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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Learn how golfers showed iron will in wartime at new R&A exhibition
A fascinating new exhibition at The R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrews explores golf's surprising ties to warfare – from royal bans to battlefield rehab – revealing how centuries of global conflict are woven into the game's rich history Jokes are often made about the amount of time some golfers spend on the greens. For one Scottish king, however, the increasing popularity of the game was no joke as he felt his fighting men were neglecting their military skills. As a result, the game was banned in 1457 by King James II so that his men would instead hone their prowess on weapons like bows and arrows. (Image: 'Bunker Shots: Stories of Golf and Conflict' highlights the links between golf and conflict) The royal ban on the game is just one of the fascinating facts revealed in a new exhibition in St Andrews, the home of golf. Bunker Shots: Stories of Golf and Conflict shows how the links between golf and conflict go far back in history with the first recorded reference to golf being the 1457 ban. 'The reason for that was because Scotland and England were frequently at war during this time, and the King wanted to make sure his subjects were ready for battle,' explained Kieran George, a Curator at The R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrews. 'The ban was later reaffirmed throughout the 15th century, although there are also references to later kings playing the game as well. 'I don't think we will ever definitely know the answer to when golf started in Scotland but from that evidence it would appear golf had already been well established by at least 1457.' What is true is that golf's military connections continued over the centuries. The Society of St Andrews Golfers, which later became The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, was formed in 1754. Many of the members had a military background and played golf in jackets similar to their army apparel. Even today the captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club wears a ceremonial red jacket at official functions reminiscent of some of the army uniforms. One of the themes running through the exhibition is how golf has helped soldiers recover from wounds, both physical and mental. 'We have newsreel footage of golfers wounded in World War One playing the game, as well as golfers wounded in World War Two,' said Kieran. 'That story continues up to the present day with a soldier wounded in Afghanistan, who loaned a pin flag to the exhibition and who credits golf as playing a major part in his mental and physical recovery.' (Image: Black Watch hero Freddie Tait was one of the finest amateur golfers of his day) The footage was primarily shot at hospitals and nearby golf courses in the UK where wounded soldiers were recovering, and there are scenes of men who lost limbs continuing to play. The exhibition is being staged to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and it covers golfers, both amateur and professional, male and female, who put their careers on hold to serve in the armed forces. One example is Freddie Tait, who served in the Black Watch and was one of the finest amateur golfers of his day, twice winning The Amateur Championship, in 1896 and 1898. 'He was quite a personality in golf but was unfortunately killed during the Boer War when he was only 30-years-old. He was mourned throughout the golfing world,' said Kieran. In World War One golfer Ernest Whitcombe was wounded by shrapnel in his eye, yet managed to resume his golfing career, winning the Irish, French and Dutch Opens, while 'The Silver Scot', Tommy Armour, was blinded by mustard gas but regained his sight and managed to win The Open at Carnoustie in 1931 despite metal plates in his head and his left arm as a result of his wartime injuries. Women, of course, also played a role. Doris Chambers, who captained The Curtis Cup side three times, risked her life by driving ambulances between field hospitals and the front line, and was mentioned in dispatches for bravery. Pam Barton, who won the Women's Amateur Championship in 1939, served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force but was killed in a plane crash in 1943 when she was still reigning champion. Today, a salver is presented in her memory at The Women's Amateur. Golf was also played by captured personnel in prisoner of war camps. Prisoners made golf balls from whatever material they could find, including the leather soles of shoes and woven cane. Golf clubs were also sent to the camps via the Red Cross, after a request from captured RAF Officer Pat Ward-Thomas, later a famous golf journalist. The exhibition also covers the impact of the war on the domestic game when championships like The Open were cancelled during both world wars. Some leading players played fundraising exhibition matches instead. They included Henry Cotton who raised over £70,000 for the Red Cross during World War Two – a vast amount at the time. The exhibition features artifacts, artwork, film footage and testimonies that shed light on the relationship between golf and conflict. It will run until March next year.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Hordes of travellers ‘who POO in bushes' will descend on our town in days… we've taken drastic measures to stop them
