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About Michael Beaton

Michael is a lawyer and Managing Partner at Derivatives Risk Solutions LLP, a legal and regulatory consultancy. He writes on a wide range of regulatory issues, particularly recovery and resolution plans, central counterparty clearing and derivative documentation.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 13th April 2026

Present: – PB, PL, MS, TM, CC, DGM, CM, DF, JG (3) (golf only), GW, PF, JG (1), BR (meeting only)

Twelve golfers contested the Bob Hallett Memorial Trophy this morning.

The Chairman opened proceedings with his gavel, after mistaking it with the Trophy.

Swears raised £5.80.

Geezer Cards £3.50.

The Secretary welcomed The Emperor to the meeting and enquired on the progress made to recovery.

Results

Before announcing the results, the Competition Secretary castigated a MOHG for three times giving a wrong handicap! Fortunately, that member was playing with the Competition Secretary who was scoring and therefore played off the correct handicap even though he didn’t know. In future disqualifications would be the order of the day.

No twos today, so another £2.40 goes to the Emperor’s Tin.

DOD was Two Beers with 19 points; he gets a 2-shot uplift.

DDOD was The Laird with 23 points, he gets a 1-shot uplift.

DDDOD were Brains and The Cardinal with 24 points, they get nothing.

In third place was The Silver Fox with 31 points, he gets £2.

Runner up was The Geezer with 32 points; he gets £4 and a 1-shot reduction.

However, today’s winner was Kwok with 35 points, he gets £6, a 2-shot reduction and the prestigious Bob Hallett Memorial Trophy.

The Trophy was presented to the ‘old chum’.

Simon had sent a message via Crocs, wishing everyone well and a successful day. He will try to attend a Monday in the near future.

Toasts

Rory McIlroy for defending his Masters Title.

Kirsty Gilmour for winning the European Badminton Championship

I am Maximus for winning the Grand National for the second time, backed by Herbie and The Cardinal.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

Next Monday, one tee time will be dropped as four MOHGs will be representing the Seniors Section at Warkworth.

The Competition Secretary will make enquiries at the office to establish our ring-fenced tee times.

Herbie announced the Champion MOHG of the Year 2005/2006, The Rabbi.

The Trophy was presented by last year’s recipient, Brains.

The full spread sheet of information will be forwarded by Herbie.

Style award nominee was The Laird for a rather stunning new shirt.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.59 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 6th April 2026

Present: – PB, PL, MS, TM, CC, MD, CM, MS (2), DF, JG (3), DGM

Eleven golfers this morning for the first competition of the season off the yellow tees.

The Chairman opened proceedings with his gavel.

Swears raised £5.40.

Geezer Cards £2.60.

Results

No twos today, so another £2.20 goes to the Emperor’s Tin.

DOD was Geezer and Captain Minty with 28 points; they get a 2-shot uplift.

DDOD was Ming with 29 points, he gets a 1-shot uplift.

DDDOD were Rabbi and Davo with 30 points, they get nothing.

In third place was The Laird with 32 points, he gets nothing as well!

Runner up was Two Beers with 33 points; he gets £4 and a 1-shot reduction.

However, today’s winner was The Cardinal with 35 points, he gets £7, and a 2-shot reduction.

Toasts

Captain Minty for his impeccable Drive In on Saturday. A thing of beauty straight down the middle.

Callum and Gary Neil for winning the Captain’s Drive in Competition and getting twos at each of the par threes.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

Masham away overnighter all in hand. Crocs just needs payment.

Observations from the course, Laird regaled the company of an unusual occurrence on the second. Somehow The Geezer managed to hit The Lairds ball in the middle of the second fairway. Fortunately, they were in the same playing group.

More observations from the course involved poor trolly control on the 10th tee and subsequently at the cleaning station. Apparently, Two Beers trolly took off on its own at the 10th tee, it fell over with wheels whirling in the air. Two Beers spent the next 10 minutes returning all his belongings to the bag! However, at the cleaning station the same trolly attempted to mount the Herbie’s trolly. A cold bucket of water seemed to do the trick.

