Notes from Seniors Committee meeting July 2 2026

 

Present: David Barlow (DB), Terry Domagala (TD),  Jonathan Lean (JL), Tony Lloyd (TL), Nigel Underwood (NU), Warren Churms (WC) Dave Wood (DW) Steve Mathers (SM)  Algy Grimes (AG)

Apologies: Barry Donovan (BD)

 

1 Minutes of last meeting and Matters Arising

Minutes were accepted with no matters arising not on the agenda

2 Captain’s Report

We are really getting towards the half way mark in our matches, with some indifferent performance from myself, but some creditable performances from the team, including a decent halved match against St Neot’s (home), coming on the back of the whitewash, away. It was the same outcome, at home, to Leighton Buzzard. I suspect that the balance of more wins than losses will start to change as we play more away matches.

GM recruitment

A shortlist of 3 candidates were interviewed. One candidate was universally considered to be the best, although the others were also of a very high standard. If the offer to this individual is accepted, the likely start date is early October.

Charity Committee

I survived the 54-hole challenge and over £2k was raised, thank you to all my sponsors. The planning is underway for the Captains’ Charity Day on Friday 11th September. A poster has been circulated to the clubs we play matches against to drum up some more interest. An auction has been set up. There will be over 50 four ball vouchers, so well worth having a look.

Golf Committee

Volunteer Course Marshals.

Still positive. One or two concerns about the number of people actually involved; within a potential pot of 20+ volunteers, there are really only an active 5-6. Richard Westergreen-Thorne to issue another appeal for volunteers

PGA Professionals (Members) Entering Club Competitions

The Board have asked the Golf Committee to come forward with a policy regarding members who are PGA Professionals entering Club Competitions. Likely outcome is that there will be some competitions where it will be possible and some (Board Comps) where it will not be allowed. The Board has asked for a policy on this

Enhancing the JOG Golfing Experience

Several suggestions were tabled and the top 3 (reflectors on pins, course signage and divot mix on tees) will be raised with Andy Kirton, Director of Golf, for his consideration.

Tailored Rules Videos

Over the coming months we will prepare the videos, have them checked by appropriate rules experts and publish them to the membership

Signs will be going up on 1st tee boxes in the coming weeks to try to stagger tee starts e.g. only tee off when players in the group in front have exited the green

Putting Green on CART is all progressing well and still due to open in May 2027. Nigel B happy with the surrounds that have been built up.

Interesting

Did you know that the greens are treated with product to protect from them from the sun? Sun cream for the grass….

Need / opportunity to educate members about the work that goes on, possibly by video content or with an open day session where the greens team can explain products and equipment.  A few negative comments about greens for the County Seniors (JOG).... and a rude comment about the amount of sand in the bunkers... to be expected, hence the need to educate and explain the great work that is being done.

Currently looking at cost for the below, as we are at a point where we need to consider

A new ball collection and marshal’s buggy are on order and should be delivered within the next few weeks. The ball collection buggy (enclosed and protected) will help minimise range closures which is becoming an issue due to its popularity, especially during weekend competitions. It was always our intention to acquire a dedicated marshal’s buggy to replace the old and broken club buggy. Favourable rental terms were agreed by renting both vehicles from the same supplier.

Water Project.

As we know the sprinklers have been installed on Carthagena’s 4th fairway. Nigel B is happy with the ‘knit’ of the grass there, but the really big issue is guaranteeing the water supply

Graham Leith (lead on this project) presented to the Board meeting to give an update to the Directors. Potential locations are being explored on both courses, including the Carthagena 16th, for some kind of pond / reservoir. This is unlikely to give us all the water storage we need in one ‘hit’

Worth noting.

The water provision project is not just about storing enough water to water Carthagena; it is about guaranteeing we can continue to water JOG in the event of a drought order / hosepipe ban

It’s very early days. We have engaged with a golf course designer who Nigel B knows well and has worked with him on other projects, + an expert who understands the practicalities and the legalities of all things “water”.

House and Social

The (2) boilers that heat the Clubhouse are beyond repair and service and are being replaced .. at considerable expense.

A graphic solution for the red/orange statement wall in the downstairs changing room corridor has been agreed. Similar to the Visitors’ changing room

Recoloured photos.

All done and will be framed and deployed around the Clubhouse.

Guess the year? Answer at the end of the blog

Car park signage.

Ordered and will be with us in a few weeks.

Site Security

The work from Salvus Security has almost been completed .The broken barrier is now going to be replaced; cheaper than £6k. It was a felt that we have to have a visible deterrent, even if it is a bit cosmetic. Other options e.g. an electric gate; too expensive

RFID Bag Tag Update

Very close to be signed. We have the contract to consider and approve. Likely install, early September. Most of the practicalities around batteries, chargers and enclosures sorted now. On the tags themselves, will need to agree on the quality of the visitors’ tag. I favour something they can keep and take away.

3 Treasurer’s report

Cash position at 30^th June is £13,265.57. Tour 27 deposit to be paid next week £3,631.25 reduces our working balance to £9,634.32. Bank reconciled as of 30/6/26

JOG accounts – both income and expenditure are up to date with only last week’s events to be posted.

Nottinghamshire Tour 27 is up to 34 players and fully booked. Anyone else interested will need to go on the reserve list. The deposit is fully paid by members and I have also paid the Notts Club

Due to time constraints I have not updated the analysis for June. No material change since last month’s report.

