Stoke by Nayland
SENIORS
June 2023
From your Captain:
I would like to say a few words about my charity which this year is The East Anglian Childrens Hospice and a few ways that I am endeavouring to raise a few pounds.
Some of you have played in the Captain and Vice matches and made generous donations afterwards. If you are interested in taking us on, please let me know and I will add you to the list.
Another idea that I had was to play 36 holes on the longest day and invite you all to sponsor me, I’m pleased to report that I have already had a small number of you pledge your support but there are always room for more.
I’ve been busy persuading local clubs to let me have fourball vouchers that we can auction off, the number is steadily growing and I’ll do my best to get a few more.
This year, several my past acquaintances, as well as some new ones, have been extremely kind to offer to sponsor a hole on the day.
I’m hoping to have a few specials on the day so please keep the date in your diary free.
7TH AUGUST 2023
CAPTAINS CHARITY DAY.
Finally, a quick mention about the Seniors Tournament on the 27th July.
Its our turn to host it this year and Peter Garnett and I will be putting together a team to try and win the day.
We are looking for 10 able bodied senior golfers. The more the better so that we can pick a strong team.
We have some cracking sponsorship this year and for those of you that are interested in representing SBN, please let myself or Peter know. With great competition, great food and some lovely prizes, you are assured of a great day out.
The entry fee has been kindly covered by the Management Board so what could be better.
Thanks for all your continued support
Malcolm Norton
Wednesday Swindles
Please note that swindle cuts will be for one week only. Although, serial winners may be treated more harshly!
Friday 5th May – Constable
1st Adrian Cherry / Kevin Walsh / Mick Henry 38 points all 3 shot cut
2nd Ian Berry 36 pts – 2 shot cut
3rd Tony Emms 34 pts – 1 shot cut
Wednesday 10th May – Constable.
1st Adrian Beckingsale 32 points – 3 shot cut
2nd Brian Butcher / Neil Ashwell 31 pts – 2 shot cut
3rd Terry Mitchell 30 pts – 1 shot cut
Wednesday 24th May – Constable
1st Tony Denmead 36 points 3 shot cut
2nd John Parkinson / Colin Dallas 35 pts 2 shot cut
3rd Mark Clark / Mick Henry 34 pts 1 shot cut
Swindle dates for June
Friday 2nd June – Gainsborough
Monday 5th June – Constable
Wednesday 14th June – Gainsborough
Friday 23rd June – Constable
Wednesday 28th June – Constable
Inter Club Matches
Having been involved in the team selection and organisation on the day, it is noticeable that we have a nucleus of the same 20-25 people putting their name forward for each match. Whilst this is great to see, it would be even better to have some variety and a bigger pool of members to select from. So, if you haven’t already done so, and wish to play in future matches, please make sure you register your interest via ClubV1.
Inter Club Match v Gosfield - Away - 4th May 2023
Gosfield 6 SbN 2
What a lovely day for a game of golf. Gosfield Lakes was in excellent condition and, although a little windy, the sun shone and all was set for a close match, or so Captain Malcolm hoped!
His was the 1st match out and to quote, ‘We got slaughtered!’. Ian said that they needed birdies for halves. They obviously didn’t get many as they lost 6/5. Their saving grace was that Ian won nearest the pin on the 17th.
Things picked up in the 2nd match which saw Rob and John win 3/2. Both teams had a ‘Barnes Wallace’, Rob on the 10th, the opposition on the 3rd. It was a closely fought match but Rob and John’s length off the tee told in the end.
And then things began to slip again! Kevin and Colin said their game was close all the way, until it wasn’t. They lost 3/2. Dave and Bob were level after the front 9 but the opposition chipped in twice on the back. They must have done more for our boys lost 5/3. Bob said that Dave’s golf was so —- that it made him cry!
Phil and Phil were last off the 1st tee and apart from being ¾ hour behind in finishing (surely it wasn’t our boys fault!) could only manage a loss 2/1. Peter and Trevor were 1stoff the 10th tee and skipped round, only to lose 4/3. Perhaps they should have taken more care. They said that the opposition played better that they did. The proof is in the result!
And then came Ray and Shikhar. What a wondrous pair – mind you, Ray’s use to winning. They said that it was a good team effort with Ray chipping well (for a change!) and chipping in from 40yds on the 14th. They ran out deserving winners 6/4.
