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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 22nd June 2026

Present: – DF, JG (1), MW, AW, PB, CM, BR, LW, PL, MS (1), MS (2), JG (3), MF, MD

Fourteen golfers this morning. Sparky was welcomed back.

Blind Pairs off full MOHGS handicap.

Herbie officiated as Chair.

Swears raised £4.00.

Geezer Cards £2.80.

Results

One two at the 14th for Silver Fox. He scoops the pot of £2.80.

DOD were The Cardinal and Davo with 49 points; they get a one-shot uplift.

The other teams ranged from 53 points to 60.

Runners-up were Silver Fox and Rabbi with 62 points; the share £4.

Today’s winners were Herbie and the returning Sparky with 69 points. They get to share £10 and a one-shot reduction.

Toasts

Tartan Army for beguiling the Boston populace.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record after the scribe admitted a missing sentence referring to the City Away Day. No one else seemed to have noticed so he could have kept schtum.

Matters Arising

None

Any Other Business

The City Away Day is now on 24 July. Twelve players are down with Ginger as first reserve!

Meet at the City for 10.15 coffee, first tee 11.30am. Cost will be £25 each.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.43 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 15th June 2026

Present: – DF, JG (1), MW, AW, PB, CM, BR

Seven golfers this morning as a result of a Seniors away day to Goswick. A small but select gathering welcomed back The Emperor to the fold. He was only able to play a few holes and accompanied Crocs in the buggy.

Singles off full MOHGS handicap.

Crocs took up the gavel as Chair.

Swears raised £3.00.

Geezer Cards £1.40.

Results

One two at the 14th, a thing of beauty, for The Cardinal. He scoops the pot of £1.40.

DOD was The Laird with 24 points; he gets a two-shot uplift.

DDOD was Brains with 27 points, he gets a one-shot uplift.

Runner-up was Winker with 30 points; he gets £2 and a one-shot reduction.

Today’s winner was The Cardinal with 34 points. Nice to see him back in the winning enclosure, he gets £5 and a two-shot reduction.

Toasts

Scotland for winning their first game at the Football World Cup in 36 years!!

David Hockney RIP

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

None

Any Other Business

Crocs has booked three tees The City on Friday 10 July, first tee The Laird, Brains and Crocs already put their hats in the ring.

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

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 8th June 2026

Present: – PL, JG (3), DF, JG (1), MW, AW, PB, DGM, LW, TM, & CM, MS (meeting only)

Ten golfers contested the Soapy Dish. Four clubs and a putter, the Competition Secretary deemed (after undue pressure) that bunkers would be GUR. Full handicap allowance for the prestigious competition.

Two Beers was welcomed back to the chair from his sojourn in the States.

Swears raised £4.70.

Geezer Cards £2.00.

Results

No twos today so the £2.00 went to the kitty!

DOD was Brians with 18 points he gets a two-shot uplift.

DDOD was Winker with 20 points, he gets a one-shot uplift.

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

Today’s winner, recipient of the Soapy Dish, £6 and a two-shot reduction was The Laird with 35 points.

The Trophy was presented by The Chair.

Toasts

Soapy’s memory

Davo and his brother for winning Seniors Invitation Day last Wednesday.

Newcastle Red Bulls for allowing Gloucester a win! Thanks Ginger!

Fergus Slattery RIP.

The Laird’s two granddaughters. Lara for coming fourth in the Australian Synchronised Diving National Championships.

And Ayla, for being selected to compete in the World Biathlon Championships in Madeira next October.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

None

Any Other Business

Shagpile had contacted The Laird to thank the MOHGS for playing in the Rotary Charity Golf last week. Laurie advised a total of £8700 had been raised for MND Research.

Thanks to Herbie and Davo for last Friday at Sharperley.

Other day trips/ tours are: –

City of Newcastle in the capable hands of Crocs.

Arcot Hall in the capable hands of Davo.

Berwick Tour in the capable hands of Two Beers.

There will be fewer MOHGS next Monday because of the Seniors outing to Goswick. A tee time will be cancelled.

The Geezer announced his absence for the next three weeks.

The Chair announced his absence (again) for the next few weeks.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.40 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 1st June 2026

Present: – PL, JG (3), MS, DF, JG (1), MD, MW (Martyn Williams hopefully correct this time), TM, AW, PB & CM (meeting only)

Nine golfers allowed the Competition Secretary to organise a Texas Scramble.

Herbie assumed the Chair!

Swears raised £2.00.

