Cricket St Thomas Seniors 2

16 July 2026

Saturday 25th July 2026

The Brean Scene

I must say, I was impressed when Stu Pope requested the support of our Section to support our friends at Bean Golf Club. " Let's take 16 Players for the Friendly" - as many other local Clubs are walking away.

They have always withstood challenges, being located in 45 Acres adjacent the beach of the North Somerset Coast and amidst some major tourist attractions.

..but now it's getting serious...

What's Happening at Brean Golf Club

Brean Golf Club is currently undergoing significant changes, including a broad sustainability review and potential adjustments to the golf course. The club is set to close its country club and restaurant in December 2025, with the golf course expected to be reduced to a 9-hole pay-as-you-play course by March 2026. These changes aim to enhance the resort's sustainability and accommodate the introduction of additional holiday homes.

For golfers, the course conditions are good, with no buggies permitted due to fair conditions. However, there may be possible disruptions to play, so it's advisable to check with the Pro Shop Team for the latest updates.

Brean Golf Club is also involved in major winter development works, which have temporarily closed the golf course and country club until the Spring. These works include reconfiguring the existing layout into a 9-hole course with 9 additional tees, retaining an 18-hole playing experience.

For the latest updates on course conditions and any changes to the golf club, visitors can stay informed through the Brean Golf Club website

Now follow the WhatsApp dialog - which does drag on a bit, but the nice part is the ongoing support from some of our Senior Seniors to support them for as long as they survive - the attended our recent OPEN in large numbers:-

[21/07, 19:05] Pope Stuart: BREAN ...... WE HAVE A FULL TEAM OF 8 PAIRS NOW THAT JOHN GRIFFITHS and KEITH BRANCHFLOWER HAVE AGREED TO PLAY.

[21/07, 19:26] Martyn Jewell: Results sheet attached

[24/07, 13:02] Roger STONE: Brean result ask Stuart Pope

[24/07, 18:43] Charles Summers: To assuage the clamour ... 6.5 to 1.5 win for Brean. Certainly, Nick and John were good company for Keith B. and me going out last for the day. Then, served us up with ham, double egg and chips (what, no pan seared duck I hear you cry!?), and some distinctly dodgy Bradford jokes from our match captain of the day !

[24/07, 18:45] Jim Lauchlan: I think we could have all made those comments but held our tongue as it's the captains privilege to put the scores up.even if it's a day late

[24/07, 19:40] James Siabi: I have asked Stuart Pope (match captain) for the result but haven't heard anything yet. He hasn't read the message I sent him

[24/07, 21:00] Pope Stuart: Brean Match Report. A very testing course with water to negotiate on every hole! It was made more difficult with the ball running further on the hard dry surface and the slope towards the water.

[24/07, 21:00] Pope Stuart:

1 Stuart Pope & Nick Patten - Lost by 2 after being 2 up at the turn and all square at the 17th.

2 Jim Lauchlan & Steve Kitcher . Lost 3&2.

3 Barrie Heath & John Baker . Lost 6&4

4 John Griffiths & Martin Leigh Lost 2&1.

5 Dougie Oliver & Dave Hannaford. Halved

6 Keith Hunt & Eric Williams . Lost by 1.

7 Dave Asquith & Bill Hilson . Lost 6&4

Bringing together the Open Winners of Hilson, Williams and Branchflower was partially successful when :--

8 Charles Summers & Keith Branchflower Won 2&1 thank goodness.

Match result Lost 6.5 to 1.5. But a good day and we ran them closer than the result shows

Luckily , Rule 17B allowed me to replay my shot on 15th after hitting a nesting duck, which was technically above the water-line and not part of the water hazard...

[24/07, 21:30] James Siabi: Those who played at Brean. How does the course compare to the old 18 holes course?

Which holes have disappeared?

Is it as challenging as the old setup?

[24/07, 21:37] +44 7980 193315: The pair we played reckon its more challanging know.