No action yet on new bank account other than a cursory glance at the Market options. Nothing enticing me yet!

We are holding £1,340 deposits for the away day to Rutland Water.

The sum up machines have yet to be used. However everyone should now have been set up as an employee for future use. This ensures that all  money is directed to the JOG sum up account and once we start to gain deposits I can then transfer balances to JOG Seniors Lloyds account.

Bill Walker handed over £22 and change from unclaimed roll up winnings. I still have this in cash – just in case we need some!

4 Secretary’s Report

Not a lot to tell you about this month that won’t be covered by others.
I have signed up six new seniors.
All are now on the mailing list for the newsletter which is reaching 323 people each week.
I have sent out invitations for the Past Senior Captains’ lunch on Sept 23 and am pleased to
say that we are currently 10 strong.

The draft 2027 calendar is nearing completion.

 5 Competition Secretary’s Report

One competition has taken place since the last meeting, the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy. Many of you will know that the weather was less than ideal; a cloudburst plus intense thunder and lightning at 6.50a.m. flooded some greens and stopped course preparation. A delay of one hour was agreed with pro shop and greens staff. An email was issued just after 7am but due to the delay through the club server this did not go out until about 20 minutes later. Much of the lost hour was made up such that the last match started only 20 minutes late. Most of the players completed the round, although there were several withdrawals and no returns. The overall winner of both nett and scratch prizes was Paul Conibear, 79 gross, 69 nett, with Peter Harvey second and Andrew Brookman third. Paul Hammond, Keith Howlett and Terry Domagala won the divisional prizes.

Upcoming events are:

* The Annual Stableford on 07 July. One place is currently available.

* The Reg Batson on 14 July. All 42 places are currently filled. Only 11 players, who completed both qualifying competitions do not currently have a place.

* Member and Guest Day, 28 July. This is fully booked with 44 pairs and one reserve pair. Two tee start, JoG. There will be tea/coffee and a bacon roll before play, and a rolling, one course lunch of chicken wrapped in bacon, mash and vegetables. Nearest the pins at 4,10,16, nearest in 2 at 1 and 12. Voucher prizes and wine for n/p.

* Senior Captains Day on 04 August. Shotgun start. 80 signed up as of now, 20 places available. No halfway house. Light lunch of assorted wraps, chips and salad. This is going to be a bit tight financially as lunch is costing £10 and entry is only £12. I would expect the remaining places to fill and to make a small surplus but not guaranteed.

 6 Match Secretary’s Report

Since my last report back in May a lot of matches have been played, my apologies for no report last month while I was away.

Now having played 15 matches and we have moved up the table a bit, W6 D4 L4 with one match abandoned due to lightning. We are halfway through the fixtures with more away matches than at home. Our away match at Northampton was postponed due to the hot weather and has been rearranged for 13th August, unfortunately not a good date for some of the original selection.

We now have 63 members signed up, which is just an extra two from May.

Again, withdrawals are having an effect on team planning, a few holidays have got in the way. Thanks to all who are stepping up to play following withdrawals, some are late replacements.

All matches have healthy numbers for Tranche 4. Gog Magog away is 25 with 10 jokers, Letchworth away 25 with 4 jokers, Luffenham Heath 27 with 6 jokers,

Northampton home 25, Saffron Walden home 26 and Wellingborough away 22 with 4 jokers. The selections have been made and all organisers have been notified accordingly.

Tranche 5 is now open and will close at the end of July.

 A discussion was held on whether to include bacon rolls before matches but to drop the dessert to keep the price down. DB to speak to Marcus about the options as there may be extra staff costs to consider.

 7 Trophy Custodian’s report

Trophies.

All trophies not yet contested for in 2026 are stored securely in the Trophy Store. We will continue to allow winners of our trophies to take them home if they wish as I believe that they will be safer if they are kept separated and away from the club house. I am away on trips for the Annual Stableford Comp on 7th July and the Reg Batson Medal Comp on 14th July, so need to ask a fellow member of the committee to deal with the trophies on those dates.

 Swap Days

Swap day 2026 – Stoke Rochford Golf Club 5th October 2026. The opening date for entries is set to be Monday 24th August 2026 at 0800.

I ask that Tony Lloyd Hons Sec includes this in his next newsletter.

Arrangements for future swap days are on-going. I will report on progress at the next meeting.

 8 Seniors Tour Trophy

DB offered to provide a trophy in time for the 2027 Tour.

9 Away Days

WC gave an update on potential venues for the 2027 Away Day including Oundle, Buckingham and Ely. WC and SM to firm up proposals for next meeting.

10 Captain’s Day

 Terry gave update on Captain’s Day arrangements. Looking for volunteers to sell raffle tickets. Also, TL to include a plea in the newsletter asking people to donate nice raffle prizes.

11 AOB

Bunker rakes

TL had been asked by a senior section member to raise the matter of placing bunker rakes outside the bunkers which he felt was not working. DB to discuss the matter with the golf committee chair.

 

Guess the year answer: the photo of the clubhouse in the Captain’s report was taken in 1983.

