1912 -1914  Heworth Golf Club first appeared on a 1919 survey map. This survey had been made in 1914. Pelaw Golf Club was on the same map at the other side of the road nearer the present White Mare Pool, but Heworth Golf Club was sited where the course is now situated.  

The early history of the club is rather obscure. Stories from the past tell us that the course at one time was on the other side of the road, but because of some difference of opinion the present Heworth Golf Club disassociated itself from the Pelaw Golf Club and set up in business on the present site. 

Further research into old documents and newspapers gives the following information:

"June 1st 1912. The opening of the newly formed Heworth Golf Club at Gingling Gate took place today. Over 100 members and friends attended the opening. The club captain, Dr. Mackay called upon Mrs. Hannay of Heworth Hall to open the new and commodious pavilion". This was a wooden erection known locally as "The Castle" sited behind the present 18th green. Other buildings and cottages were near the pavilion and near the present gate. The cottages were occupied mainly by farm workers some of whom were employed part-time by the club to help to look after the new nine hole course.

Mrs. Hannay was presented with a ‘silver cleek’ (1) with which she drove off the first ball on the new course. She presented the club with a ‘silver cup’ (2) for the men and silver jelly spoons for the ladies competition. Later she presented a cup to the ladies. 

1 A cleek is a narrow faced, iron-headed club -a No 1 iron having very little loft to the club face.

2 The Hannay Cup - the club's oldest trophy is still played for annually.  

Mr. Stoddart, the treasurer, presented the club with a flag. Mr. Hannay was an official of the club. The open day competition was followed by tea provided by the ladies. As the press of the day said -"To get to Heworth Golf Club meant just a brisk walk from Heworth Tramcar Terminus”. I do it often!!  

The Hannay cup competition lasted throughout the season as this was the only cup in those early days. Regularly a competition was held and each time the winner qualified for the final to be held in October - the eventual winner being presented with the cup. The first winner was G.M. Forster 94-14-80, second was D.P. Hall 101-20-81.  

July 1913 It was reported that it had been a prosperous season, 50 members played in the July competition qualifying for the Hannay Cup. By August the membership was almost 100. 

In October, the first of many Whist Drives and Dances was held in Heworth Council School. It was organised by the secretary Mr. D.P. Hall, later to become headmaster of Low Felling School.  

This year a Captain's competition was conducted throughout the season. It was run on Calcutta lines. The finalists were G.M. Forster and D.P. Hall. After 18 holes they were all square. A further 18 holes were played -still all square. They then played 9 holes and G.M. Forster won 2 and 1.

1914 In April a locker shed tailed "The locker house" was ready for use. It was opened by Major C. Innis Hopkins, who also presented a cup to the club. After the opening, tea was served in a marquee. 

In May Heworth played its first match - a friendly at home to Wallsend Golf Club. Heworth won 41/2 to 21/2. 

Then came the war and no further mention of golf appeared in local newspapers. Although we know the club continued to function, no minutes are available.  

1921 A document dated 24th January 1921 was a "Licence to use certain lands at Gingling Gate, Wardley, Co. Durham for the purpose of 'a Golf and Tennis Club' ". We can only presume a change in ownership of the land required a new agreement. This agreement was made and signed by the brothers John and William Gillhespy both of North Follonsby Farm, Wardley in the presence of the secretary of Heworth Golf Club - Mr. D.P. Hall. 

The agreement contains certain points of interest namely that "approximately 39 acres and more could be entered upon to layout and maintain a golf course using all proper tools, machines, horses and carts. They may now mow close with a Ransome High Wheel Lawn Mower or similar machines, seven acres of grasslands (inclusive of that used as greens) forming part of the said lands. Also that the club from May to September could graze one horse on the said lands or on lands adjoining thereto and not fenced from the said lands. During the continuance of the agreement the lessees shall pay as rent the sum of £35 annually to the landlords, payable in advance by half yearly instalments in the months of May and November. The landlords retain the rights of grazing but undertake not to plough up any part of the said land". 