[24/07, 21:45] Keith Hunt: It certainly was not easy. Most members lost a ball or two, there is water on every hole and still a challenge. It’s a thinking man’s course now, leave your driver at home. They are moving 1 Tee back a good 70yards to make a hole a par 5 for the front 9 I believe and still a par 4 for the back. I thought they have made the most of what they have and managed to keep some good/interesting golf holes. Just my opinion

[24/07, 22:00] James Siabi: It was never an easy course. If they have kept all the holes with water features, it must be tough

[25/07, 00:33] STEVE Kitcher: The course is now been ruined, they have lost 1,2&3, kept the 4th and the 12th onwards, lost over 100 members and according to the guys we played with it won’t be long before they lose the rest of the holes and at £8000 ground rent not surprising they want to put another 1000 vans out their, would suggest we don’t go back there again

[25/07, 07:37] John Baker: My thoughts for what they’re worth… yes, the course is different but I still found it challenging with the water etc. They are a great bunch of guys making the most of what they have. They are also great supporters of our charity day. I suggest we arrange the fixture next year and if the course closes, so be it. We only have to play it once a year and if anyone doesn’t like it they don’t have to put their name down.

[25/07, 07:51] Dave Mugridge: Didn't play this year but concur with JB

[25/07, 08:41] Pope Stuart: Wake up. THE BREAN MATCH REPORT is there. For the time-wasters _Just use your finger to whizz back above the shirt orders and you will find it.

...don't worry - we'll delete this after 200 reads...honest...

Thurs 23rd July 2026

Update on Maurice Arnold

Richard has been in contact with June and their will be no actual Funeral, just a private family affair which is all taken care of by Undertakers.

There will, however, be a chance to pay our last respects on :-

Saturday 8th August at 15:00

Merriott Social Club

71 Lower Street, Merriott, , Crewkerne, United Kingdom, TA16 5NP

No particular dress code, just 'come as you are'

Just as he did in life, no fuss from Mo. He will walk as quietly from this life into eternity and onto those perfect greens & fairways.

We are not expecting large numbers, but if you could let Richard Forster know via WhatsApp if you are attending it will help the Family.

Wed 22nd July 2026

Summer KO Singles QF clash between Neil & Norman looks tasty as both had same nett score, both cut 0.5 H/C and both playing off 21 HI...

Tuesday 21st July 2026

..meanwhile there was some proper golf being played by our Avalon Team as manager Martyn Jewell reports...

Avalon League result.

Stockwood Vale 3

CST 12.5

Very warm day.

Generally friendly company, while a minority were very serious!

Thanks to the whole team for navigating some tricky holes.

Martyn

Stockwood Vale fielded a very strong Team, but what a start by our first three 4-balls...but would you fancy giving Martyn 12 shots ?..love the way that even if you get a half in an AWAY game ..you Win !

Monday 20th July 2026

Big attendance at Alan Chance Funeral

Estimated 120 plus in attendance, fortunately dry fields nearby were opened up for parking.

is it just me, or do you tremble a little when you see numbers like 1948 for DoB...

yes, I know mate.....flipping handicaps have been the bane of my life too....

Thanks to Nick & Alan for Order of Service Pics.

Await details of Maurice Arnold Funeral

Today's friendly match against Taunton

Boy were those greens slick, needed a wet stick of rhubarb to putt....although Dave was seen watering 18th as water may have been partially restored.

N Patten & J Lauchlan Won 7&6

B Heath & T Purrett Halved 0 & 0

J Siabi & P Shorrocks Lost 3&2

B Smith & R Shelley Won 3&2

M Leigh & J Griffiths Won 3&1

D Mugridge & E Williams Won 3&2

CST 4.5 T&P 1.5

Well played guys

Summer KO Singles - Dave & Terry are playing on Thursday

Summer KO - 4BBB First Team to Semi-Finals:

Stunning win for Bob Five "T's" as he and Tony Harris take down fancied Neil & Mark by 3 &2

..but there are still 6 very strong pairings to overcome before they can celebrate.

Holt/Mugridge v Jewell / Shelley

( Playing Fri 08:56)

Gingell / Hildred v Hannaford / Smith

( Playing Wed 08:40 .)

Gardener / Hone v Asquith / Brent

( Playing Wed 08:32 if Gordon Fit.)

