The Centenarian - 1991 Newsletter of Corhampton Golf Club

The Captain's Message

   Our normal newsletter issued approximately half way through the Captain's year has for Centenary Year taken a different format. I do hope you will all enjoy reading the various items of information included in the publication which has been expertly produced by Tim Wood's Tocio Promotions.

     I am sure you will have enjoyed your golf so far this year as the course is in very good shape thanks to our greenkeeping staff under the guidance of the Chairman of Greens Bob Goble, Richard Shillitoe and Course Manager Peter Taylor. They have been very busy interviewing for our new Head Greenkeeper who will be appointed before the end of July.

     TEAMS Very short report - Chairman of Competitions Brian James said this month "We have no longer any interest in the Vauxhall Classic or County 7's having been beaten 4-1 and 7-0 respectively.

     The first `Captain's Dine-In' for members of 25 years approx. standing was a memorable evening for all attending and I for one would like to see the Dine-In continue this way in the form of re-union. The next two are as reported in this bulletin and it would be nice to see the clubhouse and up to a maximum capacity for dinner - 70-80 people. The 25th May Dinner was short of members - I am sure a lot of members joined around 1975 when we extended the course to 18 holes and built the clubhouse.

     The Centenary celebration week is but 3 months away now and the Centenary Committee are now in overdrive to produce a very important week for all members. Trust you will have appreciated the Centenary Tie and Brochure issued by them this year and will have viewed our new flag in its floodlit form

     Thank you all for your support to date for The Lords' Taverners Charity mini-bus appeal especially Mollie Henning and Tim Wood for raffles, Tony and Margaret MacDonald for the Meat Draw and the Ladies Section's generous help. I attended a mini-bus presentation by The Lords' Taverners with their local area chairman Ron Dobkin on the 23rd May to The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy at Avon Tyrrell, Christchurch and having seen the delight on the faces of the people who will benefit from the gift I assure you all it is a worthwhile cause.

     My personal thanks to Bill Jasper, Vice Captain, for his support to date and the helpers in The Professional Shop along with Kevin Jackson who have covered during the interim period until our new professional arrives on June 1st.

    A special welcome to Gary Stubbington as our professional and on behalf of you all may I take this opportunity to wish him a long successful stay with Corhampton Golf Club. I know you will give him your support.

   May I wish you all a good second half of Centenary Year and special good wishes to Joan Haigh, Mike Freeman and Tim Markwick our Section Captains.
             
                    Bob Harvey, Captain

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Following two very successful dine-ins on Good Friday and Saturday 25th May, for members of 25 yrs and 15 yrs standing respectively, the Captain has announced dates for future such events. 

Friday 9th August             Members 10 yrs plus
Saturday 12th October     Members up to 10 yrs

Cost is £10 each, partners are welcome. Dress is lounge suits, 7.30 for 8pm with a limit of 80 at each event.

There is a divot-filling evening, with the COURSE CLOSED, on Wednesday 19th June. The course will re-open when the work is completed, so let's see you all taking part and getting the job done quickly. Oh yes... free beer and snacks.

ON COURSE FOR 1992

The 1985 Milan European Council meeting's decision to complete the internal market of the E.C. by 1992 has widespread consequences for everyone.

However, far more important is the completion of our course extension in the same year.

After several years of trying, the Club purchased 32 acres of land to the right of the 15th hole in 1989 at a cost of £105,000. With the intention of creating a large practice ground and car park, and two nine-hole loops starting and finishing near the clubhouse, architects Hawtree and Son of Oxford were nominated.

The work was put out to 5 contractors for tender, of which 3 returned prices of £170,000 - £190,000, all considered too high. A figure of £125,851, excluding irrigation was negotiated with J.D. Greasley of Leicester, and work commenced in March 1990. Irrigation works were undertaken by the Club.

A certificate of practical completion was issued on 16th May 1991, when the Club took control of  the land, with a defects liability period of twelve months. Total cost, including land purchase was £260,000.

1200 trees have so far been planted to trap your wayward balls, but it is hoped that more planting may be done if funded by members' sponsorship. Target opening for the new, restructured course is late Spring 1992, when we shall have one of the finest courses and best facilities, in the County. 

Over to you Jacques Dellors.......