Thetford Golf Club Official Corporate Brochure 2019 - 2020

OFFICIAL CORPORATE BROCHURE 2019 - 2020

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THETFORD GOLF CLUB

Contents

Tel: 01273 510400 www.ludisgroup.co.uk Thetford Golf Club & Ludis Group would like to thank all of the businesses that appear in this publication for their support and wish them continued commercial success. The content of this brochure is believed to be correct at the time of printing but we cannot endorse individual statements and readers should not rely solely upon continued accuracy of any individual claims contained herein without consulation with the service provider.

5

Welcome

9

Perfect Country for Golf

11

Environmental Responsibility

13

Course Tour

15

Famous Names

18

Trophies

22

Course Records

23

Become a Member

24

Membership Categories

28

Why Play Golf?

30

Visitors and Societies

33

Open Competitions

37

Ladies’ Section

41

Pro Shop

45

The Clubhouse

49

Contact Us

50

How to Find Us

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132 Find us on

Welcome Thetford Golf Club is acknowledged as one of the finest courses in East Anglia and now that it is owned by the members there are exciting times ahead.

The purchase of the Club from the Crown Estate was completed on September 19, 2017 and means all future investments will be exclusively for the benefit of the Club and its members.

The Club is situated in The Brecks, an area of ancient heathland on the Norfolk-Suffolk border.

The adjoining Thetford Forest gives a backdrop of towering firs with heather and gorse providing a traditional golfing environment. Free-draining sandy soils ensure play is possible throughout the year with winter conditions as good as any in the country. That is why the founding fathers chose the site of the course in 1912 – and for more than 100 years golfers have benefited from that decision.

We are proud of our reputation as a friendly Club and visiting golfers can expect a warm welcome in our comfortable clubhouse. A well-stocked bar and first-class home-cooked food provide the perfect accompaniment to your round of golf.

Improved road systems have made the Club more accessible and we are a popular venue for national and county events. We are always delighted to host Championships and matches involving the Norfolk County Golf Union (NCGU) and the Norfolk Ladies County Golf Association (NLCGA) for all age groups from juniors to seniors. In addition we hold regular Winter ProAms which are always popular with professionals from across the region who relish the chance to play on a relatively dry course over the wettest periods of the year.

CLUB PRESIDENT RICHARD GOODENOUGH I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member here for more than 40 years and have been honoured to serve as Captain, President and Trustee.

You are always assured of a warm welcome from everybody at Thetford Golf Club.

As owners we are now embarking on an exciting new chapter for the Club.

I look forward to welcoming all golfers as they experience the delights of playing on our wonderful course.

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Thetford Grammar School Independent School for pupils aged 3-18 Inspiring Respectful, Responsible, Resilient Young People

Nursery and Prep School

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE from September 2019: 7+ Academic and Music.

Government funding accepted for 15hrs per week.

Senior School

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE from September 2019: Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport.

GCSE:

100% 5 or more Grade 9-4

44% Grade 9-7

Sixth Form

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE from September 2019: Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport.

A Level: 88% A*-C 40% A*-A 100% pass rate

BOOK A TOUR AND TASTER DAY BY CONTACTING US AT: admissions@thetgram.norfolk.sch.uk 6 | Thetford Golf Club

OR 01842 752840

CLUB CAPTAIN MIKE HORLEY

LADIES’ CAPTAIN MARY NEAL

VICE-CAPTAINS SUE PITCHER & ROB MILL

Welcome Continued We believe that Thetford Golf Club offers one of the most enjoyable golfing experiences in East Anglia and we are proud of that.

We invite you to come along and see if you agree.

Membership is currently available without a joining fee or a waiting list. Pick up an application form from the Clubhouse or from our website www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk

Our Mission Statement:

To enhance the sporting and social fulfilment of all Thetford Club golfers.

Our Vision Statement:

To be the first club of choice for all golfers within the area; to be a required destination for all golfers in East Anglia; and to be on the Must Play list of every golfer.

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ELITE WINDOW MAINTENANCE Elite window maintenance is a local company, here for all your window maintenance and repair needs.

Feel free to give us a call for a free quote.

UPVC SPECIALISTS

01842 764136 07927 177169

www.ELITEWINDOWMAINTENANCE.co.uk 8 | Thetford Golf Club

“One of the great natural heath courses found in England.