The Laird asked for three volunteers to check next Monday’s booking at 8pm tonight. Two Beers, Herbie and Davo stepped up to the mark.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.45 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 30th March 2026

Present: – PB, JG (1), PL, MS, LW, TM, PF, CC, GW, MD & CM, MM, MS (2) (Meeting Only)

Ten golfers this morning for the AGM Bell.

Herbie assumed the Chair, following on seamlessly from the AGM. However, he decided to alter the format!  

Swears raised £3.00.

Geezer Cards £2.00

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Johnnie expressed his disappointment that only 2 MOHGS had put their names forward for Shagpile’s Charity Golf Day on 29th May at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club. Others at the meeting said they could play. Please let Johnnie know by email asap. Michael said he had already got 240 golfers committed to play at three courses. He was now trying to up that to 100 players per course (Morpeth, Newbiggin and Bedlingtonshire). All proceeds to MND.

Results

One two today at 14th, Davo scoops the £2 pot.

DOD was Johnnie with 22 points; he gets a 3-shot uplift.

DDOD was Kwock with 23 points, he gets a 2-shot uplift.

DDDOD were Brains and The Cardinal with 27 points, they get a one-shot uplift.

In third place was Davo with 34 points, he gets £2 and a one-shot reduction.

Runner up was Matador with 36 points; he gets £3 and a two-shot reduction.

However, today’s winner and the AGM Bell winner was Herbie with 39 points, he gets £5, a three-shot reduction and the Bell!

However, as it is the last winter competition the changes to handicapping will not happen!

Toasts

Herbie as the team leader for the winning Texas Scramble last Wednesday.

Alex Fitzpatrick for winning his first DP World Tour event in India.

The Laird’s granddaughter for winning the National Biathlon Competition for 9-year-olds at the weekend.

Also, his granddaughter in Australia for being Runner up in the All Australia 3 and 5 metre Diving Competition.

RIP Mary Rand who won Bronze, Silver and Gold in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

RIP Trevor Oakes, Showaddywaddy guitarist.

Any Other Business

Matador requested to forward handicap details, already done!

Show of hands requested for next Monday, around eight expected so a tee time will be cancelled.

Johnnie advised that he would be missing for the next two Mondays.

Reminder by Crocs for Masham. The preferred date appears to be 10 May. Please let him know if you want to be included in this overnighter.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.47 pm.

The Trophy was presented to Herbie after the meeting.

Minutes of MOHGS Annual General Meeting 30 March 2026

Present: – JG (1), PB, LW, PF, DF, MS, CM, MD, PL, DF, GW, MS (2), MM

Herbie assumed the Chair.

He welcomed Shagpile to the AGM

Last AGM minutes were accepted.

Matters Arising

No matters arising.

Report of the Secretary.

Apologies received from Two Beers, The Geezer and Emperor.

The Secretary had received no resignation letter from any officers within the prescribed timescale, nor the designated method of resignation.

He has received one notice of amendment to the current handicap adjustment and suggested that this be done under AOB.

The Chairman thanked all the officers for their efforts over the last year and thanked them for continuing for another year.

Report of the Competition Secretary

The esteemed comp. sec. provided a full report on the last years playing activities.

Competition winners: –

Bob Hallett Trophy       Brains

Soapy Dish                   Scuttler

MOHGS C’ship             Two Beers

Chairman’s Quaich       The Laird

Xmas Plate                   The Rabbi

AGM Bell                       TBA

.
Upcoming years dates are in the diary.

2025/26 we had away day visits to Seahouses and George Washington.

Overnight visit to Kilspindie and Craigielaw.

Changes have been made to ensure names are entered on the BRS. Management team are still supportive of our group.

We welcome a new member to the MOHGS this year, Club Captain Murray, formally adopted as Minty.

