PRESENT: J.G(1), J.G(2), M.C, L.W, D.G-M, P.F, F.B(n/p), M.B(n/p), P.B, D.F, M.S, C.M, B.D,  B.Y, A.W(l/e), G.A, M.M.

Today’s game was played with 3 clubs and a putter over 16 holes off full MOHGS h/cap.

The Christmas Plate was on offer for the worthy winner. No spoiler here but the Laird gave everyone a chance by playing for the first time minus his specs. However he had recently had his cataracts removed and his vision was much improved.

RESULTS: Results were delivered by the Laird in a surprise reincarnation of his previous role as Comp Sec. He declared that the weather had been ideal for a hard fought contest with 15 players battling for the honour of holding the Christmas Plate for a whole year.

Bumpers came up trumps with 2 x 2’s on the 14th and 17th. He scooped the whole 2’s pot. DoD was the unfortunate Winscales with 21 points. He receives a 2 shot lift. DD’soD were Monty, Kwok and Wellen with 26 points apiece and a one shot lift. In 3rd place were 2Beers and the Prof with 34 points apiece. The runner up was the king of the 2’s, Bumpers with 37 points, £3 in prize money and a 1 shot penalty. The winner with a magnificent 39 points, a £12 purse and the hallowed Christmas Plate was the optically enhanced and ever popular Laird. He was presented with the Plate by the previous co-winner Burt Kwok.

TOASTS: Absent friends.

The Chair announced that the AGM would be held on a suitable date in the New Year.

The meeting closed amicably at 2pm in time for the gladiators to enjoy a Christmas curry, festive entertainment and a few well deserved beers.

Burt E. Kwok.

PRESENT: B.Y, M.S, P.F, C.M, B.R, P.L, M.C(l/e), D.F(l/e), M.M, T.H, J.G(1), J.G(2), T.M, A.W, D.G-M, B.D.

Today’s game was a Waltz with 4 players in each team. 2Beers agreed to Chair the meeting.

RESULTS: Presented by the acting Comp. Sec., aka the Geezer. D’soD were Bumpers, the Prof, Herbie and the Laird and Kwok, the Rabbi, Crocs and the Emperor with a meagre 76 points. Runners up were Brains, Monty, Shagpile and the Scuttler with 80 points. The winners and champs of the week were Wellen, the Geezer, Winker and 2Beers with a mighty 83 points.

Only one 2 recorded by the Scuttler on the 14th. He scooped the whole 2’s pot of£3.20.

Last week’s minutes were accepted.

TOASTS: The England RU team.

THERE WAS NO FURTHER BUSINESS SO THE MEETING CLOSED AMICABLY AT 1.30pm.

Burt Kwok.

Marcus Chisholm rather gallantly forfeited his place in this mornings game in order that the MOHGS did not use up an extra time slot at the expense of the members who were due to follow.

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

RESULTS: Today’s game was stableford with the two best scores out of four counting. D’soD were the Laird, Brains, Herbie and Geezer with a paltry 79 points. Runners up were Winscale, Straggler, Crocs and the Rabbi with 82 points. The winners and this week’s champs were 2Beers,  the Emperor, Wellen and the Scuttler with a massive 87 points.

TOASTS: To Lewis Hamilton for his heroic win at the São Paulo GP.

To Shagpile, wishing a speedy recovery and anticipating an appearance from him at the Christmas Party.

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted in their entirety.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Social Sec/ Fin. Sec has collected a list of names for the party and as an Irishman once said, if you are not on the list please contact him asap. The first tee time on party day is expected to be at about 10am.

There being no further business, the meeting finished at 1.40.

B. Kwok.

The Foxton weekend arrived with great anticipation and excitement. The accommodation was excellent as was the food and company. The only fly in the ointment was the weather on Sunday which in the beginning was absolutely abysmal. The rain came down in buckets and the wind howled and whistled, taking with it all the leaves and our expectations. However being the stalwarts that we are, the MOGHS donned their waterproofs, stuck two fingers to the sky and ventured out into the teeth of the gale with heavy hearts and determined resolve. Somebody was definitely looking down on us because within the first ten minutes of our round, the wind dropped, the sun came out and smiles appeared on even the stoniest of faces.

The competition secretary had conceived a cunning plan for the weekend with the help of playing cards and sleight of hand he divided the group into teams of Stars and Stripes. The first game was four ball better ball.

