WBoro 2021 Nov 1

NOV 2021

www.WweellilnlginbogrobuoghrGooulfgChlugb oMlafgcalzuinbe .com 1

Reflections on a lastminute.com period

THE time has come for the last column of my Captaincy, which is traditionally a time of reflection.
A year later than originally planned, nobody could have predicted the two
years we’ve just had - Brexit, Global pandemic, Tee times, Lockdowns,
Petrol shortages, Staff shortages, World Handicap System, etc.
It all started well when I took over from George and I still remember
his wise words... ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it and if the course is in good
condition and playing well, you’ll have an easy year’.
My drive in, Christmas Party, Children’s Christmas Party and Whiskey tasting
evening all went well before covid, when things took an unexpected turn.
Unfortunately, it then became a case of shoehorning events, competitions
and everything else in, while working around the ever-changing restrictions...
lastminute.com has nothing on us.
Last year we managed to squeeze in a few away days at John O’Gaunt, Robin Hood
and Aspley Guise, while the Teena Marshall Charity Day also went well, raising £4.5K
for cancer research.
This year we managed a trip to Coxmoor, thank you Brian for all your help in organisation.
We even managed an away weekend at The Abbey and a round at The Warwickshire. My
highlight being my first ever eagle two.
PITG threatened to be a Glastonbury-style event this year, but thankfully the rain relented
before the bands started - Lunaxis and The Rolling Clones both put on good shows.
This year we even had a Cocktail Evening. Hmmm, I’m sure that cocktails are the work of
the devil! Thank you for that, Richard.
We saw a Barn Dance in the new machinery shed this year. Attended by 50 or so members
and friends, it seemed to go down well. The long awaited (and many times cancelled)
comedy night will finally happen on November 19th. There are some tickets available.
The Junior section is doing well and junior coaching is progressing under Ryan
Connolly and offers excellent value for our budding young golfers.
Our teams have suffered this year. The World Handicap System has not been kind
to us. Combine that with fixture congestion and player shortages, results haven’t
gone our way. Good luck next year.
Thank you for the honour of being Captain of Wellingborough Golf Club.
As you can see, writing these articles is not my forte and my Captaincy
has not gone the way I had hoped, but I have enjoyed every minute and
met and made many new friends.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Lady Captain
(Jenny), all of the Captains Committee, board members,
green keepers, catering and office staff for all their help and
advice over the last two years.
And a special thank you to my Vice Captain Roy Pouncey.
Good luck next year, Roy.

Dave Hawkins
Club Captain

2 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 3

Memorable two years... for a variety of reasons

LADIES Captain Jenny Wilkinson said: “As my Captaincy draws to an end, it’s a chance for me to reflect
on all the ups and downs of the last two years.

“On top of all the changes on the course there were also many restrictions off the course, rule of six, no
mixing of households, mandatory use of masks, social distancing, table service, Zoom meetings, even
Zoom AGMs and probably many more I have forgotten or chosen to forget.

“Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years of Captaincy, it’s opened my eyes to all the hard work

that goes on in the background to ensure the 2020
successful running of the Club.

“It has also given me the opportunity to meet January Mandatory use of fairway mats.
a wide section of the members both on and February
off the course. Wettest February on record.
March Storms - Ciarco and Dennis.
“My best wishes to my Vice, Sheena April Course closed most of month.
(Markham) as she takes over the Captaincy
of the Ladies section following our AGM on COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.
November 16th.” National Lockdown 1.

May Course re-opens.
Booking System introduced.

June

July Club competitions re-start.
Golf Genius introduced.

August Golf Genius suspended.

September

October ClubV1 introduced.

November WHS introduced.
National Lockdown 2.

