Captain's Newsletter - 1 Jan 2019

Happy New Year one and all!!!

Here's hoping for a happy and healthy 2019 for us all!

I hope you all enjoyed a very special Christmas time with loved ones and friends, creating some great memories. As January begins lets now try to work off that extra turkey sandwich and mince pie with some fresh air and hopefully some decent winter golf conditions!! We can only hope!!!

The club diary, I am pleased to say, is now available for collection from the Pro Shop and we will be getting the electronic version out to you within the next week. Thank you to Virginia for her hard work on this. Our major events for 2019 are on a separate list on the noticeboard for your convenience.

The 12 Hole Winter Eclectic begins on Thursday this week, and fingers crossed we will be able to get all 7 rounds played. Please sign up, in the usual way on the system. This opens 3 weeks in advance of each round. As you all know, this is a popular competition so make sure you sign up early. It is a good idea, too, to check the system a few days before the competition in case anyone has pulled out or if you need to contact your playing partners for any reason. Don't forget you need to putt out on all twelve holes for your first round!

The Mixed Winter League at the weekends is also on the system - weekend Ladies you know the drill. There will be news as the weeks go by, of the opportunity for the ladies who play at weekends or indeed wish to, to enter some of the main prize winning competitions of the Ladies Section, this is due to the introduction of 'Alternate Days'. (See England Golf for details). This system will be introduced during 2019 with the hope that it will develop further during future years. More news to follow!

The Coffee Morning at Porters Park GC will be held on Monday January 28th. Raffle tickets will be on sale from Thursday 3rd January and if you would like to come along with some of us, then we can arrange sharing lifts.

Finally, as the saying goes 'we can't ignore the elephant in the room!' and by that I am talking about the New Rule Changes. Please ensure you are aware of the major changes taking place. Equip yourself with as much knowledge of the key issues as you can. Hopefully we will see many of you at the Rules Meeting at the Club on Wednesday 16th January, (See the noticeboard for details).

I feel very honoured to be your Captain for 2019 and am certain we will see some great golf scores during the year ahead.

Very best wishes

Margaret Gentle
Ladies Captain 2019

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Captain's Newsletter - 24 Dec 2018

I know I know... I said that last week was my last newsletter, but just a few notices to go with the Christmas Pud and mince pies!

Fresh back from the Christmas Jumper golf day - it was extremely windy but I think all us ladies enjoyed ourselves and even though we didn't win anything it was good fun! Thanks to all at the club who made it happen. The food, company and atmosphere was very Christmassy! Thanks to Jackie, Richard and Marica for making up my four ball.

The new diaries for 2019 are now in stock at the club. Please pick up your copy from reception or the pro shop. In due course there will be the electronic version available from the ladies website - details to follow. In the meantime please note the dates for all the important Ladies events through next year!

If any of you have been under a stone for the last few weeks then the new/revised rules come into effect on January 1st 2019. If you haven't already registered to attend the presentation at 6.30pm on Wednesday January 16th then please see the details below or on the club board or let one of us know if you wish to attend. It is important that we know how to interpret the new rules and which ones will be adopted as local rules at Chesfield.

Margaret will be placing the bulk order for the Ladies white polo shirts on January 1st so please sign up on the board if you would like yours ordered. There are a couple for trying on in the pro shop.

Finally, I have been asked to clarify the rules for the 12 hole Winter Eclectic which runs over 7 weeks in January and February. This is a very popular competition and the sign up for each week will be on HDID. The first 2 weeks are already on. Please remember to hole out on every hole in the first round that YOU PLAY IN ( NB. This might not be the first round of the competition!)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND MY VERY BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT FUN GOLFING 2019!!

Sarah Faircliff
Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 17 Dec 2018

Well girls, I think this might be the last newsletter of 2018 and indeed my last one as Captain! There’s quite a lot in it so you might want to spread out the reading of it and save some for after Christmas lunch when it will send you nicely to sleep!!

Whilst I was still on Christmas tree duty, Jackie kindly arranged the Wreath making workshop. There look to be some great results which by now will be adorning your front doors! Nice job ladies!

Once I had finished the trees, party time began - firstly I invited myself to the 9 holers Christmas lunch at the Fox at Willian. Thanks Pat P for organising, the food was lovely and the company lovelier! The jokes in the crackers though were as bad as ever! 

Last Thursday dawned very cold but bright and we all got on with 9 holes of 4BBB in Christmas garb! What a day it was....Jenny (I never win anything!!!) Feaver and Kathy D combined very well to win the golf with 22 points!

The winners of the best dressed pair were Di and Chris - great puddings ladies!!

And the winning photo featured several old favourites including another woman with a turkey on her head!!

In amongst much frivolity I was proud to present a cheque for £6000 to Keith and Rosemary from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. We have raised all that through our ladies section and once again I can’t thank you enough for your very very generous support through the year. I know that they are absolutely delighted and I am hoping to go over to their base for a more formal presentation in the new year. What a result!

Thanks to Nikki who managed to pop in during her lunch hour to present Marica, Angela and Megan with their photobooks from the Noughties Tour in Portugal. Sorry that Jean couldn’t be with us but your book awaits you...some great pics to celebrate your big ‘0’ birthdays.

