10/07/2024
Wallace, “Wally” Tarn sadly passed away from Covid at the end of the epidemic.
We believe that he is buried in an unmarked grave in Carlisle, our members and staff think he deserves better.
A keen sportsman, Wally was a well built all-rounder who never enjoyed losing.
A very good darts player, playing in the Alston and Haltwhistle leagues, also making it to some National competitions.
He threw his darts like bullets with a loud thud as they hit their target, a common theme he repeated in any sports he played.
When playing football for various Alston teams from the 1970’s he was known for his hotshot with many goals from distance.
In Badminton it was all about his powerful smash; Cricket, it was his fast bowling and the number of sixes that he could hit. Playing both well into his 40’s.
When golfing it was his power and length of his drives. He used a 3 wood in Competitions, whilst other golfers used drivers and if leading a long driving competition he would always write “3 wood” beside his name to emphasise the fact he was out driving you with a much smaller, higher lofted club.
Wally won many competitions over the years and was elected Captain in 2004.
Wally also worked for the club on an occasional basis as a grass cutter and drystone walling.
The memorial plaque on the 16th Tee at Alston Moor Golf Club is a small gesture to a former member, Captain and employee.
Wally could often be heard shouting “GO-BABY-GO!” when he hit a long drive with his 3 wood; it wasn’t unusual for the ball to sail over 250 yards out of bounds, but in Wally’s mind the ball had still gone a long way.
Wally's health deteriorated in his latter years, but he continued to play golf into his 70’s with the aid of a buggy.
Wally was a real Alston Moor character and he will be sadly missed. His preferred drink was a bottle of Stella.
So, if you want to remember Wally, take a bottle onto the 16th tee and toast him against the tee marker and remember Wally's ginger moustache his smile and giggle.
Alston Moor Golf Club Committee.
