PRESENT: P.L, P.B, J.G(1), J.G(2), P.F, M.M, B.R, T.M, C.M, M.S, D.G-M, L.W.

APOLS: The Laird, Wellen, Bumpers, Ming, Scuttler. Monty is unavailable for the next 2 weeks.

2Beers kindly offered to Chair the meeting although he was intermittently interrupted by his persistent granddaughter who was desperate to phone her grandfather.

RESULTS: There were no 2’s therefore £2.40 is carried forward which means that the next member who nets a 2 may be in line for a whopping payout of £10.60 plus the day’s takings. The day’s results were delivered by Brains who was standing in for the lucky old Laird who is at present on holiday. The game was the best two scores from four off full MOHGS h/cap. D’soD were the unfortunate Kwok, Shagpile, Johnnie and Emperor with a measly 75 points. The winners and champines of the day were the Cardinal, Crocs, Geezer and Monty with a staggering 84 points. Handicaps will be adjusted accordingly.

LAST WEEK’S MINUTES WERE UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED.

MATTERS ARISING: The Cardinal confessed that he had been unable to contact Eaglescliff but assured the group that he is on the case.

TOASTS: To all MOHGS who appeared in the frame for last week’s Seniors, taking first and third place.

To the Italian RU team who beat Wales and in so doing halted a losing streak stretching back to 36 games.

AOB: The members were reminded that next week is the AGM. It was thought that there was once a trophy called the AGM Bell which members played for prior to the meeting. If anyone has news of the whereabouts of the trophy please inform the members asap.

# Brains thanked everyone who responded to his request for h/cap information. He assured the group that he would publish all the new handicaps in the near future.

€ The Cardinal revealed that £2.40 was collected in a one off contribution in place of Geezer cards. £3.30 was collected as a result of swears.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1pm.

Burt.

PRESENT: C.M, P.L(n/p), L.W, J.G(1), J.G(2), P.B, D.F, D.G-M, F.B, P.F, B.R, T.M, C.C.

RESULTS: Delivered by the Comp. Sec. There were no 2’s, therefore £2.40 is carried forward. Today’s game was odds and evens whereby one score was recorded on the odd holes and two scores on the even holes. D’soD were the unfortunate Brains, Cardinal and Monty with a paltry 58 points. DD’soD and also runners up were the Geezer, Kwok and Ming as well as Johnnie, 2Beers and the Laird with 62 points apiece. The winners with a majestic 65 points and champines of the week, were Crocs, the Straggler and the Emperor. The Comp. Sec. finished his summation by appealing to all members to contact Brains with their h/cap information ASAP, or face the prospect of playing off scratch on 1 April.

TOASTS: To Gordon Lee—RIP.

BUSINESS:

The Laird requested that, in the time honoured tradition, all MOGHS who are likely to miss the following week’s game, report their forthcoming absence at Monday’s meeting.

€ 2Beers reported that he had contacted Hexham G.C with a tentative enquiry about a possible away day. The Manager indicated that he was not keen to offer discounts to large groups. 2Beers also stated that it would be helpful in negotiating a deal if he was able to offer a definite date to the host club. The Geezer opined that the MOHGS had earlier decided not to play away days on Mondays.
2Beers also mentioned the possibility of playing in Seniors Open competitions such as the one at South Shields which was available at £25/head.

• The Cardinal offered to contact Eaglescliff to obtain prices and availability.
  ¥ The Cardinal reported that he had recently encountered Soapy and that the President was in good spirits and looking forward to his granddaughters wedding in May. He was sorry that he was unable to play golf at present but was still keeping busy and in good health. The Chair immediately raised his glass and proposed a toast to absent friends which was warmly endorsed by the members.

The wily old Croc reported that he had recently discovered a small red muffin bag in Costa Coffee with the words—-‘Christmas to Go,’ emblazoned on the front. He used the vis aid to remind the members that it’s never too early to start planning for the Christmas Party.

The Fin. Sec. replied that the group need not wait for Christmas and immediately proposed a jamboree in the Summer. It was decided that this might not be such a bad idea and that it would be further discussed at a subsequent meeting and could possibly tie in with the Queens Jubilee celebrations.

¥ Ming, apropos nothing suddenly thrust his phone in the air and declared enthusiastically that he had just been appointed to a position at the Commonwealth Games, to be held this Summer. ——– watch this space.
$ The Chair reminded all members that the AGM would be held on 28 March. He reminded retiring officers that their impending resignations must be presented to the Secretary in a brown envelope prior to the meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded jovially at 12.45.

Burt Kwok.

