John O'Gaunt Golf Club Seniors Section: December 2018

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Seniors Christmas Fayre & Baz Backhouse Trophy - 18th December 2018

This is my last competition as Captain and I hope I can get my handicap back to a sensible figure now that the captain's duties are over until the A.G.M. in February.

Didn't we do well with the weather. No rain only a slight Scottish breeze..

There were 86 starters but 85 completed.

I had an enjoyable round with Robin and Malcolm and came in with a respectable 37.

We changed charities as my charity finished on the last competition and the cheque for £2954 was given to MIND at the annual dinner. Thank you all for your support and generosity.

The new charity is the incoming Captain David Gauge's choice and is MS-UK. As David explained at the prize giving this charity does not try and cure M.S. but goes towards helping those with M.S.to have a normal life and reach goals they otherwise would not be able to reach. The money collected today was a respectable £235 so a good start for David well done lads.

As you know we have two comps today. The Baz Backhouse (Black Enamelled B'stard ) Trophy.

This trophy was presented to the Seniors by Baz's family a couple of years ago and those who knew Baz would understand the peculiar name given to the trophy. Baz was one of life's characters and you knew when he was in the clubhouse. He is greatly missed around the club.

The Christmas Fayre is what it is, a table full of goodies that you play for. The winner of the day gets first choice and so on until everybody has a prize, the worst you can do is go home with a festive bottle - there are no losers.

The best score of the day wins the Baz Backhouse Trophy and it gives me great pleasure in naming our photographer extraordinaire Algy Grimes as winner with 42 points the good news is he is cut 2 shots.

Second who lost on count back was John Thoday with 42 points cut 1.6

Third was my Highlander Society mate Rodney Thomas with 41 points cut 1.5

As I said there are no losers everybody gets a prize.

The nearest the pin prize was Allan Kirkham well done Allan.

The roll up lads had a thank you gift for Steve Cooper for his work as enforcer on a Tuesday and Thursday morning. As one of those who take part in this sadistic ritual I thank him as well.

Well I think that is it so from your retiring Captain have a great Festive.

Captain Jim Jock.

A wonderful table full of prizes

Winner - Peter (Algy) Grimes

Runner-up - John Thoday

Third - Rodney Thomas

Nearest the Pin - Allan Kirkham

Seniors Christmas Dinner - 4th December 2018

I have to say the ladies done well to get all of you old codgers washed and brushed up to look as good as you did.

The clubhouse bar was buzzing with expectation before the meal.

Marcos did not let us down, the meal was excellent and the service to match, so well done the kitchen.

Joe and her staff kept the drink flowing, well done everybody behind the bar.

The evening flew by for me with good company at my table. I hope our guests enjoyed the evening as much as I did.

I had the pleasure of presenting Hayley Coomber, my Guest from my charity (MIND) a cheque for £2954 pounds Thank you lads.

Her comment as she was leaving was that she did not expect to enjoy herself as much as she did as she thought it would have been a bit formal being a golf club dinner.

A special well done to all those who collected their trophies for the year and a big thank you to Captain Stuart for keeping up with me as I dragged him back and forward for the photo shoots. Thank you Algy for your sterling work behind the camera its much appreciated.

I have spoken to all our guests since the dinner and they congratulated us in giving them a great night so well done Seniors.

Well I think I have said enough so with that I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes from Captain Jim Jock and Vicky.