1921 -1938 Unfortunately from 1921 until the late 30's detailed records are not available. We know that as well as the "Old Castle", the cottages nearby were occupied by farm workers. In one of them lived Mrs. Wilkin, who looked after the cleaning of the club and locker room. She also supplied teas for the members at a very moderate price. The older members speak very highly of her.

In 1929, Heworth Golf Club really did come into the news. This was the year that W.D. Millar reached the semi-finals of the English Amateur Championship. The Competition was held at Northumberland Golf Club. W.D. Millar reached the semi-final after beating N. Dunn of Doncaster 3-2 in the 6th round. Unfortunately, the semi-finals were played in freak conditions which included wind and snow, and W.D. Millar then in his early twenties, lacking in experience lost to E.B. Tippling. Mr. Tippling (Royal Ashdown Forest) lost a controversial final to W. Sutton. 

Once again information was scarce. Nevertheless it carried on during the thirties. We know that in 1937 the membership consisted of 75 men, 33 ladies and 8 juniors. The Club Champion was R.P. Marley, President - J. Ramsden, Treasurer  - Fenwick Green, Subscriptions totalled £218 7s. 6d. Expenses for the year were £340 15s. 0d. and receipts were £417 7s. 0d. 

Jack Green, a champion cyclist was President 1938 - 41 followed by W. Chapman 1941- 47. The Secretary in 1937 was J.P. Burns whose efforts kept the club going during the war years. He stayed in office until 1960. 

It is interesting to note that in 1938 when the balance sheet was presented one of the auditors was John Jardine, who from the middle twenties until the seventies gave the club valuable service and advice free of charge. We owe him a great debt. 

In the thirties Heworth played an annual match against Lambton but this discontinued when Lambton closed down in 1937. 

Another cup was given -named the Scott Charlton Bowl in memory of a pre 1938 member. 48 members attended the Annual General Meeting. Fenwick Green who had been treasurer for a number of years died during the season and members subscribed to buy the Fenwick Green Memorial Trophy. John Kennedy became treasurer and except for a short period in the services remained in office until 1949 steering the finances of the club through a difficult period. 

The condition of the cottage was causing concern and serious damage to the gable end of the "Castle" by horses. Repairs cost £6 4s. 0d. To improve social conditions chairs were purchased at 5s. 0d. each, armchairs at 12s. 6d. and a table tennis table at £210s. 0d. Ale was kept under the window seats. Members helped themselves and signed a book saying how much they had taken. At the end of the month Mr. Burns collected money for the beer - Bottled Vaux Brown Ale. 

Enquiries were made re the installation of Calor Gas. In September 5 lights and fittings were installed at a cost of £11 12s. 4d. The greenkeeper T.W. Hall worked full time in summer for £2 1s. 0d. per week and part-time in winter for £1 6s. 0d. per week. If the club needed painting he worked full-time during the winter months to do this. Winter social events included Whist Drives and Dances. The men's committee dealt with the ladies' handicaps, which at the time ranged from 14-54, 26 ladies had handicaps, but only 3 were under 36. 

1939 The Annual Dance was held in April. Tickets were 3s.6d. 

The farmer was asked to cut the rough, as "rough on the course was in too wretched a state and militated against the enjoyment of the game". Fees were now Men
 £1 15. 0d. Ladies 15/- Rent £50. 

We had trouble with cattle damaging the course. The farmer agreed to keep the cattle off the course, and allow the club to fence the land. Terms agreed were, (a) £50 i.e. £35 rent and £15 grazing rights (b) Fencing to be done by the club but the farmer would keep the fence in repair' 

The members erected the fencing themselves. 250 posts 4' 6" at 6d. each, 21/2 cwts barbed wire at 135. 6d. per 1/2 cut. 

