CHURCH GOLF GROUP Several years ago a number of Church members began to play golf together. Sadly two of that group, Nicholas Stoyle and Jack Evans have since died, Nicholas in 2005 and Jack in 2008. In 2006 the group decided to hold a Golf Day in memory of Nicholas and each year since we have held a competition and invited members and friends who wish to play. We would never say that the quality of the golf is good but it is a day of fun and laughter, although it is a great honour to win the Nicholas Stoyle Memorial Trophy. Since 2006 we've had a different winner each year and the winner receives a small trophy to keep. Other prizes are awarded for the longest drive etc. After lack's death we added a putting competition, the winner being awarded the Jack Evans Memorial Trophy. To complete the day, which is held at Chester-le-Street Golf Club, we have a meal and presentation evening to which the families of Nicholas and Jack are invited, as well as the wives of those who have played golf during the day.

Nicholas Stoyle - Jack Evans Memorial Golf Day (the Jack Nicholas Day!)

13th August 2010

Once more we all gathered to have a round of golf (and fun) in memory of Nick and Jack. The original day in June had been put off, twice, and so instead of gathering in sunshine we all began by donning waterproof gear (perhaps there was a hint in the date!). Some of the old stagers were absent but their places had been filled by some taking part for the first time.

The afternoon began with the second putting competition for the Jack Evans Putting Trophy with the usual comments of encouragement(!) for good shots and commiserations (a.k.a. laughter) for those that missed the mark.

Paul had split the crowd into groups of three for the golf itself and so at the appointed time it got underway, under grey skies and some rain.  In all of the previous years the event had taken place in brilliant sunshine, so this year made up for it with a cold soaking for most taking part. Nevertheless all made it to the end and enjoyed the round.

In the evening all reassembled, together with our wives as well as Jack's wife Joan and Nick's wife Margaret and their families, for a meal at the Golf Club, followed by the presentations of awards. Paul once more ensured that all who took part received a 'prize' for various heroic acts such as nearest the pin (on a par 3), longest drive, best new comer, most balls lost etc.

This years' winners were;

Jack Evans Trophy           Bill Indian

Nicholas Stoyle Trophy    Paul Hewitson

So new names on the trophies again. Many thanks go to Bill and Paul for organising the day.

The date for 2011 has been provisionally booked for the Glorious Twelfth - 12th August - so a chance for a round of golf and a birdie!

 

28th May 2009

As usual we held this competition at Chester-le-Street Golf Club, and once again we had a great day, followed by an excellent meal and presentation evening. We hold the competition in memory of our friend Nick Stoyle, and the winner of the trophy this year was Ian Miller. So we have held the competition for 4 years and now had 4 different winners. 

This year we incorporated in our day, a putting competition, in memory of Jack Evans who of course loved his golf. The putting by everyone was of an unusually high standard, and the competition was taken very seriously and was very close, but the first winner of the new trophy presented by Jack's family was Steve Sunderland.

Other prizes this year went to Bill Myers who came second, and Ron Patterson third.  Longest drive on the fairway was won by Derick Lawson and nearest the pin  (on 3 different par 3 holes) by Ian Miller (2), and Alan Simpson. No one leaves empty handed and there were prizes for all 13 who took part, and a special one for Duncan for the best round by a supporter of a Championship football team.

We again had a very special day, in memory of our good friends Nicholas and Jack, and are grateful for the continued support given by their families, and by members and friends of our Church who take part each year, and we look forward to next years competition..

 Bill Indian