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

RESULTS: Today’s game was the Chairmans Quaich competition, played off the white tees. There was only one 2 posted by the Scuttler on the 17th. DoD was the unfortunate Prof with a miserable 22 points. DDoD was the Straggler with a slightly better 26 points. The runner up was the Scuttler with 39 points. The winner with a fantastic 40 points as well as the kudos of the Quaich, was the ever popular 2Beers. He was presented with his trophy by the Chair and photographed for posterity by Crocs.

FINANCE: Geezers cards—£4. Swears—£3.80.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

TOASTS: To Mr. R. HALLETT aka Jock St. Rappe, upon return to the MOHGS to compete for the Quaich.
To Herbie upon the birth of his g/daughter Lilly.
* The members were reminded that on the first Monday of every month, the games will be played off the white tees.
* The Rabbi and Scuttler will be unavailable to enter names for the Seniors Comp. for the next two weeks. Herbie and 2Beers agreed to deputise. Kwok will be unavailable from 20 April for at least 3 weeks.
* The Geezer apologised for his absence next week.
* Jockstrap informed the group that he was still willing to organise matches v the dirty dozen. There was general agreement that the games were enjoyable and should continue. He will liaise with the Chair and find a suitable date for the battle to commence.
* Crocs advised that he will continue to compile eclectic scores based on single games at Morpeth GC on Mondays.

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

B. Kwok.

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

The President agreed to Chair the meeting.

The Rabbi was commended for his production, including lamination and replenishment, collection and redistribution of the Geezers cards.

The Presidents son, Suds, was a welcome participant in today’s contest.

RESULTS: Only one 2 today posted by Bumpers, who only played in the one team this week. The 2’s kitty it was discovered was light by 60p but unfortunately many competitors left early so it was difficult to identify the shysters. DoD was Crocs with a derisory 28 points. Soapy was closely behind as DDoD with a slightly better 29 points. Joint runners up were the Laird(k/ching) and the Prof with 41 points apiece. The winner this week with a magnificent 43 points was the popular and affable Shotgun.

The Presidents group arrived back in the clubhouse over an hour behind the first group and apologised for their tardiness but in mitigation admitted that they were obliged to allow several smaller groups to play through as a matter of etiquette in order to preserve the good name of the MOHGS.

FINANCE: Geezers Cards—-£3.60. Swears—-£5.00. In the safekeeping of the Laird.

TOASTS: To Portsmouth who won the EFL Trophy by beating Sunderland.
To Stephen Gallagher who won the Indian Open.
To G-mac who won the Dominican Republic Comp.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED.

MATTERS ARISING: It was erroneously reported last week that Bumpers had played in two separate teams. Obviously this was not possible and will go down as a typo with apologies from the scribe.
* The Secretary noted that whilst taking a stroll around leafy Bedlington on Saturday, a sign outside the Northumberland Arms, advertised a live performance by Shagpile. Could it be that the crafty old codger has discovered penchant for song and dance to augment his meagre pension?
* Members were reminded that next week is the Chairman’s Quaich Challenge, played off the white tees. Would the present holder please remember to return the trophy.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1.20pm.

B. Kwok.

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

RESULTS: 3 x 2’s on 8th, 14th and 17th, by 2Beers, Bumpers and Herbie. The Comp. today was played in groups of 3 with the best 2 scores counting. The D’soD were Brains,     Bumpers and Herbie with a paltry 70 points. Runners up with a respectable 87 points were Kwok, Johnnie and the Scuttler. The winners with a magnificent 88 points were the Cardinal, 2Beers and Bumpers.

TOASTS: A belated toast was proposed by the Chair to the Laird (kerching) and his team who won the Seniors Comp. 2 weeks ago but were overlooked at the time.

To Kwok, Brains, Crocs and the Scuttler who won last week’s Seniors.

To Paul Casey who won the Valspar Trophy for the second year running.