Dick and Andy brought up the rear and only just lost 2/1 to a pair who failed to give Dick a gimme which he missed (perhaps it wasn’t a gimme after all!). A tight game played in good spirit.
Gosfield provided an excellent spread that all enjoyed and Captain Malcolm, having announced the result Gosfield 6, Stoke 2, wished everyone a safe journey home.
Team …………
Malcolm Norton (Captain) & Ian Bickers
John Williams (Reporter) & Rob Swann
Kevin Price & Colin Pottle
David Seymour & Bob Filer
Phil Hickley & Phil Brennan
Trevor Waterhouse & Peter Jay
Ray Firth & Shikhar Chatrath
Dick Lumsden & Andy Higginson
Inter Club Match v Hintlesham - Constable - 10th May 2023
SbN 5 Hintlesham 3
Match 1 – Malcolm and Bob
What a cracking match, we were never more than 2 up and then 1 down at the turn and looking like a draw and then captain rolls in a birdie putt on 17th to win 1 up. (He only mentioned this 30 times in the club house after)
Match 2 – Brian and Kevin
Match very close for first 9 and all square at the turn, then we started to play a bit better (they got tired) and then the next 7 holes we stayed up and closed out on the 16th with 3&2 victory.
Match 3 – Richard and Richard
Quiet front 9 and we went 1 up then lost that and then 1 down and recovered to go al square after 9. Then steadily lost holes to lose 3&2.
Match 4 – Shikhar and Phil
Went down as not the best start, by the turn the boys were 2 up and then 5 holes halved. Phil had words with Shikhar (we all want to do that) and he won next 2 holes and the halved the 17th for 2&1 win. (I know the maths do not work I only type this so don’t shoot the messenger)
Match 5 – Dave and Trevor
4 down after 6 Dave made 10-foot putt (only mentioned once unlike our captain – see above).
Very good game. Not sure of result but even with slow start I think they halved the game so great result.
Match 6 Steve and Peter
Hard fought match, never more than one in it until the 13th when SBN went 2 up. Game of 2 halves and Steve kept SBN in it on the front nine and Peter came good on the back nine to close out the match 2&1 (what a nice couple they make)
Match 7 – Graham and Tony
Closely contested match, played in excellent spirit. Never more than 2 holes in it, then SBN dug deep to win last 2 holes and halve the match.
Match 8 – Jonathon and Gordon
Our opponents played well and deserved the win (not the end so read on), but had some lucky halves (chip in out of banker) Opponents managed to dove tail well (getting close hang in there) Jonathan tried his best to make up for Gordon shortcomings ( I know what your thinking he only plays good for cash prizes ). Very enjoyable game in good spirits.
If still unsure, please go back to first line for result.
Many thanks to Brian Roloff for taking on the reporting responsibilities for todays match – thanks Brian.
Team …………….
Malcolm Norton (Captain) & Bob Filer
Brian Roloff (Reporter) & Kevin Walsh
Richard Middleton & Richard Saunders
Shikhar Chatrath & Phil Brennan
David Seymour & Trevor Waterhouse
Steve Mitchell & Peter Jay
Graham Cork & Tony Denmead
Jonathan Perry & Gordon Bryan
Inter Club Match v Brett Vale - Gainsborough - 24th May 2023
SbN 5 ½ Brett Vale 2 ½
It was a nice sunny day at Stoke by Nayland with just a little wind, making playing conditions excellent, as were the greens and fairways. We had positive comments from the opposing team about the nice bright white shirts and that we looked like a team in uniform.
Results are shown above, giving SBN a win by 5.5-2.5
Comments from the pairs:
Group 1: The Captain suggested that he and Mike were playing at their best, but the opposition were too good for them and that it was close for most of the round.
Group 2: Another close match with a great par 4 on the tenth for Trevor and Ian’s putter left scorch marks, it was so hot.
Group 3: A tight match and fiercely fought, possibly a couple of birdies on par3’s on teh front nine, being the difference.
Group 4: Both pairs commented on the ‘good company’ during the game and Paul was keeping the game tight. “Crackers” claimed to be a support act, but had a vital birdie which may have been the telling score.