It is perfect golfing country” Henry Longhurst

Perfect Country for Golf Breckland is an area of sandy soil over chalk, gravel and flint which provides a perfect golfing environment. It is one of the driest areas of Britain and is extremely quick-draining and provides surfaces that almost never become waterlogged. This means temporary greens and tees are rarely used and players can wear light clothing without concern for most of the year.

Nearby Grimes Graves gives evidence of flint-knapping from pre-historic times and in 1086 the Domesday Book recorded Thetford as being one of the largest towns in England. The Great Warren was the centre of an industry that grew up around the breeding and processing of rabbits and the 15th-Century Warren Lodge can be seen from the 15th and 16th holes. Sandstorms were common and the nearby village of Santon Downham was engulfed by sand after a storm in 1668.

Over the last 100 years the character of the Brecks has been changed forever with the large-scale pine plantations of the Thetford Forest transforming the landscape. For golfers this means there is a glorious backdrop of mature firs, pines, oaks, beech, birch and other trees.

There are also numerous onlookers on the course – muntjac and roe deer, hares, squirrels, woodpeckers as well as standard and black (melanistic) pheasants. When the visit of the “Beast from the East” in the winter of 2018 closed the course due to snow we counted 37 different types of bird visiting the feeders outside the Clubhouse.

So remember to look around you when you play = even if the golf is not so good, you can guarantee fresh air, gentle exercise and wonderful surroundings.

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We have the largest collection of second-hand ‘vintage’ jewellery in Norfolk Over 3000 pieces in stock

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Jewellery repairs, Pearl & Bead restringing, Ring sizing, Insurance Valuations All work carried out by expert craftsmen & guaranteed.

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Berwick Jewellers Your Independent Established Family Business 64 High Street, Watton, IP25 6AH Telephone: 01953 883448

Environmental responsibility It is a lesson in life that with privilege comes responsibility.

We are fortunate that our golf club is situated in ideal golfing country and we are also fully aware of our wider environmental responsibilities. We are custodians of the land and wish to hand it on to the next generation in tip-top condition.

The golf course is covered by two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) as an increasingly rare example of Breckland heathland and we have signed up to a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme agreement with Natural England. It is home to a wide range of heathland plants, many of which are officially listed as nationally rare species. Many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds also share this environment and our intention is to manage the site so that there is plenty of room for golfers and wildlife.

The SSSIs are protected in law and we are happy to comply with the requirements. However, this does mean that we are limited in what our greenkeepers can do, particularly when it comes to the

fairways. The application of fertilisers or weedkillers could have an adverse effect on the protected species and there are also restrictions on the use of watering. This means it is unlikely you will ever play off green, lush fairways at Thetford – that is not the natural character of the course.

However, the greens and tees have been treated and watered from long before SSSIs were introduced and so they are exempt from those controls. Our reputation for excellent greens has been built over more than a century and over the winter they are as good as any in the country.

The resulting conditions are very similar to a links course – but we save you the trouble of driving all the way to the coast to enjoy them!

Breckland is a unique environment – and in many respects Thetford is a unique golf course. It is natural and presents conditions that have challenged golfers for more than a century.

We are one of the greenest golf clubs in the country – and we want that to continue for many years to come.

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Hello!

Good to see you.

How far are you willing to travel for a good dental treatment, after all, it is about your health.

At the Thatch Dental Practice, we are committed to ensuring your Oral Health journey is pleasant and fulfilling. We aim to build a long-lasting relationship with you so that together, we can prevent any dental problem from occurring, manage it if it does and help you maintain good Oral health, for a better quality of life!

Our team provide a range of general and cosmetic options for the treatment you may need.

We offer a complimentary consultation for;

(complimentary consultation offered after full examination is completed)

• • • •

Dental Implants Clear orthodontic braces: teeth straightening for Adults Veneers Teeth Whitening

•

Sedation for anxious and nervous patients

Call us on 01638 717070 or write to us at team@thethatchdentalpractice.co.uk to book an appointment.

