PRESENT: D.F, M.S, T.H(n/p), D.G-M, G.W, M.M, C.C, P.F, F.B(n/p), C.M, M.C, C.D, P.L, B.Y, J.G, B.H(n/p)K.S(n/p).

FINANCE: £5.40 in swears. £2.20 in Geezers cards.

The Rabbi had manfully prepared a form for ordering MOHGS Mufti which was circulated for those in need of new clobber.

RESULTS: No 2’s were posted, therefore £2.60 is carried forward. DoD was Crocs with a paltry 27 points. DDoD was the unfortunate Brains. Kwok and El Mat were the joint runners up with 36 points apiece. The winner with 38 points was the ever popular 2Beers.

THE MINUTES OF THE LAST AGM WERE READ AND ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

There were no matters arising.

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR: The Chair was pleased to report that the society continued to expand, which in itself was a healthy sign but also brought several problems. Notably, the time it took for everyone to tee off, especially with the Whitley Bay boys straining at the leash to start their round. He was concerned that there appeared no be no young bucks prepared to throw their hats into the ring and accept some of the major roles of office, namely the Chairmanship. He proposed that the Chair should be a moveable office, whereby a new Chair could be installed on a monthly basis. His proposals did not meet with universal acclaim. It was suggested that he was the best man for the job and should retain his portfolio. The Chair reluctantly agreed to give it another shot. The Chair returned to the Whitley Bay conundrum and appealed for all MOHGS, with the exception of the poor old Scuttler (pro tem), to be ” Light on our feet,” and make sure we arrive promptly and tee off as quickly as possible in order to avoid unnecessary confrontations. He finished his speech with an appeal that as MOHGS we should be inclusive, flexible, prompt and regular.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Unfortunately the Fin. Sec. was absent from today’s proceedings but in a previous statement he declared that the kitty at present stands at £63.90, which includes £22.15 which he recently received from the Rabbi. £150 had been placed behind the bar for the participants enjoyment at the Christmas party. He appealed for all members to continue to swear freely but also to ensure full and prompt payment to the box.

Herbie suggested that instead of fines and Geezers cards, all MOHGS should pay a weekly fee of £1 in order to boost funds. After a cordial debate, it was agreed to continue with fines and Geezers cards and trust the members to be honest with their contributions.

PRESIDENTS STATEMENT: He hoped that everyone would have an enjoyable and fulfilling year of golf.

TOASTS: Newcastle United after a great victory over Man. U.
To the Rabbi for organising the MOHGS new mufti order.
To Herbie on the arrival of his new grandson, Jake.

Crocs apologised for not being able to produce the historical synopsis due to a computer malfunction but added that he hoped to deliver this at the next meeting.

ELECTION OF OFFICIALS: All officers were reelected en bloc.
Brains suggested that the role of Comp. Sec. and H/cap board Sec. be split and that he was willing to take over as H/cap board Sec. This suggestion met with universal acclaim, not least from the current H/cap board Sec.

ANNUAL DIARY OF EVENTS: Brain reported that there were two events still outstanding, the Quaich and the Christmas Shield. It was decided that the Quaich would become a one off event to be held on 5 March. The Shield competition would take place on 12 March.
*Soapy’s Day would be held on 11 June.
*The Championship Trophy would be played for on 2 July.
*The MOHGS year would henceforth begin in April, in tandem with the Golf Clubs change to Summer h/caps.
*The Christmas Party will be on 10 December.
*Jock Strap will organise games both home and away v. Beamish in June and September.
*The Laird will organise a game v. Hobsons which will be away this year.
*Shagpile will enquire about the possibilities of games v. Newbiggin and Bedlington.
* Crocs provisionally offered 23 Feb as a date for a game at the Bridle Path and will confirm at the next meeting.

OVERNIGHTERS: Shagpile eulogised over Foxton as a terrific venue, citing the food and accommodation as exemplary. The Rabbi proposed that we explore the possibilities of courses listed in the Seniors NCG Guide. Craigielaw was proposed by Crocs. All the above will be given due deliberation in the fullness of time.

AOB: It was agreed that members should be penalised with a Geezer Card for going into bunkers even when bunkers were out of play.

Dewey apologised for his absence for the next several months as he has bigger fish to fry in Florida.

The meeting closed very amicably at 1pm.

Burt E. Kwok