Present: The Chairman FB (the Straggler), NB (Desmond), A B-W (Shotgun), DF (the Laird), JG (Brains), BH (Jockstrap), PL (the Rabbi), MM (Shagpile), TM (the Geezer), CM (the Crocodile), KS (Soapy), GW (El Matador), BY (the Prof)

Results: All the above named competed for the MOHGS Annual Championship 2015, over the white course, aptly described by the Chairman as our Blue Riband Event, and there were times that the wind did indeed echo a sailing contest. The winner was Crocs, on count back from the Laird (2nd), both achieving 33 points.

Duffers of the Day were Desmond and Shotgun with 25 points, and Deputy Duffers with 26 points were Brains, Jockstrap, and Soapy. The handicaps of all 7 above named members will be adjusted accordingly. There were no 2’s on the day.

The Trophy was presented to Crocs by Brains, who made an eloquent and moving speech – he was sad to relinquish it, but his triumph in 2014 is permanently engraved for posterity.

Absentees: the few who could not attend were not formally named, but all were missed.

Toasts: to Jockstrap for the splendid organisation of our recent match against Beamish Dirty Dozen; to the Morpeth green staff for the condition of the course and especially the greens; to our Chairman for his very close result in the Scratch Competition against Michael Brown (ex County player); to the England Cricket team for their roaring come back in the 3rd Test; to Crocs for being our Champion Golfer of 2015; to the Geezer for his generosity in sharing his courtesy golf openings with MOHGS.

Minutes: taken as read, and readily accepted.

Finance: The Rabbi assumed responsibility for the funds. He had brought £4.50, and the day’s proceedings added £7.30 from swears and cards, with a further £2.60 in the two’s.

Beamish Away on 14th September: we needed a Captain for MOHGS in this match, and Brains was unanimously elected. Jocks then clarified attendees and their various requirements. He has the whole organisation at his fingertips, as always. It seems that he now has the full complement.

Bowls Day: The Laird has provisionally arranged two dates, Tuesday 25th August or Thursday 27th August. WOULD ALL INTIMATE TO HIM THAT THEY WISH TO ATTEND, AND THEIR PREFERRED DATE?

Formby & Southport: This outing is on October 4th and 5th. At present, booking is made for 9 golfers, and this could be increased up to 12. Changes in numbers can be made up to 21st August, and I am away w/c 17th. My current list is 7 definites – FB, JB (John Beaton ‘Del Boy’), JG, BH, PL, CM, KS,  and 2 possibles DF and TM, with interest from MM and A B-W, and perhaps other Morpeth golfers?  CAN ALL CONFIRM THEIR OK? We arrive at Formby Hall for 3 tee times from 2-12 pm. We stay there overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast. This whole package is £109 (5 are booked at £89). CM has a single room which is +£35. On the Monday we are guests of Noel McQueen (Barney Rubble) and his mates at Southport and Ainsdale, for a match from approximately 10 am. Playing with members will cost us £20-25, a lot less than the usual high green fees for this championship course.

Tee Times: In view of current numbers, an extra tee time will be booked in future. PL needs additional entry codes and passwords, and several members obliged.

Christmas Party: a member wished to discuss this, but the Chairman wisely and firmly ruled that it is for later discussion.

Any Other Business: Shagpile announced that he knows where to get special deals on a good night out. This turns out to be Wansbeck Rotary’s 25th anniversary at the Holiday Inn on 30th Oct, with referee Mark Clattenberg as speaker.

Quitting Time: the Chairman closed the meeting at 14-16 hours, surely a record late finish.

Soapy the scribe.