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

APOLOGIES: The Laird, Scuttler, the Prof and Ming. The Chair gave his apologies for next week.

RESULTS: There was one 2 by the Cardinal on the 4th. He pouched the rollover jackpot plus the day’s takings amounting to a whopping £13. Today’s game was played in groups of three with the best and worst scores counting on each hole. The D’soD were the unfortunate Cardinal, Geezer and Emperor with a miserable 55 points. The winners with 61 points were 2Beers, Herbie and Brains who are the Champines of the week.

THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS AGM WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

MATTERS ARISING: The New Year Bell is still missing therefore previous winners have not had the pleasure of displaying the coveted award. If anyone has any information regarding the bell, please inform the members asap. Bumpers offered to donate a replacement trophy if no information is forthcoming.

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR: The Chair observed that we had come through a very difficult period due to the Covid pandemic. He thanked all the officers for their perseverance and dedication. He also thanked 2Beers for occupying the hot seat during his absence and raising the standard of Chairmanship considerably.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The Fin. Sec. declared that he was in the same boat as Rishi Sunak, in that he had paid out quite a lot, but that revenues had slumped. However he could now see the green shoots of recovery but the kitty was not as healthy as at the previous AGM. The total stands at £190.50 plus today’s takings. He paid out a total of £260 towards the cost of the Christmas Party and apologised to those unfortunate members who missed out on the treat.

Unfortunately the Comp Sec aka the Laird missed today’s meeting due to Covid. The members wished him a speedy recovery. He had informed the meeting that he will reveal his statement upon his return to the fold.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2022:

Burt Kwok observed the MOHGS protocol and delivered his resignation address via the brown envelope after a period of 13 years in the role. He was thanked for his contribution and was asked to reconsider but Kwok was not for turning.

The Chair asked for volunteers to replace the secretary but none were forthcoming at the present time.

AOB: There followed a discussion about slow play, which resulted in a plea for all members to be aware and attempt to keep up with the group in front.

BIGGLES: The Rabbi gave an update on Biggles continuing recovery after spending the day with him in Leazes Park on Sunday. He is receiving speech therapy and is making good progress. The MOHGS were pleased to hear the news and sent their best wishes.

FINANCE: £3.40—-Geezer cards. £4.40—–Swears.

AWAY DAYS: The Cardinal had been in touch with Eaglescliff but they were only willing to accommodate 8 individuals at £22/person under the reciprocal arrangements. 2Beers volunteered to contact Hexham GC which can hopefully accommodate more members although the cost is £25/punter. He will attempt to arrange the game on a Friday if possible. Bumpers, very generously agreed to donate a fourball for the Hexham trip.

Wellen extolled the virtues of the English County Card which can be bought for £10 and permits holders to gain discounts at GC’c throughout the land.

MOHGS DIARY: Brains has been working on the diary for 22-23.

It was decided the the Chairmans Quaiche would be played for at the Summer Jamboree. The Cardinal suggested that the game could be played in the afternoon and afterwards a short stroll into town for a pizza or Indian.

€ The Chair reported that he had spoken to Jockstrap and that he was keen to meet up with the MOHGS on a Monday in the near future. It was noted that the next game v Beamish is due to be played at Morpeth. There were also questions about a game v Hobsons which will no doubt be answered upon the return of the Laird.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1.10 pm.

Burt Kwok signing off.

PRESENT: P.L, P.B, J.G(1), J.G(2), P.F, M.M, B.R, T.M, C.M, M.S, D.G-M, L.W.

APOLS: The Laird, Wellen, Bumpers, Ming, Scuttler. Monty is unavailable for the next 2 weeks.

2Beers kindly offered to Chair the meeting although he was intermittently interrupted by his persistent granddaughter who was desperate to phone her grandfather.