 

Dates of future meetings

Thurs Aug 6

Thurs Sep 10

Thurs Oct 8

Thurs Nov 5

Thurs Dec 3

Tues Jan 5 

Tues Feb 2 AGM tbc

 

Seniors at home to Letchworth June 30 2026

 

Captain David Barlow and organiser Nigel Underwood with their opponents Tony and Graeme

Organiser Nigel Underwood reports

A glorious, sunny, breezy morning (slightly different from last Tuesday !) greeted the 32 golfers of John O'Gaunt and Letchworth G.C.

 After introductions we set out and the Carthagena fairways were soon speckled in dark (them) and light (us) blue as matches got underway. Our first pairing started well, your scribe winning the first and Captain David the fourth. A clutch of halves saw us to the turn 2 up and one over gross ... but it didn't feel at all secure! 

Our opponents then launched their attack, winning 10 with birdie, losing 11 (rare blemish!), winning 12, birdie, 13, net birdie,14, birdie, 15, birdie, 16 net birdie...game over. 

We had pars on the last 2, so finished 2 over gross better ball...and lost 3 and 2. Awesome golf from our opponents Tony and Graeme.

The results started to drift in, Gerry and Tony won but then three more wins for Letchworth. Not looking good. BUT Keith and David stopped the rot, Michael and Oz won to put us just one behind ... tension mounted. Richard and Trevor arrived smiling ... drumroll ... a WIN and a 4 -4 result snatched from the jaws of defeat.

Drinks, banter, an excellent lunch of spiced, wrapped chicken followed by apple crumble, short speeches, our nearest the pin to Captain David, thanks all round and we look forward (?) to the return in August.

Results:

David Barlow and Nigel Underwood lost 3 and 2

Gerry Degaute and Tony Walters won 6 and 5

Rob Ebsworth and Graham Lewis lost 1 down

Terry Domagala and Tony Lloyd lost 3 and 2

Keith Howlett and David Trotter won 2 and 1

Graham Gadsden and Paul Hammond lost 2 and 1

Michael Newstead and Oz Osman won 3 and 2

Trevor Darrington and Richard Westergreen-Thorne won 3 and 2

Seniors away to Brocket Hall June 29 2026

 

Brocket Hall is always one of our most popular away matches and competition for the limited number of available places is fierce.

In keeping with the quality venue, we sent (on paper) a formidable team.

Greeted with bacon rolls and coffee and a more manageable temperature in the low twenties there could not have been a more pleasant start.

The first pair out - Captain David Barlow and organiser Terry Domagala - soon found out why Brocket very rarely lose at home. Starting with a par-birdie-birdie the scene was set! With the Brocket stand-in captain Mike Haberfield playing off 20.6 and regularly out driving the rest of the group by 15-20 yards, the JOG pair found it difficult to find a way in.

 Five down at the turn (should have been six apart from a very generous gimme), they were fortunate to hang on till the 13^th before losing heavily 6-5.

With the second pair of Jed Isbell and Steve Luckman losing 4-2 and the third pair of Dave Wood and Paul Dobson getting spanked 7-5! things were not looking good.

Warren Churms and Steve Mathers, followed by Roy Brown and Paul Jones both came in with 2-1 losses, so it was down to a brave effort by the last pair of Paul Hammond and Peter Imray to salvage a half despite being three down after 12.

With the final result a loss of 5½ to 1/2 .

For dinner we were treated to Macaroni cheese and pulled pork followed by a rhubarb flan with ice cream.

 

Committee meeting notes from June 11 meeting

Present: David Barlow (DB), Terry Domagala (TD),  Jonathan Lean (JL), Tony Lloyd (TL), Nigel Underwood (NU), Warren Churms (WC) Dave Wood (DW) Steve Mathers (SM) Barry Donovan

Apologies: Algy Grimes (AG)

 

1 Minutes of last meeting accepted with no matters arising

2 Captain’s Report

Personally, a bit of a mixed bag of personal performances and results. Great trip to The Nottinghamshire. Match results are on the positive side still in spite of the St Neots whitewashing and the forced abandonment of the Brocket Match

 

(A discussion took place on the abandonment of matches and competitions, retunding of fees and effect on handicaps etc. which concluded that, under the circumstances, abandoning the Brocket Hall match was the correct decision. Action: DB to seek advice from Nigel Tarn, TL to suggest 11.30am  start against Brocket next year as 1.30pm tee off was seen as a contributing factor to the problem.)

 

In other news from the Committees and The Board.

Charity Committee.

Lorna is working hard with the hospices with numerous projects on the go, the 54-hole challenge is the next big one on the horizon. Sunday 21^st June.

Golf Committee.

A new ball collection and marshal’s buggy are on order and should be delivered within the next few weeks. The ball collection buggy (enclosed and protected) will help minimise range closures which is becoming an issue due to its popularity, especially during weekend competitions. It was always our intention to acquire a dedicated marshal’s buggy to replace the old and broken club buggy. Favourable rental terms were agreed by renting both vehicles from the same supplier.

Club competitions continue to thrive with full participation in most events.

Water Project.
As we know sprinklers have been installed on Carthagena’s 4th fairway.
Nigel B told me that to water to a depth of 3mm they use 6m3 of water. They’ve done this 8 times so far.

Illustratively
£1.15 per cubic metre to take water from the mains (£55)

Graham Leith (lead on this project) will attend the next Board meeting to give an update to the Directors. A preference for some kind of pond / reservoir was emerging. Test drainage trenches are being dug and a topographical study using an aerial drone is going to map exactly where the aviation pipeline is!