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FED up residents have drawn up battle plans in fear of travellers going to the toilet in the bushes ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair. Hundreds of travellers are set to pass through the village of Gargrave this week on their way to the annual horse fair. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Appleby Horse Fair has travellers from across Europe coming together for the 250-year-old gathering in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria. Pictured in 2022 Credit: SWNS 5 Rubbish left by travellers after the Appleby Horse Fair in 2022 Credit: SWNS For centuries, crowds have passed through the village on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales to attend the historic, week long gathering 70 miles away. However in recent years residents have complained of a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour with human excrement found in bushes, trees hacked down and scorch marks found on the village greens. Last year, more than 60 pick-up trucks and horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans descended on the village, many with loud generators running throughout the night. Residents also complained about horse races being held in the village centre. Now, Gargrave Parish Council has drawn up measures and set new rules to keep the village 'conflict free'. Wooden fencing costing £15,000 has been erected around three green areas, and concrete blocks were installed to prevent visitors from setting up camp in some public areas. The rules also state that horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans will only be allowed one full day of rest in the village before being expected to leave - police will be present from 8am until midnight. The council worked alongside traveller and gypsy liaison body Leeds GATE to render the plans which the council say they are in "support of". Ex-solider and Council Chair Greg Butt MBE said: "Last year we saw an exponential increase in numbers of travellers stopping off - more than we have ever had before. "Some residents loved it but it did make some people anxious especially those who are elderly and living alone. "The travellers are welcome but we had to limit the numbers to manageable levels." Gargrave is a usual stop-off point for travellers as it is the last village before the 70 mile trip through the Yorkshire Dales along the A65 before arriving at Appleby. The event first began in 1685 after a charter was granted by King James II. We're so afraid of chaos we've shut down our town during Appleby Horse Fair – we get urine squirted into our cars By Jonathan Rose A MARKET town shut down to avoid the chaos of the Appleby Horse Fair. Around 10,000 travellers flocked to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, to buy and sell steeds. They brought with them more than 1,000 caravans and 3,000 horse-drawn vehicles to the event, which dates back to the 1770s. The annual meet-up sees animals to be traded tethered to railings outside pubs and shops on the market town's main street. However a landlord has revealed every pub in the neighbouring town of Kirkby Stephen closed their doors as they are so scared of the bedlam. Locals have reported all manner of crimes in the past including urine being squirted into car windows. Greg has said the event is part of their "cultural history" with travellers passing through the town for "hundreds of years" adding that it is "worth protecting". But last year they saw unprecedented numbers staying over - some for up to five days at a time. One of the worst affected areas was a 100 spare metre triangle of green space just off South Street which is a highly residential area. He said: "People were looking out of their windows and bedrooms and seeing the caravans parked up and were spared nothing. "The council was caught off guard by the sheer numbers - we received a number of complaints." Other affected areas included the northern end of High Green and the front of 'Gotha Mill' on Middle Green. But to prevent similar events of last year the council started drawing up an action plan for the following year in June 2024. Before the plans were finalised the council had two public meetings with residents. They also had a professional meeting involving mediators Restorative Solutions, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Council, and traveller and liaison body, Leeds GATE. The plan involves the parish council, North Yorkshire Council, and the police, who will be in the village from May 23 to June 2 from 8am to midnight. Its aim is to limit the areas available for the travelling community to camp in the village to 'manageable levels' and restricted to their traditional area along Mill Lane. They did this by spending £15,000 to permanently fence off the three affected areas in March 2025. The council has also placed down "temporary" concrete blocks at the pedestrian entrance and maintenance entrance from the beginning of Church Lane to Middle Green. Greg has said that local shops, restaurants, and bars will stay open despite a number of issues arising including shoplifting at a local Co op last year. Also public toilets in the village centre will be open for travellers to use. Greg said: "We have already had a couple of travellers pass through already and they have been understanding. "We just have to manage everything appropriately and instil some resident confidence. "The Leeds GATE group are understanding and agreed that those who cause issues will be dealt with through the law." North Yorkshire Council's corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: "Every year, we work closely with parish councils and police and introduce these measures to ensure Appleby Horse Fair can run smoothly and minimise disruption to the local community. "We engage with residents and visitors to ensure the event is well-managed, which includes providing temporary stopping places, increasing police presence and addressing issues raised by the community." Leeds GATE have been approached for a comment. 5 Damage in previous years included trees being torn down Credit: SWNS 5 Rubbish being cleared in a field at the end of the Appleby Horse Fair last year Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Hordes of travellers ‘who POO in bushes' will descend on our town in days… we've taken drastic measures to stop them