The Chicken Farmer (Retd) shot Gross 81 as he led his Team to a narrow win on Wednesday. He got mad a few times as Greens were so challenging.17th - On Green in 2, 8 feet from pin. Had to putt across a rare green patch..but was too long and had a 9 foot return putt, which turned left and stopped 10 feet away. Luckily his partners were there to mop up the odd point as JKP got a bollocking for not getting a shot on Stroke Index 18 !
Derek chipped in for a nice 2 on 12th.

Thursday 16th July 2026

Having had a rest day, a little thank you message for our wonderful seniors section is in order

Good evening everyone,

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Captain's Charity Open such a tremendous success.

Thanks to your generosity and support, we raised an incredible £4,329.51 for our chosen charity, Fight Bladder Cancer.

This is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone involved should be proud of.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Seniors Section members for their generous donations and for providing so many excellent raffle prizes. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and played a significant part in the success of the day.

How ironic that one of the sponsor - experts in solar energy - parked in the shade and the gusts of wind removed the roof of their Gazebo

To all our visitors and home players, thank you for taking part in the competition and for your generosity in purchasing raffle tickets and supporting the refreshments at the halfway house. Your contributions helped make a real difference to the amount raised for the charity.

...and of course " The Sponsor Terrier" - who nagged/begged/ pleaded for sponsors and of course has a very personal reason for this Charity being chosen and will hopefully arranged some of those he has met to come along and accept the cheque

Sir Clive Fisk

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our committee members. The amount of work carried out before, during, and after the event was immense. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to help ensured that everything ran smoothly. Quite simply, without their support, this event could not have been the success that it was.

QUINNY slaved away all day on the Computer, with many challenges as handicaps change right up to the day before.

Others in the Starter Hut were Mr & Mrs Spencer-Farr-Warner-Booth and Mrs Janet Thomas, wife of our Vice-Captain.

Note the water, supplied by Captain for every player whist Club repairs water pump that sits above water level in aquifer.

Thanks to the Ladies on out half-way house, although we were somewhat down on cakes this year and had to make a dash for supplies to ensure we could look after the late tee-times.

Thanks to John Baker who controlled the Start and read the rules

He even had a 'suggestions box' alongside him.

Thanks to emergency 'cut&paste' team that had to cut up and print all the card labels & handicaps as Club printer was not available as expected.

Thank you once again to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, or supported the event in any way. Your generosity and community spirit are what make this such a special occasion. We hope you all enjoyed the day, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year to enjoy our improved course, including the exciting addition of three new holes.

CST Catering did a great job and as teams finished, they were seated in the Horizons for a 5-course Meal.

Lasagne, Garlic Bread, Lettuce, Tomato & Cucumber ..I jest- it was just about perfect after a round of golf - so thanks to all the staff.

With sincere thanks,

James Siabi

Seniors Captain Cricket St Thomas G.C.

The Kitcher Kids - threw it all away on 18th with a Bogey 5.

Another big Sponsor was West Country Cars who sell the very popular Chinese BYD Cars

Party of City West Country based in Taunton

They have a brand new 4x4 due out shortly and I've asked for a brochure.

Note :-The Committee are holding a debrief on Wed after medal to discuss Open and anywhere we can improve. Send JB / DA / JS / IT any suggestions . One thing we may have to change is Leader Board as Quinny has indicated this may be his last year. Think we should do a trial run using the IG System - with each team entering their own cards on Computer - it should be possible any many other Clubs do it. It is, after all, what it is designed for.

15 June 2026

Wednesday 15th July 2026

Hi Clive,

Best of luck with the Golf Day tomorrow! 🏌️Your personal experience with bladder cancer is really touching, you're very inspirational for turning your experience into something positive by spreading valuable awareness and support for bladder cancer. I'm so relieved to know you're now cancer free and can return to playing golf pain-free!

The amazing support you and your local golf club will raise will go towards the running of our 24/7 free to join support forum; help us network with politicians and healthcare professionals to influence policy change and help patients get an earlier diagnosis, and support our research into more medical treatments for bladder cancer patients. All of our information booklets get sent to GPs free of charge, so thank you for helping us fund that so that more people can learn about bladder cancer for free.