December Course re-opens.
Tier system.
2021
January National Lockdown 3.
February
March Course re-opens March 29th.
April Club competitions re-start.
May
June Inter club matches.
July Lifting of all restrictions.
Booking system suspended.
August
September Members Booking System Vote.
October Introduction of hybrid Booking System.
November

4 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 5

Club pros find the winning formula in events across the world

WELLINGBOROUGH professionals Charley Hull,
Ryan Evans and Simon Lilly all found their best form
last month as they battled it out for glory in local,
national and international tournaments.
Fresh from being part of the winning Solheim Cup
team, Hull became the first player to win a Ladies
European Tour event in the United States after
claiming the individual title in the Aramco Team
Series at Glen Oaks Club in New York.
The 25-year-old (pictured below) carded 69 and 70,
before shooting a flawless final round seven-under-
par 65, which included birdies on her opening four
holes, to snatch top spot from world number one
Nelly Korda.
Although Evans needs to wait before returning
to the international scene, he showed his class
once again on his home course as he carded
the best individual total of 40 points in the NPGA Winter Series Pro-Am at Wellingborough.
After setting a new course record of 63 in the Glazerite Trophy Pro-Am (frame pictured above) earlier
in the month, the European Challenge Tour pro bagged five birdies and just one bogey as he finished
two ahead of the field.
Evans, whose season was cut short in the summer following knee surgery, says it’s great to back out
on the golf course again as he battles to regain full fitness ahead of the 2022 season.

6 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Lilly (pictured right) put the disappointment of losing his Wellingborough
course record out of his mind as he combined with Kettering pro
Michael Campbell to win the 36-hole PGA Inter-County Championship
by six shots at Sutton Coldfield GC.

Competing against a pair of pros from each of the 27 other English
counties, the duo combined brilliantly on the opening day as they fired
an impressive 10-under-par Fourball score of 61, helped by a hole-in-
one from Campbell on the second.

Leading by three going into the Foursomes, the pair birdied the first, second,
fourth and fifth holes, before picking up further strokes on the 13th, 16th and
18th holes to become the first Northants players to win the national title.

Fellow Club pro Meghan MacLaren will be hoping to find her consistent best when
she competes in LPGA Q-Series over two weeks this month at Magnolia Grove
and Highland Oaks in Alabama.

The 27-year-old will be keen to take the positives from her appearance in the
season-ending LPGA Symetra Tour Championship Final last month, and
especially the first round when she fired eight birdies and an eagle on the 18th in
a 64 at LPGA International in Florida.

Needing a top two finish to secure full playing rights for the 2022
season, she dropped back with scores of 73 and 70, before
claiming a share of eighth place by rediscovering her form in a
bogey-free closing six-under-par 66.

Tap-Ins A NEW hybrid system of Tee-Booking and

JON Harris, pictured below, clinched the NGL Open (turn up and play) Tees was introduced
Men’s County Champion of Champions title at Wellingborough Golf Club on October 25th
in thrilling style as he birdied the 18th hole at after the membership voted 357 to 222 in
Delapre GC to nudge one stroke ahead of the favour of ending the current Open Tees only
policy. The hybrid system will be reviewed at
field with a gross round of 71.
STEVE Bason’s net 70 sealed victory in the the end of November.
Men’s Medal Winners Salver as the eight- LILY Houghton took over as the Bar Manager
handicapper finished a couple of strokes at Wellingborough Golf Club last month with
ahead of runner-up Daniel McLaven. Brendan O’Rourke as the new Assistant Bar
TIM Robinson displayed his creativity in Manager.
the Three Clubs and a Putter competition FROM the start of November, the Catering team
as he lifted the Courage Cup after at Harrowden Hall will be led by Head Chef James
carding the leading total of 36 Henderson-Savage, with Anna Chrostowska and
points. Tom Blevins, Mark Walker Natasha Ward the new Sous Chef and Commis
and Pete Heyward were next on Chef respectively.

35 apiece. JUNIOR coaching with Club professional

B L E V I N S Ryan Connolly will continue on Saturday
continued his mornings up to Christmas. It costs just £20
excellent form for a four-week block of lessons.

as he beat the WITH pages to fill in the Wellingborough Club

course by five Magazine, there are plenty of opportunities to

holes to win the advertise during the year. Please contact the

Miller Cup by two Club Office to get your message across to the

from Mark Rashley. members and visitors in 2022 and beyond.

