Darwin Escapes & The Springs Golf Club are proud to announce their support of Hft’s Coming of Christmas Event at Dorchester Abbey. If you live in the Oxfordshire area, why not get yourself in the festive spirit on the 7th December this year by attending Hft’s Coming of Christmas concert at Dorchester Abbey?

With music by the Choir of New College Oxford and featuring some wonderful festive readings performed by Juliet Stevenson CBE and Michael Pennington, you’ll also be treated to mince pies and mulled wine in an event where proceeds will be split between Hft South Oxfordshire and Hft North Oxfordshire& Vale so you can rest assured that you will not only have a great time but also be making a contribution to a worthwhile cause.

Darwin Escapes and The Springs Golf Club are proud to be lending their support to this event which is sure to be the ideal start to your 2017 Christmas!

what does hft do?

Hft is a national charity supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. By tailoring its approach to individuals’ specific requirements, Hft works hard to understand changing needs and provide the kind of support that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Services range from residential care and day opportunities, to supported living at home – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day.

Established in 1962, Hft provides services around the UK and now supports over 2,500 adults across the country. Darwin Escapes and The Springs Golf Club are honoured to be associated with such a worthwhile organisation.

For more information please visit www.hft.org.uk.

the coming of christmas – dorchester abbey

The Coming of Christmas concert is the perfect way to get yourself in the festive spirit ahead of Christmas 2017 – a classy and sophisticated event in glorious surroundings with performances from some of the UK’s leading artists.

Bathed in the warmth of a thousand tealights inside the historic Dorchester Abbey, you will be treated to wonderful singing from The Choir of New College Oxford, conducted by Paul Brough.

In addition to this, you will hear readings from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) star Michael Pennington who is also known for his role in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Alongside Pennington will be Juliet Stevenson CBE, renowned for her film roles in Truly, Madly, Deeply; Bend it Like Beckhamand her most recent stage performances at The Young Vic in Happy Days, and Wings and at The Almeida for Mary Stuart and Hamlet.TV includes One of Usand the supernatural thriller The Enfield Haunting.

The concert is on the 7th December at Dorchester Abbey at 8pm with tickets costing just £23.00. This will include your souvenir programme and festive refreshments of mince pies and mulled wine.

If you are interested in attending this fantastic festive event, you can purchase tickets online from the Coming of Christmas 17 Eventbrite webpage or by giving the team a call on 0117 906 1767.

Are you searching for the perfect golf clubs and not sure where to start? Darwin Escapes can help. Finding the perfect golf clubs can be quite tricky, especially if you’re a beginner. Knowing what the difference between wood or irons, or a half-rubber or leather grip is, and how that will affect your swing can be a little daunting! Luckily The Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire, is here to help you when you start your golf club shopping.

We have put together the ultimate beginners guide, letting you know everything from the style of club to questions you should ask when shopping for golf clubs.

the clubs

When gold first started, players could carry as many clubs as the wanted to, but since 1938 only 14 clubs have been allowed per bag, with 12 being the norm. However, beginners are often set up with half-bags to avoid complications and becoming confused (which I am prone to do).

Clubs come in different varieties and all play different parts to help develop your game…

• Driver – the largest headed club, with the longest shaft. It is used to drive the ball off the tee on all but the shortest of holes.
• Woods – these are clubs with a clubface angled upward (known as lofted clubs). They are actually made from steel or titanium, but were once made of wood (slightly confusing…)
• Irons – (not those kinds) there are generally more lofted than woods (which aren’t made of wood). Irons are mostly used for shots from the fairway, rough or sand back on to the green.
• Hybrids – sometimes called utility or rescue clubs and are a cross between irons and wood clubs.
• Putter – this is the smallest club, used when wanting to roll the ball into the hole (much more fun than crazy golf!)

So those are the main types of clubs, if you’re slightly confused, never fear, the onsite Pro Shop staff are always on hand to help out and are happy to explain everything too!

what you will need to consider

Now you know the different types of clubs, you’re ready for a club-fitting! Visiting a Pro Shop and having a club-fitting means finding the right loft, lie, size of grip and club length perfect you.

