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

RESULTS: Today’s game was a 3 ball with the best two scores counting off 90% of each h/cap. This was a very close encounter with only 5 shots separating the teams. D’soD were Kwok, the Straggler and Soapy with 69 points. DD’s with 71 points were Scuttler, 2Beers and Shotgun. The runners up were the Geezer, Crocs and Rabbi with 72 points. The overall winners and champines of the week were the popular triumvirate of Brains, Jethro and the Laird with 74 points. No 2’s were recorded.

FINANCES: Unfortunately no record was taken of the amounts collected in Geezers cards or swears.

TOASTS: To Alistair Cook on his retirement from test cricket after a record breaking career.
To Matthew Fitzpatrick who won the Swiss Open.
To the Scottish ladies football team who qualified for the World Cup.

The Minutes of the last meeting were accepted.

MATTERS ARISING: Just a reminder that Buggies are not included this year. Anyone wanting/needing one might want to see if anyone else would be interested in sharing before making their arrangements Hunley Hall.
# A message for the esteemed Robert Hallett esq. It is proposed that the return encounter with the DD be held on Monday 1st October at Morpeth. Please make enquiries and respond asap.
€ Crocs advised that the eclectic will more than likely be available by the end of September. No Year was mentioned.

The remainder of the meeting was taken up by a testosterone driven discussion about the present state of the course and the apparent indifference of the authorities to its sad decline. The Chair opened the discussion and cut straight through the Gordion Knot and in so doing unleashed a hornets nest of biblical proportion. Pent up feelings and raw emotion as well as festering grudges rose to the surface in a litany of diatribes against officialdom. The Chair was required to steady the ship and keep a firm hand on the tiller but he became so agitated that the ship was almost grounded with all hands lost.
The gist of the problem was the poor state of the course last week. There were many temporary greens which had not been adequately cut and were very small. Some flags were missing and there was no hole at all on the 13th. The same conditions applied on Past Captains day last week which was felt by many to be disrespectful.The poor state of bunkers and lack of sand were also mentioned.
It was reported that many individuals had visited the manager to lodge complaints. It was felt by some that they were met by indifference.
P.L: There are 170 Senior members at the club. Are they getting a fair crack of the whip?
A.B-W: If the manager is not taking note of our concerns we should take them to the Board.
F.B: Is it worth considering a switch to another club? If we left en masse we could get a better deal elsewhere.
T.H: Most people would find it difficult to leave.
T.M: There are extenuating circumstances at present with absenteeism and sickness within the grounds staff. There is too much emphasis on preparing the course for Saturday matches at the expense of those who play during the week.

A.B-W was prepared to write a letter on behalf of the MOHGS to register our concern about the state of the course, however it was decided that the most appropriate action would be firstly to register a verbal complaint with the manager and if this proved unsatisfactory, to take the complaint to a higher authority. The Chair was happy to accept this compromise but he made it clear that he was no longer willing to keep his powder dry and in the best interests of Morpeth G.C he was willing to sail as close to the wind as possible in order to obtain playing conditions to match the expertise and commitment of the MOHGS.

D.F apologised for his absence for the next few weeks.

The meeting closed at 1.30pm.

B.Kwok.

Attendees
FB, KS, TM, JG, GA, DGM, ABW.

Non Attendees
Lots.

Results
DoD Soapy +2
DDoD Twobeers +1
Runner Up Winscale -1
Joint Winners Shotgun and Brains -2

Given the conditions and the condition of the course 2’s were not competed for and swears were allowed (and taken full advantage of by some).

Toasts
Mat Wallace, England Cricket Team, Lewis Hamilton.

Hunley Hall
Cheques received from The Chair, Two Beers and Windscale.

Meeting closed at 1.00 pm.

Apologies from all those not here.

Present:-RY, CD, PL, PB, DF, AW, CM, JG, LW

Competition Results;

One two recorded on the 17th by Dewey, he pocketed £1.80.

Duffer of the Day with 24 points was Prof.

Deputy Duffer of the Day with 29 points was The Cardinal.

Runner up was Crocs, Rabbi, and Brains with 36 points.

This week’s winner was Dewey with 39 points.

Handicaps will be adjusted as appropriate.

Geezers Cards were in play and raised £2.40.

