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Alston Golf Club, Cumbria. (1905 - 1969)
The club was founded in 1905.
The first course was at Black House Farm, this opened in Easter 1906. It continued until 1914 when there was a disagreement with the landowner regarding rent.
In 1914 and throughout the period of the First World War they moved to Bayle Hill, a 9-hole course of 1,670 yards, although hardly any golf was played due to the war. They lost the tenancy at Bayle Hill following WW1, and decided to move back to Black House Farm, but due to mounting debts the club was wound up in 1923.
A new chapter started in 1924 when the club moved to a course at Randalholme, it enjoyed a long and successful time at this location. In 1968 the opportunity to purchase Hermitage Farm arose, and the club realised this was an opportunity to good to miss. With the help of grants, donations and interest free loans, the club were in a position to purchase Hermitage Farm and they moved there in 1969.
Report on the new club in April 1906.
Carlisle Journal Friday 20 April 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Above image courtesy of David Low.
In 1907 the secretary was J G Richardson, Coatlith Hill, Alston. A 9 hole course, there was no entry fee subs were 10/-. There was a membership of 70. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a day, 3/- a week and 5/- a month. Sunday play was not permitted.
Hexham Courant Saturday 24 August 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
In 1908 the secretary was George Ducketts, Park House, Alston.
The following article is from the Newcastle Daily Chronicle April 1908.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle Friday 8 May 1908. Images © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From 1910 to 1913 the secretary was G T Elliot, Bank House, Alston. Membership had dropped to just 35.
In 1914 the secretary was M H Tindle.
Below is a report on the annual meeting from the Penrith Observer Tuesday 28 March 1916.
Report on the new golf course at Randalolme in August 1924.
Penrith Observer Tuesday 26 August 1924.
Below is a report on the annual meeting from the Penrith Observer Tuesday 11 April 1939.
Following WW2 in 1947 the secretary was H Tindale, West View House, Alston. The station was one mile away. Visitors’ fees were 2/- a day and 7/6 a week. Sunday play allowed. Local hotels; Blue Bell and the Golden Lion. By the mid 1950s membership was 90.
In the early 1960s the secretary was J F Fawcett. 9 hole course with a total length of 4,304 yards. Membership was now 100. Visitors’ fees were 3/6 a day and 10/6 a week.
In the mid 1960s the secretary was W R Ball. Visitors’ fees were 2/6 a round, 5/- a day and 10/- a week.
Below is a report on the clubs move to the current location in April 1969.
From the Newcastle Journal Friday 18 April 1969. With thanks to Trinity Mirror. Digitised by Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited. All rights reserved.
Black House Farm is in the centre of the map.
Grid reference NY71300,45945, co-ordinates 371300,545945.
Bayle Hill is located to the south east.
Grid reference NY72780,45625, co-ordinates 372780,545625.
Location of the course at Randalholme.
Grid reference NY71470,48570, co-ordinates 371470,548570.