Membership News: November 2012

Sadly I find myself writing my penultimate report on a Sunday afternoon, back from the club, having laid to rest the latest casualty of our annus horibilis – this time the Village Mixed falling foul of Mother Nature. Is there no end to this dreadful weather? Someone did point out to me that it hardly ever rains on Wednesdays when the midweek stableford is played; food for thought, perhaps?!

Presentation Supper went very well with the worthy winners collecting their trophies for many a fine performance. Paul Burton mistakenly announced that there had been no holes in one this year, to which an aggrieved Brendan Williams, in his inimitable style reminded everyone that he had had one, and it had cost him a bloody fortune! Apologies, Brendan. Paul and Dave Tilley put a huge amount of effort into the evening, as did the kitchen and bar staff. Paul prepared a very professional power point presentation which displayed the names of the winners together with the trophies won on the big screen. Nice touch. Many thanks to all.

After having been postponed, the last major competition of the year, The President’s Prize was finally played. The later groups certainly drew the short straw as far as the weather was concerned, finding themselves finishing in far from ideal conditions. This didn’t prevent Glen Moore carding an impressive 43 points; gross 67, comprising 16 pars and 2 birdies. Wonderful golf played on a crappy day. Well done to you, Sir!

The inaugural President’s Prize for the Ladies was won by guess who? Yep, Evie Simpson, who had had one eye on the impressive trophy from the start! Well done to you, Ma’am; is there no stopping you?

Dave & Dan Berry defended the Bill Andrews Trophy – hard to believe Dan! Only joking mate; well done the pair of you! Congratulations to Nick McArthur who was victorious in the Village scratch knock out.

Will Sullivan.

You should have by now received an email from Paul regarding the midweek stableford competitions. These will continue on Wednesdays until the end of November. When they resume next year, by popular demand, they will move to every Tuesday.
As you are no doubt aware Dave Tilley has resigned his post of Secretary/Manager. His decision was not made lightly, and was for personal reasons. Many of us will miss him, and ourthanksgotohimforallhehasdonefortheclubindifficulttimes. Fromapersonal perspective his assistance has been invaluable to me this year. Thanks Dave, and all the best to you and yours.

Next Sunday, 11th November is, as we all know, Remembrance Sunday. I was playing in a group with Tim Deane last week when he suggested we sound the klaxon at 11am, and wherever we are, pause to reflect for a minute to remember the selfless actions of those who gave their lives for our Country. Well put Tim; consider it done. My only fear is that through force of habit, we’ll all act like a bunch of Zombies and find ourselves trudging mindlessly back to the club house!

The Captains’ farewell Christmas party is fast approaching, and if it is to go ahead Evie & I need your commitment. A promise of support doesn’t cover costs. A great deal of effort and considerable finances are involved. The list will stay up until Monday 12th November, but if we have fewer than 80 names up, it will be cancelled. Once you have put your name up, please buy your tickets at the bar. I have heard it said that £20 is too much for a party at the club. Bear in mind that it is not going to be any ordinary buffet; it’s going to be an M & S buffet! Seriously though, there will be a bubbly reception served by the Captains, a D.J (not cheap during peak party season) and a sumptuous rolling buffet all evening. It’s certainly not going to be an Iceland ‘special’ with scabby sausage rolls and dried up scotch eggs. Furthermore, courtesy of the Captains, 5 ticket holders will receive their money back by way of a door-prize draw.

On the Marketing front many things are happening, most very successful, some not. Watch this space for some interesting developments, but in the meantime I doff my cap to the brave volunteers who welcomed a group from Burntwood Lane recently; ‘Nuff said!
Keith Lewis received, on behalf of the club, a rather nice photo of Tom Dunn, who laid out the original course in 1891/2 which was presented by his grandson Willie Dunn. We will find a suitable spot for it in the clubhouse.

The next Quiz night is Friday 16th November; the list is now up. You can also expect to be harassed by the ladies selling Christmas raffle tickets – please give them your support. The draw will take place on the same day as the Children’s Christmas party, Sunday 16th December.

Until next time. Brian Simpson

PS: You may have wondered why Will Sullivan’s name has appeared in this report. Only the two of us know answer to that one, don’t we Will? My lips are sealed. (The good money’s on Neil Heath’s Granddaughter!) In the same vein, Ian Sellers is fast running out of time to claim his pint!