Stalybridge Rec. He used some beautiful wooden bowls given to him by cousin Tom. Peter shared many wonderful times with his cousins Alan and Doreen and his brother-in-law Don who, I am sure, have their own happy memories. Peter was a quiet man, a man of few words unless it was about sport. He was kind, had a witty sense of humour and, above all else, was a gentleman. He is greatly missed. Jez Healey
Peter was born on 12th June 1933. He was baptised, confirmed and married at St John's Church, Dukinfield. Peter was a keen sportsman who played cricket and golf and supported Manchester United. He spent many happy hours playing golf at Romiley and still played off single figures when he was 70. He was made President of the Club in 2007.
Ladies’ Stableford Singles, Thursday, 28th December, 2017
1st Angela Slate 22 pts 2nd Irene Barrow 20 pts 3rd Carolyn Brinsley 19 pts
Vets’ 9 Hole Stableford, Friday, 5th January, 2018
1st Nigel Ingle 19 pts 2nd Jack Thomasson 18 pts 3rd Mr C, Steve Harrison 18
The top of the wall in
the car park? Yes! But
a clean top of the wall,
thanks to the Brash
Lads.
Men’s Romiley Foursomes, Saturday, 6th January, 2018
1st Martin Arrowsmith and Peter Milnes 37 pts
2nd Kev Jones and Paul Wagstaff 37 pts 3rd Colin Davies and Al Martin 36 pts
Ladies’ Scramble, Thursday, 11th January, 2018
1st Diane Houghton Sally Hebden Liz Wilde 37 pts
2nd Sandra Hayes Bernadette Draper Marcia Conway 26 pts
3rd: Angela Slate Lynn Schofield Isabel Wright 25 pts
The Quiz, Friday, 12th January, 2018
What a turn out for the quiz with 50 people in 12 teams gathered in the lounge. Alongside the “straightforward” main quiz of 10 questions in 10 rounds, the quiz master, Keith Selby, had a parallel quiz running alongside. It was entitled “All the President’s Men.” How appropriate that it should be won by the President’s team, pictured on the left, with Wendy and Alan Masterman, Joyce Glynn and El Presidente himself.
Was it embarrassing for the other eleven teams that the winning team should consist of just two people? Yes. It is a rhetorical question as the two were Judi and Peter Howcroft, pictured right. What a win. It must be pointed out, however, that Peter had just returned from Australia and had been eating a lot of fish.
Mt Rushmore will never be the same!
It was a very good turn out and the atmosphere was superb. Laughter and ribaldry abounded. The food was fulsome and nourishing and money was spent in a profligate manner over the bar. Social events are crucial to the life blood of our Club so do your best to support the Club events.
First!
Rachel Broster Colin Davies Fran Davies Chris Broster Mr VC, Glyn Roberts
Glen Caseley
Bob Simpson Andrew Cainen Nick Smeaton
Sam
Mel Farrow Banner-Ayliffe
Second—on a cpo
Third
Keith had many people puzzled as he gave them examples from his Uxbridge
Dictionary which gives alternative meanings of common words:-
Misinformation - female member of the Red Arrows
Hairspray - German urinal
Shakespeare - Arab-owned seaside attraction
Unfettered - Greek salad with the cheese taken out
Liverpool – organ sharing scheme
Onomatopoeia – incontinence during a yoga session
Keith and Sue Selby
Interrogator and interrogatrix
Men’s Pairs’ Scramble, Saturday, 13th January, 2018
1st Phil Roberts and Ian Smith 34 pts
2nd Ian Kershaw, MBE & Tony Gallagher 33pt 3rd Gary Evans and Simon Hebden 33 pts
Men’s Romiley Foursomes, Saturday, 20th January, 2018
2nd Paul Wagstaff and Simon Tipping 35 3rd Dave Cole and Ken Jackson 35
Ladies’ 9 hole Stableford, Sunday 14th January, 2018
1st: Pauline Walker, 15 2nd: Jackie Purcer, 15 3rd: Diane Houghton, 14 pts
1st Lee Hopkins and Gary Williams 38
Winners but I can
remember when
A Blast from the Past
Neil Shawcross
On page 113 of the marvellous book created by Frank Beard to celebrate 100
years of Romiley Golf Club, you will see that a certain Neil Shawcross won the
Sisis Trophy, a coveted award presented by the Cheshire Agricultural College to
the best young greenkeeper in the country!! At that time Neil was on our greens
staff. Some years later he left to join Baden Hills Golf Club in Germany and is
the Head Greenkeeper there.