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 7

8 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Catering for the members was a really great experience

HARROWDEN Hall waves goodbye to one of its most familiar residents this month as head chef
Peter Hall moves on to a new role at a gastropub with rooms, near Market Harborough.

After working in golf for 17 years, including the last nine at Wellingborough, Hall wore his apron and
hat for the last time at the Golf Club on his birthday at the end of October.

He said: “Leaving Wellingborough wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I’ve enjoyed the people, the golf
course, the variety and looking out the window and seeing the greenery around.

“I’ve had some great people to work with and there are a lot of special friends I’ve made here, who I’ll
miss. But I’ll keep in contact with them. It’s been a great experience, and I wouldn’t change anything
- I’ve really enjoyed it.

“As the years have gone by, while I have the ambition and drive to do it, I wanted to do something for
myself, so that’s what I’m going to do - I’m going to give it a roll of the dice.

“Covid probably made the decision easier. Life is short, and coming back after the lockdown, with the
staff shortages in catering, which are up there with the lorry drivers, it’s that bad.

“Two months ago, there were 450 chef vacancies in Northampton alone. James is stepping up to
take on my role but, to find a replacement for him, we’ve been looking for five months.

“We have done just five interviews because we only had 10 candidates. Hopefully we’ve found
someone at last, but it’s been really tough.

“There have only been two of us in the kitchen, when normally there would be four during the golf
season. As well as trying to cram in all the golf events, we’ve had 22 weddings, including back-to-
back weddings on three occasions. It’s been full-on.

“It has taken its toll, and it’s an unseen toll because members sometimes don’t appreciate what it’s
like to run their own business with half the staff from two years ago, it’s hard.

“But our results speak for themselves. You just need to see the fantastic feedback we’ve had from
the weddings and private parties. It takes real determination to get through that, but we’ve delivered.”

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 9

Welcome return for social events at Harrowden Hall

CLUB Social Committee member Paul Sisman said: “We
have a number of social events in the calendar over the
coming weeks - starting with a Gin Tasting Evening on
Saturday, November 6th at 7:30pm.
“Run by Richard Munns, gins will be paired with a variety
of tonics and garnishes. Contact Richard for tickets, priced
£20.
“Friday, November 12th is the next Quiz Night, the team
sheet can be found in the Competitions room, £6 per team.
“Five comedians will entertain us on Friday, November 19th
on our Comedy Night. Tickets are priced at just £5.
“Sunday, November 28th is the Captain’s Drive-in Lunch,
so please book with Catering.
“The following month we have the popular Children’s
Christmas Party, where Father Christmas will be making an
appearance - this takes place on Sunday, December 12th.
“Our Christmas Dinner and Dance is scheduled for
Saturday, December 18th, while there will be a New Year’s
Eve Party at the end of 2021.
“The social committee are also planning events for 2022,
with a Burns Night and Whisky Tasting taking place on
Friday, January 28th.”

CHAMPIONS - Wellingborough won the inaugural NGL Ladies League in 2021 after
remaining unbeaten in their five matches throughout the season. Pictured (from left to right):
Miriam Johnson, Lema Townsend, Ashleigh Critchley and Team Captain Gill Snelson.

10 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 11

Results

Miller Cup (October 24th): October Mid-week Stableford (October 14th):
1 Tom Blevins (5 up), 2 Mark Rashley (3 up), 3 1 Graeme Atkinson (40 points), 2 Mick Matthews
Scott Brown (2 up). (39), 3 David Woolf (38).

