PRESENT: M.S, G.W, J.G(1), J.G(2), G.A, B.Y, A.W, P.F, F.B, C.M, D.F.

RESULTS: Delivered by the ever resourceful Laird. No 2’s recorded therefore £2.20 is carried forward. DoD was the Prof(+2) with a pitiful 27 points. DDoD was Winker(+1) with 29 points. Crocs(-1)and Herbie(-1)were this week’s runners up with 36 points and a prize of £1.50 each. The ever popular Laird(-2)was this week’s Champine with 37 points and a prize pot of £8.

TOASTS: To Hartlepool F.C who return to the Football league after a long spell in the football wilderness.

To Biggles as he continues to make progress towards a full recovery.

BUSINESS: The Chair has not made contact with Delboy re. mufti but hopes to make contact tonight to discuss alternative sources of provision.

# The Laird revealed that the Board is due to meet tonight and will hopefully make a decision on future MOHGS Monday tee off times.

# Tees are booked as usual next Monday. Please advise the Laird of your availability before Friday midday.

# Herbie volunteered to organise the game on July 5, since the Laird will be unavailable. Morpeth G.C is unfortunately booked for a competition therefore it was suggested that this would be an ideal opportunity for an away day. Kwok agreed to donate a 4 ball voucher for Westerhope and it was agreed that this would be the venue. Those who wish to attend, please contact Herbie asap.

# The Laird asked for volunteers to book tee times if the Board decides to discontinue our block booking. Herbie, Johnnie, Winker and the Prof agreed to step up to the mark if  things go awry.

# The Laird is negotiating with his mate Chippy to decide on the date of the game v Hobsons. The 9 August is looking to be the most opportune and the Laird would appreciate a quick response from those MOHGS who wish to play.

# Brains reminded all members that next Monday will be MOHGS Championship Day.

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

BURT E. KWOK

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

The Chair announced that Delboy was retiring from the rag trade therefore we will be obliged to seek an alternative source for future mufti. Delboy was thanked for his past endeavours and wished a happy and fulfilled retirement.

RESULTS: Delivered by the indefatigable Laird. Only one 2 recorded by the Geezer on the 14th, which entitles him to the whole pot £2.60. DoD was the unfortunate Laird with a miserable 23 points and a 2 shot lift. DD’soD were the Straggler and Crocs with 25 points apiece and a one shot lift. Joint runners up with 36 points were the Rabbi and Brains, who win £2 each and are docked one shot. Today’s winner with a magnificent 38 points was Kwok, who scoops £9 and receives a 2 shot deduction.

TOASTS: To Burt K who becomes the first MOHG to become a great grandfather after the birth of baby Elijah Thomas.

To the resourceful Scuttler who was crowned employee of the month after his successful organisation and delivery of the Newbiggin away day.

To the Danish doctor whose prompt response saved the life of Christian Eriksen.

To the Rabbi, Johnnie and El Mat who were all in the frame in last week’s Seniors Comp.

To the England football team following their 1-0 win in the opening Euro fixture.

BIGGLES REPORT: The Rabbi gave an update on the progress of Biggles who is now able to stand with the use of a frame. He is taking an interest in the Euro Football Comp and is enjoying answering multi choice questions on his iPad. The Chair asked the Rabbi to pass on our best wishes.

AOB:

# The Laird reported that the Board will meet shortly and hopefully reach a decision on MOHGS tee times on Mondays. The current regime will continue until we are informed differently.

# The Geezer proposed that the MOHGS, as a goodwill gesture, approach the management for divot bags in order to fill in holes as we play our round on Mondays. He agreed to make this suggestion to the manager.

# Crocs was concerned that there had been no discussion about the reinstatement of MOHGS competitions or away days. Would it now be possible to consider an overnight stay?

The Christmas Plate(Kwok), the Champions Trophy(the Laird) and the Chairman’s Quaiche(2Beers) are accounted for, but Soapy’s Dish and AGM Bell are missing. The thought was that Soapy himself may have won the Dish and maybe even the Bell. We need Pickles!!! Could Soapy shed some light on this dilemma???