House and Social
Half way house is taking money and has now been put in the hands of F&B to staff & talk with Karen (Dave Wilsher’s wife) when there is a large society or event.

Visitor's changing room.
Almost complete. A few finishing touches need doing still. e.g. pictures to be put up, deep clean of tiles etc.
New carpet was considered, but the existing carpet tiles have been cleaned and is fine.
Redecoration. New ceiling tiles Made good / better, existing coat hanger benches. Kevin Diss provided graphics solution (£800)
 
Great work by Richard H again, just in time for the peak society and visitor period.

I have contacted Kevin to look at other areas around the Club House e.g. the red/orange statement wall in the changing room corridor.
I am repurposing photos and pictures from the archive project. Some are fit for immediate use around the clubhouse, some are only fit for the bin. There are a number of aerial shots of the club which are badly sunlight faded. Kevin Diss has been engaged to recolour these with a view to reframing by Phil Gow.

Car park signage.
Agreed by the Board. Approximately £1850 + VAT.

1) Outside the steps to the changing room.
2) Outside the Pro Shop.
3) The raised flower bed in the middle of the car park.

We will have to instate

The main entrance signage (from the main road) has been cleaned and paint work has been touched up.
Site Security
As per the Club update. Salvus Security (John Cherry_ - Steve M’s recommendation has been engaged to conduct a thorough review and update of current security arrangements across the Clubhouse, Pro Shop and Compound.
The barrier is broken and will not be repaired because it is going to cost £6k. Other exit solutions are being looked at.

RFID Bag Tag Update

Still progressing. Getting closer to signing. Discussing the pros and cons of battery power on both courses, costs involved, likely disruption etc.

3 Treasurer’s report

Cash position at 9th June is £11,293 up from £6,727. This is due mainly to deposits for the Away and Tour 27. See analysis

I have completed a full reconciliation of matches , events and competition entries and agreed this fully with Wendy. This is good news and it shows our new processes are working. We owe a net £785 to JOG as of today - NOT reflected in these accounts

Nottinghamshire Tour 26 was a very enjoyable event and a great venue. The overall net cost was £26 for additional prizes purchased. Tour 27 has already been booked and we have 30 paid deposits and a couple more due. We can go up to 34 . Deposits are £4350

This month’s report includes a second level analysis of transactions. This is manually cranked using Excel - however what I'm trying to develop is an effective analysis that we can add to the list for Accounting package needs for later this year. I will take you through the approach at the meeting

No action yet on New Bank account other than a cursory glance at the Market options. Not enticing me yet !

The Past Captains day shows a slight profit of £45. We are holding £1205 deposits for the Swap Day to Stoke Rochford

The Sum Up machines have yet to used - hopefully we can get some value from these in H2 of 2026.

 

Please note: if you can't read this table above and are interested, please ask Barry and he will send you the excel spreadsheet.

 DB thanked Barry for his hard work behind the success of the 2026 Tour and planning the 2027 Tour

 

4  Use of sum-up machines – committee members were given a short tutorial on how to use sum up machines for selling raffle tickets etc.

5 Varying cost of home and away matches.

A discussion was held on the subject of charging more for away matches.

Action point: Stick with current pricing at the moment and discuss again if and when catering prices go up with consideration given to charging more for away matches to keep cost of home matches down.

6 Secretary’s Report

Two members have contacted me as a result of the invitation contained in Richard Westergreen-Thorne’s club round-up for those of senior age to join us.

They are Andy Chappell HI 9.7 and John Evetts HI 16.8. Both are established club members who have reached senior age and are looking forward to joining in our activities.

The number receiving the newsletter currently stands at 318.

All but one of the clubs we play in matches have now agreed 2027 dates with us or pencilled them in “in principal”. Luffenham Heath, who we would expect to visit on August 26 have indicated that they might want to move this match. Not a bad thing as it is only a few weeks from our home match against them on Sept 14.

That leaves South Beds who were last to confirm last year because of the date of their agm so I don’t anticipate a problem.

I have agreed with Nick Church that the Seniors v Juniors match will be on Wed Oct 27 2027.

So the 2027 draft calendar is in good order, barring surprises, and ready to agree with the golf committee whenever they want it.

Note: Since circulating my report all clubs have confirmed match dates and Luffenham Heath have agreed to keep their home match on Aug 26 as we cannot accept their suggested alternative date. I have also signed up a third new senior and friend of NU - Sean Gillard.

Facebook page? TL floated the idea of producing a facebook page for the senior section.

Action point: DB to seek advice from the Club on the merits of this.

 

7 Competition Secretary’s Report

There have been no competitions since the last meeting.

Next up are :

The Rex Cleaver on 23.06  . 102 places all taken . I am keeping a reserve list if people contact me.

The Annual Stableford trophy, 07.07.26. 18 places available at time of writing.

The Reg Batson invitational  medal trophy ( entry decided by placings in the Annual Medal Trophy and the Rex Cleaver) on 14.07  .

Senior Captains Day entries open on 29^th June (brought forward one day to avoid clashing with inter club match at Letchworth).