Ladies Medal Salver (October 23rd): Ladies October Stableford (October 12th):
Division 1: 1 Lema Townsend (net 76), 2 Susan Division 1: 1 Josie Patrick (37 points), 2 Miriam
Kellett (91), 3 Helen Marriott (92). Division 2: 1 Johnson (35), 3 Carol Gibbs (34). Division 2:
Sheena Markham (76), 2 Bina Shah (77), 3 June 1 Jenny Wilkinson (37), 2 Sally McKeown (36),
Smith (86). 3 Susan Sharp (36). Division 3: 1 Maggie
Etheridge (33), 2 Sarah Chudley (33), 3 Pat
Men’s Medal Winners Salver (October 23rd): White (32).
1 Steve Bason, pictured below (net 70), 2 Daniel
McLaven (72), 3 Matthew Smith (74). Seniors Lonsdale 7 (October 6th):
1 Keith Banham (38 points), 2 Ian White (37),
October Midweek Medal (October 21st): 3 Donald Mobbs (35).
1 Ricky Sanders (net 75), 2 Adam Clifton (76), 3
Mick Matthews (77). Ladies Needham Bowl (October 5th):
1 Jenny Wilkinson (net 75), 2 Sarah Reading
Seniors Lonsdale 8 (October 20th): (76), 3 Ruth Bowe (78).
1 Steve Hughes (38 points), 2 Alan Smith (38), 3
Alan Bird (36).

Ladies October Medal (October 19th):
Division 1: 1 Carol Gibbs (net 76), 2 Susan
Kellett (79), 3 Miriam Johnson (82). Division 2:
1 Gill Rivers (74), 2 Jenny Wilkinson (77), 3 Val
Cooke (78). Division 3: 1 Carole Cornforth (74), 2
Sue Dodd (83), 3 Pat White (83).

Ladies October Nine-Hole Stableford (October 19th):
Winner: Fran Woods (13 points), runner-up: Judy
Bolar (10).

12 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 13

Great Expectations led to some Hard Times for Dickens

SENIORS Captain Chris Dickens said:
“As my namesake wrote, ‘it was the
best of times, it was the worst of times’.

“Two years as the Wellingborough
Seniors Captain has been a huge
honour, has been great fun and
brought great joy.

“Unfortunately, the extended term was
the result of the dreadful pandemic that
has hit the world and virtually wiped
out the first year in terms of Seniors
golf at Wellingborough Golf Club.

“Nevertheless, the disruption to golf
was an irrelevance when measured
against the loss of life and the disorder
to our lifestyle caused by Covid 19.

“By contrast, the second year, where
some form of normality returned,
highlighted what we had missed.

“While the Seniors have not had
their best season in terms of results,
resuming our much-missed matches
against colleagues from surrounding
clubs has been delightful.

“We have a very strong programme
of matches but there is no doubt that
other clubs laud the opportunity to
play at Wellingborough, many stating
that Harrowden Hall is their favourite
match on their respective calendars.

“This is easy to explain, we do things right, from the Green staff presenting a first-class course, to our
classy and historic clubhouse, the exceptional service and catering we receive and a certain style
displayed at the Club.

“I very much thank all those who have represented the Seniors in matches this year, you have,
without exception, been fantastic ambassadors for Wellingborough Golf Club.

“I am sure you will continue your support next season but would also remind all Seniors that
the teams are not chosen on golfing ability and anybody can add their names to the lists.
The Match Manager is very fair in including all who show an interest in playing.

“Another much missed event was the roll ups; this is the core of many Seniors’ golfing curriculum.
It offers the chance to meet friends and colleagues and to get some exercise. For some it is a lifeline
in retirement and is as important mentally as it is physical.

“Another side effect is, without roll ups, it was more difficult to get to know fellow Seniors. Not only
new members but contemporaries, who have had a greater opportunity to play in the week this year.

“A change in age qualification and an older membership has resulted in our numbers swelling
considerably, 10 years ago there were 120 Senior Members, this year 420 members were eligible
to become Seniors.

14 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

“On the plus side, it was pleasing to see the large number of players who took part in Seniors
Competitions, with fields doubling our traditional entry figures.

“All Seniors Competitions are played during the week so many working members were able to join us
as they were operating from home and able to adjust their programme accordingly.

“Our small committee of five did find it difficult to cope and this has led to some accusations that
there are an elite set of veterans within a broader Seniors Group. This is not the case and we strive
to be all inclusive.

“While autonomous, Senior Men are an intricate part of the WGC Men’s Section and follow Club
Rules and procedures and any changes are passed through the appropriate Club committees for
approval.