FED up residents have drawn up battle plans in fear of travellers going to the toilet in the bushes ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair. Hundreds of travellers are set to pass through the village of Gargrave this week on their way to the annual horse fair. Advertisement 5 Appleby Horse Fair has travellers from across Europe coming together for the 250-year-old gathering in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria. Pictured in 2022 Credit: SWNS 5 Rubbish left by travellers after the Appleby Horse Fair in 2022 Credit: SWNS For centuries, crowds have passed through the village on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales to attend the However in recent years residents have complained of a Last year, more than 60 pick-up trucks and horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans descended on the village, many with loud generators running throughout the night. Advertisement Now, Gargrave Parish Council has drawn up measures and set new rules to keep the village 'conflict free'. Wooden fencing costing £15,000 has been erected around three green areas, and concrete blocks were installed to prevent visitors from setting up camp in some public areas. The rules also state that horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans will only be allowed one full day of rest in the village before being expected to leave - police will be present from 8am until midnight. The council worked alongside traveller and gypsy liaison body Leeds GATE to render the plans which the council say they are in "support of". Advertisement Most read in The Sun Ex-solider and Council Chair Greg Butt MBE said: "Last year we saw an exponential increase in numbers of travellers stopping off - more than we have ever had before. "Some residents loved it but it did make some people anxious especially those who are elderly and living alone. "The travellers are welcome but we had to limit the numbers to manageable levels." Gargrave is a usual stop-off point for travellers as it is the last village before the 70 mile trip through the Yorkshire Dales along the A65 before arriving at Advertisement The event first began in 1685 after a charter was granted by King James II. We're so afraid of chaos we've shut down our town during Appleby Horse Fair – we get urine squirted into our cars By Jonathan Rose A MARKET town shut down to avoid the chaos of the Appleby Horse Fair. Around 10,000 travellers flocked to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, to buy and sell steeds. They brought with them more than 1,000 caravans and 3,000 horse-drawn vehicles to the event, which dates back to the 1770s. The annual meet-up sees animals to be traded tethered to railings outside pubs and shops on the market town's main street. However a landlord has revealed every pub in the neighbouring town of Kirkby Stephen closed their doors as they are so scared of the bedlam. Locals have reported all manner of crimes in the past including urine being squirted into car windows. Greg has said the event is part of their "cultural history" with travellers passing through the town for "hundreds of years" adding that it is "worth protecting". But last year they saw One of the worst affected areas was a 100 spare metre triangle of green space just off South Street which is a highly residential area. Advertisement He said: "People were looking out of their windows and bedrooms and seeing the caravans parked up and were spared nothing. "The council was caught off guard by the sheer numbers - we received a number of complaints." Other affected areas included the northern end of High Green and the front of 'Gotha Mill' on Middle Green. Advertisement Before the plans were finalised the council had two public meetings with residents. They also had a professional meeting involving mediators Restorative Solutions, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Council, and traveller and liaison body, Leeds GATE. The plan involves the parish council, North Yorkshire Council, and the police, who will be in the village from May 23 to June 2 from 8am to midnight. Its aim is to limit the areas available for the travelling community to camp in the village to 'manageable levels' and restricted to their traditional area along Mill Lane. Advertisement They did this by spending £15,000 to permanently fence off the three affected areas in March 2025. The council has also placed down "temporary" concrete blocks at the pedestrian entrance and maintenance entrance from the beginning of Church Lane to Middle Green. Greg has said that local shops, restaurants, and bars will stay open despite a number of issues arising including shoplifting at a local Co op last year. Also public toilets in the village centre will be open for travellers to use. Advertisement Greg said: "We have already had a couple of travellers pass through already and they have been understanding. "We just have to manage everything appropriately and instil some resident confidence. "The Leeds GATE group are understanding and agreed that those who cause issues will be dealt with through the law." North Yorkshire Council's corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: "Every year, we work closely with parish councils and police and introduce these measures to ensure Appleby Horse Fair can run smoothly and minimise disruption to the local community. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun "We engage with residents and visitors to ensure the event is well-managed, which includes providing temporary stopping places, increasing police presence and addressing issues raised by the community." Leeds GATE have been approached for a comment. 5 Damage in previous years included trees being torn down Credit: SWNS 5 Rubbish being cleared in a field at the end of the Appleby Horse Fair last year Credit: PA Advertisement 5 Concrete blocks have been used to try stop travellers Credit: SWNS
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Devon family's historic plates fetch more than £20k at auction
Two historic Delftware plates belonging to a Devon family have sold for more than £20,000 at auction. The rare 17th Century artefacts, depicting King James II and a Chinese figure standing in a rocky landscape, were sold separately for £12,600 and £7,560, including buyers' premiums, at Woolley & Wallis auctioneers on Wednesday, a spokesperson said. Clare Durham, ceramics specialist at Woolley & Wallis, said the two items were "incredibly rare", adding neither has been seen on the market for "upwards of a century".The plates appeared on BBC One's Antiques Roadshow in Exeter in 2014, when ceramic expert John Sandon described them as "rare as you can get". While appearing on the television programme, the owner said she transported the valuable items to the city in her handbag and said they had been hanging in the hallway of her husband's family home for & Wallis said one of the plates depicting the last British Catholic monarch, who reigned between 1685-1688, was one of the strongest clues to their date and value.