 

NU gave an update on plans for member and guest day

£55 fee (per couple) to be charged to members’ cards

Catering: Tea,coffee, bacon roll before golf. One-course lunch afterwards

It was decided not to run a halfway house

 

8 Match Secretary’s Report

None submitted due to AG holiday

9 Trophy Custodian’s report

Trophies are all accounted for and remain in the new trophy store:

I had a conversation with Peter Imray regarding keepsakes for the Peter Imray Jug

Competition. Peter has purchased 10 keepsakes and was concerned about the

decision made regarding the Gordon Goodchild competition. It was decided that we

do not wish to create precedent – Gordon was advised of this decision.

I informed Peter that we are very grateful for his continued generosity in buying

keepsakes and that we would go ahead with Peter presenting them along with the

trophy for the next 10 years. I agreed to have the keepsakes stored with the main

trophies.

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow asked me to research the possibility of re-purposing

an old trophy for the Tour and having and identifying engraving removed from any cartouches or

bands. My initial enquiries reveal that this is not a service supplied by our engraver,

and is not a service included in the website of local trophy suppliers. It seems to be

a service which is possible, but rarely offered by select jewellers and will require the

jeweller to have sight of the older trophy before a decision can be made as to the

possibility of abrading any engravings and the cost of carrying out the work.

I suggest that we identify a suitable old trophy in order that I may make further

enquiries.

The historic chart of Trophy winners is still on-going.

Action point: tour trophy on agenda for next meeting

 

 

10 Swap Days

Swap day 2026 – Stoke Rochford Golf Club 5 th October 2026

Confirmed at both clubs and in respective diaries.

Following a round of golf at Stoke Rochford, the meeting with their organiser, Darrel

Knight, was very productive and positive with all usual arrangements and

agreements set in stone.

I am awaiting some dates of availability from Darrel for a return visit to JOG. I will

advise the committee when this is set.

Swap day 2027 – Essendon Golf Club 11 th October 2027

I have established contact with Simon Harden their organiser, confirming the date

and inviting meetings at both clubs to kick off the arrangements. I have not yet

received his reply so will send him a reminder.

Pending clubs for Swap Day

The Bedfordshire

This club would welcome a swap day in 2028. They are suggesting a split swap with

them visiting JOG on a Monday whilst we visit their club on a Wednesday. I will

welcome the committee’s views on this as it presents a move away from previous

swap days.

 

Brickenden Grange

Awaiting reply from this club with regards to 2028 and beyond.

Spalding

Interested in a swap day 2028 and beyond

Wellingborough

Interested in a swap day 2028 and beyond

I will maintain contact with the organisers in order to keep their interest fuelled.

 

11 Away Days

WC gave an update on away day planning and potential venues for 2027 such as Oundle, Spalding, Ely, Girton, Cambridge Bar Hill

Action point: SM and WC to research further ahead of July meeting

 A discussion was held on the best way to collect fees which seems to be I.G.

12 Captain's Day plans

TD gave an update on plans to include virtual nearest the pin in the swing studio, putting competition and a new idea for this year -  captain’s chip “spot the ball” sweepstake. Fourball voucher to be raffled?

Food: wraps and chips. Price to be held at £12

 

13 Committee away day

TD gave an update on the putative committee away day for a maximum of 22 players to include roll up organisers. Suggested price offered by Royston GC £43 for full English breakfast plus golf. £50 per head would also cover cost of prizes

 

14  50^th anniversary

Band and disco booked by DB for event in 2027

15 AOB

Past captain lunch booked for Sep 23. TL to send out invitations

 

Dates of future meetings

Thurs July 2

Thurs Aug 6

Thurs Sep 10

Thurs Oct 8

Thurs Nov 5

Thurs Dec 3

Tues Jan 5 

Tues Feb 2 AGM tbc

 

Lost and found - June 23 2026

 

 Paul Jones found this in the practice nets on the day of the Rex Cleaver Championship and thought that one poor senior would be desperate to be reunited with his cherished contraption so he handed it in to the Pro shop. For some reason Reece was reluctant to accept it but Paul convinced him that some poor pensioner would be very upset about losing a treasured golfing aid!

Rex Cleaver Championship June 23 2026

Paul Conibear receives the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy from Tony Lloyd

It was the middle of a heatwave and we were playing a medal from the John O'Gaunt white tees. 

Not only that, but the start times were delayed by an hour because early morning thunderstorms over Sutton had left the greens flooded.

Our man at the sharp end, Competition Secretary Nigel Underwood, was unphased. He was there at 6.50am negotiating with the pro shop, dealing with last-minute withdrawals and trying to put the start sheet into some kind of order.

Step up the pro shop and Richard Childerley to make some sense out of it all and ensure it ran as smoothly as possible.

Result? Most of the original field made it round the course and staggered into the bar to compare notes on a pretty challenging day. At least 32 Deg C and little if no breeze.

Early starters probably had the cooler conditions and one man in particular coped better than most.

Congratulations to Paul Conibear who won both the Rex Cleaver Championship Trophy for the best nett score (69) and the Bessant-East Scratch Trophy for the best gross score (79).

Runner up in the Rex Cleaver was Peter Harvey on nett 69 and in third place was Andrew Brookman on nett 70.

The three divisional prizes were won by:

Paul Hammond (Up to 14 shots) 71 nett

Keith Howlett ((15 - 19) 74 nett

Terry Domagala (20 Plus) 72 nett

Raffle prizes (£10 pro shop credit) were won by Ken Wareham, Keith Garden, David Barlow and Richard Westergreen-Thorne.