“Given that we are part of the Club Men’s Section, some have also questioned why we need a Senior
Men’s Section.

“Unfortunately, in most cases, with age comes a degrading of power and ability, and in some cases
physical difficulties.

“We are fortunate that the sport/pastime we follow can be played over a lifetime but despite the
handicap system, there is a huge difference in the 20/30-year titans competing with the 70/80-year
plus grandees!

“Most generations enjoy playing in their own social group and competing on a level playing field and
this is what Seniors Golf gives to our more mature members.

“As stated, we play all our matches, competitions and Roll ups during the week and hope we provide
enough golf to satisfy our retirees needs so most will avoid clogging up the course at crucial times
over the weekend and allow our working members time to get a game.

“I make no excuse for championing the Senior section at Wellingborough and it has been a privilege
to do so in my role as Captain.

“The Senior’s didn’t just turn up as Seniors, many have been members of Wellingborough for over
40 years.

“We are embodied with previous Club Captains, former Directors and Committee Members, who
have given their all to the Club over many years; 20 to 30 years ago, today’s Seniors were the core
of Wellingborough Golf Club and they deserve their opportunity to continue to play Golf in retirement
at the finest Golf Club in the area.

“Remember, today’s officials and core members will be the Seniors of tomorrow. Take it from me, it
comes round very quickly!

“Finally, a huge thanks to all Members of the Senior’s Section, for your friendship, support, banter
and wit; it has been a great personal pleasure to be your Captain and because of you I have enjoyed
my tenure immensely.”

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 15

16 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Seniors team complete season with unbeaten month

Wellingborough 5 Wellingborough 4
Bedford & County 3 Staverton Park 4

WELLINGBOROUGH’S Seniors collected points THE Seniors team needed to show their
in the last four games on the course to secure an resilience once again as they grabbed a battling
excellent home victory. draw against their county rivals in their final home
match of the season.
Following a 2&1 win from John Nicholas and Ed
Roderick, Bedford and County responded by Although the visitors recorded two wins on the
clinching three ties with holes to spare. penultimate hole and another victory on the
16th hole, the other five matches all went the
Andy Horn, pictured below, and Roy Martin distance.
(3&2) and Andy Charter and John Briggs (4&2)
levelled the scores, Ian Jolly and Bob Lewis took Wellingborough kept their nerve in three out
their match on the 18th, before Huw Rees and of the first four of those ties, before Neil Smith
Graham Bayes sealed the team win with another and David Rawson confirmed the team draw by
success down the last. winning the 18th hole in the closing game.

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 17

I love the Golf Club ethos, says new Front of House Manager

WELLINGBOROUGH Golf Club’s New Front of House Manager Claire Irving said: “Since I started
at the beginning of August, I’ve been fulfilling the promises and commitments that we have already
made. So I’m just running off the current diary.
“It’s incredibly busy, which is fantastic. There are lots of changes because people still aren’t confident
about socialising due to covid.
“We haven’t put any new structures in place because we haven’t had the time. But I would like to do
more members-wise.
“I know we are a wedding venue, but I’m all for giving the members the experiences that I know I
can provide for them.
“Ideally, I’d like to put some golf exhibitions on. I’m very good friends with World Trick Shot Champion
Geoff Swain, and he says he will come down and put on something for the members.
“I’m all about golf - I love the ethos of the Golf Club. I’ve been around golf since I was about four - my
family are keen golfers, so it’s always been a part of our lives.
“When I started my own business 20-odd years ago, I started off doing children’s birthday parties,
then it was 18th birthdays, engagements, bar and bat mitzvahs, then it moved on to weddings.
“I then moved into the corporate world, so I worked with some fantastic companies, who wanted a
great day but also to raise some money for charities - I’ve done everything from clay pigeon shooting,
to Segway safaris, football days, but my passion was always golf days.
“When covid came, like many businesses, mine was hit as well because people are nervous, and I
didn’t see a way forward for at least two years.
“I could see that people would do the outdoor activity, but I wasn’t sure they would want to come
indoors straight away.
“With golf, you’re not sat in a crowd, there is a maximum of four of you, and you’re walking around
outdoors, so I made the decision nine months ago to find a new role, and found this job.
“There is a new audience in golf. I follow the new trends and golf is massively up there, with younger
people wanting to get out there and play.
“I love seeing young people on this golf course - I think it’s fantastic. The view out of my window is
fantastic - seeing young people on the putting green, is just amazing. It used to be a sport for old
people, but not now.”