PRESENT: Very low turnout today, possibly due to the high winds and inclement conditions. Only 8 hardy souls attended, P.L, M.M, G.W, P.F, P.B, M.S, D.G-M, D.F(l/e).

RESULTS: Today’s event was a two man Texas Scramble with no gimmes allowed. The Laird was called away on business and left the presentation of results in the capable hands of the Cardinal. He announced that the game had proved to be extremely competitive. DoD’s were the unfortunate Kwok and Cardinal as well as 2Beers and Shagpile with a derisory 63.5 points. Runners up with 62 points were the Laird and the Rabbi. The winners and this week’s champines were the ever popular Herbie and El Matador with a magnificent 58.5 points. The two winners received £4 apiece. There were no 2’s recorded so £1.60 disappeared in the Cardinal’s coffers. Appropriate h/cap adjustments will be completed by Brains.

It was suggested that in future all gimmes should be no longer than the length of a putter grip. This proposal might be discussed at a further meeting when more of the membership are present.

BUSINESS:

* The discussion about away days was deferred but Shagpile revealed that there were good deals to be had and that members should be vigilant. Eaglescliff was again suggested as a possible goer.

* El Mat proposed that the MOHGS might consider the formation of a What’s App group. He is a member of a group which plays on Fridays and they have embraced this relatively new technology in order to keep in touch and alert each other as to their availability to play on given days. There was a certain amount of head scratching whilst some members pondered this audacious and innovative suggestion. Would all members have the acumen or indeed the software to partake?? El Mat assured the membership that the only requirements were phone access and determination. It was decided that the proposal should be left in abeyance until the AGM when all members could make an informed decision.

There being no further business, the meeting closed in good spirits at 1.35.

“What’s App Doc?”

Burt Kwok.

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

Today’s game was played with 3 clubs and a putter over 16 holes off full MOHGS h/cap.

The Christmas Plate was on offer for the worthy winner. No spoiler here but the Laird gave everyone a chance by playing for the first time minus his specs. However he had recently had his cataracts removed and his vision was much improved.

RESULTS: Results were delivered by the Laird in a surprise reincarnation of his previous role as Comp Sec. He declared that the weather had been ideal for a hard fought contest with 15 players battling for the honour of holding the Christmas Plate for a whole year.

Bumpers came up trumps with 2 x 2’s on the 14th and 17th. He scooped the whole 2’s pot. DoD was the unfortunate Winscales with 21 points. He receives a 2 shot lift. DD’soD were Monty, Kwok and Wellen with 26 points apiece and a one shot lift. In 3rd place were 2Beers and the Prof with 34 points apiece. The runner up was the king of the 2’s, Bumpers with 37 points, £3 in prize money and a 1 shot penalty. The winner with a magnificent 39 points, a £12 purse and the hallowed Christmas Plate was the optically enhanced and ever popular Laird. He was presented with the Plate by the previous co-winner Burt Kwok.

TOASTS: Absent friends.

The Chair announced that the AGM would be held on a suitable date in the New Year.

The meeting closed amicably at 2pm in time for the gladiators to enjoy a Christmas curry, festive entertainment and a few well deserved beers.

Burt E. Kwok.

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

Today’s game was a Waltz with 4 players in each team. 2Beers agreed to Chair the meeting.

RESULTS: Presented by the acting Comp. Sec., aka the Geezer. D’soD were Bumpers, the Prof, Herbie and the Laird and Kwok, the Rabbi, Crocs and the Emperor with a meagre 76 points. Runners up were Brains, Monty, Shagpile and the Scuttler with 80 points. The winners and champs of the week were Wellen, the Geezer, Winker and 2Beers with a mighty 83 points.

Only one 2 recorded by the Scuttler on the 14th. He scooped the whole 2’s pot of£3.20.

Last week’s minutes were accepted.

TOASTS: The England RU team.

THERE WAS NO FURTHER BUSINESS SO THE MEETING CLOSED AMICABLY AT 1.30pm.

Burt Kwok.

Marcus Chisholm rather gallantly forfeited his place in this mornings game in order that the MOHGS did not use up an extra time slot at the expense of the members who were due to follow.

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

RESULTS: Today’s game was stableford with the two best scores out of four counting. D’soD were the Laird, Brains, Herbie and Geezer with a paltry 79 points. Runners up were Winscale, Straggler, Crocs and the Rabbi with 82 points. The winners and this week’s champs were 2Beers,  the Emperor, Wellen and the Scuttler with a massive 87 points.

TOASTS: To Lewis Hamilton for his heroic win at the São Paulo GP.

To Shagpile, wishing a speedy recovery and anticipating an appearance from him at the Christmas Party.