Best wishes to all MOHGS who have not played as much this last year due to illness and injury. Namely Straggler, Shagpile, Scuttler, Crocs and Emperor. Hopefully some will return to the fold soon.

Here’s hoping for another successful year.

Report of the Financial Secretary

Written report provided by the Emperor, attached!

Discussion followed on the merits of a weekly levy to provide funds for Xmas and Quaich. It was agreed to reinstate the Geezer Cards from next week and to leave the issue open until the Emperor is available.

The MOHGS who have not been playing all agreed they were happy to contribute to the meals and drinks at the above events.

Report of the Chairman

Thanked all officers and MOHGS for their support.

Appointment of Officers

The existing officers are in post for another year!

AOB

The Secretary announced the submitted proposal by The Laird to revert to the previous handicap adjustments.

After discussion, The Matador seconded the motion. When put to the vote it was agreed almost unanimously.

Johnnie suggested that there should be an active recruitment drive for new members. It was agreed that new players could always be invited to ‘test the water’ on Monday mornings.

The meeting closed at 12.34.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 23rd March 2026

Present: – PB, JG (1), PL, MS, LW, MS (2), TM, PF, DGM, CC (golf only 13 holes) & CM (Meeting Only)

Ten golfers this morning, the Stand In Competition Secretary designated a blind pairs competition!!  

Results

Unfortunately, Ming had to leave the course early, his wife was taken ill, and he had to go home. We wish her well.

Three twos today at the 17th, all in the same playing group, Minty, Rabbi and Kwok

Another two at the 4th by The Cardinal meant that the share of £1.20 was negligible so it went into the Emperor’s Tin.

Brains quickly adjusted the competition to a blind 3 ball competition.

Duffers of the day were Rabbi, Johnnie and Herbie with 91 points. They all get a one-shot uplift.

Deputy Duffers of The Day and Runners Up were Kwok, Minty and Brains with 100 points. They get nothing.

Which means that today’s winners were The Geezer, The Cardinal and Two Beers with 112 points. They get £3 each and a one-shot reduction.

Swears raised £2.60.

Geezer Cards £2.10

Toasts

Joe Gibson for winning last Wednesday’s Seniors singles.

Matt Fitzpatrick for winning the Valspar Championship yesterday.

Gold medallists at the World Indoor Athletics Championships. Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter Bell, Molly Caudery and Josh Kerr.

Staffordshire Farmers for winning the World Indoor Tug of War Championship in Taiwan.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

Johnnie advised that Michael Metcalf was organising a golf competition in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. Taking place on 29th May 2026 at Morpeth, Bedlington and Newbiggin, entry is £25 per head. It would be good to see MOHGS supporting Michael and this excellent cause. It was agreed that the MOHGS would like to play at Bedlington and names should be sent to Johnnie asap.

Next week is the AGM, at which the AGM Bell will be contested. Apologies from DGM and TM.

The Bob Hallett Trophy will be contested on 13 April.

Crocs has negotiated accommodation in Masham at about £80 per head for a single room. He has been given several dates, and he would like to collate as many players as possible. Please advise Crocs if you are available on as many of the following dates as possible.

20th, 27th April. 10th, 17th, 31st May.

The Geezer very kindly distributed 2 for 1 Vouchers to the meeting. He was thanked profusely.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.24 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 16th March 2026

Present: – PB, DF, JG (1), PL, MS, MD, LW, MS (2), TM, CC, JG (3), PF, & CM (Meeting Only)

Twelve golfers this morning enabled the Competition Secretary to designate a four ball, better ball competition off full MOHGS handicap.

Results

Two twos today, both at the 4th by Johnnie and Silver Fox, both on the same team so they share £2.40.

Duffers of The Day were The Cardinal and Herbie with 37 points. They get a 1 shot uplift.

Deputy Duffers of The Day were Johnnie and Silver Fox and Davo and Geezer with 39 points.