0% finance available – subject to T&Cs

Address: 1 King Street Mildenhall IP28 7ES Monday to Friday: 08:30 am to 05:00 PM

12 | Thetford Golf Club Clear Braces | Dental Implants | Teeth Whitening | Smile Makeover | Cosmetic Dentistry | Conscious Sedation

Course Tour Jon Congdon is the Course Liaison Officer and a former Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as being a member of 25 years’ standing. He has chosen six feature holes – do you agree with his choices?

Hole 1: No short, easy warm-up at Thetford. The 186-yard par-three demands at least a long iron if you are going to reach the green and varying wind conditions can mean you need more club than that.

Hole 1

Hole 5:

Hole 12:

Surely on anyone’s list of a composite of the best 18 holes in East Anglia. A dogleg left from the back tee requiring a drive down a chute of trees with two deep bunkers awaiting anything slightly off line or not well enough struck. A good drive still leaves an approach of some 150 yards to a sloping green where three putts are at least as common as two

From the back tee this is known as the pit hole. A gentle dogleg right from the back tee, the straight line takes you over a deep tree-lined pit which will capture all but the best-hit shots.

Bail out to the left and trees await or a very long second shot.

The finishing holes at Thetford are perfect for both medal and matchplay as anything can happen over the last three holes.

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Course Tour CONTINuED

Hole 16: Hole 16

Only just over 150 yards even from the back tee. However, miss the green and any score becomes possible.

Hole 17:

Hole 18:

Really what should be a “simple” par five, but standing on the back tee with the prevailing wind in your face and the fairway – which is actually much bigger than you can see from the tee – can shrink to something that seems very small.

Although index 6 on the card this is the toughest hole on the course, a par-four of over 470 yards uphill. Plenty of trouble awaits especially any second shots that are off line. Nobody is ever unhappy with a par on this hole to give an excuse for a celebratory drink at the 19th hole.

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Famous Names Linked to Thetford Thomas Paine, revered in the United States as an important influence on the Constitution, was born in the town and is honoured with a statue. His most important work was The Rights of Man. Another statue in the town commemorates a character much loved in this country – Captain Mainwaring of Dad’s Army fame.

Arthur Lowe and the rest of the cast were based in the Bell Hotel in the town and the series was filmed in the surrounding area in the 1970s. Modern visitors to the town cannot resist sitting on the bench alongside Captain Mainwaring to have their photographs taken.

Keith Eldred, twice captain of the Club and a long-serving trustee, featured in the series as an extra and helped to entertain the cast on various social occasions. The reputation some of the elderly thespians had for imbibing was well earned as Keith and his wife Margo can attest!

Duleep Singh was the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. A revered figure in the Sikh religion, his grave at Elveden Church is still visited by pilgrims. He also has a statue in the town, on Butten Island. His son, Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, was a keen member of the Club and a generous benefactor between the wars. The golf club has links to many other renowned figures from various backgrounds.

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Famous Names Linked to Thetford Continued James Braid, one of the Great Triumverate along with Harry Vardon and James Taylor, lent his name to the course in October 1923. He arrived by train in the morning, walked the course and returned on the afternoon train – having submitted a bill for 10 guineas. He had seen enough to offer advice on the layout and, in particular, on the bunkering of the course (probably his speciality area). His additional recommendations provided the basis for work on the course ever since.

His prolific work as a golf architect and course builder saw his named linked to hundreds of courses throughout the British Isles and the United States – and has provided the index for the Association of James Braid Courses, of which Thetford is a proud member.

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JWHT Douglas won Olympic gold as a boxer and captained England to an Ashes series victory in Australia as a cricketer. He visited Thetford each Easter with the SOS Society until he was lost at sea in 1930. A timber merchant, he died with his father when their ship sank in the Baltic in 1930.

A salver donated in his memory is still a popular prize today.

Leonard Crawley, who played in the first Ryder Cup and was a highly-respected golf correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, took part in several matches at Thetford as a member of various Cambridge University teams. Henry Longhurst, the voice of golf on the BBC for many years, also promoted the delights of Thetford in the Sunday Times.

Sir William Gentle, ex-Chief Constable of Brighton, founded the Greyhound Racing Association in 1926, was President of the Club from 1939 to 1948.