Well done to Rogie and Pauline who helped us negotiate our way through the new rules. Personally I need to do some further homework and please come along to the club on Wednesday 16th January for a full presentation by Herts Golf Union. I know the section captains are meeting next week to discuss the effect of the rule changes on our own local rules. We need to prepare ourselves for the early matches in the year and on that subject Megan has posted sign up sheets for the Pearson matches next year so please check it out on the board in the changing room.

The partying was not over then either and in the evening we went to the Hermitage for an informal glass or 2 of Prosecco/wine and some sharing nosh...I remember a bottle or 2 of red wine as well! I certainly enjoyed it very much and thanks for your company - it appears that it was a success....too many photos to include all but just a taste below.

Next Thursday there is a stableford qualifier with sign up on HDID. However if you do not wish to play it as a qualifier or over 18 holes then please feel free to opt out on the day, especially if the weather is a bit rough. There are still spaces as I write this. I am delighted to be playing that day with a new member Jacky Swanson. I am sure we will all make her really welcome.

As I sign off from these weekly newsletters, I feel quite emotional as my captaincy comes to an end. I hope I have done all my thank yous to everyone who has made it such a memorable year and it just leaves me to wish Margaret and her Committee the very best for an equally wonderful year in 2019. The next couple of years will be a challenge with new rules in 2019 and some changes to the handicapping system in 2020. I know that we will be a great support to all the ladies running our Section.

Finally, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a very successful and healthy golfing year in 2019.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 10 Dec 2018

Well, I am back from Christmas tree installation, somewhat exhausted but looking forward to picking up my clubs again and seeing you all through the week! I hope you all managed to get a bit of golf in over the last couple of weeks in spite of the weather...a sample below of some of my work whilst you were on the course...

Back to the important issues of the day..this Thursday is the newly formatted Christmas 4BBB, it looks like there are nearly 40 of us playing 9 holes. There will be prizes for the best dressed Christmas pair and the winning pair. Might be some forfeits too....! Please bring some nibbles for the afternoon upstairs in the gallery room. Chips and hot drinks will be provided. Rosemary and Keith from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance will be joining us to receive the cheque for this years fundraising and there will be a new rules briefing for next year (nothing heavy I am assured)! Then the evening out will be at the Hermitage that night - arrive at 6.30pm.

There are a couple of Fun Club competitions in the next few weeks open to all - the Christmas jumper challenge is on Friday 21st Dec, shotgun start at 8am. Still 2 tees available at the time of writing. Also the Boxing Day Scramble (on Dec 26th!!) sign up is on HDID.

Into 2019, we are now up to 32 people for the away weekend but intend to have a reserve list so if anyone would like to add their name to the list please do so!

The White tee shirt list is still up and doing well. The list will remain on the board until the end of 2018 and then Margaret will place a bulk order with the Pro Shop and hopefully get a small discount. There are samples available for trying on for size in the Pro shop before you buy!

See you all in the week
Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 3 Dec 2018

Great decision to cancel the November Stableford last Thursday- the weather was horrendous...!

The annual Ladies v Men match took place on Sunday 25th November. It was a dry and benign day on the links! The matches were close but unfortunately (from the Ladies point of view) the Men, plying off the yellows (!) triumphed by 4.5 points to 1.5 points! Well done though to all the players - men and ladies. The matches were played in great spirit and thoroughly enjoyable. Des happily took the trophy!

The Pearson team played a home tie on Wednesday against our local rivals Knebworth. There were some familiar faces in their team but I am delighted to say that on a misty, drizzly, very windy day Chesfield ran out 4-3 winners. What a result - really well done to Megan and her team...

The Ladies section white tee shirts are now in the pro shop so you can try on and get the right size. If you would like to purchase one - for use in all our teams then there is a sign up list on the board. Any queries please contact Margaret.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Christmas Jumper Golf on Friday December 21st. This is always a fun day, the sign up sheet is on the club notice board. Great to see lots of you have signed up already!

Deep in the Christmas trees now....!!! Happy golfing

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 26 Nov 2018

In spite of the somewhat inclement weather the Winter Invitation last Thursday was a great day and it appears that we all enjoyed it! Thank you to all our visitors, I think at least 10 clubs were represented and it was great to meet up with old friends and adversaries from the other clubs! Thanks too to all who helped make it another memorable occasion at Chesfield. There were lots of good photos but just a couple here to sum up the atmos!

It was also wonderful to raise around £400 for Margaret's 2019 charities. Thanks for your generosity as always.

The sign up for 29 Nov (Stableford Q 18 holes) is on the system whilst for the 6th and 13th the sign up is on the board. If you want to dress up on 13th Dec there will be a prize for the best dressed pair but no pressure as might just need loads of layers over the need for glamourosity!!!

Into next year (and hopefully early Summer by then!) the planning for our Away Weekend to Stoke by Nayland in early June next year is well under way, with some great golf and fun evenings on the agenda. There are just a few more places available and if you are interested please talk to or email Nicola Adkins or Nikki Brooke for more details. Could we also please remind you to pay the deposit of £35.00 to Pat, before the deadline of Friday 1st December, if you haven't already done so.

The Pearson team played the 2nd match of their season on Friday away at Essendon. Unfortunately Chesfield were beaten by a good team but thanks to our team who gave their all as always. They will be playing again on Wednesday next week at home to our nearest adversaries so good luck to all in the team.

The results of the adult Par 3 2018 competition saw Pam Blake and Lauren Pitcher both qualify in the top prize winning places - its a great monthly competition held on our par 3 course and very good practice for the short game. Quite a few of our ladies section play regularly and the competition will start again in March next year. Speak to Kathy D or Jo Oliver for further details.

