Extra-ordinary AGM at Belford

THERE was a large turnout at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Belford Golf Club, held to discuss the effects of the removal of memberships and the introduction of 'pay as you play' by the owners, C&V Developments Ltd with effect from February 1, 2010.
The acting chairman outlined the limited communications between the club and the owners to confirm the position, which had been originally advised to the club via the greenkeeper.
This obviously left the club in a very difficult position and it was very clear from the questions and comments from the floor that this was a very emotional issue for many, especially those residing in the village, who not only felt a personal loss but a great loss of a community asset.
C&V Developments had advised that one of the reasons for not offering memberships was any disruptions in car parks, course etc. would cause upset while major planned work takes place.
It is unclear whether upon completion of these works C&V Developments would re-introduce annual memberships.
Many felt that even if this happened, having moved to other clubs to secure membership benefits, there would be no guarantee that they would return to Belford.
The club committee will continue in case of any change in future circumstances.
The club will also retain its funds at present and the club were very gratified to receive considerable support from other local clubs when advising them of the position.
A number, recognising Belford's plight, have offered to honour their home friendlies for 2010 and it is hoped that the club can send teams to Wooler (March - to be agreed), Alnmouth Village (May 13), The Hirsel (May 27) and Seahouses (August 21).
These will be co-ordinated by captain Keith Wood and secretary Robert Renner, and in addition Belford hopes to hold its annual outing during the summer.
Trophies will be collected at the end of August and returned to the donors should they so wish.
As the club will be technically un-affiliated by the English Golf Union, it is important that members moving to another club obtain a handicap certificate as soon as possible - these can be obtained by contacting Geoff Hulley on 07800 722697.

Goswick

AT last a full weekend of golf! It was nice to see Goswick Links busy again after so much bad weather. Having said that, some of the water features were looking quite nice and with a few azaleas here and there we could have been in Augusta!
Results of winter competition eight played over last weekend were: 1 Les Wallace with 40 points, 2 Kenneth Arbuthnot-Cooper 39 (better back nine) over Alistair Holmes also on 39, 4 Andrew Riley 38.
In Div 2 Bill Reavley led the way with 38 points followed by David Leslie and Peter Gautry both on 37 points.
In a keenly contested Simmons stableford sweep the honours went to Kenneth Arbuthnot-Cooper and Alistair Holmes both sharing the pot with with 39 points each. In joint second place with 38 points were Andrew Riley and Alan Lyall.
Top three places in the Windyridge Trophy went to: 1 Billy Steele 159, 2 Bill Reavley 155, 3 Alan Lyall 154.
This Saturday (March 13) is the quarter finals of the winter competition and the draw is:
Billy Steele v Andrew Riley, M Ringland v M A McLeman, Bill Reavley v Keith Manuel and T Henry v M Jeffrey. Tee off is at 9am.
Sunday 14 is a medal which is a draw. Members are reminded that there are notices on the board seeking participation in the Captain v Vice Captain match on Sunday, April 4 and names for both the league team and NNL Open Days.
Finally Donald (The Milestone Cowboy) Wilkinson has stated that, once he gets the hang of his new satellite navigated trolley and bag, both will be available for small house clearances and parcel deliveries.

DOGLEG


Magdalene Fields

EWAN Fyvie took the Saturday stableford with 41 points. Second and third, Alex Seaton and Sandy McEwan both scored 40.
Round six of the Winter League was a stableford and Robin Parkin topped the field on 44 points. Martin Swanston had 42 points for second place, with a better back nine from Jonathon Brown.
There is a quiz night this Friday for teams of two, three or four. The quiz inquisitor will be Paul Wood.
The winter open scramble is on Sunday and late entries should contact John on 01289 306130.

NIPPER

Wooler

AFTER another two week break due to snow, the Henry Curry Winter League returned on Sunday and it was John Ewing who came out on top with 17 points. Second was Geoff Brown on 16 points on a better back six from Richard Lowrey. A fourth place finish for Dave Hall means that with only one week left of the winter league, Dave leads on 50 points with only Geoff Brown now able to catch him on 46 points.