In third place with 40 points were Minty and The Laird.

Second were Kwok and Ming with 46 points, they get £2 each.

However, today’s winners were Brains and Rabbi with 47 points. They get £4 each and a one-shot reduction.

Swears raised £5,60.

Geezer Cards £2,40

Toasts

Six Nations Tournament for being the most exciting and enjoyable for many years!

The Club’s own David Clark for winning the NE/NW PGA Turkey Tour last week.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

Crocs is still pursuing accommodation at Masham. He is working on the assumption of 12 players all requiring a single room. It would be helpful to let him know if you are interested.

Brains thanked all MOHGS who had provided the necessary handicap information. Those who haven’t must wish to play off scratch!!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.22 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 9th March 2026

Present: – PB, DF, JG (1), PL, MS, GW, DGM, MD, LW. CM & MS (2) & FB (Meeting Only)

Nine golfers this fine spring morning. The Competition Secretary designated a team game, three teams of 3, the best two scores to count. Full MOHGS handicap allowance.

Results

One Two today at the 17th by Johnnie, he scoops the pot of £1.80.

Duffers of The Day were Davo, Rabbi and The Cardinal with 77 points. They get a 1 shot uplift.

Deputy Duffers of The Day/Runners Up were Matador, The Laird and Herbie with 78 points, they get nothing.

However, today’s winners were Two Beers, Brains and Johnnie with 81 points. They get £3 each and a one-shot reduction.

Swears raised £2.90.

Geezer Cards £1.80

Toasts

Scotland RFU Team beating France in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Biggles birthday next Friday.

More birthdays for Johnnie, Matador and Herbie all celebrating next Thursday.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

The Laird observed that the minutes were accurate and correct!!

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

The Chairman welcomed President Frank to the meeting.

Brains observed that the AGM was scheduled for 23 March, he suggested that the date be moved to 30 March to allow as many MOHGS to attend. The Chairman is unavailable on 30th March, however. It was agreed to move the AGM to 30th March.

Brains asked all MOHGS members to furnish him with Handicap Index, Course Handicap off yellow tees and 95% of Playing Handicap to enable the new season to start on 6th April.

Brains also pointed out that 6th April was the date for the Bob Hallett Trophy and the presentation of the Champion Golfer of the Year! Even though this is Easter Monday, it was agreed to proceed with this date. At the moment!

The Laird informed members that any proposals for the running of the group should be tabled at the AGM. Any officer resignations must be with the scribe 4 weeks prior to the AGM, submitted in a brown envelope.

Crocs has made contact with a very nice lady at Masham, who advised that the 4 ball at Masham is valid until the end of June. Result!

He had also been in contact with Bedale, who could accommodate us one Monday to the end of June.

The Kings Arms in Masham had also been recommended as a stay over. Those wishing to partake please have numbers to Crocs next Monday.

Herbie observed from the course that Morpeth now has a contender for Birdman of Alcatraz. A huge crow descended on the Laird’s head. He felt the claws through his headgear. What was under has cap that interested the crow???

The Laird had an e-mail from The Emperor; his new hip is in place but is a few weeks from golf. All wished him a speedy recovery and a quick return to the fold.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.24 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 2nd March 2026

Present: – PB, DF, JG (1), PL, MS, MS (2), PF, GW (golf only), DGM, JG (3), TM, MD, CM (Meeting Only)

Twelve golfers this morning. The Competition Secretary designated an innovative team game. Four teams of 3, the best score and worst score at each hole to count. Full MOHGS handicap allowance.

He welcomed Murray Stenhouse to the fold, new club captain and was given the moniker Minty!

He also welcomed back the Cardinal who has been suffering from a dodgy shoulder.

The Chairman opened the meeting with his gavel.

Results

Two Twos today, both at the 17th by the Herbie and The Geezer, they share £2.40.

Duffers of The Day were Davo, Silver Fox and The Geezer with 53 points. They get a 1 shot uplift.