Paul Conibear also won the Bessant-East Scratch Trophy for best gross score

Divisional prizewinner Terry Domagala

Divisional prizewinner Keith Howlett

Longest Day Challenge June 21 2026

 

It's 6.30am and the four club captains, from left David Barlow, William Gilbert, Paul Fletcher and Jean Cobb line up on the Carthagena 1st ahead of their epic 54-hole Longest Day Challenge in aid of Garden House Hospice, Letchworth and St John's Hospice Moggerhangar. The group finished the challenge almost 12 hours later on the JOG 18th by which time they had raised the magnificent total of £2118 including JustGiving donations, gift aid and cash donations on the day

Mission accomplished: David, Paul, Jean and William on the JOG 18th

How to leave bunker rakes - new advice

 If you missed the recent club newsletter, advice on where to leave bunker rakes has now changed. Instead of leaving rakes in the bunker, they should be left outside the bunker and away from the direction of play. See below, as an example, where the rake has been left on the Carthagena 18th.

Seniors v St Neots June 16 2026

 

Seniors Captain David Barlow and organiser Tony Walters with their St Neots opponents

Organiser Tony Walters reports

With the day starting at a cool 13 degrees, it was a surprise to see a blistering hot finish.

The captain’s match was a finely balanced affair, with holes being traded and by the 11th a 3 hole lead
was in hand, but alas the pairing of Bob and Steve fought back giving them a hole lead on the 18th.
The second match went to a 2-1 loss, then the third match came in at a 5-4 win for the home team.
As we were sat in the bar the 5th match came home also with a 5-4 win, then came a tie for the 6th
match and a loss of 3-1 to our 4th team.
The 7th match also came in with a tie, which followed a long period of nail biting whilst the 8th match
remained on the course with unraveling tales of 50ft putts by Trevor to score birdies. The home
team was receiving 53 shots whilst the visitors were languishing with a mighty 153 shots. To which
the 8th away team received a mighty 45 points with the home team receiving a mere 5 shots in their
bag.
To much celebration and hugs by the Captain our final pairing came in with a 6-5 victory, bringing
the match to a fully deserved draw.
The day was finished with the captains favorite of chicken, to which he stated that he is all
chickened out and cannot take any more so with luck chicken is off the menu for future home
matches and the selection of the chocolate brownie was well received.
The nearest the pin prizes were won by Paul Life and the St Neots Captain

Seniors at home to Leighton Buzzard June 9 2026

 

 Captain David Barlow and organiser Trevor Darrington with their opponents on the JOG 1st

 Organiser Trevor Darrington reports

The day started well and the promised rain kept away when the Captain and Organiser teed off at 8.30. Other than a few dribbles of rain, it was a sunny, but sometimes windy day. The course was in great condition and was complimented many times by the opposing Captain Peter Robson and partner (Dave Nero). In such conditions there were no excuses for not playing well. Unfortunately, the Organiser hadn’t read the script and played abysmally. Captain David played very well and kept us in the game which other than on hole 4 when we went 2 down, was level or 1 in it either way. The killer punch was hole 14 when Dave Nero was in the trees on the right and hit a 5 iron through umpteen trees to land the ball just off the green. His regular chip and putt secured a par and going 2 up.

Captain David gave us some hope with a shot to about 3 feet on the 16^th for a birdie and nearest the pin prize. Sadly, after an enormous drive on the 17^th, yours truly duffed the second, third, fourth and fifth shot to leave Captain David having to hole from 12 feet for a par to take the game down the 18^th. Unfortunately, the ball shaved the hole for a 2 & 1 loss. A pretty good result bearing in mind Dave Nero played pretty much par golf on the back 9.

As always, the food was excellent. “Chicken and chips” (they really must get bigger plates for this meal) and Pavlova for dessert.

As mentioned, Captain David won the JOG nearest the pin on the 16^th and Captain Peter Robson won for Leighton Buzzard on the 4^th.  

After the speeches, it was revealed that the final score was a 4-4 draw, so honours even. I’m sure everybody is looking forward to the away match on 13^th July when we need to master the somewhat quirky, but testing, Leighton Buzzard course.

Final scores:-

David Barlow and Trevor Darrington – Lost 2 & 1

Nigel Underwood and Tony Lloyd – Lost 3 & 2

Dave Wood and Graham Gadsden – Lost 4 & 2

Ian Maddison and Terry Domagala – Won 2 Up

Steve Luckman and Paul Hammond – Won 5 & 4

Richard Westergreen-Thorne and Neil Pinnington – Won 2 Up

Tony Goodson and Michael Newstead – Lost 3 & 2

Paul Life and Steve Mathers – Won 1 Up

The only question now is, has Neil Pinnington found his car keys yet??

    

Past Captains and Committee Away Day Rutland Water June 4 2026

Clockwise from left: Steve Mathers, Richard Westergreen-Thorne, Nigel Underwood, Terry Domagala, David Barlow, Dave Wood, Jim Kerr, Warren Churms, Fred Williams, Rafe Bateson, Bill Walker, Richard Coventry (trying unsuccessfully to hide) and Tony Lloyd

 Thirteen past senior captains and committee members braved blustery conditions on the challenging Rutland Water golf course and only one managed to complete the course without dropping a shot.