* The Laird is hopeful that the away games v Hobsons and Beamish will take place possibly in August or September. He will make enquiries and report back.

Scotlands Euro game v the Czech Republic was imminent therefore proceedings were wrapped up quickly and the meeting ended in good spirits at 1pm.

B. Kwok.

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

TOASTS: To Biggles with hopes that he returns to full health asap.
To Delboy who made a surprise visit and was welcomed to the meeting.
To Peter Burchall who celebrates his birthday today.
To Wellen and the Geezer who were first and third in last week’s Seniors Competition.

The Rabbi gave a brief update about Biggles. The good news is that he is now allowed out of bed and can sit on a chair in his room. He communicates at the moment using sign language. His eyes are now more focused and he is able to find stimulation in music and films via his new iPad. The most remarkable news however is that Biggles is about to become a father and even more remarkably, that by the wonders of modern technology, he was able to view his wife being scanned, as it actually happened. Congratulations to Biggles and also to the Rabbi and Susan for what will be their first grandchild.

RESULTS: Delivered by the ever efficient Laird. There were three 2’s dispatched by Kwok on the 4th and Brains and the Cardinal on the 17th. They will each receive £1. D’soD were Brains, Rabbi and Herbie with a derisory 68 points. DD’soD were Winscale, the Cardinal and the Laird with 72 points. Wellen, Monty and 2Beers were the runners up with 77 points. Joint winners this week on 78 points were, the Geezer, Straggler and El Mat and Kwok, Crocs and Scuttler. They will each receive £2.50 and and be pulled by one shot. The duffers will each receive one shot.

The Laird and Cardinal were called to a meeting with the club manager at this point and set off to do battle on behalf of the MOHGS in an attempt to secure tee times for Monday’s games. The meeting would also be attended by the group of complainants who are dissatisfied with the current situation.

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

Burt Kwok.

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

RESULTS: Delivered by Brains. Today’s game was a 4Ball better Ball. There were three 2’s posted by the Geezer and Johnnie on the 7th and Shagpile on the 16th. D’soD were the Cardinal and Shotgun with 42 points. Runners up were Kwok and Shagpile with 51 points. The joint winners were Soapy and Johnnie and Brains and Monty with 52 points apiece. Winners will be pulled by one shot and losers will gain a shot.

NO TOASTS WERE OFFERED.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.
BUSINESS:

* The latest episode of the ongoing saga of will he or won’t he go to Foxton was resolved, when the Chair announced that he WILL now attend the forthcoming trip, after being sweet talked by the silver tongued Laird. However it was expected that the event may be cancelled due to the threats imposed by Coronavirus.

* The Cardinal informed the group that the plans for the Blyth trip were progressing well and that he would enquire about whether or not trolleys were allowed on the course.

* The Chair has been informed that orders for polo shirts and sweaters can only be placed in batches of 12 or more. He is therefore unable to place an order until more members require extra mufti.

The meeting closed at 12.32.

Kwok.

P.s Since the meeting, we are now aware that the Govt has announced new guidelines for the over 70’s urging self isolation in order to slow the spread of Coronavirus. This will obviously impact a huge percentage of the membership. These guidelines come into effect this coming weekend therefore the Blyth game could still be a goer but what about the regular Monday meets or the Senior Comps? It could well be that we may have to mothball the golfing gear for the next 3 months. No doubt we will be informed by the GC about their response to Govt initiatives.

Look forward to observations by other MOHGS. In the meantime keep washing your hands and stay safe.

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

FINANCE: £4.20 Geezers cards. £4Swears.

The Chair was back after a short self imposed exile and he welcomed the return of Crocs who revealed that he has now recovered from a devastating flu episode, which had knocked the stuffing out of him. He hopes to continue playing in the next couple of weeks.