Having a few days spare, after attending a conference in Harrogate, he took the
opportunity to pop in and see Romiley. He still thinks it is the best lay out of any
course he knows. It was a delight to see him and to enjoy his enthusiasm for his
job.
Ladies’ Winter Dinner, 25th January, 2018
The ladies turned out in force for this team game, 2 scores to count, but were
grateful that the competition was reduced to 9 holes because of the conditions
and the trolley ban.
The evening presentation meal was well supported too, and the ladies were
treated to a trio playing singalong music, Colin Hall working his magic and a
story from Denise Booth.
Colin confessed to being a little nervous, and probably wasn’t expecting that his
sleeves and waistcoat would be searched (he didn’t object), but he very skilfully
handled the cards and mesmerised his audience. He’d been practicing hard
and it showed in his very professional performance. Not a clue how he did any
of it!
On each table, together with the after eight mints, was a chocolate orange and
everyone was wondering whether to eat it or not. Fortunately, the ladies just
looked longingly at the box because they found out later that it was to be passed
backwards and forwards round the table during the course of a story about the
Wright family. There were lots of giggles and no doubt mistakes along the way
but on most tables the winner of the chocolate shared it out. Great fun.
Many thanks to Lady Captain Barbara for a delightfully different evening, and
thanks to Acoustic Set for the nostalgic trip to the past.
The winners with 43 points, Hilary Craven, Angela Slate and Lynn Schofield
Lottery Winners, Saturday 20th January, 2018
1st: Ken Fendall 2nd Gill Thompson 3rd Catherine Blundell £100.13 £60.08 £40.05
Ladies’ 9 hole Stableford, Sunday, 28th January, 2018
1st: Audrey Jones, 22 2nd Pauline Walker, 21 3rd: Diane Houghton, 20
Burns’ Night at Romiley Golf Club
The first Burns’ supper was held in memoriam at Burns’ Cottage by Burns’ friends on 21
st July 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death; it has been a regular occurrence ever
since. Rabbie Burns would have been delighted to greet the Romiley devotees on Saturday 27
th
January. 40 members and friends gathered at our Club to be met by a splendid Scottish themed room with soothing background music. Our Captains led the way and I have to say that Lady Captain’s husband, Jimmy, was resplendent in his kilt, looking the part. Pam and Ken produced a fantastic meal, starting with cock-a-leekie soup. The haggis, tatties and neeps then arrived, followed by the traditional glass of whiskey. Lady Captain gave the address to a haggis, reciting the famous speech in that lovely Scottish lilt before raising a sharp knife and plunging it into the haggis, much to the delight of the room. The main course of prime Scottish beef was then served, and what a treat of culinary perfection. Cranachan and coffee sealed the deal.
The evening was a testament to our Club and caterers, enjoyed by all present and a must for next year’s diary. Scottish correspondent for the night – Andy Reed.
Vets’ 9 Hole Stableford, Friday, 27th January, 2018
1st Jack Thomasson 21 pts 2nd Bill Barrow 19 pts 3rd Bill Swindells 19 pts
Men’s Romiley Foursomes, Saturday, 3rd February, 2018
1st Gary Evans & Paul Mellor 35 pts
2nd Nick Gorman & Paul Wagstaff 34 pts 3rd Neil Brindley & Andrew Reed 34 pts
Joyce Dickinson—95 years young
Flowers and a card from the ladies, presented by Lady Captain, Barbara
On 5th February a healthy and independent (still driving) Joyce celebrated her
95th birthday. It was a three day event with family for the weekend and lunch
and scones the day after with all her friends at the golf club.