A local rule re hoof marks on the course - ball lying in hoof mark (except in a hazard) can be picked out and dropped not nearer the hole under a penalty of 1 shot. Our new landlord was Washington Coal Company. A triple cutter was bought for £20 and an old motor vehicle costing £7 16s. 0d. was purchased and used to pull the cutters.

The body was removed from the car and converted so that it could be used to haul sand, soil etc. to various parts of the course. Members drove the car and others filled the bunkers with sand and cut the greens. Members also converted an old cottage into a storage place for the motor etc.

The greenkeeper, was called up, so members had to maintain the course. The men in nearby cottages were in full employment but agreed to help occasionally when free at 8/- per day. 

1940- 1946- THE WAR YEARS These were difficult years. 

Membership was now at its lowest - about 50. Many were called to the services. We today must thank those who were left, who worked extremely hard to keep the club in existence - to the late-  Mr. W. Moses, President; Mr. J.P. Burns, Secretary; Mr. J. Jardine, Auditor; Mr. J. Kennedy, Treasurer and to  some of our older members who are still with us, and without whose efforts the club could not have survived. 

So many stories of those days are told. Holes had to be dug and posts erected on the course to prevent the landing of enemy planes. This made the holes difficult to play. No doubt they gave more trouble to members than to the enemy for whom they were intended. 

Money was scarce and means of raising money had to be found. Because of rationing it was difficult to supply teas. 

Sheep were now causing problems. After much disagreement about the farmers grazing rights on the course, the following terms were agreed - one sheep with lamb 3d. per week, one sheep by itself 2d. per head per week. Most competitions were cancelled during the war years. 

1941 Green fees were 1/- for 18 holes. Members of the armed services were allowed the use of the course for 1/ - per week. 

The farmer caused further headaches by threatening to plough up the golf course. Then the Commanders of the Home Guard came along with a view to obtaining the site for a summer camp. Neither materialised but whilst discussions took place it was a worrying time. 

1942 We were advised to have dairy stock on the course as well as sheep grazing -to help the war effort. The number of cattle was restricted to 14 at anyone time.

Because of the financial state of the club due to severe reduction in membership, a levy of 5/- per member and 2/ 6d. per lady was imposed. 

In June, bombs were dropped outside the boundary of the course adjoining No.6 fairway (now No.13). Damage included: (1) Stable doors and windows. (2) Garage doors and roof. (3) Pavilion windows. (4) Tower boards loosened and broken. (5) Ladies locker room windows forced and twisted. (6) Men' locker room windows broken and door forced off. (7) Cutters damaged by shrapnel. The War Damage Committee eventually met the cost of repair.

1943 -1944 Membership was 35 men and 15 ladies. Because of the shortage of golf balls, the secretary was sending old ones to be recovered. 

There were more problems with animals. Horses were a nuisance on the course and the farmer's pigs had been loose on the course badly damaging No.1 green. Despite an agreement with another local farmer to graze only 14 cattle at a time, 35 were being allowed to graze together - his excuse - a state of urgency. Once again a 5/- levy was imposed. 

1945 This year's levy was 6/- for men and 3/ 6d. for ladies. Other money had to be raised by Whist Drives, Dances, Sweeps and Raffles. 

The course was now in a very poor state. Only the purchase of gang cutters could save it. The expense £180 was too much for the club. W. Moses (to become President 2 years later) offered to loan the necessary money free of interest, but the committee decided the cost was too great. 

1946 By now the course was in a worse condition, particularly the greens No's. 1, 3 and 9 had to be wired off. The cattle and other animals had taken their toll.

Mr. Porterhouse, who lived near the site where the clubhouse now stands, drove for the United Bus Company. He cut the fairways on Thursday which was his day off. Members looked after the course themselves the rest of the time. 

One hopeful sign was the increase in membership as men returned from the forces. Although the course was poor and finances low, the loyal members by their voluntary work kept the club alive and launched plans for future development. 

A greenkeeper was appointed at £4 per week for 3 - 4 months. Regular competitions restarted. Now balls in hoof marks could be picked and dropped without penalty. 

