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Welcome to Seniors' News Page.

Scott Carder

It is with deep regret that I report the death this afternoon (3rd May 12) of Scott Carder who had been suffering for some time and was being cared for at Crediton Hospital our thoughts at this time are with Maureen.  Scott and Maureen have been members at Crediton for many years and will be sadly missed.

Mike Mullarkey pays tribute to Scott.

“It is with a feeling of great sadness that I write these words of tribute to Scott Carder who passed away in Crediton Hospital after a long and well fought battle against Cancer.
My thoughts and prayers are now with Scott`s wife, Maureen, who nursed and looked after him for close on two years through his illnes, and having to put up with his moaning  and groaning about the fact that he could not get out on the golf course!
Maureen was at Scott’s bedside when he passed peacefully away.
We will all remember Scott as great guy, always had a smile on his face, willing to share a joke with anyone, happy to have a drink with anyone and everyone!!
He was a no mean golfer, in his younger days and I believe he played off seven, he was always good to play with, good company and, as I can testify, always willing to pass on advice to those golfers less talented than himself.
He had a lovely swing and would quite often be referred to as “the best swinger in town”  this was appropriate because on the dance floor Scott had a jive that would have made John Travolta jealous!
I have my own special memories of Scott as a very dear friend and we enjoyed some wonderful evenings in Spain when on golfing trips. I recall one time when we had a free day from golf we decided to take part in the activities in the hotel, this was pistol shooting and after Scott had fired, the lovely young Spanish girl in charge kissed Scott and said” we love you Scottie, you save us money, you didn`t hit the target once so we can use it again.” The next time we took part it was archery and lo and behold Scott put his first arrow plum in the centre of the target and promptly got himself another kiss. For the next few days I called him Geronimo!  We certainly had lots of fun and I will personally miss those wonderful times we shared.
Thankfully Scott is now at peace and he will not be forgotten by his friends at Downes Crediton Golf Club.”
Mike Mullarkey*

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Funeral arrangements are in hand at Exeter Crematorium – 11.30am Wednesday 16th May for Scott. As a mark of respect and in view of the desire of many of our members to attend to pay their last respects to our former roll up leader there will be no organised Seniors Roll up on that day.  The wake will be held at Crediton Golf Club.

Robin Bailey

The memorial service for Robin was held at Thorverton Church on Monday 16th April, as anticipated there was a very large turn out, a  full church with standing room only. Tributes were paid by his two sons and his grandchildren as well as a police colleague and a member of his shooting and fishing syndicate. Many attended the memorial hall where a plentiful buffet was available. Those paying their respects included many from the Golf Club. It was a good service for a well respected member of the community who will be missed by his many sporting friends but more especially by his family.

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Tribute to Robin Bailey by John Essery.

It is with great shock and sadness that we have learned of the sudden and untimely passing of Robin who died peacefully in his sleep, at home, in front of the television.  Our sincere sympathies and condolences go out to Vivienne, Jason and Adrian and all the family.

Robin and Vivienne have been members at Downes for many years, he has frequently played in Seniors competitions and was due to represent us in the first inter-club friendly of the season against Exeter, he has also been a regular member of a weekly “friendly four ball” group.

Robin served over 30 years in the police service and after retirement in the mid 90’s he took on the role of Driving School Instructor- he had admirable patience and was well suited to both roles.  He rose to the rank of Superintendent and Deputy Divisional Commander in the police having served in many posts and departments including Traffic, C.I.D., Complaints and Discipline and, Youth Support. In Exeter, in the early 80’s he was instrumental in setting up of the multi agency approach to child protection which included the police, probation and social  services working closely with the medical profession.

He was always a keen sportsman and soon after joining in 1963 he became No 8 in the then Devon Constabulary XV, he represented the force at Cricket as an all rounder and was a regular until recent years in the Thorverton Village eleven. He was a keen supporter of country pursuits, a member of a local shoot and a “fly” fisherman on the Exe. His shots on the golf course at Crediton may not have been quite as accurate as those in pursuit of a pheasant but nevertheless he was a keen competitor, at times well handicapped and always a pleasure to be with on and off the course.  He was always ready to support deserving charities and amongst many efforts over the years he very recently took part in a sponsored walk for the local hospice. He lead a full life and was a true family man.