To the Falcons who won again last week but are still not out of the woods by a long chalk.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

MATTERS ARISING:

Shagpile revealed that he now has 8 players signed up for the Newbiggin Charity event.

BUSINESS:

* Brains was concerned that several members have not responded to the appeal to reveal their Summer h/caps, because the new h/caps will be operative from 1st April. Please inform the Laird asap, if you are a member of the tardy bunch.

* The Chairmans Quaich will be contested on 8 April. It will take the form of a Singles Comp played off the white tees. On the day of the Comp, members are requested to arrive promptly, since the draw will be made before 8.30 in this instance, in order that the games can begin as early as possible to avoid inconvenience to other club members. MOHGS are requested to wear the appropriate uniform on this august occasion.

* Shagpile apologised for his absence for the next 2 weeks.

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

BURT KWOK.

PRESENT: P.F, C.M, M.C, K.S, M.M, C.D, F.B, B.Y, D.G-M, A.B-W, L.W, M.S, B.D.

APOLOGIES: Bumpers and the Prof apologised for having to leave before the meeting started.

RESULTS: Delivered by Shagpile due to the absence of the Comp. Sec., as well as his trusty deputy. There were 3 x 2’s, posted by Crocs, Shagpile and Dewey. D’soD were the  Straggler and Bumpers with a miserly 31 points apiece. DDoD was Johnnie with 32 points. The runner up with 44 points was Shotgun. This week’s winner with a massive 45 points was the ever popular and virtually pain free Shagpile.

FINANCE: Swears—£2.80. Geezers cards—£3.60. The cash is in the safe hands of Crocs.

The Chair apropos nothing, announced that having listened avidly to the recent Brexit shenanigans in Parliament, he is convinced that the rubbish we MOHGS discuss each week, is far superior in quality and content.

TOASTS: To Rory McIlroy who won the Players Championship.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED.

MATTERS ARISING: Shagpile reminded the group that the game at Newbiggin in aid of the Lifeboat appeal, is on Friday 3 May. Prospective players should inform him of their availability asap.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably and promptly at 12.55.

Burt Kwok.

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

RESULTS: 1 x 2 on the 4th by Shagpile and 1 x 2 on the 17 by the Straggler who generously shared his poke with the Laird(kerching). D’soD were the unfortunate pairing of Shagpile and Brains who underperformed with a meagre 38 points. DD’soD were Bumpers and Soapy with a slightly better total of 39 points. Runners up were the Geezer and the Cardinal and 2Beers and Kwok, with 43 points apiece. The winners with a magnificent 45 points, were the Straggler and the Laird(kerching).

FINANCE: Geezers cards—–£3.40. Swears——£5.50.

The Laird appealed for Summer H/caps from those not present today and asked that they contact either him or his deputy, Brains, before 1 April.

TOASTS: To Francesco Molinari who won the Arnold Palmer invitational.
To the Magpies who won on Saturday under great duress.
To the Falcons who beat the Wasps and keep alive their hopes of avoiding relegation.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

MATTERS ARISING:
The Cardinal revealed that the forthcoming trip to Slaley Hall has been cancelled due to lack of support. Only 10 members responded to the invitation which was short of the required number to trigger the deal on offer.

BUSINESS:
There was a certain amount of consternation and and deliberation about starting times on Mondays. It is imperative that the MOHGS begin their matches as quickly as possible after 8.30 in order to ensure that other club members are not disadvantaged by late play. With this in mind, it was decided by a majority of 8-6, with 2 abstentions, that:

a) The MOHGS continue to muster 8.15-8.30. b) The draw is made at 8.30 on the dot. c) Anyone not present for the draw will be unable to join the competition unless it is a singles Competition.

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

Burt K.

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

FINANCE: Geezers Cards–£3.60, Fines—£1, 2’s—£3, Swears–£5.60.

After much deliberation, the Geezer manfully stepped into the breech and agreed to Chair the meeting.