So...get those Christmas decs out of the loft and put your sprouts on...!! I am off to put up some Christmas trees for the next couple of weeks so will see you after they are all up!

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 19 Nov 2018

Firstly, apologies to Denise Clinch whose photo was in the newsletter when I sent it last week but it seems to have got lost in publication. Here it is!

Denise Clinch - Ann Grist Trophy

Some more winners were crowned this week - congrats to all!

Jackie R - Cup Winners Cup

Virginia - The Jean Ray OOM

The Committee has decided this year to introduce a white polo shirt for all our teams. This allows us to wear it with whatever colour jumper without upsetting the fashion police! So....thanks to Margaret for sorting.

Coming soon!! Glenmuir Ladies White Tee Shirts will be available in the ProShop in the next week or so for you to try on and order. Emblazoned with the club logo, the tee shirts will become the base colour for the Squad Teams as we move into 2019 as well as a great colour to go under those new 'Purple' club sweaters so many of you have kindly purchased. As soon as they appear on the shelves, you are free to go and try them on, of course! We will then put a list up on the noticeboard in the locker room for you to order your specific sizes, as a bulk order should help to keep the price down to around £30.00.

In case you weren't aware you can find all the Committee Minutes and now the AGM on the ladies section website - where you see this newsletter click on 'About us' and you should find them there.

The tee times for the Winter Invitational are up on the board now so please check and ensure all your guests are aware. Some nice prizes up for grabs that day and a raffle in aid of Margaret's charities MIND and Tilehouse Counselling. If you have any special requirements for lunch or otherwise please contact either Margaret or Kathy Carroll.

There is a stableford qualifier on the system for 29th November so please don't forget to sign up and there will be sign ups for 6th Dec and 13th Dec on the board in due course. On Dec 13th we will be playing a 9 hole 4 BBB (instead of Greensomes this year) with on course 'amusements'! Please only play 9 holes that day, bring some nibbly bits for afterwards, chips and tea and coffee are on order and I will presenting my cheque to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance that day. Also there will be 'some info' on the new rules for 2019 that day and we can all get away in time to prepare for our night at the Hermitage. I will let you have some more info on that next week!

Finally, see you on Tuesday when I am decorating the Club Christmas tree!!! No golf for me that day...!

Sarah Faircliff
Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 12 Nov 2018

I am delighted to have awarded some more prizes this week! A huge congratulations to all the winners listed below....

• Julia Goodwin won the Diamond Trophy (9 hole Order of Merit)
• Nikki Brooke won the Weekend Order of Merit and had a hole in one on August 26th
• Denise Clinch - won the Ann Grist Trophy
• Rogie Taylor - won the Mary Warmoth Cup - with Kathy M - Rogie received a picture of the cup from Kathy! We will get a pic of both of them with the Cup in due course!

I still have a few prizes to give out to those unable to attend the AGM but they will be awarded....preferably not in the car park!!!

• Caroline K won the Weekend Spring Salver
• Clare Breen won the Weekend Nett Eclectic
• Virginia Chan won the Jean Ray Order of Merit
• Jackie Reid won the Cup Winners Cup

More about Cups now...here is the new Faircliff Winter Scratch Cup!

The draws for the above trophy KO and the Winter Handicap KO are now on the board with the rules of engagement alongside.

The Pearson Season started last week with a match at home against the Manor of Groves. Megan had selected and prepared her squad in a very professional manner and although she could do nothing about the weather (which was horrendous!) the team performed brilliantly and kicked off the season with a 5-2 win. A very big pat on the back for all...next up is an away match at Essendon on 23rd November.

Finally this week and by no means least, the rearranged Captain's Day and evening was great fun. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and thank you to everyone who made it another special Chesfield night and a memorable one for me.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 5 Nov 2018

Thank you all for attending the AGM last week. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and thank you soooo much for all my lovely gifts. I am looking forward to purchasing some new clubs next year and the photo book of 2018 is a fantastic memory of my year. I would like to add my very good wishes for another such year to Margaret and her team in 2019. I know they will do a great job and be supported by an amazing group of ladies! Congratulations to all those winning trophies, cups and end of season orders of merit and Eclectics. If you weren't able to be there to collect your prizes I still have them and will try and pick a suitable moment to present you properly with your hard earned winnings.

Although the AGM is now complete there are still a number of events to come this side of the new year. This coming week we will be playing Captain v Vice Captain Pairs matchplay for the Hattersley Cup. The teams are on the board so please check your tee times in advance of Thursday. As this goes to print there is one space available to play as Julie R has had to pull out. Please let me know if you would like to play. After golf Marica is kindly laying on tea and cakes for us by way of celebration of her 'big' birthday so please stay afterwards and join us for tea and the presentation.

The Tuesday games have now moved to 9 holes, but you are of course welcome to play on if you wish and the weather permits. Just remember to hand your completed competition card in at the 9th. Last Tuesday saw the first of our "18 Hole Monthly Matchplay" games. This was designed to get a practice session in for team players ahead of the first match of the new season this week for the Pearson team. A very enjoyable round of friendly/competitive golf was had by all and good luck to the team against Manor of Groves at home on Wednesday. This format is aimed at ladies wishing to carry on playing 18 holes of golf throughout the winter months with a bit of matchplay practice. The next session will take place on Tuesday 27th November 2018. The sign up sheets for the usual Tuesday comp that day are on the board with a separate sheet for the matchplay practice. Whilst the idea is to use the last 2 tee times for the matchplay, please let any of us know if you cannot get a tee time that day for the Tuesday fun competition. Please be assured that Tuesday fun competitions and tee availability will not be compromised in any way by the once monthly matchplay.

