Disability is no barrier for inspirational golfers
Tributes to TV Batman Knifepoint robbery AMAZING SKILLS OF ONE-ARMED ATHLETES
FORMER Batman actor Adam West has died aged 88, his family said.
He died peacefully on Friday night after a “short but brave battle with leukaemia”, a family statement read on West’s official Facebook page.
They added: “It’s with great sadness that we are sharing this news.
“He was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. There are no words to describe how much we’ll miss him.
“We know you’ll miss him too and we want you to know how much your love and support meant to him throughout the years. Hug your loved ones today.”
West rose to fame during the 1960s for his camp TV portrayal of the superhero and his alter ego Bruce Wayne.
While Batman remained his signature role, West also collected nearly 50 movie credits including roles in Drop Dead Gorgeous, The New Age, An American Vampire Story, Robinson Crusoe On Mars. TWO robbers fled with cash after threatening a shop worker with a knife in North Tyneside.
The two men entered the Lifestyle store on Maud Terrace, West Allotment at around 2.52pm on Thursday.
Police say one of the men threatened a female shop assistant with a knife before both made off with an unknown amount of cash.
They are believed to have fled via West Street and then turned off onto Backworth Terrace. Both are described as wearing dark clothing.
Nobody was injured during the robbery.
Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who may know those responsible, to get in touch.
If you think you can help police then call 101 quoting log 622 08/06/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. INSPIRING and dedicated, these onearmed golfers prove there are no barriers to sport when they arrived in the North East.
Tynemouth Golf Club hosted the special event which featured some of the world’s most talented sports people.
The One Armed Golf Society last played at the club in 2006 and decided to mark their 80th anniversary by coming back to the seaside town for a few rounds of their favourite sport.
This inspirational society started in 1917, after the First World War, when many veterans had lost their arms due to a blast or injury. Today, the society contains members of all nationalities including two-time world champion Reinard Schuhknecht, 25, from South Africa.
Reinard lost his arm when he was only 14 after he was electrocuted.
He said: “It’s on my bucket list every year to come down and play in the championships. This is a very special tournament for me as we are playing other members who have lost their arm and it is equal.”
Although using only one arm, standards are very high in the society and two members out of the team can hit 300-yard drives.
David Waterhouse, 59, paralysed his arm in a motor biking accident in 1976 when he was 18.
He said: “I saw the society advertised in a g golf magazineg in 1991 and j joined in 1992.
“I think it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s been really good rehabilitation, it’s fantastic and full of fantastic people. You get to realise you’re not the only one with just one arm.”
David admitted that he thought he could play “half decent” but, since playing with the society, he has aspired to become even better, continuing to push himself every year.
The society’s objective is to provide a level playing field for golfers. Criteria states that every shot must be taken using one arm, no prosthetics or other aids are allowed.
Andy Fagan lost his arm after he caught a high-tension line in an thunder storm. He was badly burnt and was in hospital for six weeks.
Andy said: “We feel very comfortable around each other and it is very positive. We struggle sometimes because we’ve only got one arm, but its very social.”
Andy first heard about the society 20 years ago from a friend in Ireland.
Each year the society holds national competitions and a world championship in dozens of countries around the world. This year, they have honoured Tynemouth one again to be their host.
Paul Whittaker, Tynemouth Golf Club manager, is over the moon to host the 80th World Championship.
He said: “It’s phenomenal. In 2006 the lowest gross score ever recorded in the world by a one-armed golfer was made here and they made it around the course in 71 shots and that still stands as the World Championship’s best-ever score. It’s a hugeg honour to have them back.”