When asked what’s the secret, Joyce said, “It’s in the genes.” Her father was 88
when he died 50 years ago! She’s the youngest of five children, and two of those
reached the ages of 95 and 88.
“I’m a lucky lady to have a close and loving family who look after me,” but
there’s a suspicion that she doesn’t need that much looking after because she
lives alone and her family don’t live close by.
Whatever it is you’re doing, keep doing it. It’s definitely working. You’re an
example to us all. Happy birthday Joyce, and we wish you many more.
Sunday, 4th February, 2018
Teams of 3, yellow ball competition
1st: Carolyn Brinsley, Alison Reed and Rachel Broster, 67 points
But it’s Tuesday and we play on a
Tuesday! Putting is hard enough
on temporary greens but trying to
putt a snowball in the hole! Had
to give up in the end.
Audrey Jones
Ladies Team of Three, 9 hole Better Ball, Thursday, 8th February, 2018
1st Lynn Schofield Sandra Hayes Angela Slate 46
2nd Isabel Wright Jill Woolstencroft Sally Hebden 42 pts
A Howcroft Quiz, Friday, 9th February, 2018
There was an exceptional turn out of 13 teams of 4/5, despite wet, cold, and windy weather. The questions were set and delivered by our Eggheads couple Peter and Judi Howcroft. They devised a very varied 10 rounds of posers, ranging from TV soap villains, cocktails contents, and literary famous last lines. Half time refreshment provided by Ken was a perfectly spiced chicken curry, though when Pam realised there was universal praise she admitted it was all prepared by herself! The quiz became a neck and neck battle between four teams; Hillrisers, Over't'hill, Corinthians, and Peaky Blunders. The "Where are we?" round became the nemesis for Hillrisers and Peaky Blunders, who failed to identify Blackpool Tower. This left Corinthians and Over't'hill tied on 71points each with the last round of sport to come. In the end Over't'hill just prevailed scoring an overall very impressive 80 out of 100 points. Corinthians came second with another creditable total of 77 point. The winners and second shared the usual selection of Aldi's finest plonk and chocs. No expense spared. Many thanks to Peter and Judi for creating and presenting a challenging but entertaining quiz, and Pam, Ken, and their team for keeping us well fed and watered during the evening. The next quiz will take place on Friday 9th March and RGC will be taking part
in the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz. Not sure yet how that works but it
will be a unique experience for Romiley quizzers. Make a note in your diary
Phil and Gaynor Norbury Anne Granby Chris Cook Colin Granby
Winners
Lindsay and Steve Kershaw are pictured with the youngest ever contestant to attend a quiz at Romiley Golf Club. Ada, at just 6 weeks old, managed to sleep throughout the evening. Grandparents, Geoff and Judi Dixon, were on hand, ready to take over!
The Corinthians, Keith and Sue Selby and Joyce and John Glynn were in a meritorious second place
Peter and Judy
Howcroft
And The Wilde Bunch of Michelle and Gary
Wilde and Malcolm and Ann Oliver, scored a
superb 20 out of 20 on a separate run-along-side
quiz and quite deflated the Corinthians who had
been sooo pleased with 19 out of 20!
4 man team event, Saturday, 10th February, 2018
1st Paul Wagstaff / Simon Tipping / Nick Gorman / Kevin Jones 77
2nd David Loughman / Alan Walker / Mark James / Rick Downes 77
3rd John Mawdsley / Antony Cocks / Lee Hopkins / Tommy McGlinchey 76
Rain—New Zealand Style!
It rained and rained and rained and rained
The average fall was well maintained
And when the tracks were simple bogs
It started raining cats and dogs.
After a drought of half an hour
We had a most refreshing shower
And the most curious thing of all
A gentle rain began to fall
Next day but one was fairly dry
Save for one massive deluge from the sky
Which wetted the party to the skin
And then, at last, the rain set in!
Trudi and Alan Heavyside were on holiday in New Zealand on the west coast of
the South Island near the Fox Glacier. On one day they had 12 inches of rain. In
a café Trudi saw this poem and thought it was most appropriate for our own
situation at Romiley. How right she is!
