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ROMILEY
GOLF CLUB
NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
March Monthly Medal, Saturday, 4th April, 2015
Division One
1st Phil Roberts 77-5 =72
2nd Matt Reid 78-6 =72
3rd Mark Worsley 73-1 =72
Second Division
1st Rick Evans 79-11 = 68
2nd Daniel Pearson 82-13 =69
3rd Rick Salmon 81-11 =70
Third Division
1st Greg Giles 94-20 =74
2nd John Beaver 97-20 =77
3rd Phil Ankers 103-25 =78
Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
The pond on the 14th is teeming with frogs. This one popped
his head up to see how the match against Mellor was going.
Senior Moments at RGC- an occasional series.
1) A Case of Mistaken Identity
In the words now etched forever in the annals of the RGC v St Anne's Match by
Terry Corfield - “Picture if you will.......”
We are in the cosy kitchen of the Fisher family and Geoff is getting ready to leave
for his regular dose of purgatory at the Golf Club. His devoted wife, Liz, is trying
to ensure that he has everything he needs and lovingly asks, "Have you got your
glasses, dear?"
Geoff, in his usual grumpy mood, pats his pocket and confirms he is all set to go.
"Have a nice game," coos Liz, knowing full well that such an outcome is extremely
unlikely, and off he goes.
Nothing unusual so far but, roll forward a few hours and Geoff has endured
another of those rounds of golf, paid out his usual losses and is now in the
clubhouse bar, where he learns that Liz has been on the phone because she can't
locate an important piece of household gadgetry.
Geoff isn't too worried (in fact he isn't worried at all) because he's more interested
in ordering a bar snack, as he calls for the menu. When the menu arrives Geoff
tries to retrieve his glasses case from his pocket.
It's at this moment that he discovers the
remote for his home television, much to the
amusement of his playing partners. The
bad news is that it also works on the Club
TV set so, next time you’re watching TV in
the Club and Geoff is in the room, just
ensure that he has his glasses on or your
televisual enjoyment will probably be
interrupted.
Martyn Wilson
Geoff Fisher
Your editor found hidden away
in the archives this unique photo
of a smiling Fisher.
The offending gadgetry
Fish ‘n Chip Night, Friday, 3rd April 2015
And yet another 100 or so people
came to the Club to enjoy a tasteful
evening.
Some did more. Richard and Ros
Hale brought their own “rent-acrowd” who rambled around looking
for a place to sit on the very large
table prepared for them (chairs, not
table!!).
John Smith and Richard Hale
celebrated their birthdays and two
cakes glistening with candles were
brought out to a rousing chorus of
“Happy Birthday”.
Richard Hale and John Smith
They are the ones with the cake in front of them!
Your editor won first prize in the raffle in aid
of the Captains’ charity and first prize was a
tower of Easter Eggs.
“Listen, my little, chubby, overweight
husband, don’t think you are going to eat
those,” said Joyce Glynn. Despite your
editor’s vociferous protests, the next
morning saw him at Stepping Hill Hospital
handing in all the Easter Eggs to the Tree
House, the children’s section.
Second prize, a Lindt chocolate bunny, was won
by Alison Reed but, as can be seen by the photo,
she will not be eating it on her own.
Over £180 was raised for the Captains’ charities:
Teenage Cancer Trust and the Neo-Natal Baby
Unit of the University Hospital South Manchester
John Glynn
Archie Preston
Romiley vs Shaw Hill
Yet another away draw for Romiley. Despite a gallant effort by the team,
Romiley lost 4/3 to Shaw Hill.
The day started with a heavy mist over the course which miraculously
started to clear in time for the 11.17 tee.
The Captains teed off first and made a great start by winning on the 14th, 5
up. Roly and Heather strode off down the 19th to secure their win. The rest
of the team fought hard on what was a tough course, just losing out on the
17th or 18th holes, so all were very close matches.
Special thanks to Shaw Hill and their organiser, Graham, for making us so
welcome and for the wonderful post match tea of scampi and chips followed
by sticky toffee pudding! They must have heard whisperings about the
Captain’s birthday as a cake complete with 42 candles appeared. Neil’s
would have wished for fewer candles!
Steve Harrison
Archie Preston Team Organiser
Mint sauce!
My old school friend, Christine Reilly, has just taken up the Taster Membership
and has realised there is more to golf than she thought.