“Thetford is a grand test of the game�

Leonard Crawley

Henry Cotton, three-time Open Champion, visited Thetford in his Rolls Royce and invited Reggie Knight (son of the professional Reg) to become his assistant at Ashridge GC. He produced plans for a revised layout in 1968 during an exhibition match but his plans were not taken up. He returned for another exhibition in 1971 when one of the other players was Peter Alliss, now the voice of golf at the BBC. Brothers Basil, Rodney and Desmond Rought-Rought were all Norfolk County cricketers as well as members of the golf Club.

Their family rabbit processing business, which had employed 500 people and involved the culling of 28,000 a year in the 1880s, continued until 1973.

Sir William Gentle

Reg Knight & Son Reggie

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Thetford Golf Club Trophies Many of the Club’s trophies are named after founding fathers or long-serving members of the Club.

The oldest is the Nunthorpe Cup, presented by the first Captain, Herbert Burrell, grandson of Charles Burrell who founded the family Traction Engineering Company in 1837. Herbert named his house in the town Nunthorpe following a big win at York races in the historic Nunthorpe Stakes. He presented a trophy with the same name in 1913. That trophy has continued to be presented for more than 100 years.

The ladies had equal standing from the formation of the club and they also have a trophy dating back to the founding year of the club. The Phillips Cup was presented by Miss C I Phillips, Ladies’ Captain in 1921.

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At the 1912 meeting when the formation of a golf club was first suggested two Scotsmen who had recently moved to the town were mentioned as being prominent supporters.

It is likely that they were Archibald Oliver and Geoffrey Cowan, both doctors, who presented the Cowan & Oliver Trophy in 1921. Dr Cowan, one of the best players in the early days of the club, was the first winner of the trophy named after him.

John Fison of the Fison Fertiliser Factory which was then based at Two Mile Bottom on the outskirts of the town was a founder member, Captain in 1914 and secretary from 1915.

The Sweeting Cup was presented by the widow of the Rev R C S Sweeting, who was vicar of St Augustine’s in Thetford for 26 years until he died in 1924. It was for an annual matchplay competition open to all members, but in 1967 because of a lack of support from the ladies it was made a men’s only event.

Following protestations from the ladies the rules were changed again the following year – to be contested by ladies only. It has remained the same since then.

Australian cricket team played a warm-up match in 1921. He had interests in show business and invited many stars of the stage to play at Thetford, including Maurice Chevalier of “Thank Heavens for Little Girls” fame.

John Benson Sidgwick, a retired tea planter in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), was Captain and later secretary of the Club, presented his trophy in 1926.

The Club’s singles matchplay trophy is the Cock Pheasant Trophy, a handsome silver trophy presented by George Williams in 1968.

The previous year George had become the first Thetford player to win the Norfolk Amateur Championship.

The Club Championship trophy is named after Neville Bishop, a former dance band leader and licencee of the Anchor Hotel in Thetford. His wife presented the trophy after he died in 1968.

Ernest Everard Gates presented his trophy in 1929, the year he was captain. He lived at Old Buckenham Hall where the touring

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Take on the Longest Day Golf Challenge

On or around 21 June, raise money for people with cancer while out on the course. Whatever your level of skill, it’s a great day with friends doing something heroic.

Sign up today at longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk

Please recycle. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. MAC17641

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Thetford Golf Club Trophies Continued During the Second World War and ever since the Club has had many links with Air Force personnel based at Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Shepherd’s Grove (USAF) and Honington, Feltwell, Barnham and Watton (RAF). The RAFA Trophy has been contested since the early 1960s with proceeds being donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund. When the new Clubhouse was officially opened on April 27 1980 the builders, RG Carter, presented the Carter Rose Bowl. Keith Eldred, Captain in 1971 and again in 1978, presented Keith’s Coasters for a Mixed Foursomes knock-out event.

Harry Hawker, a partner in a local firm of estate agents, won three of the spoons presented to the monthly competition winners in 1927. After his death his son Peter presented them to the Club and they are the prize for an annual competition

for Country and Breckland members. The Thetford Old Boys (TOBYS) are part of the Club’s senior section and play matches v Ladies, Captain’s and President’s teams as well as many Clubs around the Eastern Region.

The Ron Barrell Trophy was first presented in 2004 to the Junior Golfer of the Year, based on a points system. Ron was Captain, President and Life Member of the Club.