RESULTS: The Comp. Sec. and his able assistant, Brains, were renamed by the Chair as the Competition Bureau. The Bureau delivered the results. There was only one 2, posted by the Laird on the 8th. The game today was played in groups of 4, with the best two scores counting. Runners up were Herbie, the Cardinal, Monty and Soapy—–Kwok, Shagpile, Wellen and Bumpers—– Dewey, the Geezer, the Straggler and Shotgun. All the runners up had a joint score of 88 points. The winners with a resounding 102 points were Brains, 2Beers, the Rabbi and the Laird. The winners will be pulled by one shot apiece and all runners up will gain a shot.

TOASTS: To Tyrell Hatton who won the Arnold Palmer invitational.
To David Drysdale who came second in Oman.
To the return of Crocs after his nasty bout of flu.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING ACCEPTED.

BUSINESS:

* The Chair will definitely not be attending the Foxton weekend even though a special isolation unit had been arranged for him. The Laird was tasked with the role of contacting another member who had displayed an interest in joining the party.

*The Chair took orders from members for new mufti but urged others who are in need of  clobber to get in touch asap so that he could dispatch one big order, rather than dribs and drabs.

* Crocs did not return to the fold empty handed. With a theatrical flourish he produced a clutch of trophies which he has had engraved with the names of all the respective winners and which included the elusive and much prized, New Year Bell. The recovering Crocs was commended for his actions and the recipients were joyous at the reunification with their spoils of battle.

There was a debate about starting times on Mondays which included a call for penalties for latecomers. Members were urged to be at the starting gate no later than 8.29. The balls would go in the hat at 8.30. Members who arrived after 8.30 would be barred from the day’s competition although there may be some degree of flexibility. Shagpile urged members to phone a member of the Competition Bureau in the event that they anticipated they would be late and a ball could be put in the bag on their behalf. The Comp. Sec. remarked that it was vital that he was cognisant of the number of players in order to devise the appropriate game for the day.

* The Chair apropos nothing proposed a toast to the aforementioned Comp. Bureau for their hard work and diligence. This led to a rash of toasts which included the Secretary and the much maligned Chair himself.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 12.55pm.

Burt E. Kwok.

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

The meeting was chaired by the Cardinal who welcomed back Shotgun after a long absence and also welcomed Barney Rubble who is a good friend of the President.

RESULTS: Only one 2 was posted by the Laird on the 14th. Today’s game was a 4 ball better ball. The D’soD were Shotgun and Shagpile with 39 points. Runners up with 46 points were Monty and Brains. The winners with a magnificent 48 points were the dream team pairing of the Laird and Scuttler.

NO TOASTS WERE OFFERED.

BUSINESS: The Laird apologised for being unable to offer a comprehensive list of last year’s achievements, at the AGM, because of time limitations following his trip to Oz. He wished to rectify the situation and proceeded to deliver the following account of events and trophy winners:
> 21/01/19.         AGM New Year 🔔.        The Prof.
> 28/01/19.         Foxton Away Day.           Brains/Wellen/2Beers.
> 08/04/19.         Chairmans Quaich.        2Beers.
> 03/06/19.         MOHGS v Beamish.       Win.
> 05/0619.          City GC Away day.          The Laird.
> 10/06/19.         Soapy Dish.                     Crocs.
> 16/07/19.         Shagpile Trophy.              D.Segal.
> 22/07/19.        MOHGS Championship.  The Laird.
> 29/07/19.        Newbiggin Away Day.      Rabbi&Crocs.
> 09/09/19.       Beamish v MOHGS.          Win.
> 16/09/19.        MOHGS v Hobson.           Win.
> 09/12/19.        Christmas Shield.             Kwok/Shagpile.

The Laird welcomed all newcomers to our ranks and reported that the weekly turnout had reached 20 on occasion. There have been several away days but no overnighters mainly due to poor weather. The MOHGS had triumphed home and away against Beamish and beat Hobson for the first time.

The internal comps have resulted in 7 different winners.

There remains consternation about the whereabouts of the New Year Bell.

OTHER BUSINESS:
The Geezer cards were reintroduced for today’s game.

* The Cardinal announced that there are now 9 members who wish to attend the game at Blyth GC on 20 March. The first tee time is 10.30. He will establish if bacon sarnies are available and estimates that the cost for the round will be £5/£6.

*Shagpile remarked that there are now 9 members attending the overnighter at Foxton. The issue of a single room for the Straggler had now been resolved.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1.15pm.

Burt Kwok.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE MONDAY TEE Times
Our first tee time is now 08:36. Assembly 08:20 (no later). Balls in the hat @ 08:25.

Todays Gathering
Geezer/ Laird/ Herbie/ Rabbi/ Wellen /Bumpers /Dewy / Brains.

Given the conditions 💨, and the freedom to make our own decisions post Brexit, a competitive 11 hole comp took place. No 2’s, no swears, no Geezer cards and, due to the closeness of the results, no Handicap adjustments. It was unanimously agreed that the entry fees (£8) should be passed to the Cardinal for the benefit of all MOHGS. The Laird will ensure the dosh is passed to the Cardinal.

Toasts
To those who turned up and G Mac.

Best wishes Chris for a speedy recovery – look forward to welcoming back a fit and healthy Crocodile.

Geezer Cards
We are all requested to undertake another thorough search of carry bags, cart bags, winter attire , lockers etc for our much 💕 cards.

Minutes of last meeting
📦 ticked!

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

RESULTS: Only one 2 was posted by Shagpile on the 14th. The Rabbi was DoD with 29 points. DD’soD were Kwok, Winscale, the Cardinal, Wellen and 2Beers with 30 points apiece. Shagpile was runner up with 39 points. The winner and recipient of the New Year 🔔, was the ever popular Scuttler with 43 massive points.

FINANCE: £3.60 was collected in swears.

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

MATTERS ARISING: The previous winner of the New Year bell, the Prof, has never been presented with his trophy. The President, who had originally donated the trophy, calmly proclaimed that he had another 🔔 which he would present to Shagpile at the earliest opportunity.

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR: The Chair, with his usual zeal and eye for detail, puffed out his cheeks and chest and delivered a speech in stentorian tones which was almost Churchillian in its evocation of hope and commitment to future endeavours. He later admitted that the speech had been totally off the cuff but this in no way diminished its potency.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: The President thanked all members for their company and good humour during the past year.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The Cardinal in the words of Sajid Javid, proclaimed that ‘Austerity is over.’ The Brexit uncertainty had encouraged him during the last fiscal period, to keep the purse strings tight. However the gloom and despondency have now lifted and the funds now stand at a record £240.46, almost twice the amount registered at the last AGM. He proposed a new offer to members, to boost funds further, whereby members could pay 💰 the relatively small sum of £1 for unlimited swears throughout their round. He also informed the 🦊 Foxton group that they would receive a donation towards refreshments but that this would be paid retrospectively, due to the unfortunate misunderstandings after the previous award.

COMP. SEC. STATEMENT: The Comp. Sec. confidently declared, ‘We are what we are and we do what we do.’ This brief statement said it all.

ELECTION OF OFFICIALS: The previous holders of high office were elected en bloc.
The Chair proposed an annual election of a 👩‍✈️ Captain, to replace the Chair. However after a measured and thoughtful intervention by Brains he realised that his idea had no legs and promptly withdrew the proposal.

AOB: Herbie proposed a vote of thanks to the present officials for their enduring efforts throughout the year. This was seconded by the President who added that the officers were the best we had ever had.

The Chair in an emotional display of solidarity, proclaimed that he would now join the trip to both Foxton and Blyth.

The Scuttler advised all members that it will not be possible to enter names for more than one group for the Senior’s Competitions in future due to new rules which are to be implemented forthwith.

