In the Men’s competition for the Colin Easson Trophy, Adam Smith overcame the cold and extremely high winds, with gusts of up to sixty miles an hour, to take the win with a gutsy thirty eight points on the Lakes course. Adam, off twenty three, said that it was a very tough game but he was overjoyed if somewhat surprised to have won it, even with the conditions he didn’t think that his score would stand up. The next target for Adam is the 19-28 Handicap Championship this weekend, last year’s winner James Ablett, a close friend of Adam’s, will no doubt be trying hard to win it again.

Second and third were settled on count back after four people came in with thirty seven points. Nine handicapper Dean Wilkinson took second place, Fraser Denholm off six was third. Peter Key and Kevin Daff were pushed back into fourth and fifth respectively.

The Second Team were in action at home against a strong team from Boston Golf Club on the Lakes course. Simon Bateman and Pete Dickinson took the first game by five and four, Team Captain Alan Bennett and Stef Dutton also won the second game out one up. Neil Crees and Peter De Kremer won the third game by two and one which meant that the Greetham Valley team needed just a half from the remaining three games to register a win. In the fourth game George Grant and Ben Easson lost three and two but the remaining two pairs, Tony Mould and Paul Jenkinson, who won four and three and Steve Anderson and Carl Causbrook, who won one up gave the home team a great five games to one win. Alan Bennett said that the team worked very hard for each other and gave them a good base to work from for the rest of the season.

Men’s Captain Trevor Smith had to work hard to win the Midweek Stableford on the Lakes course. The top three all came in with the same score of thirty six points and were separated on count back. Trevor took the win, four handicapper Nick Cunnington was second and scratch player Jordan Burdall was third.

Trevor Smith was the star of the show again just a few days later in the May Weekend Medal. Playing off two in division one, he shot a gross seventy to win the medal and the lowest gross. Trevor said that he was very pleased with the way that he played and was over the moon to be cut to one. Six handicapper Chris Steele was cut to five after taking second place with a gross seventy seven.

Three players came in with a net score of seventy two and were separated on count back. Nine handicapper Steve Anderson took third from Peter Ryan off thirteen and Elliot Clark off twelve was pushed back into fifth.

In division two Dave Smith off twenty was cut to nineteen after winning the division with a net seventy one. Ken Mason was second with a seventy two, he was cut to twenty two while Steve Sharples who won the lowest gross lost out on count back and was placed third.

In the Ladies Medal, scratch player Sophie Beardsall was once again the class of the field taking the medal and the lowest gross with a sparkling seventy four. Twenty seven handicapper Fay Taylor took second place with a net seventy six and Amanda Cassie was third with a seventy seven.

The B Team were in action away to Burghley Park at the weekend led by Men’s Vice Captain Shaun Denholm. After the first six games Burghley Park had the upper hand having won four games and a half to Greetham Valley’s one and a half. Burghley looked good for the win needing just one of the final four games to go their way. Alan Bennett and Mike Watkins won the next game for Greetham Valley three and two to put that thought on hold. Fred Aspin and David Aldred were the next pairing in for Greetham, they won three and one. Wayne Terrett and Keith Heppenstall won their game four and three; this meant that the overall match was level at four and a half games each.

It all now depended upon the last game out on the course which two former Captains, Jim Wheeler and Geoff Woolley won one up to give the Greetham Valley team a fantastic victory after a great fight back. Team Captain Shaun said that waiting for the results to come in was almost as hard as actually playing the game. He went on to praise the spirit of his team and thanked them for a great result.

On the same day, the Mixed Team led by Ladies Vice Captain Bev Dolman struggled to find a team to play Melton Mowbray at home as ten pairs were at Burghley Park in the B team match and six pairs were playing for the first team. Bev needed eight pairs, she was helped out by Captain Trevor Smith who called up a few players who were new to mixed team golf to help out. They won the match with a comfortable four and a half to three and a half. Bev said that the new players had enjoyed the game so much that they said they would be very happy to help out again.