In 2017 Anne McHarg, the Club’s first lady President, donated the Treetops Trophy for the winner of a Scratch Matchplay Knock-Out competition.

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Course Records On July 23, 2018 we hosted the ESGA U16 National Championships. Rachel Gourley, who was celebrating her 13th birthday, broke the Ladies’ Course Record with a five-underpar round of 69, four better than the previous record set by Jodi Ewart in July 2004. Rachel is a member of Arcot Hall GC in Northumberland while Jodi is now a regular on the LPGA Tour.

The Men’s Amateur record is 66, set by Norfolk County player Mark Williamson of Royal Norwich GC in the Norfolk Amateur Championships on June 17, 1995.

The Men’s Professional record is 67, set by Paul Curry in the Qdos Professional Tour event in May 1999.

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Membership brings a number of advantages, including Full access to the course and practice facilities

Become a Member We are delighted to welcome new members to the Club and our application process is quite straightforward. All potential members must submit an application form, which is available from the office or from the website. There are a variety of categories available and although there are maximum numbers in each category there are currently vacancies – you will be advised immediately if this is no longer the case. Since 2014 there has been no requirement to pay an Entrance Fee. If you would like to know more, contact the Manager, Malcolm Grubb, and he will be happy to welcome you and answer any questions you may have, including showing you around the Club.

Participation in Club competitions (including separate events for seniors, juniors and ladies) Opportunity to represent the Club in county and friendly matches Access to online booking for tee times Opportunity to sign in guests at reduced green Fees.

Members may introduce up to three guests at a time.

Members’ discount for food and drink at the bar and also for items bought in the golf shop Invitation to join in social functions and to introduce friends and family to the Club Opportunity to hire the Club’s facilities for private functions Special rates for coaching with our Teaching Professional, including group sessions

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Membership Categories Full membership

Men and ladies can join as Full members and receive all the benefits of membership, including voting rights at Annual General Meetings and the opportunity to stand for office on the Committee.

Senior memberships

There are reductions for members of more than 10 years standing at the age of 65 and additional reductions at the ages of 75 and 80 with 15 years’ standing.

INTERMEDIATE MEMBERSHIP:

There are reduced fees for those aged from 19 to 30.

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Junior membership

Membership is free for those under-12 and there is a small annual subscription for those aged from 12 to 18.

Breckland membership

A flexible scheme which involves buying a set number of points which are used each time a round is played. The minimum number of points is 80 and the maximum 200 and individual points cost less for the larger number. The number of points used for each round varies according to when the round if played, with the highest cost on a weekend morning and lower costs on a midweek afternoon.

Country membership

This is available for those who live between 25 and 50 miles from the Club and who are members of another club. There is another category for those who live more than 50 miles from the Club.

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WHY PLAY GOLF? Here are half-a-dozen reasons:

Why Play Golf At Thetford Golf Club?

1. It improves your health – and statistics suggest golfers live five-years longer 2. It provides relaxation and/or a competitive edge every time you play 3. Golf courses always take advantage of the best of the local environment – many are stunningly beautiful 4. They provide good company – all ages, all backgrounds.

Which other sports can see three or even four generations playing together?

5. One annual subscription can provide entertainment for 365 days of the year 6. All the family can join in – on the course or at the 19th hole

1. Our course is relatively flat and is an easy walk. We have several older golfers who maintain their fitness by playing twice a week in their 80s. Even those who have some health problems can hire a buggy and still get round the course. The UK’s leading source of cancer care, Macmillan Cancer Support, says there are considerable health benefits to playing golf - one round of golf is as good for you as a week’s worth of exercise. In a typical round of golf players walk for four to eight miles – and take between 11,245 and 16,667 steps, burning up to 1,564 calories. Research involving 300,000 Swedish golfers has found that the death rate for golfers is 40% lower than for people of the same sex, age and socioeconomic status. This amounts to a five-year increase in life expectancy. Play golf – and live longer!

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2. You can choose the level of intensity for your golf. Those who have a background of playing other sports with a serious side to it can enter our regular competitions. Even if you are on your own you can challenge yourself against the card and try to beat your handicap. Those who prefer a more relaxing round played at a leisurely pace without worrying about their score can find a quiet time to play a social round of golf.

