Buxton and High Peak Golf Club
Buxton and High Peak Golf Club – what can I say?
Upon such a good course, a pleasure to play
Xerxes the King of world famed renown
Though not knowing golf, he was never “one down”.
Oh! Golf! But you are the most glorious game
Never a pastime so healthy or sane
Always, aye, always will sportsmen love you
Never forgetting all the praise that’s your due.
Divots may fly, and cuss words as well
Heaven is above us and we ne’er think of hell
I cannot write of the glorious delight
Golf gives to everyone at their very first flight.
Happiness and good fellowship go hand in hand
Passions are quieted, and we all understand
Ever, aye, ever will you be to everyone
A game of the best and second to none.
Kings may fall and republics may rise
Golf will flourish, e’re fall the skies
Oh! May you always maintain your record to hand
It should be extolled by sportsmen in every land.
Friendships made on a golf course are always good
Courtesy reigns supreme, charity is understood
Long may golf flourish it’s a most glorious game
Unto all it brings health while to some it brings shame.
Buxton and High Peak Golf Course – long live your fame!
Poem Notes
Poem notes: this poem ends with the following
“To the Committee and members of the Buxton and High Peak Golf Club with the humble respect of their obedient servant
G. Graham Stanham, Eltham Warren Golf Club, Eltham, Kent
28/2/18
Some reflections on this poem – questions too!
- I wonder what prompted Graham to write this – was he a regular writer of poetry?
There is no reference to him on the internet.
2. The date confirms that World War 1 was still progressing.
http://www.onthisday.com/events/date/1918/february
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30533/page/1
The Gazette link invites you to download the pdf – should open easily.
Was golf really a priority?
3. What brought him to Buxton?
Possibly he was a wounded soldier undertaking rehabilitation at the Devonshire Hospital?
4. The language of the poem suggests he was a keen golfer.
I wonder how he enjoyed golfing in the winter compared to his home club in Eltham Warren Golf Club, Kent?
5. I have contacted the secretary of Eltham Warren Golf Club for any information about this man.
I await a reply.
Jon White 21 October 2017