As we approached the 3rd green today we could see a little black lamb running
along the grass on the wrong side of the fence. Her mother and twin were
frantically calling for her to come back but she couldn't find her way through the
fence. After much running around Christine and I finally persuaded the lamb
into the stile area and gently pushed her, head first, under the fence. Her mother
came to greet her and gave her a good telling off. It made our day!
Anne Harrison
Men’s Singles Stableford, Saturday, 11th April, 2015
1st Mark Jones 37 pts
2nd John Gordon 36 pts
3rd Alastair May 36 pts
Stableford, Thursday, 2nd April 2015
1st, Barbara Leith, 29 points 2nd: Lynn Spence, 28 points 3rd: Anne Harrison, 28 points
Ladies’ Par Competition, Thursday, 9th April, 2015
1st Anne Harrison 1 down
2nd Sally Hebden 1 down
3rd Hilary Craven 2 down
Ladies Stableford, 16th April 2015
1st, Gill Walker,
41 points
2nd Angela Wheeler,
37 points
3rd Marcia Conway
37 points
Handicap Cup, 1st Round, Wednesday, 15th April, 2015,
1st Steve Denton 82-16=66 2nd Dave Bakewell 88-19=69 3rd Craig Oakes 75-6=69
Romiley Golf Club - Senior Moments — 2) Editorial License
It is probably worth noting that the esteemed editor of this fine publication, John
Glynn, is himself not immune from the occasional memory lapse.
Our readers can have no perception of the rigid discipline which John demands of his
team in the preparation of our newsletters, including early morning deadlines for
copy reading (just because he can’t sleep at his age, that’s no reason to assume the
rest of us can’t too), and imposing strict time limits for submitting articles for
publication.
Take, for example, the lead up to the publication of Senior Moment No 1.
I submitted my original draft well in advance of the deadline for last month’s
newsletter, (which John duly acknowledged as another brilliant piece – my words not
his!). Right on the deadline, I realised that there was a minor discrepancy, so I
emailed John to ask for it to be corrected.
With almost indecent haste, he replied that the newsletter had already been finalised
and that not only was it at the printers but it would also be on the website, so I was
too late.
Sure enough, a quick check showed that the newsletter was
indeed on the web, but after a cursory scan, I could not
locate the article. I delved again more thoroughly, scouring
each page (we writers are a jealous lot) but to no avail. I just
assumed it had fallen victim to his ruthless editorial axe.
A few days later, I happened to see John at the Club, and
asked why the article had not appeared. His response –
“Wasn’t it there? Oh b******, I must have forgotten!”
Martyn Wilson
Glynn, alert and ready to go
VETS’ SEASON OPENS WITH VICTORY AT BRAMALL PARK
The vets’ programme of inter-club matches for 2015 got off to the traditional
start with an away match at Bramall Park on Friday, 10th April. To mark the
occasion, Team Secretary, Joergen Frederiksen, had selected a celebrity –
studded side which included such notables as Club Chairman, Peter Howcroft,
Club President, Peter Wagstaff and Immediate Past Captain, Andy Reed.
It was a beautiful, sunny spring day for the match with the course in very good
order, including newly sanded bunkers, so a good game was in prospect but,
nobody could have predicted how close the outcome was to be. With eight 4
ball matches being played, Romiley edged into a very narrow 4-3 lead, with one
match still out on the course. Romiley hearts sank when news arrived that
their last pairing of Roly Hewitt and Tony Hunt were 5 down at the turn.
However, Roly and Tony had not given up and staged a tremendous back nine
fight-back, gradually eating into the Bramall Park lead and eventually securing
an unlikely victory on the eighteenth green, giving the team a 5-3 winning
margin.
Romiley were then treated to the customary friendly hospitality in the
clubhouse and the teams enjoyed a very good meal provided by the outside
caterers brought in to fill the gap until new permanent catering appointments
can be made. The Bramall Park organiser, Don Robertson, made a
characteristically gracious speech of welcome and on behalf of Romiley, Ken
Wykes, the Vets’ Vice-Chairman, standing in for Chairman Keith Selby, made
an appropriate response.
Author
Roly Hewitt and Tony Hunt
The Comeback Kids
Hudson Cup, Saturday, 18th April, 2015
1st Steve Hogg 3+
2nd Phil Roberts 2+
3rd Dave Wilson 1+
Your editor had turned up to help run the monthly lottery where he met an
anxious Phil Roberts sitting in the bar. One glance at the leader board showed he
was in the lead. “Still a few to come in,” muttered Phil.