RESULTS: There were six games planned but only 3ish managed to complete the course. Brains sportingly played alone. The Straggler, Shagpile and Jockstrap were forced to abort after 9 holes and the Comp Sec also finished on his own due to the withdrawal of team mates. Kwok and 2Beers were worthy winners with 42 points. Herbie and the Prof had 41 points and Rabbi and Crocs had 39 points. Brains and the Laird both completed the course and had they played together would have garnered a reasonable total. The team game ended in a draw with 1.5 points apiece. The singles draw for the following day was completed before the competitors reconvened for dinner at 7pm.

It was generally agreed that the evening meal and service were of excellent quality as was breakfast the following day. The evening celebrations continued after dinner with Kwok’s  quiz and singing accompanied by the magic fingered maestro, Crocs. A merry time was had by all.

After a hearty breakfast, the singles competition began and thankfully the weather was benign compared to the previous day.

RESULTS: The outright winner was the Prof with a magnificent 43 points. Herbie, Crocs and the Laird all grabbed a piece of the runner up spot with 39 points. The team game was announced as a draw. The Comp Sec paid out the winnings to the victors and held in reserve £16 which was to be donated towards the Christmas party.

CONCLUSION:

The Chair proposed a vote of thanks to Shagpile for organising the event and to the Laird for organising the games under difficult circumstances. There were also thanks offered to Kwok for the quiz and Crocs for his guitar plucking.

OBSERVATIONS: Sympathy to the Scuttler, who missed the weekend for medical reasons.

Are we pushing our luck weather wise in booking away days so late in the year when the weather is more likely to be wet and miserable?

B. Kwok.

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

Due to the absence of the Straggler, 2Beers agreed to chair the meeting.

RESULTS: Delivered by the Geezer, who deliberately cranked up the tension by announcing the results in a convoluted manner. DD’soD were Winker, 2Beers and Crocs with a derisory 76 points. D’soD were Brains, Winscales and the Laird with an even more derisory 70 points. The winners were everybody else, namely, (Prof, Geezer and Monty), (Rabbi, Shagpile and Emperor) and (Kwok, Cardinal and Johnnie) with 79 points apiece.

Only one 2 was recorded by Johnnie on the 8th who scooped the whole pot.

The winners agreed to accept one pound apiece in winnings with the residue going into the coffers.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

APOLOGIES: From all who weren’t present.

FINANCE: £3.90 was collected in swears as well as £6 in leftover winnings.

BUSINESS: The Chair welcomed back Kwok into the fold after an enforced sabbatical.

The Geezer announced that he had been in discussion with the management and had negotiated new starting times on Mondays -8.50-9.20. The new start times will commence on Monday 1 November. Members were asked to gather at 8.30 for the draw.

TOASTS: Rory McIlroy, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Morpeth Town F.C.

To young May Shaw who has recently been appointed as assistant professional at the club.

FOXTON: Shagpile has successfully organised the expedition but is unfortunately unable to play on the Monday and asked for a volunteer to take his place. Please contact him if you wish to be considered. Peter Burchall will also not be attending due to a misunderstanding at the time of the booking. All members were requested to convene in the clubhouse at Foxton at 11am. The first tee is booked for midday.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The party is scheduled for 13 December and the format will be discussed at a later meeting.

Malcolm Sage joined the meeting, looking resplendent and besuited. Why was he wearing a suit????

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 12.50.

Burt E. Kwok.

PRESENT: C.M, A.W, P.F, J.G(2), P.L, P.B, G.A, J.G(1), D.F, T.M, T.H(l/e), G.W, B.R, B.Y(l/e), L.W(l/e), D.G-M(l/e).

RESULTS: Today’s game was a 4BBB. For the first time since the pandemic began, the balls were drawn from the hat to decide on partners and the order of play. Results were delivered by the Laird who opined that the day’s game had been ‘almost competitive. ‘

D’soD were Winker and Kwok and the Cardinal and Winscales on 40 points apiece. They each receive one shot. DD’soD were Brains and the Rabbi, Johnnie and 2Beers and the Scuttler and Geezer with 41 points each. Runners up with 43 points were the Prof and Laird on 43 points each and £3 each. This week’s champines with a massive 48 points were El Mat and the Emperor who receive £5 each and are pulled one shot each. There were three 2’s by 2Beers on the 4th and Johnnie and Brains on the 17th. They each receive £1.60.

TOASTS: To Olympic gold medal winners Adam Peaty and Tom Daley and partner Marty Lee.

To Stephen Dodd who won the Seniors Open.

To Rangers F.C who surprisingly beat Real Madrid.

Biggles: The Rabbi gave an update which indicates that Biggles continues to make progress with the help of speech therapists and physiotherapists. He has enjoyed playing dominoes which helps with fine motor skills.

