The President

The former Club President Mr Frank Grenfell sadly passed away on the 13th of February after a short illness.

He was a club member for over 70 years.  He served as a club official on the committee for many of those years covering a wide range of positions including Junior Organiser, Chairman, President to name only a few. He held the position of club captain twice during this period.  He was held with very high regard within the club due to his winning smile his friendliness, kindness and being an absolute gentleman. He lived and breathed for his beloved Newbiggin Golf Club more so in the latter years after the loss of his wife and golfing partner May.  He could be seen regularly playing 18 holes of golf at the age of almost 94 years old, usually in the company of his many friends in the Seniors Section .

 He presented a splendid clock and weather vane to the club which stands proudly on the roof of the clubhouse. It certainly adds character to the building and is very much appreciated by the clubs membership and visitors alike.

Here is a little story about Frank Grenfell.  He was a member of bomber command during the Second World War as were 2 of his brothers. During one of his many missions he was forced to land in the North African desert after his aircraft was hit and badly damaged whilst dropping mines off the entrance to the port of Tubrook. He and his crew walked through the North African desert hoping to meet up with the British 8th Army rather than the Panzer divisions of Rommel. Fortunately after 6 days they got their wish and were taken on board a British tank being driven and commanded by a fellow Geordie. When Frank asked his rescuer for his whereabouts in the North East he replied “a little town North of Newcastle”.  When pressed further he replied “a little place called Newbiggin by the Sea”. Frank was astonished by this and told the driver that he was a member of Newbiggin Golf Club to which his rescuer replied “so am I”.  Indeed a rather remarkable story.  He and his brothers all survived the war even though they were all shot down or crash landed a number of times whilst undertaking many many flights against the German forces.

The committee on behalf of its members has decided to recognise his long service and devotion to the club as a member and official. The two bridges currently being erected on the 3rd and 16th fairway will be named in his memory as the Grenfell North and South bridges. I am sure we are all proud to have known this remarkably fine gentleman.