Piltdown Summer Open Event

It was a beautiful sunny day at Piltdown where Peter Ross whose late son Anthony was in Wargrave House from  1993 to 1998 played host to the first ever Eastbournian Society (ES) and OEGS (Old Eastbournian Golf Society) joint social golf day. 

The idea came from OE Jonathan Winchester (Craig 1981-85) who was keen to encourage golfers of all ages and abilities to have the chance to join in. He certainly succeeded in his mission with 24 players of mixed abilities from age 21 to 74 taking part.

Development Director Emma Garrett was thrilled that every part of the ES community was represented; OAs (former pupils of Ascham and St Andrew's), OEs (Old Eastbournians), parents of former pupils, current parents, as well as current and former members of staff. 

After a delicious plate of sandwiches and chips at midday, Chris Walker the Chair of the OEGS welcomed everyone before teams of 4 made their way out to the well-manicured course, which was first played in 1905.  

The course, no bunkers but lots of heather, was challenging but the condition was exceptional.  Don Wales (Blackwater 1974-77) had not played the course for many years but was thrilled to return and pay his respects – the ashes of both his parents are scattered on the third tee, near where he grew up. Peter Ross has the enviable position of living just beside the 18th hole and was delighted to join Nigel Welby (Reeves 1965-69), also familiar with the course, David Stewart (member of staff 1984 to 2021) and Mark May (parent of current and former pupils) in a formidable foursome.

After the golf, the group gathered in the early evening sun sharing stories over tea and cake - Matt Grover (Wargrave 1990-95) was delighted to meet up with Carolyn Oldham whose sons Nick (Blackwater 1988-93) and William (Wargrave 1994-99)  he knew from school days. Richard Crawley, parent of current pupils reminded former member of staff Nigel Wheeler (member of staff 1976 to 2006) that he had taught his wife Sarah nee Clark (School 1999-2004) in the heady days when drama/cricket/debating tours to Australia were the norm! 

Today, the ES is all about occasions such as this where stories are shared, memories rekindled, new friendships made, and old ones rejuvenated. 

Well done to Elaine Robinson mother of Matt (Craig 2005-10) and Jonny (Craig 2008-13) who scored an amazing 41 points…22 going out and 19 coming in. 

The team award went to Claire Patterson-Snell (sister of an OA), Iryna Photiou (mother of former pupil Alex Photiou (Powell 2016-21), Elaine Robinson and Patricia Seath, wife of Simon Seath (Powell 1966-69) with a combined best two scores of 100. A tremendous team effort.

Nearest the pin, on the tricky seventh with pin at the front went to Carolyn Oldham and longest drive to Matt Grover.

Emma Garrett (ES Development Director) presented the awards and invited everyone to the Foundation Golf Day at The Royal on Thursday 11 July for another day of fun and frolics on the fairway!  Book your place here, or contact Kim Richardson for more details or corporate sponsorship options.

To find out more about the OEGS and how to get involved, follow this link.