He will be sadly missed by all Seniors, especially those with whom he regularly played and particularly by those, like myself and Frank Sanders, who have enjoyed his company on many occasions at work and at play for almost fifty years.

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The 2012 Captain Phil Ollis and his Vice Captain Paul Willcocks were elected at the AGM and have taken office.

Our Captain takes this opportunity to address our members.

“May I firstly express my pride to be elected your Captain for 2012. I will make every effort over the next 12 months to represent you to the high standards that have been set over many years. We have a great group of guys in the Seniors and with your continued commitment I will play my part in giving the support to “Our Club” that it deserves, particularly in these difficult times.  Most importantly I will do my best to ensure we make use of all the facilities available to us to enjoy our golf and enhance life in our Senior years.

I would like to thank all the stalwarts that attended the Seniors AGM on Monday where I had the opportunity to address the meeting and give my thanks to Tom Pettifer for the excellent commitment he had given to us in his Captains year.

The full minutes of the meeting will be available on the web site in due course.  A synopsis has been posted on this news page (below).  Please continue to use the web pages to keep up to date throughout the year, it is a great way to stay in touch with all that is happening at our Club.

I would like to take this opportunity, and I am sure you join with me in wishing our President and very much respected Senior colleague Alan Ruddock a speedy recovery from his recent health scare, we hope we will soon see him back on the course.

Phil Ollis.

 

The Seniors Committee have developed the Seniors Section Web pages to improve communication and enhance its commitment to promote golf amongst its members. Available now are the following pages which we hope you will find of interest:

It is not intended that  any of these pages will duplicate any information contained in other sections of our Website.  The aim is to keep members informed with interesting and/or amusing updates.

On this page we will also be happy to advertise any golf equipment which members may wish to sell. The procedure which will be adopted is for person selling to see our Professional – Barry Austin agree a price and to make the article available through the Pro Shop.  We will then advertise the article on this page using the choice of words of the vendor which should be sent by email to johnessery@btinternet.com

 

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FOR SALE.

Having difficulty with you chipping and need a club for the job here is your ideal opportunity and at a bargan price

Odyssey Marxman Putting Chipper Right Hand.  37′ loft.  Excellent Condition £30.00 o.v.n.o.  -  Available for inspection and purchase in the Pro Shop.

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The opportunity is also being taken to keep members in touch with other golfing information available through Websites. The following sites are considered of value:

Ideas and items for publication can be submitted at any time by email to johnessery@btinternet.com

Sending emails to members is a prime way in which we can communicate.  However, at this time we do not have a definitive list of Senior members and a record of available email addresses.  Registration by date of birth is the only way we can identify our members, currently we have about 220 Seniors registered. In an effort to increase that record, entry to Seniors Events will only be possible on the computer if the player is a recognised “Senior”. (Date of birth recorded) Anyone having any difficulty can register through the administration office or pro shop. To improve communication within our section it would also be really helpful if email addresses could be notified to the Club Secretary. Any changes should also be advised.

It is recognised that some Senior members may not wish to divulge such personal information and that will be honoured.  However because “the Seniors” is a recognised section, represented on the executive committee, with many competitions and functions organised on behalf of its members, there is a desire to know the numbers and the people.  Thank you in anticipation of your co-operation and we apologise for any inconvenience whilst records are being updated.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM went ahead as scheduled on Monday 30 January 2012 in accordance with the published Agenda despite the cancellation of the competition 25 members turned up and after a reception buffet Tom Pettifer was elected to Chair the meeting.

Having received the various reports the election of Officers took place and we are pleased to announce the following:

The Seniors Captain – Phil Ollis

The Vice Captain       – Paul Willcocks.

Secretary                      – Eric Parkes

Treasurer                      – Peter Bryan

Auditor                          – David Lee.

DMVGA Rep                – John Essery.

Committee Members elected:

- Richard Burston (re-elected after one tenure.)

- Mike Conder.

- Denis Wright.

The delegates expressed their thanks for the work of the Committee and particularly appreciate the newly elected members for taking on their various roles.  We wish them well in office and look forward to another year of organised events with keen competition.