The First Team were also at home this weekend, they entertained Gedney Hill and were keen to avenge the defeat experienced when they played them away just last week. Jordan Burdall and Chris Steele set the team on their way with a comfortable four and three win,  Andrew Frisby and Ben Gasson followed suit with a hard fought two and one win.

Fraser Denholm and Richard Wilson soon took the team to the half way mark by demolishing their opposition seven and five. Greetham Valley needed just the half to complete the win but the team were in no mood to let up the pressure. Adam Clegg and Ray Gladwinfield continued the team’s good form with a four and two victory to win the match but there was more to come. Trevor Smith and Bob Green won their game four and three, Paul Clegg and Scotty Stephenson also won by the same score to complete a fantastic clean sweep.

 Greetham Valley Captains Trevor Smith and Sheila Douty say that they have only four places left for the Bank Holiday competition, sign up on the board or be disappointed!!

Friday 5 July

Enjoy a superb two course themed dinner, then dance until midnight to the fantastic sound of live band Shadows of Motown, plus disco with Rutland Radio’s Rob Persani.

7.30pm to midnight    Tickets £22.50pp

Click here for our Motown Tribute Night menu

Ticket reservations: Greetham Valley Reception, tel (01780) 460444

A few days later, Sophie, off scratch, competed in the County Championships at Blankney Golf Club, winning her first game against Michelle Willerton two and one. In the quarter finals she was up against the number three seed, one of the County’s up and coming juniors, Billie Jo Smith from Woodhall Spa; again, Sophie won two and one. The semi finals saw some high quality golf in very tough, wet and windy conditions, Sophie was drawn against plus three handicapper Helen Hewlett from Seacroft golf club. The match was nip and tuck throughout and could only be settled on the eighteenth. Unfortunately, Sophie lost when her final putt lipped out.

While she was disappointed to have lost she took great comfort from taking Helen all the way and playing some great golf in very trying conditions. Helen went on to win in the final beating Holme Hall’s Emilee Taylor three and two. Sophie was very happy to find that she and fellow Greetham Valley member Emma Tipping, off two, have been picked once again to be part of the County team who in June, will play at Hawkestone Golf Club in Shropshire where they will try to regain the title that they lost in last year’s County finals. Greetham Valley and County girls’ Junior organiser Pat Jones, was praised by County Captain Cindy Ireland for the great work that she has put in with the County Girls over the past couple of years.

Sophie was back in action at the weekend playing in the Colin Easson Trophy. The competition was played on the Lakes course in extremely high winds. Wittering, which is only a few miles away as the golf ball flies, registered gusts up to 59 miles an hour. Playing at Blankney must have given Sophie a bit of practice but after a slight argument with a tree, unusually for her, she bogey’d the third. She put that behind her and followed it up with thirteen pars and two birdies to take the win with a splendid thirty seven points. Sue Brand was second with thirty six points and the ever improving Cathy Steele came in with thirty five points for third place.

The Seniors, who had beaten Thorney Lakes five and a half to two and a half away continued their winning ways in high winds at home on the Valley course with a five and a half to two and a half win. The Ladies had a tough match on the Lakes course against Stoke Rochford and went behind after the first game but managed to turn it around to halve the match.

The Ladies Midweek Medal was played on the Lakes course in what this year almost seems to be obligatory rough weather. Twenty five handicapper Rita Knapp seemed to take it all in her stride, winning with a nett seventy one. Gilly Grant off ten took second place and the lowest gross with a gross eighty three. Cathy Steele found herself in the top three again with a nett seventy four to take third.

Bob Beverley and Neil Harris won the Tudor Springs Foursomes, they came in with a net seventy one and will represent Greetham Valley in next yea’rs Mail on Sunday Foursomes competition. Brett Skerritt and Paul Childe-Freeman were second with a nett seventy three point five. Third place was taken by two seniors, John Taylor and Peter Wood, they came in with a seventy five.