3. Some of the scenery at Thetford is breathtaking. There are the accustomed accompaniments to a heathland course – heather and gorse, broom and bracken – with the backdrop of tree-lined fairways. There is an abundance of flora and fauna to keep you entertained. Apart from squirrels and pheasants you can expect to see muntjac deer and hares, woodpeckers and, increasingly, buzzards. Woodlark and nightjars are slightly rarer but great to spot.

4. We have members of all ages from eight to 80+ and players with handicaps from scratch or better to those who do not bother with keeping score. There is nearly always a pleasant buzz

in the Clubhouse and in summer the patio and decking areas are great places to spend an afternoon with a long, cool drink. And you can always get tips on how it should be done by watching a golf tournament on television.

5. We have a variety of membership categories to suit all needs.

Apart from Full Membership we have reduced rates for juniors under 18 as well as for seniors who have been members for 10 years or more. Our Breckland membership was one of the first points-based schemes in the area and meets the requirement to be as flexible as possible.

6. We hold a number of social events throughout the year and other family members are always made welcome. The programme of events varies from themed evenings with music and menus from various countries, to tribute acts from Neil Diamond to Abba as well as dinner-dances and formal meals.

And with members’ discounts it works out a lot cheaper than similar events at hotels or restaurants.

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Visitors & Societies We are proud of our reputation as a friendly and welcoming Club and we always extend a warm welcome to members’ guests, visitors and visiting societies. We can also provide whatever catering may be required, ranging from the traditional coffee and bacon roll on arrival, through the light lunch of ham, egg and chips or a ploughmans lunch and on to a three-course evening meal.

Our carveries are renowned and prove to be very popular. We will assist society organisers as much as possible, from the initial inquiry through the provisional booking to receiving a deposit to confirm arrangements. Final numbers are inked in a week in advance and we will welcome the group on the day and make things as easy as possible for them with assistance to put out nearest the pin or long drive markers. But we acknowledge that it is a hectic day for the organiser - which is why we offer a special deal so that the ORGANISER GOES FREE with groups of 16 or more. We also have special offers for providing prizes from our golf shop. Full details from the office.

We can also assist with presentations, prize table and perhaps showing the leaderboad onscreen in the Clubhouse.

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To complete your day out we can also provide additional facilities such as a meeting room or assistance with a seminar or similar presentation.

Visitors are welcome to play the course throughout the week and online booking is available two weeks in advance. You can also speak to the Manager of a member of staff in the golf shop to complete a booking.

You are assured of a serious challenge when you play the course, which is one of the longest in the Eastern Counties, but you will also have the chance to enjoy some fantastic scenery and a opportunity to experience the flora and fauna of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Remember to look around while you are out there!

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Breckland Accountancy Ltd Tracy Prudden F.M.A.A.T. Director

Proud to Support Thetford Golf Club

Sole Trader Accounts Partnership Accounts Property Rental Accounts Ltd Company Accounts Company Secretary Services Cloud Accounting Business Start Ups Tax Returns Book Keeping Payroll Vat Returns Management Accounts

Free no obligation consultation

Tel: 01842 763340 Mob: 07877 403 764 E: tracy@brecklandaccountancy.co.uk W: brecklandaccountancy.co.uk 64 Comfrey Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2UU 32 | Thetford Golf Club

Open Competitions On Thursday September 26, 1968 a Pro-Am was held at Thetford, the first of a series to be held over the winter. The success of this initiative was such that these events have continued ever since. For more than 50 years professionals from Norfolk and the rest of the region have taken advantage of the excellent conditions of the course over the winter months – often when their own courses are waterlogged. The popularity of the Thetford Pro-Ams continues and many local professionals and leading amateurs are delighted to have the chance for competition conditions over the winter.

The Pro-Ams are traditionally held on the second Thursday of each month from October through to March.

The Club also holds a series of other open events over the year.

They allow access to the course to players from all over the region with the competitions including catering and prizes for a very reasonable entry fee. In recent years most events have been sold out, with many regulars returning year after year. To be sure to gain a place an early entry is essential via the entry forms on the website www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk The programme of events is: Spring Open: This four-ball better-ball pairs event is traditionally held on the first Thursday in April to herald the start of the golfing year.

