March
2003
New captain Alf Selby has not yet succeeded in winning a place on the club’s honours board, but he is justifiably proud of his remarkable record in another sport in which he has excelled.
A former all-rounder for Ashton in the Central Lancashire League, he revealed in his inaugural speech at the AGM that he had played cricket in no less than SEVEN decades – beginning in the 1940s.
His last appearance was for the Ashton seconds last season.
A teacher by profession, Alf taught at various local schools and was deputy headmaster at Kaskenmoor Comprehensive School at the time of his retirement.
He joined Werneth in 1964 but didn’t play regularly until 1990 because of his cricketing commitments, and now has a handicap of 16. Many of his former pupils are also members.
He told the AGM: “I am a good listener and look forward to hearing your informed, constructive, comments regarding all aspects of the club, and I hope all of us have a splendid year.”
Of his vice-captain, Kevin Roberts, he said: “Judging by the comments I have received, I have made an excellent choice. I need hardly tell you that he is cheerful, drily humorous, and a good golfer who will be a great asset to the council.”
Referring to “our extremely hardworking secretary,” John Barlow, the new captain said that over the years he had to take on, for a variety of reasons, more tasks than his job description had envisaged, and said he hoped the council could alleviate some of his burdens this year.
And, in light of the events of the past 18 months or so, he appealed to members not to recommend anyone as a member unless they were sure he or she would ultimately reflect honour on their choice.
“As solicitor Michael Shaw observed (at the recent appeal against the expulsion of a lady member), this is not a public house. Some people have occasionally forgotten that,” he said.
Retiring captain Brian Hope also made reference to “this distasteful episode” which had marred what had otherwise been a marvellous year of office.
“But, if nothing else, it has served as a warning to us all that the council will not shrink from taking action against anyone whose behaviour is regarded as totally unacceptable,” he said.
He added that Alf had been a tower of strength as his vice-captain, and wished both him and the new vice-captain a happy and successful year.
Thanking all those who had supported him in so many ways over the past year, Brian said his various events had raised over £1,400 for the Oldham branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
By David Bielby.
Alan Garner, receiving 28 points per frame, began confidently in the three-frame final of the snooker competition against Graeme Wilson, and soon established a commanding lead.
Graeme missed a couple of good colours and eventually conceded the first frame on the pink when trailing 43-61.
Graeme was still a little shaky in the early part of the second frame but found some better form to level the match with a 75-62 victory.
Both players played cautiously in the deciding frame but, as Alan rattled a few pockets and potted some very long shots, Graeme got the bit between his teeth and gained in confidence, clearing all the colours to win by a convincing 100-43 and take the title after a final lasting two hours.
Terry Marner holed in one at the 3rd last month with an eight-iron – almost exactly a year to the day since he aced the 15th (a winter green), with a nine-iron.“This second one was more enjoyable because I could actually see the ball go into the hole,” he said. “I couldn’t see the first one because of the bushes.”
Competition secretary John Andrew, a more than useful 12 handicapper, won an amazing £32 when he was the only player to card a two – at the 16th – on his way to victory in a pro’s comp.
His 36pts total, achieved on winter greens, added another £40 to his account in the pro’s shop – a very profitable morning.
Second was Terry Wroe with 34pts, who edged out Ian Grant on a card playoff.
But Mike Fogo consolidated his position as king of winter rules golf with two more wins, to take his total to four in recent weeks.
First he thwarted Alan Rothera with a better back nine when both players scored 36pts, and then defeated greens secretary Jack Cain by 41pts to 39.
In another 16-hole comp., John Martin took the honours with 37 pts – four better than runner-up Brian Donnelly..
Winston Hulley, a member since 1976, won a place on the council at the AGM.
A 17-handicapper, he is an electrical engineer by profession who has remained a regular competitor despite moving to Bury from his previous home in Chadderton.
Alan Garner and Bill Waterhouse were re-elected, with Alan replacing Tom McNamara, who did not seek re-election, as house secretary. The new handicap secretary is John Yemm, who replaces the retired Peter Griffin.
And be warned – Alan has vowed to remove all trolleys, shoes, and clothing still littering the locker room by Sunday, March 23, and to take them to the tip.
Places are fast running out for the club’s Seniors’ Open on Wednesday, May 21, and organiser Albert Kingham is anxious that Werneth members do not miss out.
He also asks those who have booked tee-off times to pay their entrance fees as soon as possible - £16 per couple.
Captain Alf Selby, aided in no small measure by Albert Kingham, marked his first week in office by creating two colourful floral rockeries adjoining the putting green – improvements greatly admired by the members.
At their first meeting after the AGM, the new council decided to seek volunteers to form a committee to raise money and draw up plans for the club’s centenary in 2009.
A series of monthly fun competitions is envisaged, with the first taking place on Sunday, April 13 – a Texas Scramble with each team comprising one male, one senior, one junior, and one lady. The cost: £8 per team, with a 12 noon shotgun start..
The captain has decided to donate some of his charity cash – mainly in aid of the Macmillan Nurses - to the centenary fund.
The council is hoping to publish a centenary booklet and would appreciate any interesting information from members.
Following a number of complaints about bad language in the clubhouse, council has issued a clear warning that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated from members or guests, and that disciplinary action will be taken against offenders.
Werneth’s quartet beat Walmsley GC by two and a half to one and a half at home to advance into the next round of the Mail on Sunday knock-out tournament.
Our winners were Mike Cassidy and Peter Griffin with Mike Fogo halving his match. Lee Rowbotham lost to an ex-pro.
Roy Garforth and Alan Rothera won the winter league, beating Mike
Routledge and Paul Farrimond after being three down after eight.
Rothera also won the previous day’s comp., beating vice-captain Kevin Roberts by 38pts to 37.