RESULTS: There were two 2’s, both posted by the Laird, who claimed the whole pot of £3. After all his recent successes and the cash safely stashed, the Laird is giving serious thought to going professional on a full time basis. Crocs, Soapy and Johnnie were the unfortunate D’soD with a paltry 75 points. DD’soD were Bumpers, the Geezer and Brains with 79 points. Runners up were Dewy, Scuttler and the Rabbi with 82 points. The winners and this week’s undisputed champines were the Prof, the Laird(kerching) and Wellen with a magnificent 93 points.

TOASTS: To Laura Muir who won 2 golds in the recent European indoor Championships.
To the winning MOHGS team, Kwok, Prof, Straggler and Laird(kerching), who were successful in last week’s Seniors.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

MATTERS ARISING: No further updates on the Slaley Hall trip.

AOB:
* Shagpile announced that this year’s Lifeboat Appeal at Newbiggin will be on Fri. 3 May. The entrance fee is £10. He would like to know the names of prospective participants at least two weeks before the game.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 12.32pm.

Burt K.

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

Before the meeting started the Geezer confessed that he believed he had infringed the rules of golf because of advice given, in good faith, as a result of losing his ball in the rough on two occasions. The Hon. Comp. Sec. was noticeable by his absence therefore Brains and the Chair offered positive suggestions as to what the Geezer should do to rectify the situation. As a result he was pulled by 4 shots. The ruling was that the Geezer should have dropped a ball, where he thought the first was lost and accept a 2 shot penalty.

RESULTS: Delivered impeccably by the resourceful Brains. There were 3×2’s by Bumpers and the Rabbi on 17th and the Geezer on the 14th. DoD’s were Kwok and the Geezer with 28 points apiece. DDoD was 2Beers with 31 points. In third place was Wellen with 42 points. The runner up with 44 points was Brains. The winner with a massive 47 points was the ever popular Shotgun.

TOASTS: The birth of Scuttlers granddaughter was unfortunately overlooked last week, therefore glasses were raised and whooping and hollering to greet the birth of baby Poppy.

To a glut or flurry or gaggle of MOHGS who came second and third in last week’s Seniors Comp.

Last week’s minutes were accepted in their entirety.

MATTERS ARISING:

* Today’s game was a singles competition. There was slight consternation from some members that the Comp was unfair in that, due to greens being prepared by the green keepers and volunteers, the pin positions were constantly being changed therefore some competitors were forced to play what was essentially a different course. Brains took complete control of the situation and announced in a measured tone that —-” We play the course as presented.” This announcement cut immediately through the Gordian Knot and silenced the baying mob.

* The Chair spoke eloquently about the forthcoming executive trip to St. Boswells on the  bank of the mighty Tweed. He revealed that the perception by some members was that the trip was an exclusive jaunt for the Executive only and that this was certainly not the case. He insisted that other less privileged individuals were free to join the party and furthermore that he and the President would welcome participants with open arms.

* There was no update on the forthcoming trip to Slaley Hall. Questions were asked about the recuperation of the Social Sec. Someone suggested he may be on holiday. Best wishes were expressed for his recovery.

* Shagpile revealed that the Percy House competition would take place at Whitley Bay G.C on Mon. 3 June. The Comp. would consist of 4 man teams and the cost would be £100/team. Interested parties should contact Shagpile asap.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1.07pm.

Burt K.

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

The President agreed to Chair the meeting but unfortunately was forced to relinquish the position and invited Kwok to take over, whilst he tucked into a plate of eggs accompanied by lightly browned toast.

RESULTS: No 2’s were recorded therefore £2.80 is carried forward. The DoD with a miserable 29 points was the unfortunate Crocs. DDoD was Brains with 31 points. Runners up were the Geezer and the Prof with 41 points apiece. The winner and champine was the ever cheerful and enthusiastic Shagpile with a magnificent 43 points.