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Open Competitions Continued Mixed Open: A four-ball better-ball competition held in May. Club Captain’s Charity Day: Every year our Club Captain raises thousands of pounds for a chosen charity and the events of the first Saturday in July are the highlight of the fund-raising year.

Golfers are in action from early morning until late afternoon, with prizes on every hole as well as other golfing challenges – and a charity auction with many attractive items up for grabs.

Seniors’ Am-Am: Players over 55 are welcomed on the second Thursday in July for a four-ball better-ball competition.

34 | Thetford Golf Club

Ladies’ Am-Am: The ladies’ section welcome ladies from other clubs for two open events, one in August and the other in October.

Senior Captain’s Open: Thetford Old Boys, or the Tobys, hold regular Club competitions as well as home and away matches against many other clubs. The Senior Captain invites many of the friends and rivals met during the course of the year to return for a four-ball better-ball competition in September.

Mr G’s Left-Handers’ Championship will be held on October.

Left-handers from around the region are invited to contest the unofficial title of East Anglia’s Left-Handed Champion.

Men’s Festive Open: The final event of the season is another four-ball better-ball competition held on the second Thursday in November to round off the golfing year. The prize table traditionally includes lots of festive items.

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Call: 01842 761269 07747 773144

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With offices in Thetford, Brandon & Mildenhall and national coverage through the Guild of Property Professionals network, you can be assured that whilst you're trying to get round the course below par, our service never will be!

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Ladies’ Section The Ladies’ Section at Thetford Golf Club offers a warm welcome to new members. We have a very busy programme of events, both competitive and social, throughout the year. The Ladies meet every Tuesday morning for organised competitions, with many qualifiers over the summer months and a mixture of qualifiers and more fun, non-qualifying competitions during the winter. There are also reserved tee times for Business Ladies to play most Saturdays, with Alternate Day entries for most competitions. Over the summer months, there are numerous friendly matches arranged both home and away against local clubs, and teams participate in three County Leagues as well as County Knock-Out events. Getting involved in playing for these teams provides a great opportunity to experience other courses, meet new people and represent your club.

The Ladies’ calendar is composed of monthly Stableford and medal competitions, as well as numerous trophy competitions.

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Comprehensive Arboricultural services

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Based in Thetford, Norfolk, we also offer our services throughout East Anglia.

Tree Surgery Felling and Removal • Pruning and Shaping Stump Removal

Tree Planting When planting a tree, it is important to know what species to plant, as well as how and where to plant it. At Treecreeper Arboriculture, we have a team of experts who have years of experience in this field.

Surveys & Advice Call us today: 01953 498 339 - 07805 953 088 Email: t.west.esq@hotmail.co.uk www.treecreeperarb.co.uk

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Michael Johns Dip FA | 07388 948454 successionwealth.co.uk Succession Wealth is a trading style of Succession Wealth Management Ltd (Registered Number: 07882611) and Succession Financial Management Ltd (Registered Number: 04454027) who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England at Drake Building, 15 Davy Road, Plymouth Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8BY and owned by Succession Group Ltd. Succession Group Limited does not provide financial advice itself. All advice is provided through subsidiary businesses which are all authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. and are owned by Succession Group Ltd. Succession Group Limited does not provide financial advice itself. All advice is provided through subsidiary businesses which are all authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Ladies’ Section Continued Over the winter there is a Foursomes Knock-out, whilst the summer brings two eclectics, a singles handicap Knock-out and a fiercely contested Championship. There are also competitions specifically for Grandmothers, for those whose handicap has never been below 30, for our Business Ladies and for our Breckland and Country members. The main summer season begins with a fund-raising Coffee Morning closely followed by a Spring Closed Meeting and ends with the Autumn Closed Meeting. In between we also have an Invitation Day, when ladies welcome guests from other clubs, Ladies’ Captain’s Day, Past Captains’ Day and Ladies’ Captain’s Charity Day. There is always something going on in this thriving, active section.

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Carpet Queen

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Bunches & Bows& Bows Bunches Flowers With a Passion

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Providing creative traditional and bespoke floral designs, for all occasions from a standard bouquet to an extravagant floral tribute.

Delivery available locally, nationally and worldwide Feeling creative? Flower classes running throughout the year, check our website for more details.