Last minute July deals – book before 16th June to enjoy 30% discount on a self catering break in Rutland!

Summer is on its’ way and to celebrate we are offering a superb July self catering deal! Why not relax on a long weekend in Rutland, escape for a midweek break or chill out for a week or more… a Rutland Lodge at Greetham Valley is a luxurious home from home in which to spend some quality downtime on a self catering holiday break. Our lovely log cabins comfortably sleep 6 in three bedrooms.

Prefer a cosy cottage retreat? Mill Cottage at Greetham Valley is a converted barn tucked away in a hidden valley and comfortably sleeps 5 in three bedrooms.

Book before 16th June for a self catering break in July and enjoy a huge 30% discount off our normal tariffs. Offer applicable for both Rutland Lodges and Mill Cottage, subject to availability.  We regret offers are not applicable to existing bookings. Up to two pets are very welcome in Mill Cottage and in two of our Lodges, with great walkies from right outside the door - please add an extra £25 if bringing any four legged friends!

Long Weekend Offer – book before 16th June:
3 night weekend break, arrive Friday 5th or 12th July, depart the following Monday - 30% discount off normal tariff, now just £325 (was £475). Terms and conditions apply

Week Break Offer – book before 16th June:
7 night break, arrive Monday 1st or 8th July, depart the following Monday – 30% discount off normal tariff, now just £500 (was £725). OR arrive Friday 5th or 12th July, depart the following Friday – 30% discount off normal tariff, now just £500 (was £725). Terms and conditions apply

Midweek Break - book before 16th June :
4 night midweek break, arrive Monday 1st or 8th July, depart the following Friday - 30% discount off normal tariff, now just £325 (was £475).  Terms and conditions apply

STOP PRESS!! Fabulous accommodation offer during the Rutland Walking & Cycling Festival 18th May – 1st June. 3 nights self catering in Lodge or Cottage just £300; 5 nights just £450. Tel 01780 460444 to book, quoting ‘ Rutland Walking Festival’

Book your last minute self catering holiday break now with Reservations on (01780) 460444 or email us.

 The Festival is a celebration of Rutland’s beautiful landscape and the many walks and cycle routes in and around Rutland. The walks and cycle rides are all led by qualified volunteer walk and bike leaders, making this festival free!

The first week of walking (18th-25th May) offers a variety of different length walks at different times and locations around Rutland. The second week (26th May – 1st June) will offer the 7 sections of the Rutland Round over those 7 days.

With two of the walks starting and finishing at Greetham Valley, it is the perfect excuse to pop in for some well-earned refreshments in our lounge bar!

Over the two weeks there will also be cycle rides to suit everyone, ranging from family to nature rides and even a led cycle ride around the whole of Rutland Water, including the Hambleton Peninsula. There really is something for everyone!

Rutland is the perfect place for walking, and has long attracted ramblers, who enjoy finding their way around the tiny villages, little known tracks and country lanes. As well as the popular Rutland Water there are many other footpaths covering varied terrain with several famous walking routes as well:

The Macmillan Way was originally developed to raise money for Cancer Research, and was opened as a fully signed and waymarked route in 1996. This route passes the south banks of Rutland Water.

The Viking Way winds its way southwards from the Humber Bridge, through the Lincolnshire Wolds and finishes in Oakham.

The Hereward Way follows a path through Rutland, passing through villages including Empingham, Whitwell and Barnsdale, before reaching Oakham.

The Jurassic Way follows the band of Jurassic Limestone that runs along the northern boundary of Northamptonshire, along the Oxford Canal, via Middleton Cheney and Woodford Halse to Braunston on the Grand Union Canal. Here it passes between Market Harborough and Corby, following the Welland Valley to Rockingham with its castle.

