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.

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.