Group 5: A game of “nip and tuck” for a large part of the game, but the home side got a 3 hole lead coming to the end, which created a fight back from the visitors until the home ‘boys’ sealed the game on the last hole.
Group 6: The only halved match of the day. Like many others this day, the game went back and forth between the two pairs and the visitors got a net birdie to save the match on the last green.
Group 7: The Stoke by Nayland pair were strong and went out to an early lead, which was maintained throughput the round and both players were keen to say how their partner supported them. Obviously a good team.
Group 8: Alan was complimentary about the start made by Peter and they were up for a while, but the visitors got back to level by the turn and then took charge of the game to win the last game of the day.
Well done to the team for a good win and all matches played in good spirit.
Team ………………
Malcolm Norton (Captain) & Mike Clare
Ian McKay (Reporter) & Trevor Waterhouse
Brian Roloff & Phil Hickley
Andy Cracknell & Paul Sheffield
Brian Willsher & Phil Boyland
Rob Swan & Richard Middleton
Kevin Price & David Seymour
Alan Finlayson & Peter Jay
Inter Club Match v Haverhill - Away - 30th May 2023
Haverhill 3 ½ SbN 4 ½
The match was played on an overcast but dry day at Haverhill. The course was in excellent condition including fast running greens. The match was played in a very good spirit and was followed by a delicious and healthy lunch which was enhanced by the dry humour of the Haverhill stand in Captain Ian Evans. Stoke edged the contest winning 4 1/2 matches to Haverhill’s 3 1/2. In the unlikely event that anyone is interested details of the individual matches are set out below with Stoke players listed first
Malcolm Norton and Graham Vandervord beat Ian Evans and Steve Eastgate 5 and 3. Captain Malcolm and his partner Graham were both on fine form and their better ball score over 18 holes was a very impressive (Malcolm’s description) gross level par. They clearly intimidated their shell shocked opponents with Ian losing his first three drives.
John Parkinson and Andy Higginson won 1 up against Dave Hedley and Steve Nichols. A see saw match kept the large gallery entertained, or would have done had any spectators bothered to turn up. John and Andy were 3 up after 11 holes. This gave them great confidence which was obviously misplaced as their opponents reached the 17th tee 1 up. Then in desperation our Stoke players won the last 2 holes with some good putts to secure the narrow victory.
Andy Cracknell and Ian Bickers lost 3 and 2 to Andrew Cornish and Andrew Tabrar. The Stoke players could not overcome the many shots they were giving their opponents. However Andy was not greatly worried as he took the glory for the day by being nearest to the pin in 2 shots at the 17th. Well he took no chances by holing his second shot for an eagle on a difficult hole. What style, what a showman. He will enjoy the wine.
Dave Seymour and Paul Sheffield beat Eric Kiddle and Chris Biggs 1 up. The report of this match is restricted by an ongoing enquiry into the possible use of illegal drugs which may have been dressed up as painkillers. It can however be reported that the Stoke heroes secured the narrow win by scoring pars on the last two holes including bouncing the ditch on the 17th.
Eric Fisher and Alan Finlayson were walloped 4 and 3 by Conor O’Brien and Paul Tebbutt. The report could be kind and mention the many shots received by the Haverhill players and Conor’s unlikely birdie on hole 8 after Eric’s sandie par but the Stoke players do not want to make any excuses for their defeat.
Rob Swan and Bob Filer halved their match with Laurie Drysdale and Nigel Taylor. This game started on the 16th. Two players in total played the 16th, three played the 17th and 18th and then miraculously four players played holes 1 to 15. Mind boggling but Bob will explain if you can set aside a full day for the improbable and detailed explanation.
Gordon Bryan and Roger Davies won 1 up against Paul Freeman and Richard Brazier. At first the Stoke players were disorientated by seeing Bob Filer on the wrong tee (see above) but then Gordon found some demon form to lead his pair to a tight win. Roger was in attendance but wishes to stress that he kept the scorecard very well.
Phil Hickley and Tony Denmead were defeated 7 and 5 by Eamonn Bareham and Nick Clark. Stoke senior players often give many shots to opponents in inter club matches but our players would not wish to use this as an explanation for a heavy loss.
Finally Captain Malcolm won the longest drive of both teams but showed his class by passing on the bottle of wine to his playing partner Graham whose drive was only shorter because of a soft bounce.
