Mexican Wave

Last night was the Mexican night at the club and it was a great night all round. With 70 attending, David King and the staff had ensured we had plenty of seating and lots of Mexican bunting and flags to put us in the mood. A bottle of Sol and a lime wedge to start the night was followed by a really excellent meal to feed the hungriest of Mexicans, including chilli and rice, chips, a burrito with chicken filling, salsa dip, green chillies, sour cream dip and nachos ... a super meal ... well done to Lynn, Cheryl and the staff. The members draw for £50 was not won as the winning member was not at the function, so this rolls forward to £60 to be drawn at the next members night on Thursday, 11th March. The quiz caused some scratching of heads and the prize of a Sunday lunch for two went to Keith Simpson's team. The music started ... and it really was a great night out ... keep your eyes open for the next one.

NJGA AGM and Presentation Night

Tonight was the AGM and Presentation Night for the Northumberland Junior Golf Association which was held at the City. The event was well attended with many representatives from Parklands being present. At the AGM, the significant announcement was that Samantha Taylor is to be the Girls Vice-Captain for 2010. Well done Sam ... congratulations from all your friends at Parklands. The presentation of the Patrons trophies saw Kath Morpeth collect the Duncan Quaiche, an individual trophy which Kath won at Morpeth GC in May last year. This was a big achievement, Kath having won the same trophy the year before ... three in a row for this coming year? The junior prizes went to Alyssa Balding (Spring Meeting, Best Girls Gross), Daniel Deakin (Spring Meeting, Best Overall Gross) and Ben Goldie (Summer Meeting, 15 to 17 years, Best Nett). Samantha Taylor was there to collect her trophy for the superb achievement of winning the Girls Matchplay Championships. Well done to you all, and thanks to all those who turned out to give support to the Parklands members.

A team win at Tyneside

It seems strange to be reporting a team win when the course is covered in snow and so wet underneath ... but the Men's team in the Mail on Sunday Classic competition played Tyneside today and had a close but very impressive win. With the Captain, Brain King away on holiday, the Vice-Captain Brian Rutherford, took a team of five to this first round fixture. We had a home draw, but because we were unable to play at Parklands, we had to reverse the fixture and play away. There were defeats for Craig Wilson and Ian Davidson (lost on the last), but wins for Ronnie Dixon 4 and 2, Graeme Hewitt 2 and 1, and Graham Bell 1up. Well done to you all and especially Graham Bell celebrating your first match with a fighting performance and victory. So its a 3-2 victory and we await the draw for our next opponents. Lets hope the course will be open if we manage a home draw!!!

Over 60? - New Opportunities

The Art Exhibition

The date and timing of the art exhibition is shown on the attached poster (please click to enlarge).

Don't forget it is the opportunity for you to display your artistic talents ... so take that painting you did off your wall (or out of the garage) and bring it into the club and show it off.

When with the weather improve?

All this inactivity ... the lack of golf, I haven't played on the course since mid December ... Sunday mornings without the competitions .... I feel old, shackled, drained ....

Mexican Night - Thursday 25th Feb

Fancy a night out for a fiver ... there's a Mexican Night with a few extras at the Club next Thursday ... A Mexican meal (chilli, rice and chips plus fajitas and dips) a drink (a bottle of Sol or a tequila cocktail) a quiz and a random members draw (if its your number and you are at the function you win £50). Read the attached poster and support your club ... buy your tickets this weekend .... a Valentine's present?

Tommy's Home

A quick update on the recovery of Tommy Watson .... I got the following text from Andre (his wife) last night ......

"Tom home and really happy to be here. He has to be woken every few hours for tablets, I think he thinks I'm a nurse lol. He's doing really well, but will be a while before he's up and about, but he's getting there .... Andre"

Artists Wanted

Are you a budding Lowry or do you have the touch of a Constable? Parklands are looking for works of art (preferably drawings and paintings) created by our golf club members to display at the planned art display in the clubhouse late February early March. This is an annual event held by the Vets Section in aid of charity and any paintings will be returned at the end of the exhibition. Please bring your works into the Club house before 25th February for the attention of Jim Thompson.

Update on Tommy Watson

Just a keep our members informed ... I was told today that Tommy continues on his road to recovery and he is walking, talking and generally been cheeky to the hospital staff. He has some problems with his vision and is currently wearing an eye patch ... but his progress to date has been remarkable and he asked his wife, Andre, to buy him new golf shoes which she did today. He has already sneaked out of the ward for the odd cigarette on more than one occasion. We send him our best regards for a quick and full recovery.

Club AGM - Sunday 7th Feb 2010

Please note that the Club AGM is this coming Sunday starting at 7.30pm. If you have a question for Northern Racing's Management representatives at the meeting, please ensure that you submit your questions in writing as soon as possible.

Men's AGM Sunday 31st Jan 2010

The Men's AGM was held in the Clubhouse last night but it was poorly attended .... despite the offer of a buffet following the meeting. The cold and icy weather along with the continuing course closure combined to result in a low turn out. Kenny Shepherd made his Chairman's report and I gave my final report as Captain before handing over to Brian King, the Men's Captain for 2010. The Vice-Captain was announced at the meeting ... and Brian Rutherford was duly appointed and was warmly congratulated by those attending. Kenny Shepherd was elected unopposed for another 3 years as Men's Chairman and 4 Committee members were elected to the 4 vacancies on the Committee; Terry Cooper, Geordie Beardsley, Brian Malone and Kevin Mossom. Welcome and we look forward to your contribution and input during 2010 and beyond.
Many thanks to all the members who attended the meeting.