The Nicholson family’s life has been inextricably bound up with Harwood Golf Club since Roy Nicholson began playing there in the 1960s.
His wife, Joan, eventually joined him as a member. Son Howard became a member in 1970 and is still playing – making him the club’s longest serving golfing member.
He was joined there by sister Lucille when she was nine and both the youngsters played in the junior teams during a golden period for the club. Lucille is married to Stewart Grime who also plays at the club.
Lucille and Howard graduated to the senior teams and, although Lucille gave up the sport nine years ago, she helped organise junior teams. Her daughter April used to play and son Tom still does, as does her granddaughter Evelyn.
Howard’s daughters Georgina and Emily both used to play and Emily was Junior Captain.
In all, the Nicholson family tally at Harwood includes Roy’s tenure as Captain and Joan’s as Lady Captain, Howard’s time as Captain and both Tom and Emily’s stints as Junior Captains.
The family even lived overlooking the golf course. In fact, when fire devastated the then much smaller club in January, 1964, the family pet dog gave the alarm and Roy and Joan were first on the scene helping to douse the flames.
“Yes, our family has definitely got a history with Harwood Golf Club!” stated Lucille.
They are among the many golfers there who have seen the club grow and thrive over the decades and are now celebrating its 100th anniversary year.
There is a packed programme of events during Centenary Week starting on June 20 offering plenty for members of all ages including golf competitions. After that, there is a treasure hunt and time capsule burial in August.
For full information on centenary year events at Harwood Golf Club go to https://www.harwoodgolfclub.com/centenary/