Bill Walker was alone in never missing a fairway, never finding the water, never losing a ball and never missing a putt on the difficult greens.

But that was because Bill, nursing a back injury, was dosed up with pain killers and caddying for Richard Coventry.

The rest of the field didn't fare so well.

In fact it was such a difficult day that Dave Wood won the champagne with 27 points.

Nearest the pin prizes were won by Richard Coventry and Fred Williams.

Many thanks to Steve Mathers who organised the day for us.

For those of you who are signed up for the Away Day at Rutland Water on Sept 3, you are in for a treat. And if the golf isn't going too well, you can always admire the amazing views of Rutland Water from most of the fairways.

I'm told it is one of those courses that rewards golfers who have already played it once - so watch out for the 13 who played it on Thursday and know their way around!

Steve Mathers presents winner Dave Wood with a bottle of champagne

Nearest the pin winner Richard Coventry: a tricky shot across a lake with danger everywhere

Nearest the pin winner Fred Williams: a long par 3 with a sloping green difficult to stay on

Above and below: some of the amazing views of Rutland Water with the ever-present clouds threatening to soak everyone

Longest Day Challenge - June 21

 

Please support your captains in their Longest Day 54-hole Challenge by donating to one of their chosen charities - St John's Hospice, Moggerhangar or Garden House Hospice, Letchworth. You can donate by using the QR codes on the above poster or by following the links below.

John O'Gaunt's fundraiser for Sue Ryder - St John's Hospice

John O'Gaunt's Fundraiser for Garden House Hospice Letchworth

Algy makes the TV news - or does he? June 3 2026

 

 Viewers of BBC Look East might have been forgiven for thinking that a man interviewed in Bedford was our own Algy Grimes. Shoppers were being asked about disruption from the East-West Rail project. When Algy was approached for comment by the Blog Editor he said: "It must be a lookalike. I am on holiday in the Arctic Circle!"

Jog Seniors at home to Brocket Hall June 2 2026

Captain David Barlow, match organiser Terry Domagala, Pete Middleton. and Vic Chuntz

Terry Domagala reports on a day of drama at home to Brocket Hall

On what always promised to be a mixed bag of weather, we were certainly not
disappointed! An afternoon start against a very strong Brocket Hall team started in relatively
good weather, which was soon to disappoint.

 By the time the first group got to the fourth Tee it started to rain, hard enough to try to take shelter under the trees. Looking across the course the rest of the groups were all doing the same. With the rain easing off enough to continue play, the Brocket team were showing how well their handicaps travel. Both of the Brocket courses have an easier slope rating than the Carthagena!
Myself and David Barlow were playing against a very strong pairing of joint captains, Vic
Chuntz and Pete Middleton who were showing how well their handicaps travel. Despite
some strong golf from David and myself, including a lovely putt on the sixth from organiser
Terry Domagala we were soon two down by the turn.
Then the weather came into play again, with the first group on the 14th Tee and the
last on the 8th, the thunder started. With the klaxon sounding, the course was cleared
and players returned to the clubhouse! After deliberation it was decided to abandon the
match, and the catering staff did an excellent job off bringing dinner forward by a couple of
hours.
For dinner we were treated to a feast of Gammon and bubble and squeak, followed by a fruit
crumble pie and custard, not a piece of chicken in sight!
I would like to thank the team Daniel Emkes, Paul Jones, Peter Imray, Barry Donovan, Oz Osman,
Jeff Thompson, Warren Churms, Paul Life, Paul Jeeves and Roy Brown in what was a
disappointing and sometimes confusing afternoon. Most of all a big thanks to the catering
team for their adaptability.

Result: match abandoned

Nick Schumann anecdote from July 2022

Nick Schumann's funeral took place at North Hertfordshire Crematorium on Tuesday at a service attended by a number of JOG Seniors. A theme of the service was Nick's career which took him all over the world. Algy Grimes found this article written by Nick for the blog after our match against Gog Magog in July 2022. We reprint this anecdote, about his time in Hong King, as a tribute to the great man.

A quick anecdote - I have been organising this match for several weeks with their captain Roy Fleetwood who as it turns out is someone I worked with in Hong Kong during the 80’s so we had a great time catching up as us old boys tend to do by trying to remember names, mostly unsuccessfully. The most worrying thing however is that neither of us managed to put two and two together until sitting having a drink on the patio after the round. A sure sign of old age!!

Nick Schumann

Seniors away to St Neots May 28 2026

 

Jog Seniors Captain David Barlow tees off against St Neots

Organiser Tony Walters reports

Mrs Brown's boys were welcomed to St Neots by Neil Berry and his team and with all things lined up - including the weather - the teams were raring to go.

Eight teams set off in what seemed a fairly balanced contest, with the home side receiving 121 shots to the visiting team's 81. And with all matches going down to the last three holes for a decider, in Mrs Brown's words: “Well, that’s gone tits up and half-way down the road”

All well-fought games, the best being our last pairing who were giving away 37 shots coming in with a respectable 2-1 loss. The remainder all carried a great burden and giving way to the weight.

The course on the day was in excellent condition as was the Beef Tart on completion

The only thing that was not denied was Neil Pinnington getting the nearest the pin for the away side.

Not our greatest result but possibly a first. And a fun day out.  