Swears made just £2 again this week!!

Toasts:

None

Previous minutes were agreed.

Matters Arising

None

AOB

Crocs would attempt to give an eclectic update next week.

The Huntley Hall Hardies were reminded that the remaining monies would be due by middle of September. £59 for doubles and £79 for singles.

Several apologies were placed for next Monday, there is a Friendly match and others are engaged with families.

There being no further business the Stand In Chair (Rabbi) closed the meeting at an even earlier 12.15pm!

He is definitely the best stand in chairman we have ever had!

Apologies from all those not here.

Present:-TM, RY (golf only), PB, CM, DGM, JG, DF, ABW, FB, MM, KS, LW, GA

Competition Results;

One two recorded on the 8th by Shagpile, he pocketed £2.60 from today and £4.20 carry over from previous weeks.

Duffer of the Day with 23 points was Two Beers back from a trip across the pond.

Deputy Duffer of the Day with 26 points was Soapy.

Runner up was Crocs with 36 points (should have been more after playing faultless golf for the first 10 holes) he pouched £4, but the Champion Golfer for the week was The Laird with 37 points he collected £9.

Handicaps will be adjusted as appropriate.

Geezers Cards were in play and raised £3.20.

Swears made just £2!!

Toasts:

Paul Waring for his first tour win in Sweden at the 200^th attempt!

Desmond and Fi for the upcoming family addition.

Previous minutes were agreed.

Matters Arising

Chairman thought that it was aggressive minute taking to say that he was thrashed.

Chairman also passed on a complaint from ‘Moaner’ about the minutes. When asked to identify ‘Moaner’ he refused to name names, therefore the complaint was taken no further.

AOB

Brains voiced the opinion that Double Bogey Cards in the Geezers Pack were unfair on higher handicap players. He suggested a change to a no points card.

Much discussion took place with a proposal (ignored by the Chair) to have an additional such card. Shaggers eloquently informed the meeting that these cards were to raise money and so should remain as they are. The Geezer said that they were introduced to add ‘spice’ to the games not to raise money. Discussion faded away.

The Chairman decreed that all bunkers whether in play or not constituted the receiving of the bunker card!

The Chairman informed the assembled that he had played with The Falcon who sent his good wishes and thanks for the minutes.

Crocs would attempt to give an eclectic update next week.

Brains informed the Huntley Hall Hardies that the remaining monies would be due by middle of September. £59 for doubles and £79 for singles.

There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at an early 1.10pm!

No 2’s  £2.20 c/f

Present…DF,CD,FB,KS,PL,TH,GA,MM,GW,AB-W,CM

Joint winners of the Chairmans Quaich were El Matador & Straggler  (37pts) -2   £4 each

2nd Rabbi  (36pts)   -1        £3

DDoD  Dewey  (30pts)  +1

DoD    Shotgun  (26pts)   +2

Swears £1.20

Geezer cards £2.60

Cash with Crocs

Apologies  All those not there

Toasts     The Geezer ..winner of snr comp (Div 2) last wed.

GB&I team in European championships in Glasgow & Berlin

England cricket team for stuffing the Indians

England ladies football team for winning a game

Mins of last meeting …Accepted

Matters arising  …None

Apologies for next wk ..CD,GW,PL,TH

AOB… The Straggler brought up “ready play”. This has already been minuted but just a reminder to member to adhere to this edict.

Meeting closed  13.05 pm

Abbreviated notes.

Present:

CM, TM, GA, KS, MS, LW, CD, GW, FB, MM,

Apologies:

Those representing the Seniors Team, and any others not present.

Results:

No 2’s £2.00 carried forward

Duffers of the day – Winscale and The Chair 29 points (2shot lift)

Deputy Duffer – Herbie 30 points (1 shot lift)

Runner up – Shagpile 37 points (1 shot cut)

Winner – Dewy 38 points (2 shot cut)

Financial matters:

Geezers cards £2.60, swears £3.00 and £2.00 carry over from 2’s pot, all in the possession of CM.

Toasts:

Georgia Hall – British Women’s Open Champion, Matador – Last week’s senior’s winner, England cricket winning first test against India, Chair’s legs on show for the first time this summer.

Tee times for next week are apparently earlier due to a Ladies Open competition.  The Chairman’s Quaich is up for grabs.

