May 2000 Issue No. 4 Captain: Peter Griffin
The
new Millennium Bridge over the stream on the 6th hole has been greatly admired
by members and visitors alike - and it has cost the club virtually NOTHING.
For
this we can thank our Captain, Peter Griffin, his brother-in-law (and immediate
past captain), David Griffiths, and David’s son-in-law, Ian Gillies. Peter and
David donated most of the stonework, and the Captain and Ian carried out the
construction work free of charge.
Another
ex-captain, greens secretary David Bielby, played his part by helping in the
design work and in obtaining the large pipe over which the bridge has been
built. A similar bridge featured in
a recent golf newspaper cost a cool £4,200.
The
Millennium Bridge, which has still to be completed, commemorates not only an
historical milestone but also serves as a lasting monument to the generosity and
expertise of a group of members whose contribution to the enhancement of the
course is generally unknown.
A
special meeting of members on May 3 unanimously approved the imposition of a £20
levy on all playing members to provide year-round security on the course to
combat the ongoing problems of vandalism, theft, verbal abuse, and threats of
violence.
Secretary
John Barlow revealed this would raise £8000. The council has since finalised a
cost-cutting deal with a security company, which will provide many extra hours
of surveillance at the most vulnerable times - including weekends.
Vice-captain
Bill Waterhouse, who chaired the meeting, said the presence of a security man,
who not only knew the main culprits but also commanded their respect, had
already led to a significant improvement in the situation.
The
same man, who lives on the Limeside estate, will continue to patrol the course
at times to be decided.
Answering
questions, the secretary confirmed that his duties would be restricted to
escorting people off the course. He was not allowed to physically eject them.
But
he maintained his very presence would help to prevent the expenditure of £1,800
on stolen flagsticks and around £5,000 worth of green keepers time spent on
repairing damage to the course.
It
is hoped to provide cover for up to seven hours a day during the summer months
when the schools are closed. The question of providing on-course transport for
the security guard is also under consideration.
After
two postponements due to adverse weather conditions, the seniors got off to a
8-0 home victory over Hanging Heaton in the Lawrence Batley league. Our
victorious pairings were: Albert Kingham-David Bielby; Bob Butterworth-Terry
Marner; Derek Price-Roy Last; Gordon Lockett-Joe Smith.
The
postponed home match against Dewsbury has been rearranged for June 3.
Werneth's
Tony Roddy, partnered by the home course's Keith Ward, carried off the first
prize at the Crompton and Royton Invitation Day with a Stableford score of
43pts.
And
vice-captain Bill Waterhouse, paired with Mark Riley, vice-captain of Brookdale,
was joint runner-up - one point adrift - but missed out on a card play-off.
There
may have been more important victories over the past month but no one was more
pleased to win a competition - and a handsome bronze statuette of a golfer -
than 20-handicapper John Cowburn.
He
scored 41 single Stableford points to edge out Arnold Parker on a CPO.
But still seeking that elusive first win is "always the
bridesmaid" Alan Power, who came second for the fifth time, partnered by
John Whittaker, in the Easter Fourball Stableford with 42pts.
The winners were Dave Huxley and Ken Holt with 43pts.
The
1st division of the monthly medal - and Chronicle Cup qualifier - was won by
Steve Britt (79-13-66), on a CPO from 6-handicapper Michael Hulme, with the
second division prize won by Norman Harrop (87-23-64), from Roger Buckley
(85-17-68).
John
Bacon (80-19-61) won another medal competition from young James Buckley -
Roger's son - who carded a net 62 off his 14 handicap.
The
Uniysis qualifier, a medal competition, was won by Andy Steriker with a fine
score of 73-14-59 - two better than Terry Marner, playing off 11.
Andy
will now play in the Unysis tournament at Royal Lytham on August 31.