Stoke by Nayland

SENIORS NEWSLETTER
February 2026

Hot on the heels of the newsletter a couple of weeks ago, here is the first epistle of 2026, a little earlier than usual, as I shall shortly be leaving for sunnier climes for a few weeks.

Firstly, a word on the new Howdidido app. When downloading the app, there is a facility to top up the “competition wallet”, with a range of amounts that you can add. Once fully up and running, this will be method of paying for competitions, however, there have been cases of the system not updating top ups. This is probably just a teething problem, but my suggestion is to wait until this has been resolved before transferring funds. Update:  a note has been put our by the club saying that they are aware of the problem and are investigating it. Hopefully this won’t take too long.

Unfortunately, the very cold weather last week meant that we had to cancel the January stableford. While course closures are never welcome, I think it is fair to say that conditions were not conducive to good golf: it is worth noting that in the Men’s stableford on 4^th January (ie just before closure), the best score was 32 points and only six players out of 55 managed to reach 30. And how many of us relish the prospect of playing when the thermometer is at zero?

Next, we move onto Teams. As many of you know, we have four teams,
Senior Essex Team Championship (Handicap Index up to 15)
John Day Trophy (Handicap Index 11-24)
Seniors VICT Tournament (Handicap Index up to 18)
Inter Club matches (open to all)

If you fancy some competitive action beyond Stoke by Nayland, there is something for everyone here. To get involved, please visit the Club V1 app, select Club Teams and apply to join the applicable squad.

While on the subject of teams, I am looking for an Essex Senior Team Championship captain. If you are interested in the role, please contact me at grahamcork@outlook.com

A couple of course matters. The drainage work near the 9^th hole on the Gainsborough has now been completed and the path is due to be reinstated. A mat for the 6^th tee on the Constable has been ordered and delivery is awaited.

Many thanks to everyone who been in touch re the range issue. We don’t have an installation date yet but hopefully it won’t be too much longer before the new machine is in place. As mentioned in my last newsletter, if you feel you have a credit balance, please email Liam at liam.clayton@stokebynayland.com . If emailing him, please cc me at grahamcork@outlook.com so I can monitor the situation.

Finally, a word about the Captain’s charity. As you may know, in 2024 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fortunately it was caught early and, following an operation, touch wood, things are looking promising. I am therefore trying to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK, so that we can help others who find themselves in the same situation achieve a positive outcome. I have set up a Just Giving page, and the intention is that any kind donations can be made via the site. It also makes gift aid donations easier. Any contribution, large or small, is always gratefully received and can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/graham-cork-26

After all that, I’m looking forward to some golf – in some warm, sunny conditions. Let’s hope for better weather at Stoke as well.

Graham Cork
Seniors Captain