The breweries supplied pint bottles of beer 15. 3d. per bottle. Mrs. Porterhouse arranged to do teas. Full teas 15. 6d. Tea only 4d. The club had a licence now to sell intoxicating drinks. 

Heworth Constitutional Club was used for money raising events. The first post-war allocation of golf balls arrived. 

1948 Enquiries were made re a building at Jarrow and Hebburn Golf Club -their valuation £784. After further discussion they decided that the buildings would cost £500, loose fittings £100. Added to that £180 had to be found for dismantling, cartage and re- erection at Heworth, £140 for a sceptic tank and £20 allowance for defects. The aim for the Building Fund was £1,000. 

The agents for the land were now considering the possibility of a lease instead of an annual tenancy. As the club at this stage could not purchase the buildings without seeking a loan, it was felt we would have difficulty during the next few years in keeping up payments. We had not recovered from the low war time membership. A special General Meeting was called. We had persuaded Hebburn to reduce the cost of building from £500 to £400 and hoped to have the building in September 1948. Hebburn did not want to release it until December 1949. Eventually they agreed to reduce the price to £350 if we accepted at a later date (June 1949). We had to pay £150 deposit by 5th April 1948 and the rest when we took possession. 

Final figures were building £400, dismantling, cartage and erection £200, sceptic tank £140, foundations £60, decorating and painting £50.  The club introduced "a deferred loan scheme". Every member was asked to subscribe as much as possible - a suggestion was made of 1/- per week for 3 years and passed at the Annual General Meeting as a compulsory levy. Added to this 28 members promised a total of £635 interest free loans towards the building fund. These members were given certificates promising repayment at the earliest convenience. Whist drives, sweeps on races like the Derby and Northumberland Plate raised money. Generally a profit of £50 -£80 was made on each race draw. The £150 deposit was duly paid and the contract signed for the purchase of the Jarrow and Hebburn Club Pavilion - Another landmark in the club's history. Permission had to be obtained from the Ministry of Supply in London before materials with which to build the foundations and erect the pavilion could be bought. Post war restrictions on supplies still applied. 

The Ladies were given authority to form their own committee to run their competitions and fix their own handicaps. After consultation with the L.G.U. the ladies maximum handicap was reduced to 36. Ladies competitions were held on weekdays generally the first Wednesday for foursomes, the third Wednesday for stroke competitions. 

1949 At last the Jarrow and Hebburn building was erected on the site of the present clubhouse. Upon its erection one room was retained as "Men's Room". A cup was donated by Jarrow and Hebburn. The new building was opened on 9th July. 

1950 -1960 During this period the club continued to function as a 9-hole course, some years better than others, but most of them a struggle. Membership increased and many of the old Jarrow and Hebburn members came to Heworth. During these years gradual changes and improvements were made to the course and clubhouse. With limited resources the committee and members worked hard to give Heworth a strong foundation. 

1950 Heworth joined the league. The team for the first match which was against Houghton was Sid Carter, Billy Marley, Fr. Stronge, Dan Cassidy, Dick Sedgwick, Bob Flynn and John Kennedy. Their handicaps ranged from 5 -10. 

The ladies introduced their Calcutta competition. They had exchange matches with Westerhope Golf Club. The ladies held their committee meetings in member’s houses, as were also Bring and Buy Sales and Coffee Mornings in aid of the Club Building Fund. 

1951 The club started repaying the loan to members and the annual levy was lifted. 

1952 Now came the bad news! - a communication from the County Surveyor about a proposed new road from White Mare Pool Bridge to Blackfells. This would pass through the beginning of No.4 fairway (now No.17) and the middle of No.3 fairway which would mean the loss of No.3 green. The ground in front of the clubhouse was converted into a colourful garden by boys from St. john's S.M. School and maintained as such for many years. 

The ladies became members of the L.G.U. and commenced monthly medal rounds. 

