Championship 2023 - Divisions 1 and 2 - Wensum Valley

The Spring Four Ball Betterball Stableford was held at Sprowston Manor Golf Club on ...th April 2024. Competitions Secretary Jill reported that 108 ladies from 19 clubs took part. We were only allocated one tee and so there were around three and a half hours from the first to the last teeing off. Unfortunately, the weather was very variable with some ladies experiencing everything from hail to rain showers to a little sunshine. Obviously with this large field, play did slow at times, the weather being the biggest factor with ladies having to put on and take off rain gear. A few comments were made about this but had it been a little warmer and drier this would not have been a factor. The winners were in the first group out and to give them their due they stayed to the end to be presented with their trophies. Due to the length of time from first to last, a lot of ladies left and so there were few at the presentation at the end. Maybe if this scenario is repeated we forgo the presentation and make other arrangements. Clubs will and do prefer a one tee start. Sprowston Manor's hospitality could not have been better. They really went above and beyond and nothing was too much trouble. In particular, the Sprowston member who acted as starter was willing to check on nearest the pins and confirm with all the players the change we had to make. The nearest the pin on the 6th was late getting in position and this was not noticed until several groups had gone past so another hole was chosen so that all could attempt it. Sprowston Manor gave a Four Ball for the raffle as well as leisure day passes and cuddly toys to augment our raffle which was appreciated and a lot of raffle tickets were sold. The Ladies' Captain, Hazel, gave her time to sell raffle tickets and that was so helpful. It had been arranged that baked potatoes with various fillings would be the meal afterwards . This perhaps could have had a salad to go with it. We did also have coffee or tea on arrival. All in all this was a very successful event and I am told was the biggest field we have had, may be because it was central and was a reasonable cost.

THE NORFOLK CLUB Upper King Street Norwich 12th November 2024

Raffles held at the competitions in 2023 totalled £1,063. A cheque for this amount has been sent to the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity and see above their letter of thanks. Our thanks go to Angie Allsopp and Chrissie Owens for organising the raffles and to all those who bought tickets.

IMPORTANT

Match Captain Chrissie Owens reported that the final match of the season was played at Ely Golf Club later than planned, having been postponed earlier in the year due to bad weather. With the match taking place in September, it was difficult to field a team due to holidays and other golfing so only six players (3 pairs) made the trip to Ely. Anne Ellis from Sheringham kindly stepped in at the last minute for the team and to play her first Vets match. Undoubtedly Ely City's mature parkland course was a real pleasure to play but both accuracy and solid ball striking were the key to scoring well! This was always going to be a tough match against Cambs & Hunts as some of their players are also county senior players. However, all games were played in good spirit and the ladies very hospitable offering a delicious meal of pan-fried chicken with dauphinoise potatoes, carrot puree and crispy stuffing. As this was the last match, Chrissie would like to thank everyone who has played over the past couple of years and hands over the role to Sue Saunders of Thetford Golf Club.