You can still sign up for the Winter Invitation on Thursday Nov 22nd. Already we have lots of guests signed up as well so it should be a fun day with lunch afterwards and lots of prizes. Please let Kathy Carroll know if you or your guests have any special dietary requirements. In terms of payment please pay for yourselves in the usual ways and guests can settle on the day by cash or cheque. Margaret will be holding her first fundraising raffle that day for her chosen charities, MIND and Tilehouse Counselling. If you have any suitable prizes (that you would wish to win!) then please place them in the box in the locker room. We will sort the tee times out this week so you can let your guests know in good time!

Captains Day is on November 10th and I am greatly looking forward to playing with Hazel, Alison and Lorraine on the day and enjoying a night of casino, dancing and wine!! I look forward to sharing it with all who are taking part both in the golf and the evening.

On the club notice board in the bar you can sign up for the Christmas Jumper golf on Friday Dec 21st(always a fun day!) but also on that board you will find details of a number of workshops taking place to cover the new rules for 2019. These are free sessions to all and the one taking place at Chesfield is on Wednesday 16th January. Please see the notice board and sign up accordingly.

Let's hope we don't get too wet this week! Happy golfing!

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 29 Oct 2018

Looks like some colder weather has now arrived as the clocks go back!

On Tuesday we had the presentation of the prizes for the Summer Stableford Competition. Unfortunately not all the winners were able to be there and enjoy tea and cake but congratulations to all the winners - Division 1, Vicky with Hazel as the Runner up, Division 2, Anne with Lesley as Runner Up and Division 3, Maggie, with Katy the Runner Up. I have your prizes and hope you will be able to pick them up at the AGM this week.

Congratulations to Pat Ward who won the qualifier on Thursday with a nett 67 and a great handicap cut as a result. It's been coming Pat so well done. Pat along with 7 others will qualify to play for the new 'Faircliff Winter Scratch Cup' (same format as before) whilst the next 8 finishers will play for the Winter Handicap Cup. The draw will be published in the next couple of weeks.

The AGM is on Thursday this week (1st Nov) at 7pm. Wine and nibbles will be available so come in good time. If you haven't yet signed the sheet don't worry you can still come on the night. There are lots of end of season prizes to award and Margaret will be introducing her new committee members. I look forward to seeing you all then.

The Pearson squad will be having their first 'Matchplay Tuesday' this week as their matches begin on Nov 7th with a match at home against Manor of Groves. The plan is to run a Matchplay Tuesday once a month using the early tee times for members of the matchplay squads. However, this will in no way affect the usual Tuesday Fun competition. We will publish the future dates well in advance and should you have any concerns then please talk to a member of the committee.

Jo Oliver is still running her Monday/Wednesday clinics, open to all. It is a great way to keep your swing in check and tweak those bad habits. Please sign up on the board. In addition I am hoping that Jo will run some squad clinics in due course too.

There are several events to sign up for on the board in the changing room, rather than on the computer, as follows

8th November - The Hattersley Cup - Captain v Vice Captain team - Margaret and I will pick the teams next week.

22 November - Winter Invitation 9 holes and lunch - we already have a number of guests signed in so please see the board for all details, sign up and bring your friends!

25 November (Sunday) Ladies v Men. We have given priority to our weekend ladies here but it is open to all and you will have courtesy of the course that day if you are only a 5 day member.

Finally, social sec Jackie has put the details up of a Christmas shopping day out to Ely Cathedral market on Friday November 16th. Details and costs are on the board. Please email Jackie if you would like to go.

Sarah Faircliff
Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 22 Oct 2018

As you all know the Noughties were on tour last week in Portugal. We can not divulge too much that goes on on tour but enough to say I think we all had a great time and played some fab courses!!

It is not long now until the AGM on Nov 1st. Notifications and details of next years Committee are on the board so please take a look and sign up if you can make it. The evening will have an element of end of season prizegiving too so please try and come. The club will very kindly be providing wine and canapés to help make the evening go with a flow!

The Friendly Team played the final match of their season v Mowsbury at home and had a great win 3 and 1. There are some new faces in the team this time - I hope you all enjoyed the experience and congrats to all.

It was then great to get all teams together for the end of season celebrations last Thursday and hear the results of our year!! Great play everyone and here's to next season. In fact the Pearson Team will get going in November so thanks to Megan for sorting out the first matches and squad practice. Good luck!

Two chances for tea and cake this week - on Tuesday we will be awarding the prizes for the Summer Stableford League and on Thursday Lauren is very kindly providing the refreshments as celebration of her birthday which is on Friday this week. Congratulations Lauren for reaching a significant milestone!

Next time you exit the changing room check the back of the door for a letter I received this week!! Haha!

Sarah Faircliff
Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 15 Oct 2018

As I write this, a bunch of us are on our way to Portugal, celebrating significant birthday milestones this year for Jean, Marica, Megan and Angela H. I am certain it will be a blast and we are playing some lovely courses on the Algarve.

Whilst on the subject of significant birthday milestones, Lauren is providing tea and cake for all to celebrate her birthday, after the Scratch and Handicap KO competition on Thursday 25th October. Thanks Lauren, will look forward to it!