Geezer Cards £1.80.

Results

Several twos today so the kitty went to the kitty!

DOD were Herbie, Rabbi and Silver Fox with 74.2 shots, they get a one-shot uplift.

DDOD and Runners-up were The Laird, Ginger and Winker with 66.2 shots.

Today’s winners were The Geezer, Brains and Davo with 62.8 shots, they get £3 each and a 1-shot reduction.

Toasts

Newcastle Red Bulls for their first win since January.

New club member Nathaniel Pimblott!!

Amelia Temperly for breaking the course record.

Wigan Warriors Rugby League for winning The Challenge Cup for the 22nd time on Saturday.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

None

Any Other Business

Brains advised that next Monday was Soapy Dish Day, a singles competition with four clubs and a putter.

Herbie thanked Michael Metcalf, Laurie and Rotary Club for organising a most successful golf charity day last Friday. Played over three courses (Morpeth, Bedlington and Newbiggin) the MND Charity gained £9,000 from their efforts.

Well done to all involved.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.31 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 25th May 2026

Present: – PB, PL, JG (3), MS, CC, DGM, CM, DF, JG (1), LW, MD, MW (Martin Wilson)

Fourteen golfers this Bank Holiday Monday.

The Competition Secretary designated a blind pairs competition.

Herbie and The Geezer decided to share the Chair!

Swears raised £4.10.

Geezer Cards £2.80.

Results

No twos today so £2.80 to the treasurer.

DOD were Davo and The Cardinal with 40 points (and lucky to get 40) they get a 1-shot uplift.

DDOD were Brains and Minty with 42 points.

Runners up were Matador and Ming with 59 points; they all get £2 each.

However, today’s winners were The Geezer and Johnnie with 64 points, they get £5 each and a 1-shot reduction.

Toasts

Rabbi for his birthday today.

Cardinal for his birthday yesterday.

Ming for his birthday on Friday.

RIP Scott Hastings

Playfully, Spurs for avoiding the dreaded drop.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Johnnie highlighted Friday’s MND golf day at Bedlington. He will e-mail final details, but the tee times are around 10.20 and bacon butties are available before the game. Suggested meeting up at 9.15.

Still looking for more players at Bedlington, any MOHG who can make it please contact Johnnie.

Any Other Business

Herbie’s observations on the course:

Johnnie was past the flag on the 3rd hole with his second shot! Unfortunately, it was the junior flag about 150 yards from the tee!

At the 16th Johnnie had a cigar moment in the bunker to the left of the green.

Herbie also wanted to claim for Johnnie the honour of being the first MOHG in the new bunker on the 18th.

However, The Cardinal had beaten him to it!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.48 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Monday 18th May 2026

Eight Players on a bright and slightly warmer morning course looking good

MD, JG1, PF, GW, PL,TM, LW, MW

(CM & MM) Meeting only

Apologies 

Members on holiday and Members playing in the Club Seniors Team match

Stand in Comp Sec suggested a 4BBB comp of full MOHGS Handicaps

Meeting opened by the Stand in Chairman (Geezer)

Results

DOD Kwok & Johnnie 34 points and receiving a 1 shot uplift

DDOD and  runners up with 35 points Brains/Ginger & Rabbi/Matador and receiving nothing

Winners with 40 points Davo/Geezer receiving £4 each and a 1 shot reduction 

No two’s today £1.60 

Swears £3.00

Geezer cards £1.60

Minutes for the previous meeting accepted

Matters arising – None

Toasts

Aaron Rai for his win in the US PGA event the 1st English man to win the event since 1919

Kerian Tripper on his last home match for NUFC

AOB

MND charity day at Bedlington GC on Friday 29th May we still require 2 more players let Lawrie or Micheal Medcalf know if you’re available 

Meeting Closed 12.46

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 27th April 2026

Present: – PB, PL, JG (3), MS, CC, DGM, CM, DF, JG (1), LW, MD, MW (Martin Wilson)

Twelve golfers this Bank Holiday Monday. Four ball better ball competition with Herbie and Silver Fox out first to contest their Calcutta Singles.

The Chairman opened proceedings by welcoming a new member, Martin from Gloucester. Although deficient in hair he assured the throng that his nickname should be Ginger because of his former shock of red hair!

Swears raised £4.50.

Geezer Cards £2.40.

Results

One two today at the 14th by Davo, he pockets £2.40.

Herbie defeated Silver Fox in the Calcutta match.