If you do take any photos tomorrow then please send them my way as I'd love to shout you out on our socials and in our monthly newsletter sent to our supporters 📸

Thank you for everything you're doing for us Clive, it really makes all the difference!!

Best wishes,
Kirsten Meek
Fundraising Executive

Dear All

We are currently having an issue with water supply at the Golf Club. The borehole which supplies the club no longer has water at sufficient depth for the pump to supply water. We have brought in a water tanker to supply water to the Clubhouse, so this remains unaffected.

However, it does mean that we no longer have access to irrigation water and water to the halfway house. During this period, we will be keeping the greens at a higher height of cut and cutting less frequently, this will alleviate stress and help recovery.

We have also installed a temporary toilet at the halfway house. We hope this situation will be resolved as quickly as possible and we thank you for your patience during this time.

Kind Regards,

Ben Fuller

Pro Shop

This email was sent to you on behalf of Cricket St Thomas Golf Club by

132 Entries

"We're gonna need a lotta cakes !"

..and a few pennies in your pockets when you participate in our cake stall - will help us hand over a much needed sum to Fight Bladder Cancer -

Which we as Seniors understand better than most....

Weekend

Hi John, Some clarity and additional info regarding Alans funeral. Please can you add it to thr blog for those who don't use WhatsApp. The church parking area is small but there is a field behind which is available to use. Additionally there is a field opposite and negotiations arm ongoing with the farmer. There will be a notice if this is in use. The church only holds 60 so the service will be relayed and straw bales will be there for seating. Finally Jenny has asked for an indication on the number of attendees. Please would you email me on so I can pass on the numbers stuartpope06@gmail.com

Friday 10th July 2026

Wednesday 8th July 2026

one of the joys of being a Blog editor, is when the phone rings and a quiet voice at the other end starts to speak...I've got some sad news....a long pause...I have just been told we have lost another Senior this morning....tick-tock-tick-tock...a really good friend of mine...deep breath...Maurice Arnold passed away in the early hours of this morning in Yeovil Hospital.

Maurice Arnold Club Member for Decades

Richard Forster informs us that Maurice had grown weaker over the past few months, as he visited him in hospital, which we reported here.

A few days later he was rushed to Yeovil once again, but this time there was to be no recovery as June & her daughter were called in by Hospital Staff.

Maurice was one of the originals when I joined in the early 2000's and spent much of his time entering Opens in the area with Chris B, Richard, Danny etc -
A single-figure handicap in his day, but always amazed me how for he could hit the ball with his compact frame.
A nice guy, no bells or whistles - just loved to play golf.

Not seen for a few years as he battled with COPD which in turn opened him up to other respiratory infections.

They seemed to return from every open with winnings of some sort.

Came Down Open

Richard continued "it makes you think, each time you see these pictures on the Blog - how salutary it is to enjoy what time we all have left - and wonder Who's next ! "

Winning Christmas Cracker

Thursday 9th

Bumped into Geoff Dean today as he celebrated his 93rd Birthday. Born the same year as Colin Ireland.

Fighting fit but says he has stopped his rope pulling habit.

Young Mrs Dean, Janice, is not doing too well and is back in hospital after a fall which broke her wrist. May have operate on her spleen whis has a bleed.

So Geoff has to more at home but gets good support from Family.

13 Years ago , at 80 he abseiled down St Mary's Chard, where he was a campanologist.

He was sad to hear about Alan Chance & Maurice, he use to ri ng the bells over in Pucknowle Church.

Sends his regards to all that knew him.

JW - 4th Name on Trophy

Serial offender James thanked all the Captain's present for what they had contributed to the Section over many years.

Players this year:-

2007 Bert Robinson 2009 / 10 John Pearce 2011 Stuart Pope

2016 Nick Hill 2017 Roger Stone 2018 Barrie Heath

2020 James Siabi 2022 Dave Mugridge 2023 John Wandless

2025 Keith Hunt

Special thanks for Bert Robinson who celebrates his 90th Birthday in a couple of Months.