57 High Street, Brandon IP27 0AU Tel: 01842 819600 - Email: mail@bunchesandbows.org.uk - www.bunchandbows.org.uk /bunchesandbows

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Pro Shop Stuart Smith was appointed as the Club’s PGA Professional in May 2019 and he and his team provide all the teaching requirements while also running and stocking the shop. The indoor studio provides top-of-the-range technology to enhance lessons. It is available for custom-fitting for new clubs as well as gapping sessions to give you accurate information thanks to the latest technology.

Stuart has been teaching golf for more than 25 years and in that time has built up vast experience and knowledge of the golf swing. He prides himself on his expertise of the short game, which he considers to be his speciality. This is enhanced at Thetford as it is coupled with our fantastic short-game practice facilities comprising two putting greens, a chipping green and a dedicated short-game practice area with a well-maintained tee

box, course-standard greens and bunker practice area.

Stuart offers one-to-one or group tuition. He runs popular Ladies’ and Seniors’ coffee mornings (an hour of golf coaching followed by coffee and biscuits).

He is assisted by Owen Mills, the Club Champion in 2018, and Tim Warner.

Stuart and his team keep the shop open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm in summer and from 8am to 4pm in winter – and most of the time much longer than that.

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Clubhouse The recently-refurbished Clubhouse offers a comfortable environment for members and guests to relax, while enjoying a glorious view over the 18th hole. On the ground floor can be found the Club offices, changing rooms and the main lounge and bar, together with the spike bar and TV area. Outside there is a large patio and deck area between the bar and the 18th green which is popular during the warmer weather. Upstairs there is a restaurant which seats 50+ people and also has superb views across the 18th hole on one side and along the 6th hole on the other. The restaurant is open from lunchtime onwards. Tea and coffee are available at all times in the lounge and a very varied snack bar is available from 10am.

The bar is open for liquid refreshments from 10am, closing at dusk. The Clubhouse and rooms and be hired for functions and special occasions.

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We are Ludis Group, a UK based publishing, advertising and marketing company.

Our main focus is the sports industry, producing high quality promotional brochures, magazines, yearbooks & special event programmes for many of the country’s top Golf, Polo, Yacht and Cricket Clubs.

We also offer a NEW BUSINESS PACKAGE Consisting of logo design, 1000 business cards, 1000 letterheads and 5000 A6 flyers.

Contact us now to book your advert in next year’s publication and receive a 10% earlybird discount

For more info, call us on 01273 512706 or visit www.ludisgroup.co.uk 48 | Thetford Golf Club

Contact Us If you require any information regarding Thetford Golf Club don’t hesitate to contact the Manager, Malcolm Grubb. He will be happy to provide any information you may require regarding membership, society visits or tee times and there will always be a warm welcome for new members, visitors and guests.

Our pro shop staff are also available to help you and to answer any questions you may have. There is also a wealth of information on our website at www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk You can make contact by: Email: secretary@thetfordgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: 01842 752169

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How to Find Us Thetford Golf Club is on the border between Suffolk and Norfolk and just off the main arterial road from London to Norwich, the A11. Travelling towards Norwich take the B1107 towards Brandon and the Clubhouse and car park is about half a mile on the left. Be aware that the postcode (IP24 3NE) may guide you towards the old Clubhouse – which is on the opposite side of the roundabout.

In January 2015 the A11 dual carriageway from Barton Mills to Thetford was opened, avoiding the previous bottleneck at the Elveden crossroads and effectively cutting 15 minutes off the travelling time for drivers from Newmarket, Cambridge and further south.

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SPECIAL OFFER MOT ONLY To take advantage of this offer simply mention that you have seen it in the Thetford Golf Club 2019 Brochure at the point where you make the booking.

COMPETITIVE FINANCE AVAILABLE ON ALL NEW AND USED CARS STARTING FROM 2.9% APR WITH DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTIONS AVAILABLE ON MOST NEW KIA MODELS.

Visit EMG in Thetford for the largest selection of used cars in the area and also the home of the market leading 7 year warranty on new Kia models.

EMG Thetford

1 Fison Way, Thetford IP24 1HT • 01842 770700 www.emgmotorgroup.com Thetford Golf Club | 51

THETFORD GOLF CLUB

www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk 52 | Thetford Golf Club