Many thanks to Andy Higginson for so willingly taking on the reporter responsibilities.
Team ………………
Malcolm Norton (Captain) & Graham Vandervord
Andy Higginson (Reporter) & John Parkinson
Andy Cracknell & Ian Bickers
David Seymour & Paul Sheffield
Eric Fisher & Alan Finlayson
Rob Swan & Bob Filer
Gordon Bryan & Roger Davies
Phil Hickley & Tony Denmead
June Fixtures:
5th June Frinton Away
12th June Felixstowe Away
19th June Benton Hall Constable
28th June Gosfield Gainsborough
Seniors Club Competition results
American Greensomes - Gainsborough - 3rd May 2023
18 pairs competed today in an American Greensomes competition – probably a disappointing turnout but surely affected by the 2 big Essex competitions this week.
Great confusion as to the rules, confusion that continues some 3 days after the competition. This will be resolved ahead of a possible rerunning of the competition in 12 months time.
Congrats this week to the pairing of Pete Hele & Dick Lumsden who could do nothing wrong in accumulating a magnificent score of 46 points, 3 ahead of their nearest challengers.
After our Captain’s comments in the latest newsletter how pleasing it was to see most players delaying their departure to congratulate the winners.
Leading positions ……..
1st Pete Hele & Dick Lumsden 46 points
2nd David Giles & Robin Owen 43 pts
3rd Tony Carman & Colin Jackson 42 pts on c/b
4th Barry Hitchcock & Gordon Bryan 42 Pts
Monthly Stableford & Captain’s Prize – Gainsborough - 20th May 2023
With the annual VC Tour about to start the following day, it was, perhaps, not a surprise that the support for today’s Monthly Stableford and Senior Captain’s Prize was a little disappointing.
Played on a Gainsborough course which has seen far more of its share of rain over the past few days and weeks, the course was in extremely good condition but scoring was not at all easy with a strong wind. One blessing was however that everyone returned to the clubhouse surprisingly dry.
Congratulations must go to Neil Ashwell, who succeeded in winning both Division 2 and the Captain’s Prize with a hard fought 38 points edging out Colin Pottle, winner of Division 1, and Peter Jay, both on countback.
Leaders ………..
Division 1
1st Colin Pottle 38 points
2nd Paul Sandfield 35 pts
3rd Martin Brown 33 pts
Division 2
1st Neil Ashwell 38 points on c/b
2nd Peter Jay 38 pts
3rd Richard Saunders 35 pts
Neil Ashwell – winner of Division 2 & the Captain’s Prize
Colin Pottle – winner of Division 1
Veterans Cup - Club Competition - Gainsborough - 31st May 2023
On a slightly chilly, but dry day, some 54 entrants took part in this annual event.
Congratulations to Reg Reid with a superb 42 points giving him a 3 shot victory.
1st Reg Reid 42 points
2nd John Bibby 39 points
3rd Martin Brown 38 points
Vice Captain's Tour - May 2023 - Belton Woods
First day completed over the Woodside course @ Belton Woods. Providing you stayed straight, no major issues BUT any shots off the fairway could well be in penal rough – anywhere up to 6 inches deep !
Today’s comp was a team comp with all four team members scoring. Congrats to the team of John Parkinson, Simon Oliphant, Colin Dallas and Rob Swan with 117 points, winners by a single point.
Leading positions ………
1st John Parkinson, Simon Oliphant, Colin Dallas and Rob Swan 117 points
2nd Mark Clark, Bob Filer, Richard Middleton & Steve Stacey 116 pts
3rd Andy Cracknell, IanMcKay, Brian Roloff & John Williams 115 pts
Day 2
Day 2 takes us out on to the tougher Lakes course – rough, just as tough but then add umpteen lakes to make life just a tad more interesting !!
Congrats to our Captain, Malcolm Norton, who returned an excellent 37 points to lead the 2 day individual comp by 3 shot but a 3 shot cut tomorrow.
Leaders …….