The presentation of the prizes for the summer Tuesday Stableford League will take place on Tuesday 23rd October, when all have finished golf. Tea and cake will again be on offer! Please sign up on the sheet in the changing room if you are coming as I will need to let them have numbers as the end of the week.

Details of the Christmas night out on Thursday 13th December are now on the board. Please sign next to your name to confirm you are still able to come. Numbers are limited so if you weren't on the original list please sign up on the reserve list and hopefully we can get you in! The competition that day will now be 4BBB pairs format, in place of Greensomes. Also please bring a bit of scoff for our gathering after golf that day but I will remind you nearer the time.

Congratulations to Margaret and Kathy M who won the Lauren Pitcher Plate and the Autumn Stableford respectively last Thursday. They have both had big handicap cuts! Well done ladies.

The Mary Warmoth Cup was won this year by Rogie and Kathy M at the 16th. A fine result ladies against that difficult pairing of Margaret and Pauline! Make sure you come to the AGM to collect your silverware!

Sign up for the Ladies AGM is still on the board and another date for your diary is the evening of the Club AGM on Tuesday November 13th.

Good luck to all the ladies in the Friendly Team for the final match of the season v Mowsbury on Wednesday this week. Go get them!

Unfortunately I was spotted this week gambling my life away wearing a club sweater! Anyone know a good bank for a loan!

See you all on Thursday for the Cup Winners Cup and Consolation Cup. The end of season squad tea will take place following golf.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 8 Oct 2018

Well, the Ryder Cup and all its fallout is now over for another 2 years. I think we all agree though that Europe were awesome and the USA were not!!! We all saw and heard what it meant to be part of the team and how that bond created great performances from all the guys. Maybe we can learn just a tiny bit from them....

Last Thursday it was great to see so many of our 9 hole ladies enjoying lunch after their round! Congratulations to Pat P who played the full 9 holes for the first time in a long while. Good to have you back and so sorry you weren't quite in the pic, Pam Blake!

I have now booked a venue for our Christmas Night out on Dec 13th. Full details will be on the board later in the week so please make sure you confirm your place and here's to a good night. Numbers are limited so if you wish to add your name to the reserve list then please do, failing that we will all reconvene downstairs in the bar after food and meet you for a couple of jars!

Last weeks final of the Kathy Dale Medal Trophy was won by yours truly! I make no apology on this occasion but I am going to 'blow my own trumpet' just the once and say I was delighted to win this trophy and get my handicap chopped to 8.3! I promise not to do it again!! Marica also scored a nett 70 winning the monthly medal.

Denise Clinch is the worthy winner of the Summer Singles KO and I will be delighted to present her with the Ann Grist Trophy at the AGM. Fantastic result Denise. The final of the doubles played for the Mary Warmoth Cup will be closely fought this week, I believe! Good luck...

Please make a note in your diaries for TUESDAY 23rd October. After golf that day there will be the Presentation of the prizes for the Summer Stableford Competition (the one played monthly on a Tuesday throughout the season). Tea and cake will be provided!

Enjoy your golf this week...I will not be with you on Tuesday as I will be in Norfolk but I will see you on Thursday when we are playing the monthly Stableford and the Lauren Pitcher Plate so good luck to all.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 1 Oct 2018

By the time you read this, the Ryder Cup will have been won or lost...I hope you all enjoyed the spectacle and took some lessons from it!!

Last weekend Crown hosted the Claret Jug at Merrist Wood for their Captains and Vice Captains. It's good to meet up with the other captains from the Crown Clubs but for the first time in a long while it was extremely wet!! Unfortunately we didn't win but enjoyed the hospitality and the company!

During the week we have enjoyed some lovely late summer sunshine and it was particularly lovely for the Stableford on Thursday. The course looks fantastic!

Our last friendly match of the season is a home game on 17th October against Mowsbury. It is a great opportunity for anyone who hasn't played before to join us. For information please contact Kathy Morris.

Kathy and Lauren played their Yonex Tournament Final at the Buckinghamshire last week. The course was fantastic and they both played well. However, they weren't able to make the podium but recommend the competition for us all next year.

If you happen to have any trophies still adorning your mantelpiece that you won last year and that will be awarded at the AGM please can you now return them to the club.

Please see me to get your raffle tickets for Captains Day - a years free membership on offer. £5 a ticket.

This is the final call to sign up for Christmas night out on Thursday 13th December. The sheet is still on the board for another week but then I will need to book based on the current numbers.

Have a good week
Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 24 Sep 2018

It looks as though Autumn is on its way, knee deep in leaves now and battered by various stormy winds and now rain. However we all play on, in denial that we may have said goodbye to our wonderful summer!

However, the diary was right and this week it was our Autumn Meeting and over 30 of us played in fairly windy conditions for the Chris Leary Chalice. It was fantastic that Jenny Feaver was the winner with 37 pts. Jenny told us all that the force 9 gale 'suits her game'. Congratulations Jenny, a very popular and worthy winner!

A number of other trophies, cups and prizes were presented after a wonderful lunch and I would like to congratulate everyone. Good to see some of our lovely 9 holers too. If you weren't there to collect your prizes then please try and make it to the AGM (Nov 1st 7pm) when there will be more presentations...and FREE wine!!!! It is a chance to find out what is going on next year as well as to celebrate this year. 