During these years we had one of our most colourful characters -Stephen. Who was Stephen? you may well ask - he was the cat. In the early fifties a. quiet gentle man – ex school attendance officer, now retired spent his spare time walking past the golf course accompanied by his dog, well trained to find golf balls, which were returned to the club. His name was Charlie Taylor. As we did not then have a steward, the committee decided to employ him as a part-time caretaker. Not long after starting, he brought along Stephen, a large black cat, which kept "others" in check. Although his function was to control mice, stoats and other creatures venturing under or near the clubhouse, he was so well fed by Charlie and grew so big, he still sought the creatures out, but deposited them proudly on the veranda. Somewhere on a balance sheet are expenses for milk and cat food for him. Incidentally Mr. Taylor, interested in local history was responsible for the names of roads and streets in the Felling area -those of Anglo-Saxon origin. 

1953 A new competition was introduced - the Winter Turkey competition -members donating all the prizes. 

1954 Progress - A telephone was installed. A part-time barman was appointed and committee members formed a rota to take over bar duty for the rest of the time. The clubhouse was painted by volunteers from members. 

1955 The loans from 30 generous members were now repaid. Senior membership was introduced. There were 95 Full Members, 27 Ladies, 3 Senior, 3 Country, 2 Junior and 5 Social Members. 

Ladies played their first league matches against Houghton, Ryton and Crook. 

1956 A new greenkeeper - Fred Higgs was appointed full time. One loan £300 was still owing to Mr. Moses, the President. 

1957 Because of lack of money, we were still unable to extend the building for the men's locker room. The estimated cost was £190 for the building and £58 10s. 0d. for the floor. 2 members put in a cheap offer - bricks, timber, roofing felt £20, labour £45 to be considered when money available. 

1958 The Annual Golf Outings were started. A new levy of £1 1s. 0d. for men, 14/- for ladies was introduced to start a fund to buy a new tractor and to repair the boundary fence. 

1959 At last it was possible to start work on the locker extension. The bar was still being served by committee members. We received a loan of £250 from Newcastle Breweries to help furnish the General Room - to be repaid at £10 per month. 

1960 Changes were made inside the clubhouse. New furniture replaced the old bentwood chairs, carpets were laid in the main room and the bar and kitchen were vastly improved. All this involved much time and labour and many members freely gave of their time to make the club more comfortable. The people involved in these changes are too many to enumerate, but we should thank them all for their valuable contribution. 

At last the loan by Mr. Moses was repaid -12 years after receiving it free of interest. 

The clubhouse operated on Calor Gas, but now application was made to the N.E.E.B. for the installation of electricity. 

Wildlife was a familiar sight on the course. As well as birds, frogs inhabited the ditches and were particularly noisy at night. Hares and rabbits frequently crossed the firing line as you drove off. One day newspaper reporters came to photograph the left hand side bunker in front of the 18th green. Nesting in it was a family of leverets. To safeguard the creatures, members were urged to play right. A ball landing in the bunker had to be picked and dropped without penalty. 

1961 At last the Calor Gas was replaced by electricity. Another innovation was the one-armed bandit which took sixpences and payed out sixpences. The only machine operating before this paid out golf balls. Again in the news as the paper said "Law men hit the range for a big round-up. Police were called in when the grasslands of Heworth Golf Club caught the interest of 50 cattle which had strayed from a field near Follonsby Lane". They walked round the perimeter of the course keeping close to the hedge. Only 2 strayed from the herd - 2 young calves who took a fancy to the bunkers in front of the 1st green and pondered to play there. 

1962  The 50th Anniversary was celebrated with a special dinner dance and a Jubilee Golf Day. Jubilee Cups were purchased for the men and ladies. This competition was flag competition. A new flag in the club colours of maroon and gold flew proudly over the course. 

The first part of the fencing was completed. So popular had the club become, the waiting list especially for men was big. 

1963 It is useful to refer occasionally to club finances to show the changes as years go by, so I make no apologies for giving some facts here. Wages £954 0s. 5d. Subscriptions £1008 5s. 0d. Visitors fees £227 13s. 0d. Bar sales £1678 10s. 9d. 