18 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

MACINTYRE HUDSON

Chartered accountants,
tax and business advisers

MHA MacIntyre Hudson are proud to have Wellingborough
Golf Club as a valued client and to support their activities

Get in touch T: 01604 624011
E: [email protected]
For more information, macintyrehudson.co.uk
please contact Steve Munns

Now, for tomorrow 19

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine

The Harrowden Hall Experience... Beautiful Surroundings

THE annual WGC membership
subscription renewals were sent
out in late season.
So, Wellingborough Golf Club
Magazine is offering a reminder to
all those looking to re-join the Club
about the beauty you will expect to
see at Harrowden Hall throughout
the year.
More photos, which have been
taken by Club Member Richard
Izzard, will be displayed in
the December edition of the
Magazine.

20 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

November 2021 fixtures (subject to change)

Date Start/End Event (1st tee unless stated)

Tue 2nd 09:30 - 12:40 Ladies 14-hole Competition Advertise
Sun 7th 10:30 - 12:30 Mixed Competition With Us
Tue 9th 09:30 - 12:40 Ladies Competition
Wed 10th 08:30 - 13:30 Seniors Lonsdale 9 Please join us in 2022
Thu 11th 09:00 - 11:00 Ladies/Seniors Competition and beyond
Sun 14th 08:00 - 13:00 Men's Competion (all tees)
Tue 16th 10:45 - 14:45 Ladies 14-hole AGM Comp (all tees) Full page;
Sun 21st 10:50 - 12:50 Mixed Competition from £70 + VAT
Tue 23rd 09:30 - 12:40 Ladies Drive-in Competition
Wed 24th 08:15 - 13:00 Seniors Competition (all tees) Half page;
Sun 28th 08:30 - 13:30 Captain's Drive-In (all tees) from £45 + VAT
Tue 30th 09:30 - 12:40 Ladies 14-hole Bottle Trot
Quarter page;
from £30 + VAT

Office -
01933 677234

general.manager
@wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Bar Hours (tbc)

Monday 11:00am - 6:00pm

Tuesday 11:00am - 10:00pm

Wednesday 11:00am - 7:00pm

Thursday 11:00am - 7:00pm

Friday 11:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday 11:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday 11:00am - 6:30pm

Catering Hours (tbc)

Monday Filled rolls available

Tuesday Noon - 5:00pm

Wednesday Noon - 3:00pm

Thursday Noon - 3:00pm

Friday Noon - 3:00pm

Saturday 8:45am - 3:00pm

Sunday Filled rolls available

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 21

www.croylandcarmegastore.co.uk

Added Protection But don’t just take our word for
AND PEACE OF MIND it as every car at Croyland Car
FOR ALLCOUUSRTOMERS Megastore now includes as
standard AA Inspect and
When buying a new, used vehicle, Protect cover, which gives you:
you want to know that the car • An independent, unbiased
you’re choosing is both safe and
reliable, here at Croyland Car vehicle inspection and report
Megastore we are dedicated to • 12-months free breakdown
making sure you feel happy and • A free vehicle history check
confident with your purchase. So • Three month’s free warranty
when buying a vehicle from us, Peace of mind from one of the UKs
you can be sure that the car you’re best known motoring organisations.
choosing is the right choice.
Croyland Car Megastore, Northampton Road,
01933 413 415TeiiaotmnxncctfedoaiitmnnisCdnpbbrgeoeoe,aruynnktloeeafmftwniostdotsayarCeeofhrafuvearo,ilbMcpproeflecueuaagtalnlasltdsehtihopsoorewp Rushden, Northants, NN10 6GA

22 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com