1st Malcolm Norton 37 points ( 3 shot cut tomorrow)
2nd John Parkinson 34 pts (2 shot cut tomorrow)
3rd Graham Vandervord 34pts (1 shot cut tomorrow)
The 6 “Secret holes” winner was Mike Clare
Nearest the pins by Roger Davies & Alan Finlayson
Nearest the pin in 2 – Graham Vandervord
Day 3
Back to the Woodside course, although clearly the green staff have yet to tackle the punitive rough – ok, better try and keep it straight then !! Easier said than done, although a few took todays challenges in their stride. Many congratulations to our Honorary Member, David Yates, with a quite remarkable 41 points, edging out Mark Clark who, with 39 points, couldn’t have been far outside playing a par round off his very modest handicap.
Leading positions today ……
1st David Yates 41 points
2nd Mark Clark 39 pts
3rd Adrian Cherry 35 pts
Overall results ………….
1st David Yates 71 points
2nd Mark Clark 69 pts on c/b
3rd Adrian Cherry 69 pts
Many congratulations David – an excellent result.
The 6 Secret Hole winner today was Graham Cork – well done Graham
A special award to Roger Davies, who clearly didn’t have his best week’s golf. The parrot is to be used on every single occasion Roger plays golf over the next 12 months before he is able to pass this on to an appropriate player in 2024 @ East Sussex National.
An excellent 3 days, extremely well organised – many thanks to John Parkinson for all of the arrangements.
Having been a resounding success in 2023, the newly elected VC for 2024, Kevin Price, announced details of his tour for 2024 at East Sussex National.
Booking for this was opened a few days after conclusion of the 2023 event, with all 36 slots, plus 4 reserves, being taken some 17 hours after opening.
Essex Team Championship v Romford 5th May 2023
ROMFORD 6 SbN 5
The Essex Seniors team had a lovely Friday morning trip up the A12 to play Romford in the second round of the Essex Seniors competition.
No sooner had the first two groups gone off, literally the heavens opened, all that was missing from the deluge was snow.
Handicaps were very well matched, Stoke receiving shots in most of the matches.
MATCH 1: Steve Wood our first player out received the most shots of all, six in total but when you’re playing someone off scratch, you are always in for a hard day and despite Steve having a slender lead, his opponent Chris, birdied his way in to win 1 up.
SBN LOST 1 DOWN
MATCH 2: Mark Clark was out next and similarly had an exciting game that went to the last but this time it was his turn to shine and levelled up the match.
SBN WON 1 UP
MATCH 3: Our play off man was next up, back and forth his match went, but steady Eddie, Ian McKay won it on the last.
SBN WON 1 UP
MATCH 4: John Smith was next and despite saying that he was struggling with his putting clawed his way back to have a putt on the last to win his match, we all watched and a large gasp went up as his ball lipped out to finish an inch behind the hole, match halved.
SBN HALVED
MATCH 5: Simon Oliphant was proud to give his brand new trolley a run out, unfortunately the wheels came off and he limped home to a defeat.
His opponent Mark Lazarus rose up to claim their match.
SBN LOST 7+6
MATCH 6: The ever dependable Phil Boyland was next up, he played some fantastic golf to hole a superb putt on the 18th to secure his victory
SBN WON 1 UP
MATCH 7: Gareth Evans gave his opponent a very good game, nip and tuck all the way round where a half would have been a fair result, however his opponent just nicked it.
SBN LOST 1 DOWN
MATCH 8: Dave Camm managed to convince his boss to let him have a day off to play in the team today. Despite giving his opponent a shot and also his best efforts, he succumbed to a very narrow defeat.
SBN LOST 2+1
MATCH 9: Our senior statesman, John Williams, has always been difficult to beat and he didn’t disappoint today. On the way down he moaned about his fragile body and how he’s too old for these matches. All mind games, he walked it !
SBN WON 4+3
MATCH 10: The Bard of Sudbury was next up, with Roger Davies receiving two shots, but he had an off day. Maybe his mind was on his BBQ and tomorrow’s coronation.
SBN LOST 6+5
MATCH 11: Our final match was played by our newcomer to team golf, Colin Pottle unbeknownst to him, had a very good chance to win his match and take us to a play off. From three down he fought back admirably only to halve his match.
Welcome to team golf Colin.
SBN HALVED
ROMFORD 6-5 STOKE BY NAYLAND
I would like to thank Romford for providing us with a great golf course, great competitors and looking after us in the bar afterwards.
A very narrow defeat to a very good side.