We had 150 men, 30 ladies, 9 country members, 6 seniors, 10 juniors and 10 social members. 

A new tractor shed was built and more fencing completed. The bar was rebuilt by 2 members (B. Boyes and A. Cuthbertson) and with help from member volunteers costs were kept down. 

1964 Hot water systems were installed in the bar, kitchen and locker rooms.

The ladies had annually donated money to the club from their social events. Now their help was enlisted to raise money to start a new "Building Fund".

There was still talk of the new road to be constructed in connection with the Tyne Tunnel - eventually to run through the course, taking from us land near the 4th tee (now 17th) and the 3rd green - a worrying time for the committee.

Regular Saturday and Sunday teas were available from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and were in great demand. High Tea was 3/-, Plain Tea 2/-, Coffee 6d. per cup, Tea 1/- per pot. 

A new Caddy shed was erected behind the 18th green. Newcastle Breweries gave a loan of £3,000 to be repaid at £10 per month. 

1965 This year saw the beginning of W. Armstrong's eight years as secretary. For many years in the late fifties and early sixties, because of his contacts with local, county councils, he was able to help the committee dealings with these authorities and other governing bodies. As secretary from 1965 - 1973 he continued to give this valuable service at a time when the club thinking of buying the existing land and developing an 18 hole course. We are most grateful to Bill for contribution. 

More new furniture and furnishings were purchased. 

A strong room was constructed by 2 members. 

Membership was still growing -168 men, 36 ladies (the maximum "allowed), 13 country member seniors, 12 juniors and 15 social members. 

J.P. Burns, secretary from pre-war unti1960, died. Members subscribed to buy 2 memorial trophies for the men and ladies. 

The club produced their first club tie - maroon with letters H.G.C. embroidered in gold. 

Now came talk of 18 holes. 

1966 The present badge was designed and accepted be used on all literature and in later years on sweat shirts and blouses. The design was inspired by the Old Castle" and the Gangling Gate. 

1967 Improvements were made to the veranda which was enclosed by glass and sliding doors. The ceiling of the General room was lowered and the walls re-inforced. 

1968 - 1970 Little information available. It is known that in 1969 a levy of 1 guinea was put on all playing members except juniors. 

1971 As a result of a questionnaire to all members, 104 replied. 86 wanted 18 holes, 18 wanted 9. Money as usual was needed 78 men and 10 ladies agreed to lend money totalling £2236 and 9 offered a further £50 or more each. It was at this year's A.G.M. that the decision was taken to extend to 18 holes. 

1971 -1980 The committee was instructed to explore ways and means of raising funds to acquire the freehold of the land presently occupied and the 59 acres adjoining. Mr. J. Jardine advised that the club become a Limited Company if they wished to achieve this. A plea was made to members to provide funds. The original price for 55 acres was £11,000. We might get the other land if the farmer would release it. The earliest for this would be 1972. Approximately £30,000 would be needed to layout the new holes and the club had no assets. Mr. Jardine pointed out that if given a lease, the owners would have right of re-entry should housing development be allowed, although we had been offered a 99 year lease. Rent for the first 7 years would be £10 per acre -to be revised every 7 years. The owners could re-possess the land with only one year's notice. Only an area where the club building stood would be unaffected. 

Planning permission was given, but much work had to be done before 18 holes became a reality. Plans were made and remade, but the real problem was the availability of the land and of course money. 

1972 The juniors at last were an organised group under the direction of the President. They formed their own committee and organised their first competitions. Their prize for the first competition was 90 tees. 

Members really made an effort to raise money for the proposed developments e.g. a Christmas Fayre organised by the ladies raised over £150. 

Three trustees, D. Cassidy, C. Hill and M. Hall signed a 99 year lease for the land. Many meetings were held to make plans for a new clubhouse and for the development of the new land. 

