2024 Tristan Open Golf Report
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Report from Kelly Green and Simon Butters |
| The annual Tristan Open Golf Championship was held on the afternoon of Sunday 22nd September 2024. |
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| Despite a rather damp start to the day, the sun was shining for the game and a fun afternoon of golf was had by all. |
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| Photos from Simon Butters unless stated |
The seven entrants for the 2024 Tristan Open gather before the start:
Left to Right - Shaun Kendall, Philip Kendall, Ian Cumming, Simon Butters,
Ian McClymont, Rob Pickering and Mikael Olafsson.
Teeing Off
Ian Cumming approaching one of the better prepared 'greens' with a clear run
without volcanic boulders and cattle dung in the way.
A local rule allowing mowing of greens within a yard of the hole has been abandoned through lack of a groundsman.
Pitching wedges are the most useful clubs and the canny golfer might leave the putter in the bag!
Philip Kendall driving off on the 3rd tee.
This is a particularly challenging hole that is parallel with the northern boundary wall of Hottentot Fence.
Any shot sliced to the right will either hit the wall or, more likely, fly over the wall
and either bounce on the boulder beach or land straight in the sea!
Pause on the 3rd 'green':
Left to right - Rob Pickering, Ian McClymont, Simon Butters and Mikael Olafsson.
Kelly Green captured this dramatic view from the 5th green. Yes, the dark patches are recent cattle dung turds.
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Golf Club Map and Score Card The Tristan da Cunha Golf Club was established over forty years ago when expat officers laid out a challenging 9-hole course on Hottentot Fence field. See more on - |
The final challenge is avoiding the dung on the 9th. A further local hazard are the exposed volcanic bluestone, lava boulders usually now rounded off by exfoliation. Balls striking these curved rocks may bounce off in any direction. Fortunately the Hottentot Fence is well grazed to a fairly consistent green sward although experienced golfers might consider the entire course to be 'rough'.
Ian McClymont became the 2024 Tristan Open Champion with a creditable score of 52, with Simon Butters in second and Mikael Olofsson third.
Other gallant competitors were Rob Pickering, Administrator Philip Kendall, Shaun Kendall and Ian Cumming.
Unfortunately there were no islanders competing in 2024. Robin Repetto managed the unique Hottentot Fence Golf Course on behalf of the Tourism Department until his departure from the island in 2020. He, and other islanders often played in this annual event always coinciding with the influx of visitors staying on Tristan for the three week Agulhas visit.
Visitors can arrange to hire clubs and have a game by contacting the Tourism Department.
Nurse training certificates presented at Agulhas II reception
Report from Kelly Green and photos from Julia Gunther
Administrator Philip Kendall addressing those gathered at the 14th September Prince Philip Hall reception
Administrator Philip Kendall and his wife Louise hosted the annual SA Agulhas II reception for the whole community on the evening Saturday 14th September 2024 in the Prince Philip Hall. This was an extra special event, as two of our island girls received certificates for their outstanding work and training. Ian Cumming (the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Health Officer) made a charming speech and presented both Chantelle Repetto and Linda Green with certificates for their completion of their Basic Nurse Training Programme (Syllabus 1 and 2.) Chantelle also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for her studies.
Linda Green receiving her Nurse Training Programme Certificate from Ian Cumming
Chantelle Repetto receiving her Nurse Training Programme Certificate from Ian Cumming
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| Left: Chantelle Repetto with Ian Cumming showing her certificate; Above: Linda Green with her certificate in between Ian Cumming and Philip Kendall. |
The whole island community is immensely proud of them both and wish them well in their growing career.
After the certificates were handed out, Nick Schonfeld and Julia Gunther, who are at the end of their ten month stay, showed a stunning video they had made capturing all the beauty of Tristan da Cunha and its archipelago. It was extremely breathtaking and truthfully very emotional to see the place we call home, captured in such a striking way.
After the video, a slide show of some of Julia’s photos were screened. She has been doing some remarkable work, and there has been very little she hasn’t captured. The magnificent photos were shown as people laughed, chatted and enjoyed refreshments and snacks, provided by the Seven Sea girls catering team.
The lights turned low at 9.00am and the music turned up. The event went well into the evening. Lots of dancing and smiles to be had, and as tradition goes, a round of the pillow dance was done. This must be such a wonderful dance to see for all the new visitors!
Thank you to Philip and Louise for a wonderful evening.
Editor's Footnote:
Tristan Association members and any visitors will be able to see Julia's images and film as she and Nick will be keynote speakers at the 2025 Tristan Association Annual Gathering to be held at the Eastleigh Holiday Inn on Saturday 5th April - see 2025 Annual Gathering for more details.
Christening of Jayden Swain
Photos from Julia Gunther |
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| Jayden Christopher Patrick Swain was christened on Sunday the 11th August 2024. The service was held at 9:00am at St Joseph's Church. | |
| Following the church service a reception was held from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Prince Philip Hall where family and friends gathered to celebrate Jayden's special day. | |
| Photos of Jayden below with his parents Philip Rogers and Rhyanna Swain and with his siblings Alfie and Holly Rogers. | |
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Above: Jayden with his Godparents: Back L-R : Callum Green, Calvin Green, Patrick Green, Leanne Swain, Donna Green, Randal Repetto, Kelly Swain, Cedric Swain Front L-R : Lynette Green, Chantelle Repetto, Lay Minister Anne Green, Philip holding Jayden, Rhyanna and Linda Green Absent: Steve Swain, Shannon Swain, Kieran Glass, Dave Glass and Kayleigh Young |
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| Right: A beautiful christening cake depicting a lovely photo of Jayden surrounded by well wishes | |
Death Announcement for Judy Green |
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| Death announcement for Tristan da Cunha islander Judy Green, who passed away on the 23rd July 2024, aged 71 years. 21-Aug-2024 |
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Next Annual Gathering |
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| The Tristan da Cunha Association is returning to Southampton at a new venue for its Annual Gathering on Saturday 5th April 2025. 16-Aug-2024 |
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Christening of Oscar Green |
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| Christening of Tristan da Cunha baby Oscar Patrick Frank Green to Danny Swain and Lynette Green on Sunday 30th June 2024. 11-Aug-2024 |
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Obituary for Sylvia Green |
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| Obituary for Tristan da Cunha islander Sylvia Green, who passed away 7th February 2024, aged 83. 22-Jul-2024 |
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- Marion Green's Retirement (21-Jun-2024) >>
- There's a whole lots of roofing going on (30-May-2024) >>
- All Hands Day to Extend the Graveyard (8-May-2024) >>
- Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Association (5-Apr-2024) >>
- Tristan da Cunha Annual Gathering 2024 (3-Apr-2024) >>
- Christening of Emily Tahlia Swain (23-Feb-2024) >>