HOBSONS 9th AUGUST: The Laird gave an update. Bacon sarnies and coffee will be £3/head. Additional costs will be £15 for the round and £2 for the sweep. El Mat and the Scuttler are late additions to the party. Wellend will require a lift to the venue, please contact him if you can accommodate an extra passenger. The first tee off time will be 10.25 but the Laird appealed for everyone to be there at 9.30.

FINANCE: This week marked the return of Geezers cards provided, by the Rabbi, as well as the swears penalty of 20p per cuss. The swears realised a total of £5.60 and £4 from the GC’s.

AOB: Brains announced that he was unable to play on Wednesday and Winscales jumped at the chance to take his place. The Geezer also revealed that there was a place up for grabs in his group in the 10am slot.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1.15. B. Kwok.

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

RESULTS: Today’s game was a Texas Scramble. The Laird was congratulated for his choice of format and an enjoyable game was had by all. There were 2×2’s but it was decided that the prize for each contestant was so abysmal that the cash would be paid straight into the coffers. The D’soD were team 4 comprising Winker, the Chair, the Geezer and 2Beers with a paltry 64 points. DD’soD were Johnnie, Emperor, Crocs and Laird with 62.9 points. The Prof, Kwok, the Cardinal and Monty were runners up with 61.2 points. The winners and this week’s Champs were the Rabbi, El Mat, Scuttler and Herbie with 58.9 points. They each scoop £4 and receive a 1 shot deduction. The duffers will receive 1 shot each at the next encounter.

TOASTS: Due to a complete oversight except for the sharp eyed Desmond, the MOHGS failed, last week, to toast the England football team for their performance in reaching the final of the Euros and giving a much needed boost to the country in these troubled times.

To Shagpile who has undergone heart treatment, wishing him a speedy recovery and return to the fold.

To the British Open winner Collin Morikawa for a job well done.

BUSINESS: Winker Watson reported that he was alarmed last week at the lack of social distancing in the clubhouse during our customary meeting. He urged us to be more careful when conducting the meetings and wherever possible, to hold the meetings outside. Johnnie also commented on the rapid rise in the number of Covid cases and opined that, “It ain’t over yet.” The Scuttler remarked that the double jab would provide some protection. It was decided eventually by a huge majority that whenever possible all meetings will be outdoors but in the event of inclement weather, more care will be taken to socially distance.

BIGGLES: The Rabbi gave an update on Biggles and confirmed that he still continues to make progress aided and abetted by a team of skilled practitioners.

THE NEW NORMAL: Next Monday we revert back to the good old days when all the balls  will go into the sack for the draw to decide groupings for the day’s play. The Laird urged all players to be available at 8.15 on the dot, when the draw will be made.

MUFTI: The Chair reported that he has dispatched the latest and possibly last order to Delboy. Crocs announced that he had made enquiries about the embroidered logo and that his contact could reproduce it on mufti if required.

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

B. Kwok.

PRESENT: M.S, C.M, D.F, P.B, P.F, F.B, T.M, A.W, P.L, J.G(1), J.G(2), B.R, T.H, D.G-M, G.W. B.Y(l/e).

RESULTS: Only one 2 this week from Winker on 17th who scoops £3.20. Today’s game was 4 ball better ball. D’soD were the unfortunate Crocs and Laird with 36 points. DD’s were the Geezer and Straggler with 37 points. Herbie and the Emperor were runners up with 42 points and £2 each in prize money. This week’s champines with a massive 45 points were the Prof and Monty who each earned £6. The duffers will gain a shot and the champs will be pulled a shot each.

TOASTS: The Geezer was informed during the course of today’s round that he was the grandfather to newborn baby Joshua(8lb 6oz). Mum, baby and G/dad were all well and toasted by the MOHGS.

To Mark Cavendish who won 3 stages of the Tour De France and now shares the honour of most wins with the great Eddy Merckx.

To John Delboy Beaton to wish him a long and happy retirement and in thanks for all his efforts in procuring MOHGS mufti.

To the Laird, Crocs, Prof and Scuttler who have been awarded the George Cross for their past work for the NHS.

To the Cardinal, who announced that he first became acquainted with the Chair this very week 49 years ago.

BIGGLES: The Rabbi gave a very detailed update on the progress of Biggles. He has been taken off all forms of ventilation and is now ensconced in his own private room with television and entertainment accessories. Speech therapists are helping with his recovery. He is expected to be moved, in the near future, to an RAF recuperation centre in   Loughborough.