Your editor left once the draw had been made and met the last group on the
course at the Half Way House. One of these players was Steve Hogg. “Take his
photo,” instructed John Harrison. How right he was!
The Lottery Draw, 18th April, 2015
1st Martin Arrowsmith
8,213p
2nd Mike Wilson
4,928p
3rd Carolyn Brinsley
3,285p
Romiley Golf Club versus Pott Shrigley G.C.
Men’s Alliance Foursomes, Friday, 3rd April, 2015
With the match all square at 3 games each, members of the team who had
finished gathered anxiously as they watched Laurie and Rick Salmon coming
down the 17th. To their relief, the Salmon father and son duo won on the 17th
and gave Romiley victory by four games to three.
Playing for Romiley were Mark Kitchen (Captain) and John Ratledge, Steve
Hogg and David Mason, Kevin Jones and Paul Mellor, Mark Jones and Steve
Harrison, Alex Barber Bennett and Kevin Bennett and Roly Hewitt and Nick
Madden. The next game is away at Haigh Hall on May 15th.
Mr Captain, and his son, Oliver,
were there to support the team.
Laurie and Rick Salmon
The rumour that they were singing “Salmon
chanted evening” as they came off the 17th is
untrue.
Jeff Marsden
6th September 1931—29th March 2015
On 14th April, sadly, the funeral took place of Jeffrey Keith Marsden.
Jeff was born in Marple and lived and worked all his life in this area, apart
from his two years of National Service. He studied to become a chartered
surveyor and worked for local estate agents and valuers, Suttons, eventually
becoming a partner. It was at Suttons that he met his wife, Maureen (who we
all know and love) who started work there as a junior typist in 1951. They
married in 1958.
Jeff’s first passion was cricket. It was in his blood, he said, and he began
playing for Hyde 1st XI at the age of 15. He excelled on the pitch, his claim to
fame being that, at the age of 16, he achieved a unique feat for Hyde 2nd XI
against Romiley when he had a hat trick with the first three balls of the match
and took four wickets in the first over. Jeff liked nothing better than to talk
about cricket and his beloved Everton.
In 1965 he retired from cricket and took up golf, joining Romiley Golf Club in
1967. He quickly mastered the game and played on the winning Dunham
Forest Team in 1974. Jeff served on the Council before being Captain in
1975/76 and after his captaincy became House Chairman. He instigated the
Captain’s two day event instead of the previous 36 holes in one day. He
became President in 1981/2.
Jeff was a proud family man, a loving husband to Maureen, dad to Diane and
Jill, father-in-law to John and granddad to Adam and Tom. He will be missed
greatly by them all.
Possible Golf Rule Changes for Vets
A vet, who wishes to remain anonymous, has kindly shared with your editor the
rules changes he would like at Romiley Golf Club for the Vets’ Section and
which he will present for discussion to the Vets’ Committee.
Rule 1.a.5
A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the fairway
at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the rough with no
penalty.
The vets should not be penalised for tall grass which the Director of Greens has
allowed to happen.
Rule 3.B.3(G)
There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is on or near the
course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone else making it a
stolen ball.
The player is not to compound the felony by charging himself or herself with a
penalty.
Rule 4.c.7(h)
If a putt passes over a hole without dropping in, it is deemed to have dropped.
The Law of Gravity supersedes the Rules of Golf.
Rule 6.a.9(k)
There is no penalty for a ball in a water hazard as golf balls should float.
Vets should not be penalized for manufacturers’ shortcomings.
The anonymous vet has a few more rule changes up his sleeves and would
welcome more ideas from other vets.
“Someone needs to have a word
with Peter Milnes. I can’t even
see out of the rough
Graham Evans, Great Manchester Run, 10th May, 2015
Graham is taking part in the Great
Manchester Run on 10th May, 2015 to
raise money for Cancer Research. Just
over a year ago he was diagnosed with
prostate cancer and this is his way of
repaying those who cared for him.
Graham is confident of completing the
10k, if not finishing first!!
If you would like to make a donation,
then go to www.justgiving.com. Once on
the website type in “Graham Evans
Manchester Run 2015” and follow the
online instructions.
Handicap Cup, Second Round, Wednesday, 29th April 2015
1st Tony Jones
83-16=67
2nd: Jack Thomasson
96-27=69
3rd: Trevor Wright
85-13=72
Past Lady Captains’ Lunch
Tuesday, 21st April 2015
Jean Murray, Jill Woolstencroft, Pam Cunnington, Anne Harrison,
Maureen Marsden, Margaret Thompson, Marjory Healey,
Francine Walburn, Pauline Whitehead, June Levy, Lady Captain Janet
Worthington, Audrey Jones, Mary Walker, MBE, President Val Mackinnon
and Secretary, Karen Hooley.
