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The Old St Beghian | |
| January 2026 | |||
Golfing Society (OSBGS)
Old St Beghians’ Golfing Society Report
Tom Wright, the OSBGS Hon. Secretary, has sent in the following Golfing Society Report.
The Cyril Gray Tournament 2025.
Michael Coffey writes:
“This year we were drawn against our regular practice partners and long-time friends – Glenalmond, a team that we used to triumph over ‘back in the day’. Of late they have been in the ascendency.
We did our utmost to field a competitive team including some ‘new blood’. However, events conspired against us, and it was down to the regulars to go into battle.
The result:
Adrian Peckitt and Andrew Goodwin v Sandy Gray and Richard White: lost 1 down.
Jeff Ellis and Nigel Costeloe v John Bushell and Niall Booker: lost 2 and 1.
Charlie Crummey and Andy Crummey v John Gordon and Jim Patrick: won 1 up.
This was a very narrow loss, with its coming down, as it always does, to a crucial missed putt.
Undoubtedly, we would have triumphed with our original selection!
The somewhat galling thing is that Glenalmond went on to win the entire tournament, and thus giving hope to many other teams. Their victory of course was very well deserved and suitably celebrated. Our role as their practice partners though is now in doubt.
Cyril Gray
Understandably deflated by our narrow defeat, the next day we did not field even the same reliable team, having to bring a reserve out of retirement to challenge Brighton. Suffice it to say, we were well and truly beaten 3/0.
Overall, it was an enjoyable disappointment. The pre-tournament clubhouse dinner being a social highlight, where one meets and greets (not remembering their names) former opponents and friends, and where the team were joined by the ever present Mike Stamper and OSBGS President Michael Coffey.
The Cyril Gray is by far the most friendly and enjoyable past pupils' event. This is partly to do with the fact that all the competitors are over 50, and partly due to the time of year it is played - June. There is also the fact that there are teams of six and that is why we have, over the years, fared better in this event than any other. Indeed, we won in 1983.
Roll on next year!”Queen Elizabeth Tournament – Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth - 2025
In September, St Bees once again attended The Royal Burgess Golfing Society in Edinburgh to play in the QE.
The team consisted of Nigel Costelo, Andy Crummey, Charlie Crummey, Adrian Peckitt, Ben Wilson and Tom Wright.
A good day was had on the course playing alongside Dollar School. Those who stayed on the Friday evening enjoyed an evening meal in the city centre and watched the Women's World Cup Rugby Union semi-final in a central bar.
Queen Elizabeth - 2026
The QE is always a highlight in the OSB calendar. The event has been used in many different ways in the past, but always to enjoy great Lothian golf courses and balance the trip with a visit to the iconic city centre.
Queen Elizabeth Tournament Further plans and information on this will be sent out early in the new year, upon confirmation of competition dates. For now, please do reach out to the golfing team for an initial expression of interest, whether in supporting during the weekend on the golf course or meeting in the evening as a non-golfer – but always as a proud OSB.
Critchley Cup - Part 2 - Silloth Golf Club (4th October 2025)
Tom Wright has sent in the following write-up re the Critchley Cup Part 2 which was held at Silloth Golf Club on Saturday 4th October.
“Storm Amy tried its best to cancel the event, but we stayed optimistic as the forecast gave a small glimmer of hope with some sun and dry weather on Saturday afternoon on the North-West Cumbrian coastline.
Although it was a reduced field, seven of the OSBGS played 18 dry holes at Silloth; it was very windy; however the course was playable, scoreable and in fabulous condition.
Group 1: Tom Wright, Adrian Peckitt and Cameron Wood.
Critchley Cup Part 2 - October 2025
Group 2: Michael Gillman, Mike Stamper, Michael Coffey and Andrew Johnston.Critchley Cup Part 2 - October 2025
It was refreshing to play at Silloth again; some in the group hadn't played the course for many years and had forgotten how good a course it is to play.
Afterwards, the group enjoyed a superb evening meal and social at The Bank in Silloth, completing a great golfing day.
Thanks to those who made lengthy journeys to support the event.
It is hoped that we will return to Silloth at the start of the 2026 season. To any keen OSB interested in joining the OSBGS, this event proves that no matter what the conditions are there will always be another OSB willing to play and a great day will be had by all.”
The Golfing Society (OSBGS) is run on behalf of Old St Beghian golfers.
If anyone is interested in further information or joining the Society, please do get in touch with either Tom Wright, the Secretary or Michael Coffey, the President (here).
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The St Beghian Society
St Bees School,
St Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0DS.
Tel: (01946) 828093 Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk
Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk
