Unknown's avatar

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 6th October 2025

Present: – PB, JG (1), DGM, MD, DF, TM, CC, PF, PL, MS, CM and BR meeting only.

Ten golfers this breezy morning, Competition Secretary had to nominate singles off full MOHGS handicap with putting out. Bunkers GUR.

The Chairman opened the meeting by throwing his gavel about.

Results

No Two today so the Treasurer’s Tin gets an extra £2.00.

Duffer of The Day was Two Beers 19 points; he gets a 3 shot uplift!!

Deputy Duffer of The Day was The Geezer with 22 points; he gets an uplift of 2 shots.

Deputy Deputy Duffers of The Day were The Cardinal and Davo with 26 points; they get a reduction of one shot!

In 5th place was Herbie with 30 points.

In 4th place was Ming with 31 points.

Third place was Kwok and Brains with 32 points; they get a one-shot reduction but no cash!

Runner Up was The Laird with 33points; he gets £4 and a two-shot reduction.

However, today’s winner was The Rabbi with 34 points; he gets £6 and a three-shot reduction.

Swears raised £2.50.

Geezer Cards raised £2.00.

Toasts

RIP Iam (Willie) McFaul former Newcastle goalkeeper and manager.

Bob MacIntyre for winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship yesterday.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as being brief!

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

The Laird thanked Brains and Two Beers for identifying an anomaly with the tee bookings for some Mondays. Because of their eagle eyes The Laird was able to correct the error with the office.

Crocs suggested the MOHGS think about giving Julia a leaving present in recognition of the assistance she has provided to us over the last few years.

Agreed unanimously.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.34.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 29th September 2025

Present: – PB, JG (1), DGM, JG (3) (golf only), MD, DF, TM, CM (meeting only)

Seven golfers this chilly morning. The returning Competition Secretary had little option but to nominate singles off full MOHGS handicap with putting out.

The Chairman opened the meeting.

Results

No Two today so the Treasurer’s Tin gets an extra £1.40.

Duffer of The Day was Brains and The Geezer with 19 points; they get a 3 shot uplift each!!

Deputy Duffer of The Day was The Laird (still in holiday mode) with 23 points; he gets an uplift of 2 shots.

Deputy Deputy Duffer of The Day and Third was Two Beers with 24 points; he gets a one-shot uplift and a reduction of one shot, leaving him with no change!

Runner Up was Davo with 31 points; he gets £2 and a two-shot reduction.

However, today’s winners were The Cardinal and Silver Fox with 33 points. They get £2.50 and a three-shot reduction.

Swears raised £2.90.

Geezer Cards raised £1.60.

Toasts

The Ryder Cup Team for winning the Cup on American soil despite the unacceptable behaviour of some American supporters.

The Red Roses for winning the WR World Cup for the third time.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as being brief!

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

Commiserations to Captain Geezer for losing his car keys somewhere presumably on the course.

The Laird expressed some concern regarding our numbers on Mondays. If we continue to have fewer players, there may be some difficulty in getting our slots booked in advance.

It was acknowledged that several were on holiday, and a few were injured. Hopefully we can get back to our normal 15/17 players in the near future.

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

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 22nd September 2025

Present: – PB, PL, JG (1), DGM, PF, MS, AW, JG (3), LW, MD, CM (meeting only)

Ten golfers this cold morning for the Autumn Equinox. Singles only off full MOHGS handicap with full putting out.

The Chairman opened the meeting with his gavel!

Results

One Two today at the 8th by Winker, he pockets £2.

Duffer of The Day was Brains who used the Competition Secretary’s prerogative to not announce the score. He gets a 3 shot uplift.

Deputy Duffer of The Day was Winker with 23 points; he gets an uplift of 2 shots.

Deputy Deputy Duffer of The Day was Johnnie with 24 points; he gets a one-shot uplift.

In Third place were Davo, Cardinal, and Rabbi with 30 points, they get no payout but a one-shot reduction.

Runner Up was Silver Fox with an excellent 37 points; he gets £4 and a two-shot reduction.

However, today’s clear winner was Two Beers with 41 points, he gets £6 and a three-shot reduction.

Swears raised £2.07 (don’t ask).

Geezer Cards raised £3.10.

Toasts

Captain Geezer for coming second in the Seniors Calcutta.

Charlotte Naughton from Longhirst GC who won a Junior World Title at the weekend.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as being very good!

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising other than thanking Herbie for arranging an enjoyable visit to George Washington last Friday.

Any Other Business

Johnnie had a tale from the course regarding a missing golf trolley. Apparently, one of his playing partners mislaid his trolley on the 7th green. It had made a desperate bid for freedom by trying to escape the course through the fence on the 6th hole. Fortunately, it was reunited with its owner enabling him to win today’s competition.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.25.

MOHGS Meeting 15/9/25.

Present  PL ,PF, MD , JG(1), MS, LW, JG(3) ,BR, TM, DF,CC, MM , FB meeting only.

Rabbi took the chair and Herbie took over as scribe.

Results. Today’s competition was singles for the Chairman’s Quaich.

                     No twos so £2.00 to the treasurer.

                     DOD Emperor 24 points

                    DDOD Kwok 25 points

                   Third last   Davo 26points.

                   Third Rabbi 34 points

                   Second Geezer 37.

                   Winner Laird 38 points.

Finance   Swears £2.70 Twos £2.00,Geezer cards £4.00

Toasts.  Sandy Twynholm winner of England golf seniors championship at            Woodall Spa

               Charlie Hull winner of the Kroger championship

               RIP Ricky Hatton

Minutes of the last meeting. Were approved with no matters arising.

AOB  All tee time had been booked through until the end of March.

           Geezer playing the final of the Calcutta singles next Monday before the           MOHGS start. The group wished him well.

At this stage our official photographer recorded the Lairds win in the Chairman’s Quaich presented by Captain Geezer.

Herbie reminded all those going to George Washington to meet at 9.45.

The meeting closed at 12.31 and was followed by a three course meal of drinks, sandwiches and baked potato lumps. Our thanks to the Emperor for organizing the meal.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 8th September 2025

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

Fifteen golfers this morning enabled the Competition Secretary to suggest a Texas Shambles. Teams of three, all tee off select the most appropriate drive and then all play their own ball putting out.

The Chairman opened the meeting with a compliment to The Competition Secretary for the innovative competition which demonstrated his initiative.

Results

Twos today at the 8th by Team 1 Winker, Scuttler and Siver Fox and also Team 4 Rabbi, Geezer and Cardinal. They share £3.

Duffers of The Day were Kwok, Matador and Crocs with 97 points, they get an uplift of 1 shot.

Deputy Duffers of The Day were Ming, Emperor and Herbie with 110 points.

Runners Up were Rabbi, Geezer and Cardinal together with Silver Fox, Scuttler and Winker with 115 points.

However, today’s clear winners were Brains, The Laird and Two Beers with 122 points, they get £5 each and a one-shot reduction.

Swears raised £4.00.

Geezer Cards raised £4.80.

Toasts

Rory McIlroy for winning the Irish Open yesterday.

Sir Chris Hoy for the Charity Cyle Ride completed yesterday in aid of Prostate Cancer.

All the runners in yesterday’s Great North Run. It demonstrated what the NE is renowned for, although the National BBC News decided against mentioning it!!

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as being very good!

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

Herbie reminded all of the impending visit to George Washington on 19th September. Nine players, suggested meet at 9.45 am for a 10.36 tee time.

At this point, the Chair was receiving a lack of respect when others were attempting to talk over him. He banged his gavel ferociously.

Herbie requested clarification on the Geezer Bunker Card, he questioned if a grass bunker qualified. He was advised in no uncertain manner that only bunkers with sand qualify for a bunker card!

The Competition Secretary advised that he had booked Monday morning tees from October till February. He will liaise with the office to put back the tee times from mid-November.

Crocs raised the question of a hole in one in today’s format, would that mean all players achieved a hole in one. He was informed that all would be deemed to have a hole in one and three bottles of whiskey would be required on the bar!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 13.07.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 1 September 2025

Present: – PB, DF, PL, JG (3), JG (1), CC, DGM, PF, TH, TM, GW, MD, MS, CM and President FB (meeting only)

Thirteen golfers this morning for the start of astrological Autumn. The Competition Secretary had little option but to select a singles competition with full MOHGS handicap and no gimmies!

The Chairman assumed his vocation with aplomb.

He immediately welcomed our President Frank.

Results

Twos today at the 14th by The Rabbi and at the 17th by The Geezer. However, there was a more impressive 2 at the 12th by Davo. They all get to share £2.60. Some of which allegedly found its way into the Treasurer’s tin.

Duffer of The Day was Silver Fox with 22 points, he gets an uplift of 3 shots.

Deputy Duffer of The Day was Scuttler with 24 points, he gets an uplift of two shots.

Deputy Deputy Duffer of The Day was The Cardinal with 26 points, he gets an uplift of one shot.

In third place was Ming and Kwok with 36 points, they get £1 each and a handicap reduction of one shot.

Runner Up was The Laird with 41 points, he gets £4 and a reduction of two shots.

However, today’s winner was Captain Geezer with 44 points, he gets £8 and a three shot reduction.

Swears raised £2.70.

Geezer Cards raised £2.40.

Toasts

Captain Geezer proposed a toast to Liverpool FC for buying the ‘little sh** Isak’ from NUFC. Few takers!

Grimsby Town for knocking Man. Utd. out of the Carabao Cup!

No toast but an Honourable Mention for Ming, finishing 3rd last Wednesday.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

Herbie reminded all of the impending visit to George Washington on 19th September. Geezer would like to join the throng with Brains. Captain should receive courtesy!

Herbie observed that in their 4 ball the bunker card changed hands at least 5 times! Is that a record???

Ming presented the MOHGS Championship trophy to Two Beers, the occasion was held over from 11th August to enable Crocs to find and engrave the trophy!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.46.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 25 August 2025

Present: – PB, DF, PL, JG (3), JG (1), BR, PT, CC (golf only), DGM (five holes only) MM (meeting only)

Nine golfers this morning, including a newcomer Paul Tulip. The Competition Secretary nominated a two from three comp. today. Yet again The Cardinal was in the last group, He helped PT integrate into the idiosyncrasies of MOHGS, in particular the Geezer Cards!

Peter Layton was press ganged into the Chairman’s role!

Unfortunately, the Chairman was called from the course as his wife had been taken ill. A later update confirmed that she was in better health after a stringent check-up at Cramlington. Enabling DGM to attend the match tonight.

Paul was welcomed into the MOHGS, although still working he is welcome to join us when possible.

Results

Apparently an absence of twos today meant that £1.80 found its way into the Emperors Tin.

Duffers of The Day were Brains and The Laird together with Two Beers with 65 points; they get a handicap uplift of 1 shot.

Today’s winners were Silver Fox, Ming and the Rabbi, together with Cardinal, Emperor and NNY (Paul) with 75 points. They get £1.50 each and a handicap reduction of one shot!

Most winners put the spoils in the Emperors Tin.

Swears raised £1.10, no Geezer.

Geezer Cards raised £2.40.

Toasts

Tommy Fleetwood for winning the FedEx Cup play offs.

Morpeth Juniors for winning the Juniors County Championship in consecutive seasons.

Paul for breaking 90 for the very first time today (must have been the influence of his playing partners)

All sent wishes for Carla’s good health.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Silver Fox noted that The Cardinal appeared twice in the results last week. He was identified as a Deputy Duffer and also in Third Place. Clearly an error which the scribe is happy to correct.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

The Laird will be having discussions with the office to arrange our tee times for the Mondays October onwards. He will report back on the dates at which the times revert to 9am.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.30ish.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 18 August 2025

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

Twelve golfers this morning enabled the Competition Secretary to suggest a four ball better ball competition. Pair selected out of the hat. Yet again The Cardinal was in the last group, however he enjoyed the company of his playing partners.

The round was somewhat challenging as the green staff were working on the greens, it meant that not all groups played to the same holes!!! However, the Competition Secretary, quite rightly, decreed that the NOHGS play each course as presented without whinging.

The Chairman’s role was grabbed by Herbie.

Results

One two today by The Geezer at the 4th, described by his playing partner as something of magic. He pockets £2.40.

Duffers of The Day were Brains and Matador with 35 points; they get a handicap uplift of 1 shot.

Deputy Duffers of the Day was Cardinal with 38 points were Kwok and Scuttler together with Ming and Rabbi. They get nothing!

In third place with 40 points were The Silver Fox and Cardinal.

Runners up were The Geezer and The Laird with 42 points, they get £1.

However, today’s winners are Johnnie and Herbie with 43 points. They get £5 each and a handicap reduction of one shot.

Swears raised £4.90, same as last week.

Geezer Cards raised £2.40.

Toasts

Marco Penge for winning the Danish Open.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

After a sleepless night, The Laird suggested that on Mondays, those MOHGS who wish to register for casual round for handicap purposes may do so. The Geezer observed that only when the MOHGS play singles is that allowable and clearly have to putt out.

It was agreed that anyone wishing to do so can!

Anyone wishing to join The Laird, Kwok and Brains at 7.40 on Wednesday would be welcome.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.57.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 11 August 2025

Present: – PB, DF, MS, PL, GW, TH, AW, CM, JG (3), PF, CC, BR, DGM, JG (1).

Fourteen golfers contested the MOHGS Championship.

The Chairman assumed the role with gavel in hand.

Results

No twos today £2.80 to the Emperor’s Tin.

Duffer of The Day was Ming with 21 points. His handicap will increase by 3.

Deputy Duffer of the Day was Cardinal with 22 points. His handicap will increase by 2.

Deputy Deputy Duffer was The Laird with 24 points his handicap will increase by 1.

In third position was Kwok with 34 points, he gets £2 and a handicap reduction of 1.

Runner up was Scuttler with 37 points, he gets £4 and a two-shot handicap reduction.

However, today’s winner and MOHGS Champion for the year was Two Beers with 38 points. He gets £8 and a handicap reduction of three shots. He also gets the trophy to be presented when next both trophy and Two Beers are present!

Swears raised £4.90.

Geezer Cards raised £4.00.

Toasts

Justin Rose for winning the St Jude Championship.

Grant Forest for winning the Nexo Championship in Scotland.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

Herbie has arranged golf at George Wahington on 19th September. Those wishing to play please let him know asap.

Herbie had an interesting observation from the course. Today everyone had to put out, did the scores reflect that???

Winker observed that Two Beers had won yet he can’t put! He must have played very well tee to green!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.42.

The Chair may well be absent next Monday; he will be entertaining grandkids!

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 28th July 2025

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

Fifteen golfers this morning plus Captain Geezer who was playing his Calcutta Singles match, which he won!!

The Competition Secretary opted for a waltz with partners chosen out of the hat!

The Chairman in the chair. His first task was to congratulate Crocs for becoming a grandfather again this very morning! Welcome to his granddaughter, yet to be named.

Results

Two twos today, one at the 8th by Kwock, and one at the 14th by The Laird. They share the £3 pot.

Duffers of The Day were Matador, Brains and Winker; together with Davo, Crocs and Herbie with 60 points. The all get a one-shot uplift.

Deputy Duffers of the Day were Emperor, Johnnie, and Silver Fox with 67 points. They get nothing. Other than a welcome back to Silver Fox from his round the world tour.

Runners Up were The Cardinal, Two Beers and Rabbi with 72 points; they also get nothing!

However, today’s winners were The Laird, Scuttler and Kwock with a magnificent 78 points. They get £5 each and a handicap reduction of one shot each.

Swears raised and unknown amount (forgot to ask The Financial Guru)

Geezer Cards raised £3.00.

Toasts

England Lionesses for defending the European Cup yesterday. The only football team to defend a major international trophy and win a trophy on foreign soil.

Emperor and Rabbi for getting to semi final of Seniors Calcutta Pairs.

Captain Geezer for a sublime win of the Senior’s Captains Shield last Wednesday.

Lottie Woad for winning the Ladies Scottish Open on her first outing as a professional.

Padraig Harrington for winning the Seniors Open yesterday.

Lions for wining the series in Australia with one test remaining.

RIP Wyn Davies and Ozzy Osbourne

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record without amendment.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Any Other Business

Herbie reminded the Seahouses Twelve to be there by 10am.

Captain Geezer announced a blind auction for a number of four balls at excellent courses. Keep an eye out for an e-mail.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.44.