Defending Champion

July 8th Stableford

Division 1: pays Birdies pays

1st David Asquith(13) 44 £8.11 3 £2.82

2nd Derek Gardener(16) 40 £5.41 1 £0.94

3rd Dennis Hussey(14) 38 1 £0.94

4th Nick Gabb(15) 35

5th Jeremy Blackburn(9) 32 1 £0.94

6th Richard Holmes(10) 31 2 £1.88

7th Mark Sanders(18) 28

8th Dave Edwards(15) 28

9th Robert Barrow(14) 27

Division 2:

1st Jim Lauchlan(19) 39 £7.21 1 £0.94

2nd Ian Thomas(22) 36 £4.81

3rd Martin Leigh(19) 34

4th Robert Tuttiett(24) 34

5th Anthony Andrews(26) 34

6th William Hilson(26) 32

7th Joe Kotwica(22) 27

8th Chris Hiam(28) 26

Birdies:

Player Score Hole

David Asquith (13) 3 6th

David Asquith (13) 2 13th

David Asquith (13) 3 14th

Jeremy Blackburn (9) 3 6th

Derek Gardener (16) 3 1st

Richard Holmes (10) 4 5th

Richard Holmes (10) 2 13th

Dennis Hussey (14) 2 12th

Jim Lauchlan (19) 2 3rd

Monday 6th July 2026

Todays Jubilee Salver winners with a gross score of 59 (53.5 net) team of ex-captains Barrie Heath Dave Mugridge & Keith Hunt

Seniors Captain

Following recent months of illness and frequent hospital appointments in London, James Siabi has decided to step aside from most of the duties of Seniors Captain. Ongoing health issues will limit the time available to direct and support the Seniors Section in the remaining months of his captaincy, and he has expressed a wish to hand over many of the day to day duties to the Seniors Committee after the Charity Open on 15th July.
James will still be the Seniors Captain until November when Ian Thomas takes over the reins, and if there are any matters which need advice or clarification please go to a member of the committee. The committee will be meeting at regular intervals in the intervening time to ensure the continued smooth running of the Section.
James was Seniors Captain in 2020 at the start of the Covid outbreak, which severely limited his role, and felt that in 2026 he could put in place those tasks missing from his first captaincy.
We all wish James a swift recovery from his current health issues and look forward to seeing him back as a full and active member of the seniors section.

CST Seniors Committee

Friday 3rd July 2026

Wednesday 1st July 2026

Birdies:

Dennis Hussey x2 @ 10 and 17 £3.50

David Asquith x2 @ 5 and 16 £3.50

Martin Bargery x1 @8 £1.75

Roger Stone x1 @ 13 £1.75

Alan's Funeral is on Saturday, 18th July at 11am at S Andrews Church, Puckington. TA19 9JD and afterwards at BARRINGTON Village Hall.

Dress code. Alan's wife Jenny will not be wearing black and Alan hated wearing suits.

The family will arrange the flowers. Donations to Prostrate Cancer via the funeral directors Barry Gibbs

Official Opening Today

Spot Team Alex and quite a few familiar faces

WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPENING ON WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY.

The countdown is on for the opening of The Country Inn — your new go-to spot for great drinks, fantastic food, and even better company! 

And just look at that tap lineup 

 Carlsberg Pilsner

 Angelo Poretti

 Estrella Damm

 Thatchers Juicy Apple

 Thatchers Gold

 Hobgoblin Session IPA

 Guinness

 Tribute

 Guest Ales

And a fantastic range of 0% and low alcohol options!

Whether you're after a crisp lager, a refreshing cider, a real ale, or a hoppy IPA, we've got something waiting with your name on it. 

 Opening on 1st July - Cricket St. Thomas Country Inn

 Cold pints, delicious food, and a warm welcome await.

Captain James presents Memorial Trophy 2026
to John Sweet in Specsavers Sunblockers; Roger Stone in Pilotskymasters and Bob Tuttiett in OakleyProv73's and his sponsored OmegaRanger watch.
Sponsorship deals for John's Trousers are available for £200 per square metre.