BUSINESS: In light of the fact that the MOHGS have been granted permission to continue to have a block booking on Monday’s and that the new Covid rules are set to be relaxed from next Monday, is now the time to revert to the old system of putting all the balls in the bag to decide groupings for the day’s play???

2Beers urged caution. The general feeling was that we should return to the old system asap but it might be prudent to wait for one more week until we are sure the new rules allow us to operate with impunity.

The Laird will continue to organise the game for next week but appealed to all members to inform him before midday on Friday if they intend to play.

MOHGS MUFTI: The Chair requested that any member who wishes to order mufti should inform him by Wednesday at the latest.

Crocs volunteered to check if it was possible that one of his contacts could embroider the MOHGS logo. He will make enquiries and report back.

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

Burt K.

Gentlemen,

A successful day was had at Westerhope today, apart from the one heavy shower. Many thanks to Herbie for arranging. Thanks also to Kwok for donating his 4Ball voucher. Can I just confirm that Crocs was unable to play due to him being incapacitated and not for any other reason. I hope that this satisfies anyone who thought otherwise.

1×2 was scored by Winker on the 10th and he will receive £2.40.
DoD. Wellen, Winscale & Bumpers. 68pts
DDoD. Monty, Straggler & Emperor. 69pts
R – Up. Winker, Brains & Rabbi. 71pts
Winners Herbie, Laird & Prof. 78pts
DoD will receive a 1 shot lift
Winners will receive a 1 shot reduction and £8 each
Nice to see that Herbie & the Laird have worked out how to win at last.

Toasts. England football team.
MGC committee for their decision in favour of MOHGS pre booked tees on Mondays.
To Biggles on his continuing improvement as explained by the Rabbi. He had a treat in the shape of ice cream and jelly. He is likely to be transferred to Loughborough in the future for rehabilitation at the MOD facility. We wish him all the best.

AOB. Thanks to Martin Calder and the committee on their decision.

Hobson match. Confirmed participants are:-
Staggler, Wellen, Laird, Kwouk, Brains, Monty, Rabbi, Crocs, Johnnie, Prof, Emperor & Cardinal.
2Beers is first reserve.

The Chair would like those who wish to obtain MOHGS livery to email him with their requirements. Please remember to include if either a jumper or shirt required along with size and shirt colour as necessary. This should be done ASAP.

Those who have not confirmed their wish to play next Monday please let me know by midday on Friday at the latest. Hopefully, if the government rules allow, we will be able to revert to our pre Covid-19 arrangements of turning up and placing the balls in the hat. Possibly after 19th July. Can I just confirm that this has not been possible for the past year and a half due to restrictions imposed upon us by the government. There appeared to be confusion regarding this from some present at the meeting.

Regards and keep safe, at least until the 19th,

The Laird, Competition sec to MOHGS.

PRESENT: J.G(1), P.F, P.B, J.G(2), M.C(l/e), A.W(l/e), D.F(l/e), B.R, F.B, T.M, M.S, G.W, G.A.

RESULTS: Delivered by Brains. Today’s game was for the MOHGS Championship off full MOHGS h/cap. There was one 2 scooped by Monty on the 14th who claims today’s sweep plus a £2.20 rollover from last week. DoD was the unfortunate Brains with 28 points. DDsoD were Winscale and the Emperor with 29 points apiece. Runner up was the Laird on 38 points who wins £4 and a one shot deduction. The winner of the magnificent trophy, with 39 points,£9 and 2 shot deduction was the indefatigable and ever popular Herbie. Herbie was presented with the trophy by the Chairman who congratulated him warmly on his achievement.

TOASTS: To Biggles who continues his recovery.

BUSINESS:

# Herbie had been musing during the week on the very considerable accolade of Employee of the Month which had been bestowed on the Scuttler. He mused further on this theme and proposed that we MOHGS adopt a similar scheme to promote good works which are carried out by the members. He further suggested that the first recipient of the award should be Burt Kwok who selflessly donated a fourball token for a round at Westerhope next Monday, even though he personally will be unable to attend. The members voted 4-1 in favour of adopting the award therefore lucky old Kwok became the very first MOHG o’ the month. The Geezer suggested that the MoTM be allowed to wear a special T shirt to commemorate his mighty deeds but the motion had no support and was dropped.

# Herbie is arranging the trip to Westerhope and has posted information to the interested parties.

# The Chair has a list of MOHG clothing which is still available via Delboy but only for a limited period.

There being no further business the meeting closed in good spirits at 1pm.

Burt Kwok.