Deputy Duffers of The Day/Runners Up were Brains, Herbie and Kwok and Rabbi, Matador and The Laird with 59 points, they get nothing.

However, today’s winners were remarkably Two Beers, Minty and The Cardinal with a magnificent 62 points. They get £4 each and a one-shot reduction.

Swears raised £6.20.

Geezer Cards £2.40

Toasts

Sympathy toast for Shane Lowrey was cast aside.

RIP Neil Sedaka.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record, with the following amendments.

Davo scooped £2.20 for his two last week.

The name of the member who allowed his trolley into a bunker and subsequently fell over was not double barrelled!

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

The Chairman welcomed Minty into the MOHGS gathering.

He also welcomed back The Cardinal.

Crocs informed that Herbie’s 4 ball at The City has been extended to at least the end of May.

Croc’s 4 ball at Masham is valid until the end of April at the moment but watch this space.

The Chairman observed that the MOHGS Adventures were in safe hands.

The Comp. Sec. advised all not to amend the BRS Booking System for Monday mornings. The names are required for ‘elf and safety reasons apparently, even though the player may not be playing!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at the early hour of 12.07 pm.

Minutes of Mohgs Meeting 23rd February 2026.

Present:- MD, TM, DGM, PL, JG(3), MS, LW, GW, DF, PF, JG(1)

CC, CC Meeting only.

Eleven golfers set forth in high winds with high expectations for a singles event off full Mohgs handicap with normal winter rules, but the Laird generously allowed gimmies of under a foot.

Results.

Only one two by Davo on the 17th and he will pocket £1.20 if Herbie hands it over.

DOD.Matador 24ptsDDOD Herbie 26pts DDDOD Jonnie 29pts.

Third Place Kwok,Davo a and Laird 34 who generously contributed their winning to the tin.

Second. Two Beers 37pts

Winner Geezer with a fantastic 41pts(The new driver is paying dividends)

 All handicaps will be adjusted by Brains.

Finance

Swears £4.60, Geezer cards £2.20, Contribution from 3rd place £1.00

Toasts

Keely Hodgkinson word record in the indoor 800 mtrs.

Hull KR. Winners of the Rugby League World Championship.

All Home nations ruby teams who won at the weekend.

Geezer voted for a good looking Chinese girl in the Half Pike. At the Winter Olympics. Not sure it was for her performance or looks.

AOB.

The Laird informed the meeting that all Mohgs need to enter on BRS on a Monday, for H&S purposes. He will take care of this each week.

Observation from the course where one our members allowed his trolley to fall in a bunker (even though they were out of play). He then in rescuing it fell flat on his back.  No names but it is double barreled.

Meeting closed 12.20.

Minutes of Mohgs Meeting 16th February 2026

Present:- TM, MD, LW, MS, DF, PF, PL, JG(1), DGM, GW, golf only, CC meet only

Ten golfers braved the winter weather. The Competitions Secretary proposed a singles competition off full Mohgs handicap. Winter rules were in place and only 15 holes were played.

The Chairman opened the meeting with a flourish and Herbie acted as scribe.

Results.

No twos .

DOD Brains 22pts DDOD  Matador 24pts. DDDOD Davo and Rabbi 26pts.

Third Place Geezer and Kwok 30pts

Second Place Jonnie 31pts

Winner  Two Beers 32 pts.

All handicaps will be adjusted accordingly.

Finance

Swears £2.50 Geezer cards £2.00 Twos  £2.00 All will be guarded by the Laird.

Toasts

England cricket beating Scotland

All medalist in the winter Olympics especially the Tea Tray gold medalists.

Scotland Rugby beating England.

VAR after the abysmal performance by the referee at Newcastle’s game.

Any Other Business.

It was observed from the course that the Laird showed great restraint in not mentioning Scotland all the way round.

Our best wishes were passed to the Emperor who is recovering from his hip replacement.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 11.50