The Geezers cards are still missing and it was agreed that they are an important and enjoyable element of the game. It was decided to approach the Rabbi to see if he was willing to produce a new batch.

There being no further business, the meeting closed in good spirits at 1.55pm.

Burt E. Kwok.

PRESENT: D.F, T.H, J.G, P.F, M.M, L.W, M.C, M.S, D.G-M, C.D, C.M, T.M, P.B.

Today’s meeting was chaired by the Cardinal, due to the absence of the Chair. He began by welcoming back the Laird after his adventures down under. The Laird tearfully replied that he was glad to be back in the fold after an exhausting flight and a restless night with broken sleep.

RESULTS: There was only one 2 posted by Herbie on the 4th. He scooped a total of £5.20, which included the rollover from last week. DoD was poor dejected 😩 Kwok with a miserable 😭 24 points. Joint DD’oD were Dewy and the Geezer with 29 points apiece. The runners up were Johnnie, Scuttler and 2Beers with 37 points each. Today’s joint winners were the triumphant Brains and Herbie with a magnificent 38 points apiece.

FINANCE: £5.10 was collected in swears.

TOASTS: To Lee Westwood for securing the HSBC Trophy 🏆 in Abu Dhabi.
To the England cricket team for their victory in the third test against South Africa 🇿🇦.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

There were no matters arising.

AOB: The Laird was shattered to discover that in last week’s minutes, the Chair intimated that he was ready to throw in the towel and relinquish his role as Chair of the organisation. He was informed that the idea proposed by the Chair for an annual election of a captain 👩‍✈️ to replace the Chair, would be thoroughly discussed at the forthcoming AGM and that if the current Chair was serious about moving to the back benches, he would be required to formally submit his resignation in a plain brown envelope.
* Members were reminded that the AGM will be next Monday 27 Jan.
* Shagpile revealed that there are now 10 names entered for the overnighter at 🦊 Foxton.
* The Cardinal informed the group that 7 punters had shown an interest in the Blyth trip on 20 March.

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

Burt Kwok.

PRESENT: M.M, C.M, P.B, C.D, L.W, F.B, M.S, P.F, J.G, D.G-M, T.H, P.L, T.M.

RESULTS: Today’s event was a singles competition. There were no 2’s, therefore £2.60 is carried forward. D’soD were Kwok and the Scuttler with a miserable 24 points apiece. DD’soD were the Rabbi and Johnnie with 29 points apiece. Runner up was the Geezer with a creditable 39 points. The winner and this week’s champine was the indefatigable Brains with a huge total of 41 points.

FINANCE: No Geezer cards but a very healthy £7.30 in swears.

NO TOASTS WERE OFFERED.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

BUSINESS:
*8 members have signed up for the Foxton extravaganza. There was concern in some quarters that the game would be played on a Monday, since it was proposed last week that away days should if possible be played on any day but Monday. It was agreed that as this trip was an overnighter and part of a deal which had been fiercely negotiated by the redoubtable Shagpile, that it should go ahead as planned.
* The Cardinal has secured a deal for a game at Blyth on Friday 20 March, which will cost £10/punter. The true cost has been offset by his generous donation of a 4Ball voucher. Interested parties should email the Cardinal asap.
*The Geezer cards have been noticeable by their absence for the last couple of weeks, which has seriously depleted this important revenue stream. The Chair was aghast and verging on apoplectic when it was revealed that the cards have disappeared off the face of the earth. The Rabbi who was the maker and erstwhile holder of the cards, revealed that he had no knowledge of their current whereabouts and had no idea as to where they might be. The Chair, with his usual eloquence, appealed to the members to search their bags and leave no stone unturned until the cards are discovered and returned.
*The Chair dropped a minor bombshell when he revealed that he had pondered over his current position as head of the organisation and floated the idea that in future a new captain 👩‍✈️ should be elected each year. It was decided that this suggestion should be discussed in depth at the forthcoming AGM.
*The Rabbi apologised for his absence next week.

Burt E. Kwok