Many thanks to my team for giving up their time to represent the club. They should all be very proud.
Many thanks to Malcolm Norton, Senior’s Captain, on his report of today’s match.
Team
Roger Davies
Ian McKay
Simon Oliphant
Colin Pottle
Gareth Evans
Mark Clark
Steve Wood
John Smith
Phil Boyland
John Williams
Dave Camm
Reserve
Steve Tree
Wanstead 4 Stoke by Nayland 5
After receiving a bye in the first round, Stoke by Nayland were drawn to play away at Wanstead golf club.
The previous weeks practice rounds had been played on a very wet course, with recently treated greens and fairways that were barely distinguishable from the rough, however a week later and we were looking at a much improved course.
We had a lovely reception from General Manager Danielle Day, who some of you may remember as Danni Anderson, who was one of the teaching professionals at SbN not so long ago.
It was soon made clear that the Stoke team had a difficult match on their hands when they saw how many shots they were giving the opposition.
Played in handicap order, Tony Denmead was first out giving 4 shots to his partner and despite having a difficult round and four down with five to play recorded a magnificent half point for the team.
Second out was Andy Higginson (giving away 5 shots), who had a very close game and despite an excellent par on the difficult 18th came up one short and first point to Wanstead.
Play off man, if needed, Tony Carman (another 5 shots given) five up through 10, only to be pegged back to 1 after the 15th eventually came good to win 2 & 1.
Mike Webley came next giving away seven shots, played some excellent golf coming in with another 2 & 1 win.
Roger Fleuty followed giving six shots, the match ebbed and flowed with only two halved holes. Roger winning the last to halve the match.
Pete Garnett, gave away seven shots and despite being ahead for the majority of the match slipped back towards the end of the round, but held on for a half after his partner four putted from around 15 feet on the last.
Bill Wardle, another seven shots given, was in command from the off, playing some excellent golf, coming in with the best win of the match 4 & 3.
Kevin Price’s opponent was grateful for the seven shots he was being given in order to keep up with the distance Kevin was hitting his drives. However one up coming to the last, Kevin couldn’t resist the Driver one more time and came unstuck when hitting a tree and being unable to find his ball. However the ½ point was enough to give us the five points needed for victory.
Last man out in the match was Mike Clare, who despite a gallant effort found that the seven shots being given was just too many.
Match won 5 – 4
Dave Seymour travelled as reserve and played the 18 holes with the Wanstead Captain Paul Siggins.
Wanstead were excellent hosts and our thanks go to Paul & Danielle for their hospitality and to all the players for a competitive match played in very friendly manner.
Senior Captain/Vice Captain challenge
As you may know, the Captain has introduced a new challenge for 2023. Any pair wishing to take on this dynamic duo should contact Malcolm Norton, who will add your name to his list of opponents. There is no entry fee, although a donation to the Captain’s chosen charity for the year, EACH, would be gratefully received.
12th May Capt & John Williams Brian Roloff & Shikhar Chatrath Capt Lost 2 & 1
Obituary
Dave Wyllie 1934 - 2023
We have very sadly been advised by Dave’s son of his passing on Sunday 14th May at Colchester General hospital after an accident at home the previous day.
Dave joined Stoke by Nayland GC 50 years ago and absolutely loved the game and everything about it and it was a deep sadness to him that in recent years he could no longer play the game he loved so much.
A highly respected member of the Seniors Section he had a phenomenal memory of nigh on every single shot he had ever hit in his golfing life and it was not unusual to hear “eeee, I remember, back in 1975, I hit an identical shot on that hole with my 5 iron to within 10 feet of the pin” – he loved it when we mimicked him.
He has been sorely missed in recent years as age has prevented him playing – May Dave now Rest In Peace.
Happy Birthdays in June to the following Seniors Members (apologies if I have omitted anyone)–
Anthony Osborne, Jeremy Osborne, Peter Garnett, Ian Bickers, Adrian Beckingsale, Allan Highfield, Robert Ogles, John Smith, Bill Wardle, Graham Cork, John Parkinson and Shikhar Chatrath.
Many Happy Returns to You All.
UPCOMING EVENTS - June
7th Jun Seniors Championship Round 1 – Constable
14th Jun Seniors Championship Round 2 – Gainsborough
21st Jun Monthly Stableford – Constable