C.R. o’ Codile.

(TEMPORARY scribe, cashier, and holder of the geezer’s cards.)

Eclectic update for next week.

Apologies from all those not here.

Present:- PL, TM, RY, PB, CM, DGM,  GW, DF, ABW, FB, EE, TH, CD, MC & AW (both left before the meeting) MM (appeared only for the meeting and to pay his HH deposit, pocketed by The Prof)

Competition Results;

One two recorded on the 1st by Bumpers, however there was some discussion regarding the validity of a two on a par four. Martin Jackson’s (RIP) rules were invoked. However the general consensus was that Bumpers should pocket the cash from today and previous weeks amounting to £8.60 which is in the safe keeping of The Cardinal.

Duffer of the Day with a derisory 23 points was said Cardinal!

Deputy Duffers of the Day with 28 points were Dewey and The Laird

Runner up was Matador with a very creditable 38 points he pouched £5, but the Champion Golfer for the week was Winker with a super score of 41 points he collected £10. Again in the safe keeping of The Cardinal!

Handicaps will be adjusted as appropriate.

Geezers Cards were in play and raised £5.

Swears made £3.60!!

Toasts:

Herbie for last week’s super win in the Amos Trophy.

Two Beers and Brains for the previous weeks heroics in coming first and second in Captain’s Day.

All three upholding the good name of MOHGS.

Winner Of The Irish Open last weekend, Russell Knox.

Dame Laura Davis (aka Colin Montgomery) for winning the US Ladies Senior Open.

The Geezer and The Chair for being the only winners in last week’s match against The Dirty Dozen.

Previous minutes were agreed.

Matters Arising

None

AOB

Next Monday is a match against Hobson at their place. The Laird took names and dining preferences. Meet at Hobson at 9.30am first tee is 10.20. Tentative pairings were announced however these may change!

Dewey has two fourballs for Bellingham and offered them to the MOHGS. The sage Crocs suggested an away day and prodded Dewey to offer up some dates.

Shagpile offered to arrange matches against Bedlington and Newbiggin, these could be towards the season end.

Shagpile has donated one dozen Titliest (DT) golf balls complete with Presidential Seal. These will be used by Crocs as prizes for the Eclectic.

There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting with his usual aplomb!

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

The President once again assumed the mantle of Chair due to the absence of F.B.
Today’s game was the Club Championship, played off the white tees.

RESULTS: No 2’s were posted therefore £3.20 is carried forward. DoD was the unfortunate Scuttler with a miserable 24 points. DDoD was the Cardinal with a more reasonable 27 points. The runner up was Johnny Walker with a commendable 36 points. The overall winner and recipient of the Championship trophy was the ever popular 2Beers with a tremendous 37 points. The new champ was presented with the trophy by last year’s winner, Kwok, whilst Crocs photographed the event for posterity.

TOASTS: None.

FINANCE: £3.00 in Geezers cards. ££4.10 in swears.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

BEAMISH: Crocs reported that he has only one serious doubt for the team by the name of the Straggler, who has thus far failed to respond. The Cardinal intimated that he was willing to be first sub if required. Mission Control has been recruited by Crocs to conduct the draw for pairings. Crocs will email the pairings asap. Captain Crocs appealed for all competitors to arrive no later than 9.15, for a 10am ko.

HUNLEY: Nothing further to report. All arrangements are going to plan.

There being no further business, the meeting closed amicably at 1.40pm.

Burt E. Kwok.

Today’s game was Soapy’s Day, played with a maximum of 7 clubs. Since the Chair was absent, the President assumed the Chairmanship for today’s meeting. He also, very generously placed £84 behind the bar to allow the members a celebratory drink in commemoration of his birthday.

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

On behalf of the MOHGS, the Laird thanked Soapy for his generosity and wished him health and happiness and many other birthdays to come.

RESULTS: There were no 2’s, therefore £2.40 is carried forward. DoD was Jock St. Rappe with a meagre 19 points. DDoD was the unfortunate 2Beers with a slightly better 25 points. Runner up with 37 points was L.W. The winner and recipient of the Soapy Dish was the wily old birthday boy himself, Soapy. He was presented with the trophy by last year’s winner, Brains and photographed for posterity by Crocs. He scored a massive 40 points.