The raffle held yesterday in aid of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance raised in excess of £200, thanks to all who donated prizes and for your very generous donations to the charity. 

In addition to the prize giving we took some great pics of the Ladies Section sporting the new colours, great to see so many Ladies supporting the day and wearing new sweaters. If you feel the need to get one please see the guys in the pro shop for details.

 

As you are all aware Captains Day will now be held on Saturday Nov 10th - still lots of space and weekend ladies don't forget you can come too!!!The sign up sheet is on the Club Board and the more the merrier. From next week I will be selling the raffle tickets for that day. The prize is a Years FREE 7 DAY membership of the club so it's got to be worth £5 a ticket.

Details of the 2019 Away Weekend are now on the board. Next year we will be off to Stoke by Nayland in Essex from Sun June 2nd to Tuesday June 4th. I have heard that its a great course and venue so get signed up, roomies can be sorted in due course I am sure and deposits are due by December 1st (extended from Sept 14th) 

There is a list up on the Thursday board of those ladies eligible for entry into the Kathy Dale Medal Final and the Lauren Pitcher Stableford Final. Please sign in on the computer for these competitions in October but if you are not eligible then on each occasion there is a separate Medal and Stableford Competition. Any queries please contact Lin Goodey. Whilst we are on the subject of Kathy and Lauren - good luck girls this coming week in the finals of the Yonex Pairs at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.

Christmas Update - Jackie Reid has arranged for a Christmas Wreath Workshop at the club again this year - date for your diary is Tuesday Dec 4th 1.00-3.30pm. When Jackie returns from holiday she will put the details and sign up sheet on the board. Please also sign up if you are interested in meal out on Thursday 13th December. I will let you have further details in due course but I think there are enough names on the board to get something booked away from the Club party night this year.

Looks like the forecast is drier and less windy for the week ahead so get out there and enjoy some Autumn golf.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 17 Sep 2018

Another busy week for us all on the courses of Hertfordshire!

We played a Friendly away at Knebworth on Tuesday. The Knebworth ladies were great hosts, the weather was kind (at least until the end) the course was in very good condition and the food was fab. All the matches were close and went to the 17th - the final result was 3 games to 2 to Knebworth. A big thank you to all the CD ladies who played so well!

Several of our Ladies played at Redbourn this week in their Open and had a fun time. I don't think they won the golf but it appears they did well on the tombola!!! Pat and Jackie went to Oak Park to play in the Champion of Champions. They had a good day out on a tricky, undulating course!!

Congratulations to Lauren and Angela H who won their respective divisions in last weeks Medal.

It is the Autumn Meeting on Thursday this week. It is great to see a full house on the golf course and for lunch and prize giving in the afternoon. Please note that as there are so many of us I have rescheduled a LS photo after lunch (Captain forgot her jumper this week!). Wear your Foxglove jumper if you have one... but ALL welcome for the photo shoot! Please pay Pat for the Autumn Meeting if you haven't done so already - £18.

Looking ahead to the Festive season, I have put a notice up on the board with a view to a change to tradition this year....have a look when you are next at the club and let me have your thoughts! 🎄

Also looking ahead to the next season of Pearson matches which is approaching fast, we will be making a few changes to how the teams are selected and how the squad works as a whole. Hopefully these changes will make us more competitive and more successful in this competition. We have great talent as golfers both home and away but feel that some small changes will bring us all benefits. Please watch this space and your email boxes for further info as it becomes available.

Have a good week and looking forward to a great day again on Thursday for the Autumn Meeting - weather looks ok for it too...

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 10 Sep 2018

It appears that the lovely summer of 2018 is continuing into the early autumn with great weather for low scoring golf!

Hopefully you are now all aware that the date for Captain's Day has been changed from Sat 15th Sept to Sat Nov 10th. I really hope that you will be available for that Saturday and come and celebrate with the Captains. There will be a revised tee sheet on the club notice board this week so please sign up and I will be selling raffle tickets for a years FREE membership from next week. £5 a ticket....

Last weekend Kathy D won the Weekend Medal with a nett 67, followed up by a nett 68 in the 2nd round of the Eclectic Cup on Thursday. Congratulations Kathy on a good handicap cut too!

Kathy is obviously on fire at the mo and along with Lauren they entered the Yonex Ladies Pairs competition "The Hertfordshire Crown" held over 2 days and 36 holes at Letchworth and Knebworth GCs. There were lots of fantastic goody bags and prizes up for grabs and Kathy and Lauren scored 40 points on day 1, followed up by 41 points on day 2. With that overall score of 81 points they were thrilled to come 3rd (pipped from 2nd on c/b) They received a glass trophy, a lovely golf holdall and have qualified to play in the Yonex Tour Championship 2018 at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club on Monday 24th Sept. Well done girls, a fabulous result and this competition is certainly one for the diary next year...good luck on 24th!

On Sunday 9th Pat W and Jackie R are representing Chesfield in the Crown Champion of Champions at Oak Park. Hope you had a great day ladies and brought the prizes home...there will be a report in next weeks newsletter!

This week brings a Friendly match away at Knebworth on Tuesday, good luck team!

Jean Ray reaches a 'significant milestone' in her life this week and after golf on Thursday she has kindly arranged tea and cakes for us to celebrate with her. Congratulations Jean and bring your best voices on Thursday!

I am hoping to hold a raffle at the Autumn Meeting on 20th Sept so if you have any suitable prizes (that you would like to win!!) then please place in the box in the changing room.

