Lady Chairman's Day - Winner

Pat Mattinson reckons that if you are planning a wedding, you can't go far wrong in choosing the Parklands Lady Chairman's Day as your date, because she always gets good weather ... and so it proved today with a nice warm day with lots of sunshine. The ladies played strokeplay with lots of prizes on the table .... and food too!! There were goodies at the 9th in the gazebo and a 'high tea' to finish in the clubhouse. The new Maureen Braven memorial bridge had the first official crossing and the day ended with a presentation in the clubhouse which was very well attended. The overall winner was Sam Malone with a 97 - 30 = 67 .... well done Sam. Best gross was Angela Rumney with an 82 and the rest of the prizewinners are on the Parklands website. A lovely day for all concerned Pat ..

New Bridge - First Official Traffic

The first official traffic across the new bridge was on Saturday afternoon when the opening threeball in the Lady Chairman's Day reached the 15th. The threeball was greeted by the Ladies Chairman, Pat Mattinson, the Men's Chairman, Kenny Shepherd accompanied by Debbie and myself (camera in hand). The threeball consisted of the Lady Captain, Maureen Jenkins, Isabel Hirst and Heather Stonebank. Well done to all concerned .....

Field Day Success for Men's Team

The final team competition of the year in the Hadrian League is the annual Field Day, the format being strokeplay, teams of 6 from all 15 clubs within the league, best 4 scores to count with gross and net trophies up for grabs. The competition was held on Sunday morning on a windy and cool Newbiggin links. The Parklands team was Karl Mossom, Daniel Trotter, Daniel Deakin, Paul Shanks, Ronnie Dixon and Craig Wilson. Parklands had early tees from 09.00 to 09.50 and a little local knowledge as each of their groupings also had a player from Newbiggin. The team performed well and the combined best 4 individual net scores were leading in the club house when we left after lunch. In addition, Craig Wilson had a superb knock and was 75-6=69 and leading in the individual net scoring. However, when I received the final results later in the evening, Craig was pipped to the trophy on count back. However we did win the team net trophy, a fitting reward for the team to end their Hadrian League year. Well done to you all.

Neil Watson and my Captain's Day Card

For those members who did not see my Captain's Day score card, as designed and printed by Neil Watson, I attach a copy. Neil is a smart cookie and he picked up my military background and designed this cover ... much to my surprise and delight. I wonder what he has in store for Brian King next year!!

Last Hadrian League match of Season

Our last Hadrian League match of the season was an away fixture at Ponteland and this had turned into a mid-table battle with the winner destined to finish ahead of the other in the league. Unfortunately the team were looking a little weary from our long season and we only narrowly avoided a whitewash ... With Graeme Hewitt away on holiday, Chris Bowman played at number one but lost 4/3. Losses also came for Ian Davidson, Daniel Trotter, Ronnie Dixon and Paul Shanks. The last glimmer of hope was Karl Mossom who teed off on the 18th, one down, but then sank a super put to force a half and win a point .... 11-1 and a mid table finish. Thanks to all the team players for their support and efforts throughout the season. You have been great ambassadors for Parklands and I'm very proud of you all.

Men's Captain's Day Result

What a super day ... brilliant weather .... a great competition with 140+ playing and a close result. All this was coupled with willing hands from the ladies as they helped to administer the competition start and run the raffle. Maureen Jenkins started all the groups and Paul Griggs made sure that they were fed and watered at the 9th/10th. We raised £286 in the raffle through the generosity of the players and a further £137 with the charity bucket ... all the proceeds destined for the Captains Charity, Alzheimer.
And the results ... winner of Captains Day 2009 .... Derek Himlin. Best gross - Ian Davidson, winner cat 0-16 Mick Mcginney, winner 17-28 Alex Cragg, best senior - Eli Topping, best junior - Robert Hope, best Past Captain - Bas Cole, best visitor - Graham Cowings. All the other prizes can be viewed on the website. My sincere thanks to all the sponsors of the holes and the prizes ... their generosity makes the prize table more attractive for the winners .... well done guys.

Back to back defeats

The men's team had a second match this week in the Hadrian League and suffered a second defeat losing 8 - 4 at home to Bellingham. On a lovely warm evening, the team took a hit before the off with the news that Chris Bowman was ill and as a result players 3-6 had to move up one slot and Darren Rushtom was drafted in for his first ever match for the team, playing no6. The matches started well and we looked to be heading for a winning evening ... but things slipped away ... Ian Davidson lost 2/1, Ronnie Dixon lost 3/2, Craig Wilson lost 2/1 .... but then Darren won on the 18th and Paul Shanks won 2 up. Graeme Hewitt went down the 18th only to lose on the last. Let's hope we can end this run in out last match next week ....