Final score St Neots 8 - Jog 0

Rochford Hundred suggestion box

 

The Rochford Hundred Golf Club near Southend has a novel way of collecting the views of their members. They have placed their suggestion box in the middle of a lake! 

Seniors at home to Millbrook May 26 2026

 

Captain David Barlow, organiser Steve Mathers and their Millbrook opponents on  the 1st tee

Captain David tees off on the Carthagena 13th

 Organiser Steve Mathers reports

So, here we go with my first attempt at writing a match report ... which may be a challenge as I generally have to ask my partner what hole I’m on, let alone make a conscious note of who played where and how. I guess we’re all increasingly entitled to a few “senior” moments.

 Well, the weather was “scorchio”, with temperatures more suited to southern Spain with a cold beer in your hand, than an English golf course in May. Thankfully everyone remembered to lather themselves up with suncream and bring plenty of water. Based on the handicaps, we were closely matched, only conceding 18 shots across the combined team, so it was set to be good match to win.

 As for the matches;

Match 1 (Captain David Barlow / Steve Mathers v VC Derek Tilley/Ian Milloy)

Our opponents Derek and Ian got the game underway with Derek hitting a good drive down the fairway, followed by Ian who hit a long ball just short of the trees on the right. Captain David then led the way with a fine drive off the 1^st, leaving a respectable opportunity into the green. I followed with a somewhat wild “thwak” just short of the trees on the right too, leaving just about enough space to get a (hit and hope) shot into the green if I breathed in.  David went first but caught an unfortunate bounce into the bunker on the left side of the green. Derek hit his ball short of the green, and Ian caught the trees, leaving a difficult chip out, and then onto the green. I stepped up, closed my eyes, and with an uncontrolled 8 iron somehow managed to get it to run through the back, leaving an awkward little wedge back to the hole. Fortunately, I managed to chip on, leaving a short putt for the point. At this point I’d like to highlight that for the remainder of the game David played some majestic golf, despite carrying a 15 stone casualty on his back, though I did at least complete the scorecard correctly. We led at the turn 3 up, adding a further point on the par 3 11^th (not sure how, but according to the scorecard that 3 was down to me).

From the 12^th onwards, Millbrook came back at us, gradually chipping away, so by the time we played the 15^th we only held a 1 point lead. We halved the 16^th (I found a tree followed by a hole –  not the one where the flag goes), but thankfully David managed to muster a 5. On the 17^th both of us managed to get good drives away, whilst Ian pulled his shot left, never to be found again, and Derek leaving his tee shot short. With both of us then getting onto the green and below the hole for 2, we managed to secure the par, and the match 2/1.

 Match 2 (Kevin Barbour / Richard Westergreen-Thorne v Steve Redhead/Paul Curley)

I gather a closely fought contest, but Millbrook managed to squeeze ahead early on and managed to maintain the lead until the end, despite Kevin and Richard’s best endeavours

 Match 3 (David Tamsitt/Michael Newstead v Mike Riches/Alan Ross)

Quite an impressive performance here by David and Michel, who dovetailed throughout the match, to close an early, and admirable 4&3 result against an evenly matched opposition.

 Match 4 (Mehmet Osman “Oz”/Tony Walters v Chris Freeman/Kevin Jones)

A tough match with Millbrook taking and retaining an early lead right up until the 18^th, with Tony pulling a par out of the bar to halve the match. An important addition to the overall score.

 Match 5 (Chris Saunders/Paul Dobson v Neil Hebron/Simon Hodgson)

Millbrook were coming into the match with a 10-stroke advantage, and got off to a strong start, taking a 3-point lead by the 6^th. Unfortunately, Chris had to retire with back pain (Chris, we all hope you’re ok, and back to fighting fitness soon), so Paul bravely carried on the fight alone. Given the challenges faced, despite a loss, it was an impressive performance.

 Match 6 (Steve Luckman/Peter Imray v Ian Potter/Harmit Bahara)

This match was always set to be close based on the evenly allocated shots. Steve and Peter led the way, but the match tightened up at the halfway stage, though 2 birdies from Peter (another impressive performance) helped the JOG team pull away, and close out a 3&2 win.

 Match 7 (Paul Life/Tony Thurgood v Alan Carter/Ian Stuart)

The second match to lead off the 17^th hole, Paul and Tony conceded the first, levelled up on the 2^nd (18^th), and then went down 2 on the following 2 holes. Then the grit appeared, and over the next 7 holes fought to turn it around to a 1-point lead, after which they jumped on the pedal, and by the 14^th had secured another 3&2 win for the team.

 Match 8 (Paul Hammond/Gerry Degaute v Pete Fitz Gibbon/John Quinn

This was the final match, and potentially one that the overall result resting on. Up steps the new JOG Seniors “dream team”. It’s great to see an intrepid pair made up of a pensions actuary and a window cleaner go into battle (together), and pull out a tremendous 7&5 win, with Paul netting 3 birdies and Gerry 2 net birdies to seal the victory in style. Excellent performance.

 Overall match result: JOG 5 ½ to The Millbrook 2 ½

 Well done to everyone who played in the matches, and most importantly, the day was played in exactly the right spirit: competitive, good-humoured, and full of the usual banter that makes these matches such an enjoyable fixture in golfing the calendar.

 Best of luck to JOG Seniors team as they take on St Neots on Thursday.