Have a good week ⛳️
Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 3 Sep 2018

Just back from a wonderful week in Granada. If you thought it was hot here last month then I was only practising for this trip! Hope you all had a good week...

Certainly Nikki B did, a fantastic hole in one last weekend at the 9th. Well done!! The other ball in the pic belonged to Linda Brown who scored a birdie - very close!

The first round of the Eclectic Cup was played on Thursday and Virginia was top of the pile with a gross score of 80. This excellent score lead to Virginia getting to the elusive single figure handicap. Well done...In spite of that there is still all to play for in round 2 this week. Don't forget to hole out on every hole to make both rounds count! There is a handicap prize too.

If you haven't already done so then please sign up for Captain's Day (Sept 15th) on the Club noticeboard. I will bring the raffle tickets this week - remember you can win a years FREE membership for a £5 ticket, good value I would say...also I may still need a couple of you for my team...

Pat and Jackie will be taking part in the Crown Champion of Champions day at Oak Park next weekend. Good luck Ladies, enjoy the moment! I hope Crown treat you nicely!

Hope to see you all during the week.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 27 Aug 2018

What a fantastic recovery the course has made, thanks to Andy and his team as well as Mother Nature! Lovely to play off some lush fairways (what are they there for, I only noticed them on my way to the rough!!) Anyway...

Details of Captains Day is now on the Club notice board - Sat Sept 15th, please sign up for golf and evening tickets. Remember you can bring your non golfing pals to the evening dinner at £30 p head. Pay in cash on the day please. There is also a raffle to win one years FREE membership of the club. Tickets are £5 each and I will start selling them when I come back from hols next week! Good prize! Also, I am looking for 2 more players for my team that day so please don't be shy!!!

The Autumn Meeting/Chris Leary Chalice tee sheet is filling up for September 20th. If you can't find a spot then please speak to Lin or Rogie and they will endeavour to help...Please remember to pay by the usual means.

This Thursday sees the 1st Round of our Eclectic Cup, with the second round on September 6th. In spite of its name (Eclectic) BOTH rounds are qualifiers and you must therefore ensure that you putt out on every hole in each round and do NOT pick up as this will lead to disqualification. Please remember to sign in on the computer for both rounds. Good luck!

Congratulations go to Jacqui Harbor who won the weekend Stableford and to Vicky and Pauline who won their divisions in the Thursday Stableford.

Although it seems some way off the Ladies Section AGM will take place on the evening of Nov 1st. Hopefully there will be free wine so please put the date in your diary. It is a fun evening with all the end of year presentations. In order to fulfill the rules of our constitution with regard to our AGM, we will be posting some notices on the board in the next couple of weeks, showing among other items nominations for Committee 2019. There are still some posts available so please consider a position on the Committee and have a chat with Margaret or any other committee members. Committee posts are really not as onerous as you might think, we actually have a lot of fun and it gives you the opportunity to get involved with your section. As we all know our Ladies section is the best but it doesn't happen with out the support of its members! If you aren't aware you can read the Minutes of Committees and AGMs on the ladies webpage under the About Us tab.

Off to sunny Granada for a week. I have put my clubs away. Instead, lots of history, Spanish red and tapas. Have a good week and good luck with your golf.

Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 20 Aug 2018

Following some rain the previous week, we had a bit more last week. Seems Thursdays are prone to rain at the moment! However the course is starting to look a bit greener - every cloud has a silver lining!

Because it poured down on Thursday we decided to postpone the Macknight Pairs and have now rescheduled it for TUESDAY September 18th. The competition will miraculously reappear on the system next week showing the same pairings and same tee times as last Thursday. However, in all cases please check the system and ensure that you and your partner are still available for the allotted tee time and obviously you can make any changes as usual. i.e. adding/ taking away your names or changing your time etc. Any queries please contact Lin but hopefully some of the original pairings will be able to make this rescheduled date.

There have been a number of notable 9 hole winning ladies over the last few weeks and they too have had some handicap cuts. Julia Goodwin won BOTH stablefords in May and one in June, with Pam Blake taking top spot in the other June comp. Chris Leary won BOTH in July and Kay Baker won the latest August competition. Well done to all our lovely 9 hole ladies.

The sign up is on the system now for the Autumn Meeting/Chris Leary Chalice on Thursday 20th September. This is an individual stableford non qualifier off full handicap (Yippee! Thanks Chris!) the price is £18 for golfers and £16 for non golfers who just wish to come for lunch and the presentations afterwards. Further details will be on a flyer in the changing room next week. Payment in advance by the usual methods. Lots of prizes on offer that day and a raffle for the Air Ambulance. Should you still have any suitable raffle prizes (that you would like to win!) then please let me have them. Many thanks.

On the down side this week it was disappointing that Virginia and I failed to qualify for the Ping Pairs finals. There were lots of massive scores and our 45 points wasn't even enough to make the Plate Final.....!!

The inaugural Friendly was played at Redbourn on Friday and unfortunately ended with a 3-1 loss. The games were close and played in great conditions (some grass on the fairways!) and in good spirit. Thanks to all the ladies who played and a special well done to Maggie and Pauline who won their match. We look forward to welcoming the Redbourn ladies back to Chesfield next year.