FINANCE: £4.60 in swears and £3.80 in Geezers cards.

TOASTS: To the Geezer and the Chair who became grandparents to a new granddaughter and grandson respectively.To Herbie and 2Beers who won last week’s Seniors with a majestic 59 points.
To Gordon Banks and Gene Littler RIP.

* The Rabbi and Prof were thanked for their efforts in booking the tees for Mondays games and to the Geezer who sorted out the block booking for future games.

* The Comp. Sec. was invited to clarify the rules for two Geezers cards. He very confidently decreed that the double bogey card should be awarded to a player who doesn’t complete a hole. He further stated that if a ball lands amid branches and twigs, it does not deserve the ‘under the tree’ card.

* The President revealed that his proposed game at Boswells may be held on 15 June.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1.12pm.

Burt Kwok.

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

> RESULTS: There were 3×2’s—Shotgun, Crocs and the Geezer who shared a shedload of cash, £8.40, which included unclaimed cash from previous weeks. Today’s game was played in pairs, with the best score recorded on odd holes and both scores recorded on even holes. The D’soD were Dewy and 2Beers with a paltry 53 points. Runners up were Shotgun and Wellen as well as the Scuttler and the Laird, with 66 points apiece. The winning duo were the ever popular Prof and Straggler with a stupendous 68 points.

> The Chair began the meeting by ringing a rather charming little bell. The President revealed that bell was the new trophy to be played for on the day of the AGM and then promptly presented it to this year’s champ, the esteemed Prof. Thanks were expressed to the President for his generous donation.

> A glut of small denomination coins were discovered in today’s collection which the Chair declared was totally unacceptable. NO MORE SHRAPNEL, he screamed and stood tall to give greater emphasis to his outburst. The President nodded sagely.

> TOASTS: To David Law who secured his first professional win on the circuit in Oz.
> To the victorious England RU team.
> To the Laird and Rabbi who won the Seniors Comp, two weeks ago.

> THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING WERE ACCEPTED.

> MATTERS ARISING:
> SLALEY HALL: The Cardinal had risen from his sick bed to be present at the meeting. He was thanked for his attendance and wished well in his recuperation. He revealed that he is short of one member for the forthcoming trip to Slaley Hall which means that he is unable to fulfil the requirements for the deal on offer. He decided to renegotiate with Slaley and apply for a date later in the year.

> *Shagpile is willing to organise a team to enter the Lifeboat Appeal Invitation at Newbiggin on Friday 3 May. More information will follow.

> *Soapy declared that he and the Chair are planning an executive trip to St. Boswells golf club which is situated on the south bank of the river Tweed. He suggested that the event would take place on a Friday in mid June and that other members could join the exalted couple upon application. The fees are £10/round and deposited in an honesty box.

> *Crocs was perturbed by the number of MOHGS attending on Monday mornings and suggested that a maximum of 26 could possibly attend. He remarked that it was difficult to gauge how many tees to book, without incurring the wrath of other club members. The Geezer proposed that he would speak to the manager to ask if it was possible to make a block booking for five tee times each Monday. It was agreed to follow this course of action. The Geezer will report at the next meeting.

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

Burt E. Kwok.

PRESENT: P.F, M.S, M.M, J.G, B.Y, G.A, L.W, D.G-M, B.D.

Today’s game was played in groups of three with the best 2 scores counting.

RESULTS: D’soD were Kwok, Herbie and Shagpile with a miserly 58 points. The winners with a more respectable 66 points were Brains, Wellen and 2Beers. Winners will lose one shot each whilst the duffers gain a shot apiece.

BUSINESS: Winscale was thanked for organising the event. Sympathy was expressed for the Cardinal who was absent today with suspected broken ribs after a recent fall during a bus journey to Newcastle.

It was generally accepted that the course was in good condition but the temperature at the beginning of the round was icy cold.

Burt.