Selsey veterans in festive mood - now it's bring on the troops

The competition was followed by an excellent Christmas lunch provided by the club’s caterer Helen Homer.

It is Helen’s last year with the club and the veterans have extended to her their sincere best wishes for the future and thanks for many enjoyable lunches.

Meanwhile, Selsey Golf Club are donatinge 100 free rounds of golf to our armed forces as a small token of thanks for their courage and sacrifice.

The offer is being made in conjunction with the Tickets for Troops charity.

Club secretary Dave Tindale said: “We have many ex-servicemen here playing golf, including me, not forgetting those who have served and are serving in Afghanistan. This is our way of showing our support to all those dedicated in serving our country.”

Free tickets can be obtained only online from www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk, where conditions are set out.

* If any other local sporting clubs want to do their bit for the armed forces and set up a Tickets For Troops offer, they can call sports editor Steve Bone on 01243 534128.

COWDRAY PARK

The Arctic conditions continue to thwart Cowdray Park seniors’ end-of-year competitions.

The latest victim was the Elliot Cup, a stableford played with two clubs and a putter, which has been rescheduled for January 27.

Traditionally this competition precedes the annual Christmas dinner and prize-giving for the winners of competitions throughout the year.

A full house of 80 seniors sat down to enjoy the excellent traditional Christmas food, including a table of eight ‘senior seniors’ who were instrumental in building the section into the thriving part of the club it is today.

In virtually his last formal occasion of his captaincy, Wally Mitchell thanked everyone for the help he had received during the year, then presented prizes to the year’s winners.

Seniors’ winners: Winter Foursomes – David Heard & Dave Tilley; Winter Singles – David Manning; Podmore Salver Pairs – Peter Burton & Dave Darby; Captain’s Prize – John Kitchener; Heard Tankard Medal – Des White; Bill Lait Trophy Singles Matchplay – Richard Keep; Roland Plate Medal – Des White; Yellowlees Medal – Mike King; Seniors’ Championship Medal – Roger Poat; Carter Trophy – Graham Evans; Ken Young Eclectic Trophy – Dave Hirons.

The atmosphere was tinged with sadness at news of the death of Rod Wooldridge. Rod was a highly-respected and popular member of the club for more than 30 years and was seniors’ captain in 2005.

He was an active member of the section, taking part in competitions, inter-club matches and social activities.

He was the most accurate driver from the tee and made an ideal partner in foursomes and Texas scrambles. Until recently he had been a member of the successful Texas scramble team. His sense of humour will be sadly missed.

BOGNOR

Bognor Regis ladies confronted the elements on two consecutive weeks.

First was their Christmas lunch competition for teams of four. It was a stableford played over ten holes.

Results: 1 Janet Birkett, Barbara Osbourne, Eileen Morris, Margaret Flynn 58pts, 2 Liz Quinton, Jan Ostrom, Jane Russell, Juliet Morgan 52, 3 Chris Puddicome, Angela Chandler, June Smith, Davina Rumsby 50.

The captain’s choice four-ball alliance was played over 18 holes.

Results: 1 Georgina McCormack, Wendy Johnson, Kay Walker, Kay Dady 121pts ocb, 2 Nikki Vincent, Jane Russell, Lesley Starr, Sheila Sargeant 121.