FINANCE: £4 in Geezers cards and £5.50 in swears although it was discovered that £1 of this was illegal tender.

TOASTS: To the England teams who were successful in Football, Cricket and Rugby as well as the Scots and Irish rugby teams.
To Lewis Hamilton.
To Mark Wallace who won the BMW German Open.
To young Biggles who valiantly completed 84 holes of golf and was sponsored by many MOHGS in aid of the McMillan nurses.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.
* Next Monday is the MOHGS Championship, which will be played off the white tees and the dress code will be obligatory.
*BEAMISH: The game v the Dirty Dozen will be on 9 July. Members were urged to arrive at 9.15 for a 10am tee off time. Bacon butties and coffee will be available in the clubhouse prior to k.o. Jocks reported that the course is in tip top condition. The MOHGS who are definitely attending are, P.F, C.M(Capt.), D.F, J.G, D.G-M, T.H, P.L, A.B-W, L.W, T.M. There are doubts about the availability of F.B and M.S. Please email C.M asap to confirm. Buggies must be ordered in advance through St. Rappe. The total cost will be £17.50 which includes refreshments.

HUNLEY HALL: Brains confirmed that arrangements are proceeding well. There are 2 spare places still up for grabs if anyone is interested in attending.

*HOBSONS: The Laird reported that there had been a late withdrawal therefore a place was available.

The Prof sent apologies for his absence and will be unable to book the tees for 16th. D.F volunteered to fill the breech on the morning of the 9th.
D.F is unable to play in the Seniors a week on Wednesday at approximately 9.30 and appealed for another member to take his place.

There being no further business, the meeting closed cordially at 1.40.

Burt E. Kwok.

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

Bumpers and Crocs played their Calcutta Cup match, which Bumpers won by 2&1. Bumpers and the Chair apologised for their absences next week. Bumpers was removed from his seat in the centre to a more suitable one, lower in the pecking order, to enable the Chair to take centre stage and establish himself next to the beloved President.

RESULTS: Only one 2 was posted on the 14th by Kwok, who scooped a triple rollover worth almost 7 squid. DoD was the aforementioned Kwok with a derisory 22 points. DDoD was 2Beers with a slightly better 23 points. Runner up with a magnificent 37 points was the Scuttler. The winner on 38 points was the indefatigable and tenacious Shotgun, who is champine of the week.

FINANCES: The Chair recompensed Bumpers with £3 of outstanding prizewinnings from last week. He also divulged himself of all outstanding 2’s money. He is now in receipt of swear money, totalling £3.20.

TOASTS: To the President who made his first trip around the course with fellow MOHGS, without the aid of a buggy.

To Tommy Fleetwood who was second in the US Open.

To the Scottish cricket team in recognition of their defeat of England last week.

LAST WEEKS MINUTES ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

SOAPY’S DAY: To be celebrated next Monday. A singles Stableford Comp. A maximum of    7 clubs allowed in the bag. Extra shots will be awarded to individuals who carry less than 7 clubs, one shot for each club not carried. The President will generously place £84 behind the bar, £1 for each year of his life on earth. It is hoped that Kwok will organise a sports quiz as part of the après golf festivities.

* The Scuttler wished it to be placed on record that he has received a certain amount of hassle from other club members over the number of names which he enters for the Seniors Comp each week . At the moment he is entering up to 12 names which is seen in some quarters as a tad excessive. It may be required to draw up contingency plans if the hassle continues.

HUNLEY HALL: Brains reported that all arrangements are progressing nicely.

PONTELAND: The first of three tees is booked for 11am on Wednesday. The Laird suggested that all interested parties arrive no later that 10.30. The attendees are: F.B, D.F, P.F, J.G, D.G-M, B.H, T.H, P.L, M.M, C.M, B.Y, C.C.

HOBSONS: The game has been arranged for Monday 23 July with a probable first tee off at 10.30. There are 15 contestants at present: F.B, A.B-W, C.D, D.F, P.F, J.G, B.H, T.H, P.L, M.M, T.C, C.M, M.S, A.W, B.Y.

The Laird magnanimously wished the England team every success in their first World Cup group match versus Tunisia this evening.

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

Burt E. Kwok.