Jean Ray reaches a notable birthday at the beginning of next month and as a celebration she has very kindly arranged for us to join her for tea and cake after our golf on Thursday 13th September. I thought it would be a nice occasion to take a Ladies Section photo that day with as many of us as possible sporting our newish Foxglove jumpers. Please make a note in your diary to not only join Jean for her birthday celebrations but wear or bring your new Ladies Section Foxglove jumper if you have one! You are all welcome for tea whether you have a foxglove jumper or not and will be in the picture too. Let's hope it a nice day....!!

Happy golfing!
Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter -13 Aug 2018

Well, I think the heatwave might have ended, just at the time we went out to play the August Medal! I don't know about the rest of you but I was wetter than a big bag of wet things!! A welcome relief in some respects and good for the course and the garden....however I am always amazed at how quickly I get fed up with cool damp weather!

A visit to Tina - the Musical was enjoyed by 10 Ladies and Allan Cook! I believe they were quite well behaved and thanks to Jackie R for arranging it all, it was fantastic...so was the fizz (by the looks of it) at a nearby bar.

Pat W and Kathy Morris had a great day at Lutterworth Golf Club in the Regional final of the Coronation Foursomes Cup, they were only 10 putts behind the winners and came 32nd out of 99 pairs. A very creditable result representing Chesfield for the first time in this competition.

Lots of golf has again been played this week, not least the match between the Ladies and the Senior Men for the Palmer Cup. David Palmer donated the trophy back in 1998 and it was lovely that both David and Lorraine were able to represent their sections this year. This is always a very closely fought match and this year it involved 6 pairs from each section. As the rules state, if the Senior Men win then they play off the white tees the following year. Last year they did win so it was the white tees for them on Wednesday. I am thrilled and proud to say that the Ladies won by a resounding 5 matches to 1, so the Men will be off the yellow tees next year! In spite of that we all enjoyed a lovely summer lunch together afterwards and were still speaking to one another....thanks to Brian F for arranging it all and to Pauline H for getting the Ladies team together. Many thanks for playing Ladies - you were awesome!

Congratulations to all match winners in the summer knockouts. We have now reached the semi final stage of both singles and doubles so good luck to those left in the competitions.

Jo Oliver is running Ladies clinics on either Mondays/Wednesdays. For exact dates and further details please see the notice board in the changing room. These sessions are a great way to move your game to the next level, increase your confidence and hone your swing and are a steal at £7.

It was the 2nd round of the Summer Eclectic on Tuesday - hope you all managed to reduce your overall score by a few strokes. Still 2 more rounds to go. Sign up is on HDID.

Then the great rains arrived and we played the Monthly medal - a number of drowned rats managed to finish and Division 1 was won by yours truly whilst Linda Brown won Div 2.

Next Thursday we will be playing the Macknight Pairs Scramble competition. Please collect a copy of the rules when you collect your cards and don't forget to sign in on the computer.

There is a Friendly match at Redbourn on Friday, the first time we have played them in a Friendly so good luck to all the team. Get your match play hats on and enjoy...

And don't forget Captains Day on September 15th. Sign up and further details will be up this week on the Club Notice Board. Any queries please ask me or another member of the committee. It's a day of golf followed by evening dinner and entertainment.

Enjoy the cooler weather but may the sun still shine!

Happy golfing
Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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Captain's Newsletter - 6 Aug 2018

Where is the time going, another brilliant week of summer and some great times with good friends

The Away Day on Thursday was a fantastic day and I am so grateful to everyone who came and played in very hot conditions. The Bedford Club was an excellent choice and they looked after us all very well. Although it was hot there were some good scores and Helen and Nikki came out tops with Jackie and myself the runners up. We played for the Kelland Pairs Trophy, and although Marica was unable to be with us to present her trophy, it was awarded in her absence with some beautiful engraved keepsake glasses. A big thank you again to Margaret and all who contributed to the day, making it another memorable event in my Captains Year.

Earlier in the week we played the 1st round (of 4) of the Summer Eclectic. Plenty of time to improve on your first round. Please remember that when you are playing your first round (whether it was last week or this coming week) you must play it as a strokeplay game and putt out on every hole. Once you have completed that first round then you are trying to better your scores each week so can pick up in the next rounds if you can't make a lower score – hope that makes sense!

Congratulations to Pam Blake who won the Adult Par 3 competition in July. This is the competition run by Jo Oliver on the Lannocks Course and is a stern test for all. Well done Pam and I understand they docked you 2 shots on your handicap!!!

Hot off the press, the Weekend Ladies played a medal on Saturday. Special congratulations to Lin who shot a nett 61 and had a handicap cut of 4 shots, to Julie Price who shot a nett 66 and is down to 12. I believe that Nikki and Megan also got a cut although not as big as they might have wanted, as the CSS came down again! Well done to you all.

Wednesday this week brings the hard fought Palmer Cup match between the Ladies and the Senior Men. Last year this match had to be postponed in August because it was too wet but the Senior men won the trophy which means that this year they are playing off the White tees!

Captain's Day will be on Saturday September 15th. The sign upsheet will be up on the board soon. It will be a fun day with a dinner and entertainment in the evening. Please bring your non golfing partners/ friends for dinner in the evening. If you need more info at this stage please ask Margaret or myself but put the date in your diaries.

Our Autumn Meeting will be held on Thursday September 20th. This competition will not be on HDID, so look out for the sign up sheet in the locker room later in the month. There will be lunch afterwards.

Just had to include this photo of your captain sporting the latest in headwear for the hot summer!!

Have a good week and keep playing well!
Sarah Faircliff - Ladies Captain 2018

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