Whitby Golf Club is launching a major fundraising appeal to replace the missing bridge over the ravine.
Familiar to golfers, dog walkers and beach-goers for more than 60 years, the bridge had been a familiar sight until October last year when it was taken down following an engineering inspection and report which deemed it unsafe due to structural issues.
It linked the seventh tee to the seventh fairway and in turn, the 18th tee and fairway. Since the bridge was removed, golfers have had to take a detour across the course, down the road which runs to the ravine, and back up the path which leads to the West Cliff in front of The White House.
Now as Whitby Golf Club looks to become more prominent in the town’s community and secure its long term future, it says replacing the bridge is a vital part of that.
The club is setting up a Crowdfunder, which the public can support here, to raise money towards the £300,000 needed for the new bridge, which will be the third one there.
The first bridge was put up in 1900 and taken down in 1960. The most recent was built in the early 1960s.
To meet the target amount, Whitby Golf Club will also be inviting local businesses, charitable trusts, community organisations and individuals to become part of the project through sponsorship, donations and fundraising schemes.
If the money and planning permissions can be confirmed, it is hoped construction of the new bridge can get underway within the next 12 months.
Ian Suckling, from Whitby Golf Club who is leading the bridge project, said at a launch event at the clubhouse earlier this week: “It is the biggest thing, in our memory, that the club has ever done. This is far more than replacing a bridge.
“We have been here since 1895 and there are several generations of families who have been involved with the club. It has an important place in the town and is the only club that has a view of the sea from every tee. It is a unique and beautiful place to play.”
In recent years, the club has become more community orientated, with a particular focus on recruiting younger members and working with local schools. From having just 20 young players a few years ago, there are now 110.
Ian added: “It’s about creating opportunities for people to continue enjoying golf throughout their lives, improving accessibility for those who rely on golf buggies, investing in young people and ensuring Whitby Golf Club remains one of the most welcoming and inclusive sporting venues in Yorkshire.
“We hope the whole community will feel part of this journey.”
The project is being delivered with the support of SHS Bridges & Structures, the specialist bridge division of Sarum Hardwood Structures, and Whitby based architects, BHD Design, who will work alongside a team of local businesses.
Whitby Naturalists’ Society have been on hand with environmental advice in helping protect the important wildlife habitat surrounding Upgang Ravine and Beck during the removal of the original bridge.
In addition to serving the current members, Whitby Golf Club sees re-building the bridge as a way to help secure the future of the club by making the 18 hole course as accessible and user-friendly as possible.
Unlike the recently removed bridge, the new one will accommodate golf buggies and mobility scooters and means more golfers will be able to play all 18 holes.
People interested in finding out more about the bridge project are welcome to view a display in the clubhouse during normal opening hours.