Golf film evenings and rules seminars were arranged by the President, weekly during the winter and continued for a number of years. 

The juniors entered the County League and enrolled 10 members in the Junior Golf Society. 

Negotiations for a loan were opened with Newcastle Breweries. 

For the first time, a Christmas Party was held for member's children organised by the President with help from Mr. Boyes and four or five ladies. The ladies prepared the tea. 

Membership - 239 men, 37 ladies 37 juniors, 18 seniors. 

1973 V .A. T was introduced and Mr. Jardine proved invaluable in helping us to cope with this. 

Subs including V.A.T. were £16.50 for men, £11 for ladies, £6.60 for seniors, £11 for country members, juniors £6.60 and £3.30. 

The first fruit machine was installed. Trees bought by members were planted. 

The land take-over was postponed because of the refusal by the farmer to vacate the land. By the time it was available it was too wet. Seed had to be stored and we were grateful to Mr. O. Snowdon who looked after this. The club made him a life member because of the help he gave during this period. 

Another Christmas Fayre organised by the ladies raised over £150. 

A 3 year plan was drawn up aimed at methods of: (a) Increasing membership. (b) Raising money. (c) Development of new land.

Juniors for the first time were allowed to play in some Senior competitions, if they had a handicap of 18 or less and were accompanied by a full member. 

1974 An interesting item from records showed the following - Brown Ale 17p a bottle, Export 10p and Guinness 10p 

In the spring the seed was sown on the new land. 3,000 small trees and bushes were planted. Now we waited for the grass to grow. 

1975 Between 1974 and 1975 a loan of £15,000 was negotiated with Gateshead M.B.C. Three trustees namely D. Cassidy, C. Hill and M. Hall stood surety for this money. 

Again plans were formed to make the club a Limited Company. This finally happened in October 1975. 

A loan of £37,000 was offered by Federation Breweries for the first stage of a new clubhouse. 

We had a waiting list of 101 men, 94 juniors and 2 ladies. A long, hot summer prevented full development of the land.

1976 Water was laid just in time to save the course. The new holes were ready and the first games played on 1st April, although for a long time players had to tee up. The first balls driven off the new course - No.4 hole were played by D. Cassidy, President; C. Hill, Treasurer; A. Toal, Captain and B. Boyes, Greens CConvenor. 

The course was officially opened on 12th June by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor J. Handy. A special competition and party was held for members who were given a souvenir booklet. 

The new car park was started. The old machinery sheds were demolished and erected as shelters on the new course. A building was acquired from Lloyds Bank, Washington arid was erected as an extension to the existing building, now with improvements it is the present lounge. We have to thank Mr. W. Smillie (then Chairman) for negotiating the purchase of this at a very reasonable price. It was opened for use at Christmas 1976. For the first time a course ranger was appointed. 

1977 After 11 years of very valuable service Cliff Hill resigned as Treasurer.

This was a very dry summer, but the greens were saved because of the water laid on. 

A limit of 450 men members was set by the committee. We had 100 on the junior waiting list. 

1978 Work commenced on new locker rooms and toilets. This year's dinner dance was moved from the usual Shepherd's venue to The Highway Restaurant. Film evenings were still being held. 

1979 The annual dinner was held in the clubhouse on 17th March. The snow was so high a way had to be cleared from the gate to the club. Traffic could not get past the clubhouse to Washington. Just over 100 had tickets and most of them managed somehow to attend. The dinner was organised by the steward and his wife. 

The N.C.B. increased the rent from £859 per year to £5, 100 per year. Application was made to Newcastle Breweries for a loan of £35,000. The ladies raised over £400 for the building fund. 

A further 700 trees were planted. A pro-am competition was held in September. During the year the men's and ladies locker rooms were completed and a link room -named the “Armstrong Room" in memory of past secretary Billie Armstrong was built. 

1980 The £15,000 loan from Gateshead Council was repaid. We received a loan of £35,000 from Newcastle Breweries. Plans were started for drainage on the new course. A levy of £15 for men, £10 for ladies, £5 for 5eniors and juniors was imposed. 
 