RESULTS: There were no 2’s therefore £2.40 is carried forward which means that the next member who nets a 2 may be in line for a whopping payout of £10.60 plus the day’s takings. The day’s results were delivered by Brains who was standing in for the lucky old Laird who is at present on holiday. The game was the best two scores from four off full MOHGS h/cap. D’soD were the unfortunate Kwok, Shagpile, Johnnie and Emperor with a measly 75 points. The winners and champines of the day were the Cardinal, Crocs, Geezer and Monty with a staggering 84 points. Handicaps will be adjusted accordingly.

LAST WEEK’S MINUTES WERE UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED.

MATTERS ARISING: The Cardinal confessed that he had been unable to contact Eaglescliff but assured the group that he is on the case.

TOASTS: To all MOHGS who appeared in the frame for last week’s Seniors, taking first and third place.

To the Italian RU team who beat Wales and in so doing halted a losing streak stretching back to 36 games.

AOB: The members were reminded that next week is the AGM. It was thought that there was once a trophy called the AGM Bell which members played for prior to the meeting. If anyone has news of the whereabouts of the trophy please inform the members asap.

# Brains thanked everyone who responded to his request for h/cap information. He assured the group that he would publish all the new handicaps in the near future.

€ The Cardinal revealed that £2.40 was collected in a one off contribution in place of Geezer cards. £3.30 was collected as a result of swears.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1pm.

Burt.

PRESENT: C.M, P.L(n/p), L.W, J.G(1), J.G(2), P.B, D.F, D.G-M, F.B, P.F, B.R, T.M, C.C.

RESULTS: Delivered by the Comp. Sec. There were no 2’s, therefore £2.40 is carried forward. Today’s game was odds and evens whereby one score was recorded on the odd holes and two scores on the even holes. D’soD were the unfortunate Brains, Cardinal and Monty with a paltry 58 points. DD’soD and also runners up were the Geezer, Kwok and Ming as well as Johnnie, 2Beers and the Laird with 62 points apiece. The winners with a majestic 65 points and champines of the week, were Crocs, the Straggler and the Emperor. The Comp. Sec. finished his summation by appealing to all members to contact Brains with their h/cap information ASAP, or face the prospect of playing off scratch on 1 April.

TOASTS: To Gordon Lee—RIP.

BUSINESS:

The Laird requested that, in the time honoured tradition, all MOGHS who are likely to miss the following week’s game, report their forthcoming absence at Monday’s meeting.

€ 2Beers reported that he had contacted Hexham G.C with a tentative enquiry about a possible away day. The Manager indicated that he was not keen to offer discounts to large groups. 2Beers also stated that it would be helpful in negotiating a deal if he was able to offer a definite date to the host club. The Geezer opined that the MOHGS had earlier decided not to play away days on Mondays.
2Beers also mentioned the possibility of playing in Seniors Open competitions such as the one at South Shields which was available at £25/head.

• The Cardinal offered to contact Eaglescliff to obtain prices and availability.
  ¥ The Cardinal reported that he had recently encountered Soapy and that the President was in good spirits and looking forward to his granddaughters wedding in May. He was sorry that he was unable to play golf at present but was still keeping busy and in good health. The Chair immediately raised his glass and proposed a toast to absent friends which was warmly endorsed by the members.

The wily old Croc reported that he had recently discovered a small red muffin bag in Costa Coffee with the words—-‘Christmas to Go,’ emblazoned on the front. He used the vis aid to remind the members that it’s never too early to start planning for the Christmas Party.

The Fin. Sec. replied that the group need not wait for Christmas and immediately proposed a jamboree in the Summer. It was decided that this might not be such a bad idea and that it would be further discussed at a subsequent meeting and could possibly tie in with the Queens Jubilee celebrations.

¥ Ming, apropos nothing suddenly thrust his phone in the air and declared enthusiastically that he had just been appointed to a position at the Commonwealth Games, to be held this Summer. ——– watch this space.
$ The Chair reminded all members that the AGM would be held on 28 March. He reminded retiring officers that their impending resignations must be presented to the Secretary in a brown envelope prior to the meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded jovially at 12.45.

Burt Kwok.