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted in their entirety.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Social Sec/ Fin. Sec has collected a list of names for the party and as an Irishman once said, if you are not on the list please contact him asap. The first tee time on party day is expected to be at about 10am.

There being no further business, the meeting finished at 1.40.

B. Kwok.

The Foxton weekend arrived with great anticipation and excitement. The accommodation was excellent as was the food and company. The only fly in the ointment was the weather on Sunday which in the beginning was absolutely abysmal. The rain came down in buckets and the wind howled and whistled, taking with it all the leaves and our expectations. However being the stalwarts that we are, the MOGHS donned their waterproofs, stuck two fingers to the sky and ventured out into the teeth of the gale with heavy hearts and determined resolve. Somebody was definitely looking down on us because within the first ten minutes of our round, the wind dropped, the sun came out and smiles appeared on even the stoniest of faces.

The competition secretary had conceived a cunning plan for the weekend with the help of playing cards and sleight of hand he divided the group into teams of Stars and Stripes. The first game was four ball better ball.

RESULTS: There were six games planned but only 3ish managed to complete the course. Brains sportingly played alone. The Straggler, Shagpile and Jockstrap were forced to abort after 9 holes and the Comp Sec also finished on his own due to the withdrawal of team mates. Kwok and 2Beers were worthy winners with 42 points. Herbie and the Prof had 41 points and Rabbi and Crocs had 39 points. Brains and the Laird both completed the course and had they played together would have garnered a reasonable total. The team game ended in a draw with 1.5 points apiece. The singles draw for the following day was completed before the competitors reconvened for dinner at 7pm.

It was generally agreed that the evening meal and service were of excellent quality as was breakfast the following day. The evening celebrations continued after dinner with Kwok’s  quiz and singing accompanied by the magic fingered maestro, Crocs. A merry time was had by all.

After a hearty breakfast, the singles competition began and thankfully the weather was benign compared to the previous day.

RESULTS: The outright winner was the Prof with a magnificent 43 points. Herbie, Crocs and the Laird all grabbed a piece of the runner up spot with 39 points. The team game was announced as a draw. The Comp Sec paid out the winnings to the victors and held in reserve £16 which was to be donated towards the Christmas party.

CONCLUSION:

The Chair proposed a vote of thanks to Shagpile for organising the event and to the Laird for organising the games under difficult circumstances. There were also thanks offered to Kwok for the quiz and Crocs for his guitar plucking.

OBSERVATIONS: Sympathy to the Scuttler, who missed the weekend for medical reasons.

Are we pushing our luck weather wise in booking away days so late in the year when the weather is more likely to be wet and miserable?

B. Kwok.

PRESENT: B.Y, J.G(1), J.G(2), P.F, T.M, P.B, L.W, D.G-M, C.M, D.F, G.A, A.W, P.L, M.M, B.R.

Due to the absence of the Straggler, 2Beers agreed to chair the meeting.

RESULTS: Delivered by the Geezer, who deliberately cranked up the tension by announcing the results in a convoluted manner. DD’soD were Winker, 2Beers and Crocs with a derisory 76 points. D’soD were Brains, Winscales and the Laird with an even more derisory 70 points. The winners were everybody else, namely, (Prof, Geezer and Monty), (Rabbi, Shagpile and Emperor) and (Kwok, Cardinal and Johnnie) with 79 points apiece.

Only one 2 was recorded by Johnnie on the 8th who scooped the whole pot.

The winners agreed to accept one pound apiece in winnings with the residue going into the coffers.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

APOLOGIES: From all who weren’t present.

FINANCE: £3.90 was collected in swears as well as £6 in leftover winnings.

BUSINESS: The Chair welcomed back Kwok into the fold after an enforced sabbatical.

The Geezer announced that he had been in discussion with the management and had negotiated new starting times on Mondays -8.50-9.20. The new start times will commence on Monday 1 November. Members were asked to gather at 8.30 for the draw.

TOASTS: Rory McIlroy, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Morpeth Town F.C.

To young May Shaw who has recently been appointed as assistant professional at the club.

FOXTON: Shagpile has successfully organised the expedition but is unfortunately unable to play on the Monday and asked for a volunteer to take his place. Please contact him if you wish to be considered. Peter Burchall will also not be attending due to a misunderstanding at the time of the booking. All members were requested to convene in the clubhouse at Foxton at 11am. The first tee is booked for midday.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The party is scheduled for 13 December and the format will be discussed at a later meeting.

Malcolm Sage joined the meeting, looking resplendent and besuited. Why was he wearing a suit????

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

Burt E. Kwok.

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.