1981 -1987 Events included (a) Field Day Competition in place of the Pro-am. (b) D.C.G.U. used Heworth for the 2nd Division Teams Competition. (c) Durham County Ladies used the course in June. Heworth won the Division 2 Championship. 

Sponsorship was introduced to Heworth Golf Club. Planning permission was given for Main Lounge and Bar improvements and for a Car Park extension. 

A cheque for £10,000 was received from Newcastle Breweries. 

1982 The course was used by Durham County Junior Golf Society for their championship and by Northumberland and Durham Alliance. The Juniors won the Durham County Junior Knock-out Competition. 

£500 was given by Newcastle Breweries towards extending the cellar. 

1983 Drainage on the new 9 holes was improved at a cost of £8,000. Two hundred more trees were planted. 

The President produced names for the holes as follows: 1. Gangling Gate. 2. The Three Horse Shoes. 3. The Mouse Trap. 4. The Tunnel. 5. The Chimneys. 6. The Dixielanders. 7. Pebble Beach. 8. The Gap. 9. Round the Bend. 10. White Mare Pool. 11. Wrekendyke. 12. The Airport. 13. Palmer's Hall. 14. The Monument. 15. The Ditch. 16. Follonsby.17. The Long Pull.18. The Castle. A cabin for a Pro's shop from Brancepeth G.C. was erected on a year's trial. 

The beer cellar and car park were extended. Membership was 362 men, 48 ladies, 18 seniors, 1 country, 62 juniors and 130 social members. 

1984 Investigations were reviewed re the purchase of the land from the N.C.B. We received £12,000 loan from Newcastle Breweries. One thousand five hundred trees were planted and tees were extended. 

An extraordinary General Meeting empowered the committee to borrow up to a maximum of £125,000 and approved the action of the committee in pursuing the opportunity to purchase the freehold of the course. 

1985 Further work was done on the drainage of the course. We proceeded with negotiations to buy the land. The price was reduced from £90,000 to £73,803. Grants and loans were promised from Newcastle Breweries, the Sports Council and the Bank. The freehold was purchased on 20th December. 

David Moralee won the Durham County Match Play Championship and was selected to play for the County. The league team, most of whom are products of the Junior Section, won promotion to the 1st division of the North Durham League. 

These young players are important to Heworth's future. We look to them to take us into the twenty first century. We lost one of our most promising young members this year - Robert Jopling. He died as a result of an accident within yards of the clubhouse which meant so much to him. 

1986 We've achieved the ultimate. The land is ours. Further improvements were made on the course particularly in relation to drainage and improvement of greens. Bunker sand is being replaced with ground quartz, and fairways mole-drained. Much attention has been given to general improvements of the course. 

On the playing side, members could not be more active in all sections including the veterans who meet weekly and enjoy matches with other clubs. 

1987 Our 75th Anniversary. Plans are in hand to celebrate this. 

What a far cry to those early, but exciting days of 1912! We can only hope that when the centenary comes in 2012 present members will be able to review as much progress in the next 25 years as the club has made in the last 25 years.

I cannot finish without reminding you of all the people throughout the years to whom we should be grateful - officers and committees especially those during

the war years - the sixties and seventies when plans for 18 holes and a new clubhouse were made - and the eighties when these plans reached fruition. The contribution these members made towards the developments now achieved was invaluable. Most of the work invariably falls on your officers and committee, but we must not forget either the voluntary work of many members during our developing years. The Officers and Committee of 1986-87 have worked hard to overcome problems mainly associated with the acquiring of the freehold which has given the club a firm foundation on which to build. This necessarily meant extra responsibility for the already hard worked Secretary, Greg Holbrow and Treasurer, Bryan Henderson who have been together as officials since the early eighties. In this anniversary year most of these officers and committee are still working on behalf of the club. We thank all who have helped and ask that future members support the club as loyally as in the past.