Full details of the free events can be found in the Active Rutland Walking and Cycling Brochure, click here for details. Why not make a ‘Staycation’ of it and enjoy accommodation at Greetham Valley? We are offering some great late deals on self-catering and B&B breaks during the festival, starting at just £15 per person per night!

This offer must be booked direct with the Hotel. We regret this offer is not applicable to existing bookings, is  non-refundable or transferable, and is payable upon booking.

Please quote ” 3 for 2″  when calling to check availability throughout June.

Book your room now direct with Reservations on (01780) 460444 or email. All our offers are subject to availability.

STOP PRESS!! Fabulous accommodation offer during the Rutland Walking & Cycling Festival 18th May – 1st June 2013. £60 per night per room B&B plus packed lunch! Book NOW on 01780 460444, quoting ‘Rutland Walking Festival’

Neil Chatterton off thirteen was cut to twelve after taking second place on count back from twenty three handicapper Simon Bell. Both players came in with a net sixty two which would normally be good enough to win. Neil was cut to twelve and Simon to twenty one. Jordan Burdall playing off scratch shot a fantastic sixty five to take the lowest gross.

The Seniors’ May qualifying stableford was also played on the Valley course but in cool and blustery conditions. Keith Heppenstall, taking time off from his acting commitments, took the win in division one with thirty seven points and was cut to seventeen. Second and third were settled on count back after two players came in with thirty four points, Ken Stewart off ten took second place ahead of seventeen handicapper Tim Lee.  

Mike Hooper off twenty four took the honours in division two, he also had thirty seven points. Peter Keast was second with thirty six points, Charles Guttridge took third place on count back from Dave Lucas after they both scored thirty five points.

Greetham Valley’s Mixed Team entertained Stoke Rochford on the Lakes Course. Men’s Captain Trevor Smith and Ladies Captain Sheila Douty had a comprehensive win in the first game winning five and four. President Martin Boughton and Rena Lister lost their game two down to level the match for the visitors, this didn’t last for long however as Bill Skinner and Jackie Friend came in as three and one winners. The visitors struck back to win the next game and to level the match once again when Vice Captain Shaun Denholm and Chris Edwards lost five and four.

The game tilted back in favour of the home team after Fred Aspin and Angela Wheeler won what was quite a fractious game two and one. The result of the match now depended upon the final game out on the course. This was a very close game and went all the way to the last green but Jim Wheeler and Beryl Crosland took it with a winning putt to win one up. The result was a win by four to two for the Greetham Valley team.

Stuart and Kathy Dodds were guests at Greetham Valley’s 21st Birthday Party in April, where everyone was offered the opportunity to provide their email addresses in exchange for a chance to win the prize.  They said they were delighted to have won as they had already planned to book tickets, which are worth £22.50 each.

Tickets for the event are already selling well - a third of the tables are already fully booked, with two more months to go. This promises to be an excellent, entertaining evening, so don’t miss out – reserve your tickets now!!

When choosing your photographer, not only do you need to admire their work but you also need to ‘click’ with them; after all they will be a big part of your wedding day and may be with you from before you say ‘I do’ ’til well into the evening!

You may think that there are only so many different ways to take a photo but you would be wrong. We have a wide variety of photographers come to Greetham Valley who all put their own spin on our couples’ big day pictures! If you have been to Greetham Valley you will know that we have some excellent photo opportunities: one that is by far the favourite is when we take the Bride and Groom out on our wedding buggy to an attractive lake on one of the scenic golf courses.

It is worth making a short list of any group photos that you may want on the day, but don’t go mad as you do not want to keep your guests standing around for too long. We find that an hour for photos, drinks and maybe canapés is long enough to get the shots you want without guests beginning to get restless (or tipsy!). 

Be sure to meet with and look through your potential photographer’s previous wedding shoots  (a good time for this is at our twice yearly in-house wedding fairs – the next one is on Sunday 29^th September 2013) before paying any deposits and signing on the dotted line. Why not take a look at our online bridal gallery to see what some photographers tend to do when visiting Greetham Valley?