All the best Roger - with Sir Clive who was in there himself last week undergoing surgery and has a few weeks at home in recovery - whilst still pulling strings for The Open on July 15th.

Thursday 25th June 2026

In one of those lovely calls get from Start Pope - we are informed that Alan Chance passed away last night.

Pictures below go some way to show how this true golfer gave his heart & souls to this Club we call our home.

He was Club Captain ( of Windwhistle ); Seniors Captain; Somerset Golf Union Captain - and a very handy single-figure handicapper. In recent years he has played with The EGGS, but still made to odd cameo appearance.

Had some great friends amongst the Seniors as pictures will show.

It was fateful timing that just last weekend, Jenny was celebrating her 80th Birthday and most of the Family had travelled to Donyatt to Celebrate with them. Visits from Stuart, John Evans, Steve Southgate and many more over the weekend.

He had fought a long battle with Prostate Cancer, which unfortunately spread to other parts has he gradually lost his mobility and of course his beloved Golf.

Lots of comments in already from WhatsApp:-

[25/06, 12:10] James Siabi: Gentlemen

A very sad news. Without offending anyone, one of the nicest & kindest members, Alan Chance passed away last night.

A truly nice guy who will be missed enormously.

On behalf of our group I offer our condolences to his family and friends

RIP Alan

[25/06, 12:12] Mike HONE: Sad news indeed, such a lovely man...RIP Alan 😥

[25/06, 12:20] Eric Williams: Desperately sad news. Alan was an absolute legend.

[25/06, 12:31] Keith Hunt: He has had a long struggle, now in peace. One of the nicest people you would ever come across, a true Gentleman.

[25/06, 13:07] Gordon Brent: A true gent RIP mate

[25/06, 13:09] Clive Fisk: Always with a smile, always!

Will be sadly missed.

[25/06, 13:11] Paul Bennett One of the best club Captains and a true Gentleman he will be missed

[25/06, 13:13] Peter Spencer-Farr: Really sad, one of the very best to have known. Always jovial and fun to be with. Loved and respected by all! R.I.P.

[25/06, 13:24] Ian Thomas: The first senior I played with in a club friendly, such a lovely person and a privilege to have known. RIP Alan...

[25/06, 13:24] Steve Holt: I can't add anything other than to support all the above comments. RIP Alan.

[25/06, 13:33] Roger STONE: Rest in peace number1, will miss seeing and playing with you.

[25/06, 13:36] Martyn Hartley: What a great loss such a lovely man and great character will be missed

[25/06, 13:48] Barrie Heath: Played with him many times over the years, we always had a good laugh as has already been said, a true gent.

[25/06, 15:15] Norman Markby: What a lovely lovely man who will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to jenny and his family.

RIP Alan

[25/06, 15:51] Roger STONE: In better days ( Thanks for Pic Roger)

[25/06, 18:57] Bob Dennett: I will you mate, RIP

[25/06, 21:13] Terry Rutherford: I have known Alan for almost 30 years he was a true gentleman and I was lucky enough to know him as a friend he will be missed by everyone who knew him R.I.P my friend 😢😢😢

[26/06, 05:43] Bob Barrow: To the Chance family, A real gentleman, now gone to rest, fond memories.

[26/06, 17:12] Andy Rowland : Dear All from afar:

Very sad to hear about the passing of Alan, he was a lovely man whose advice I sought often when captain. Always jovial and greeted me with a firm handshake.

[26/06, 17:12] Clive Fisk: I played with Alan some time ago, sharing medical terms for most of the round.

I remember saying, "remember when all we used to talk about were girls”?- Reply, "long time ago Clive”!

I asked him where he lived. “A house in Donyatt on the river”.

I replied “ I lived there 60 years ago”!

I can say this. I loved him!

27/06, 11:00] Edmondo Paoloni:

Farewell racing partner I will miss you, Edmondo

You can add messages by Emailing JKP - john.pearce.windy@gmail.com

Jubilee Salver Winners

Tuesday 23rd June 2026

Tomorrows roll up has been cancelled due to the heat. Also all the greens have been covered in sand. If you still want to play you will need to book a tee time.