DOD were Crocs and Ming and Johnnie and the Laird with 39 points each; they get a 1-shot uplift.

DDOD were Davo & Rabbi and Cardinal and Two Beers with 40 points.

Runners up were Brains and Ginger with 41 points; they all get £2 each.

However, today’s winners were Herbie and Silver Fox with 42 points, they get £4 each and a 1-shot reduction.

Toasts

RIP Ted the dog.

Late of Mortimer and Whitehouse gone fishing.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Johnnie asked if there are any other players for Shagpile’s MND golf tournament on Friday 29th May. To be played over three courses, Morpeth Newbiggin and Bedlington. He has reserved three tees for MOHGS at Bedlington, but Johnnie has only 4 names. Any others to Johnnie asap.

Any Other Business

Crocs informed that the trip to Masham should congregate at 10.30ish for tee time at 12.30. Bacon sarnies are available for those requiring sustenance.

Herbie thanked Crocs for his organisational skills. He may get a permanent job.

Herbie has booked three tee times on 5th June at Sharperley. Anyone wishing to go please let Herbie know asap.

The Competition Secretary has cancelled next Monday’s tee times at Morpeth. Any MOHG wishing to play will have to book separately.

The Chairman notified the meeting of his impending absences which make him unavailable until 2nd Monday in June. He offered the gavel to a stand-in but there were no takers. It is firmly locked away in his locker!

The Secretary informed the meeting that he was on his last notebook! When this is finished a new scribe would be required, or a free notebook!

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

Minutes of MOHGS Meeting 27th April 2026

Present: – PB, PL & JG (3) (golf only), MS, TM, CC, DGM, CM, DF, JG (1), LW, AW, MD, MS (2), BR (meeting only)

Fourteen golfers this fine morning, exercised the Competition Secretary’s mind. He came up with a pairs competition off 90% MOHGS Handicap.

The Chairman opened proceedings.

Swears raised £7.00.

Geezer Cards £3.20.

Results

The Competition Secretary was challenged after some players failed to recognise with whom they were paired!!!

One two today at the 4th by Herbie, another at the 8th by Winker.

They share £2.80.

DOD were Two Beers and The Laird, and Rabbi and Herbie with 32 points; they get a 1-shot uplift.

DDOD were Minty and Crocs, with 37 points.

Runners up were The Geezer and Cardinal, Davo and Johnnie, and Brains and Ming with 38 points; they all get £1.

However, today’s winners were Winker and Silver Fox with 40 points, they get £4 each and a 1-shot reduction.

Toasts

Sebastian Sawe, for being the first human to break 2 hours for running the marathon. In London yesterday.

Jordan Adams for running the marathon with a fridge on his back?? Apparently going to do more in Ireland over the next 30 days!!

Fitzpatrick brothers for winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Previous Meeting’s Minutes

Accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising

Nothing.

Any Other Business

The Competition Secretary magnanimously apologised to Ming for insisting he had played off the wrong handicap two weeks previously. On inspection he noted that Ming had played off the right handicap.

The Cardinal observed that Ming had this morning left his club (5 wood apparently) on the 16th tee box after taking personal relief.

He was reunited with the club halfway down the 16th fairway!

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.58 pm.

Minutes of MOHGS Monday 20th April 2026

Present MD, JG1, DGM, GW, PF, PL, LW, TM, CM, AW & BR (meeting only)

Apologies MOHGS members playing for the Morpeth Senior Team at Warkworth and Members on holiday

Ten golfer on a bright, sunny, and cool morning Stand in Comp Sec selected a Blind Pairs comp (pairings to be drawn at the meeting)

Chairman opened the meeting and drew the pairings

Two beers 37 points & Kwok 27 points total 64 points

Rabbit 27 points & Croc 36 points total 63 points

Brains 28 points & Matador 32 points total 60 points

Davo 39 points & Winker 24 points total 63 points

Geezer 31points & Johnny 26 points total 57 points

Winners Two beers & Kwok each receiving £5.00 and a 1 shot reduction

DOD Geezer and Johnny 1 shot uplift

Toasts

Matt Frizpatrick winning the RHC Heritage comp his 2nd PGA Tour Title in the space of a month

Previous Meetings Minutes

Accepted as a true record as to what was actually said at the meeting.

Matters Arising

The issue regarding last week’s handicap dispute has been resolved

Any Other Business

Welcome back from Australia to Winker

Emperor back on his feet and driving and will soon start a bit of chipping and putting

Meeting Closed 12.53

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.