Thursday, 15th February, 2018
Rollup and draw for partners, team of three with scoring:
1 on par 3s, 2 on par 4s and 3 on par 5s
The winners with 39 points: Teresa Hogg, Francine Walburn and Rebecca Byle
Rules question resolved
On the 5th hole at Romiley Trevor Wright recently had a disagreement with his playing partners as to the rules of golf. To settle the argument he sent the question to Golf Monthly, and the question and answer were published thus: “Q. In a recent game, having been sure that my ball had finished in a bunker, we could not see it at first. I eventually found it in a rabbit hole which was burrowed into the face of the bunker. Since the ball was beyond the bunker edge, I thought I was entitled to drop outside the bunker vertically above the spot where it was at rest. However, my playing companions were of the opinion that I should drop it back in the bunker. Who was correct? A. As the ball was found beyond the edge of the bunker in the burrowing
animal hole, the ball was not in the bunker. Free relief is available under Rule 25-1b. You would drop the ball without penalty on a part of the course through the green, within one club-length of the nearest point of relief to its position in the burrowing animal hole. It’s worth noting that the ball cannot be dropped on the putting green in these circumstances.
Shona McRae, R&A Assistant Director—Rules”
Well done Trevor. Hope you took the money that day.
(Reproduced with the kind permission of Golf Monthly)
Does the ball lie beyond the edge of the bunker?
I appreciate that many members will be now aware of the sad loss of my husband, John, just prior to Christmas. It was all so sudden but I feel that now is the time to write this letter. John had been a member of the Club for nearly forty years and enjoyed every one of them. The year that he got his name on the winners’ board was a particularly proud year for him. Over the years we attended the Club many times for dinner on a Saturday and made many friends during those visits. In the last few years John played on a regular Wednesday basis with our friend and neighbour, Brian Walton, and for the last few years accompanied by his mutual friend, Dave Turnock. The occasions were, of course, primarily golf but John found them highly entertaining and John always recalled what a good time they had and so many laughs were had by all. He told me that following the game they would join others for coffee and more laughs. To John the Club became not just a venue for golf but also for a great social experience. Romiley Golf Club was kind enough to have Club representation at John’s funeral and for that the family are very grateful. Dora Griffiths
Gents’ Evening, Friday16th February, 2018
What a wonderful Gentlemen's Evening! A superb comedian in Archie Kelly who kept the room in thrall to his talent. What a triumph for Mr Captain, Steve Harrison. His face captures the sheer enjoyment of the evening.
Archie Kelly
Mr. C
Bob Peter John
Blundell Wagstaff Glynn
Mark Lee John Glyn
Roberts Hopkins Murray Roberts
Is the
halo a
portent
of Dave
Blood’s
year of
office?
Mike Wilson Bill Barrow Carl Mellor John Hooper Charles Haworth
Les Ross Duncan Challen Ian Gibson John Harrison
Dave Blood Martin Clark Richard Hale Mark Kitchen
Jim Millington Mike Murray Dave Skillington Chris Broster
Steve Hogg Dave Ross Alan Torkington Rob Edwards Jamin Edwards
Gordon Harman Steve Carroll Andy Reed Colin Davies Tommy McGlinchey
Graham Drabble Matt Murray Alex White Andy Bulley Graham Palmer
Gary Williams Chris Woood Ian Cunningham Neil Cousins
Shaun Slate Robin Bennett Gareth Dodds Matthew Roberts
Men’s Foursomes, Saturday17th February, 2018
1st Lee Hopkins and Gary Williams 39 pts
Graham Nuttall and Rolly Hewitt 37 pts 3rd Tony Cocks and John Mawdsley 36 pts
Lottery, Saturday, 17th February, 2018
1st Phillip Sproson 101.75 2nd Rolly Hewitt 60.75 3rd Phil Barwick 40.50
What a good day for Rolly!!
John Glynn Audrey Jones Phil Roberts
Editorial Team
Monday, February 5th, 2018