Both Tour Pro’s and average amateurs use the same club-fitting process and technology to help find the right clubs for their body type and physical conditions. Here are the things you’ll need to consider when shopping for golf clubs:

• The Grip – how thick or thin the grip on your clubs should be. A proper sized grip should allow the middle and ring fingers on your left hand to barely touch the pad of your thumb when holding the club.
• The Shaft – when thinking about the length of your club, you’ll need to consider your height (obviously), build and strength.
• Clubhead – there are standard, midsize and oversize clubheads available. Oversize clubheads are recommended for beginners, as they are more forgiving of your newbie swing and mishits.

So those are the things to consider before shopping for gold clubs – The Springs Golf Club has it’s very own Pro Shop for you to visit and purchase your golf clubs!

Happy Golf Club Shopping!

Are you looking at taking up golf and just don’t know where to start? Darwin Escapes has you covered! Darwin Escapes’ newest addition, The Springs Golf Club is located in the stunning countryside of Oxfordshire. The beautiful location offers fabulous golfing, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as a fully stocked Pro Shop onsite. With this is in mind, we thought now would be an ideal time to compile the ultimate beginners guide to golf equipment, so you will know what is best to purchase in order to start journey as the next Tiger Woods!

If, like me, you’re a novice in the world of golf, never fear! This beginners guide has all you need to know about looking the part, and the amazing staff at The Springs have all the knowledge you need to know to help you become an amazing golfer!

the absolute must-haves of golf equipment

These are the definite essentials you will need to start you golfing journey:

• Golf Clubs
• Golf Shoes
• Correct Clothing (collared shirts & smart trousers, no denim)

If you don’t have golf clubs, you aren’t going to go far! Finding the right ones can be a bit tricky, so visiting a Pro Shop where they can help you find the right size, style and fit for your needs is key.
Golf shoes are also essential, as walking through the perfectly manicured greens, rougher woodland and sand banks when you lose sight of your ball, all while anchoring you to the ground during your swing. The perfect golf shoes can do all this with ease, again make sure to visit a Pro Shop for the right fit and style you need, and you will be the Cinderella of the golfing world!
The correct clothing for golfing is definitely essential, no denim allowed (that means no jeans) and you must wear collared shirts. This means you’ll be looking smart during your round of golf and when enjoying a drink at the clubhouse after.

the beautiful desirables of golf equipment

These aren’t must haves on your golfing journey, but they are items that will make your golf-life easier and definitely more enjoyable!

• Cap (for when the sun shines)
• Glove (not for a Michael Jackson impression)
• Towels
• Golf Balls (otherwise you’ll just be hitting the green, and no one wants that)
• Tees (to put your golf balls on)
• Ball Marker (so you don’t lose your place)
• Pitchfork (not what you’re thinking)
• Logo shirt of your club (The Springs Pro Shop sell’s these)
• Sweaters (for those colder mornings)
• Waterproofs (for when the sun isn’t shining)
• Electronic Trolley (for an easy life)
  vSweets/drinks (for when you get peckish during your game)
• Umbrellas
• Winter Mittens

So if you want to really look the part before you tackle your handicap, these desirables are ideal to make the start of your golfing journey easier!

The Springs Golf Club offers a fantastically friendly atmosphere, from both staff and members, where you can join and begin enjoying this wonderful sport. The staff always adhere to golfing etiquette, while maintaining a laid back atmosphere and encouraging new-players of all ages to take up this wonderful sport, where you can meet so many people from all walks of life.

We hope you’ve found this beginner’s guide to golfing equipment helpful! If you’re looking for a fantastic golfing experience, with friendly staff and members to welcome you, visit The Springs Pro Golf Shop for all your essentials and desirables of golfing equipment!

Take the first step on your golfing journey with The Springs Golf Club and find all the equipment you’ll need at our onsite Pro Shop