The President of the Past Lady Captains, Val Mackinnon, invited all the Past
Lady Captains, and her guest, the present Lady Captain Janet Worthington, to
lunch at the Stables Restaurant, and what a good choice it was. So much food
and such a good atmosphere, helped no doubt by the wine, courtesy of the
President and a horse by the name of Wayward Prince which recently won the
Scottish Grand National at 25-1! The win, and the wine, were much
appreciated by all the ladies present. The Scottish flavour of the day continued
with a raffle and prizes of preserves and other goodies from north of the
border, again courtesy of the President.
Speeches were short and lunch was long, the sticky toffee pudding was hot and
the ice cream cold; everything according to plan.
There was a beautifully
sunny sky and talk of nine holes afterwards, but, on reflection, a little nap was
the choice of most—no doubt the fault of Wayward Prince.
BELL CUP MATCH on Sunday 19th April
(Away match against Warrington)
The team: Denise Booth, Sally Hebden, Angela Wheeler,
Rebecca Byle, Hilary Craven, Astrid Ceelen and Pauline Walker.
We expected a tough match as we have been up against Warrington
previously— and we got it. Everyone battled valiantly but, unfortunately,
Sally was our only true winner. Two other matches were conceded to us as
the result was known by that stage.
Well done and hard luck to the team, and a big thank you to all the caddies:Lady Captain, Edith, Barbara, Elsie, Anne, Irene and Gill.
Thanks also to Jill Woolstencroft who came along to support us.
We will now prepare for 2016!!!
Pauline Walker
Lady Captain’s Golf Weekend, Sunday 26th – Monday 27th April 2015
The venue this year was Hollins Hall Marriott Hotel and Country Club,
Baildon, Shipley. 23 ladies played on Sunday with Sally Hebden standing in as
a last minute replacement for Angela Wheeler who cancelled because of illness.
Jan Harman had to attend a family funeral on the Monday so 22 ladies stayed
over to play the following day and I think it’s fair to say that we all had a jolly
good time. The food was pleasant, although the prices of drinks weren’t, but
that’s the problem with going to a Marriott!
We were all hoping to purchase an item or two from the shop but there was
nothing for ladies except a couple of pairs of socks. The reason for this is that
they only have around 10 lady members and rarely have visiting groups of
ladies.
Lady Captain had very kindly prepared a goody bag for each lady which
contained a printed golf ball as a memento of the trip, wine, chocolate, biscuit
and mints - much appreciated by everyone.
The first hole at Hollins Hall is situated so far up a hill that oxygen is required
but, thankfully, transport was provided by the caddy master (although a few
mad ladies actually walked up!). The course itself is fairly tough (5428 yards
from red tees, 6051 from yellows and 6354 from whites) and a very cold wind
blowing on Sunday meant there were no high scores but lots of rosy cheeks!! As
well as the length of some of the holes, the greens were absolutely dreadful,
which again contributed to poor scores all round.
Sunday Winners: Irene Barrow, Sally Hebden, Anne Harrison and
Lynn Schofield
We started off the evening with our usual get together in my room for our own
alcohol and nibbles. I did have music playing but, after a few minutes, it was
Monday winners: Francine Walburn, Pauline Walker, Sally Hebden and
Ann Jackson
completely drowned out by 22 ladies chatting and laughing. Shortly after
dinner a few ladies retired but a few die-hards stayed up rather late. (Yes, I
was one of them and the rest know who you are!!) The bar manager, Eric,
looked after us very patiently and eventually suggested that he would get us a
large glass of iced water to take to our rooms. Think that was a hint….
A hearty breakfast the following morning was the order of the day before we
tackled the course once again. The weather was slightly warmer with clear blue
skies, sunshine and less wind. The rain that was forecast in the afternoon
didn’t materialise so that was a big bonus!
Sunday Individual Winner: Sally
Sunday Team Winners: Sally, Lynn
Schofield, Anne Harrison and Irene
Sunday Nearest the Pin: Francine
Monday Individual Winner: Lady
Captain Monday Team Winners:
Pauline, Sally, Ann Jackson, Francine
Monday Nearest the Pin: Pauline
Sally was also the overall winner of the
weekend with a total of 65 points and
along with her prize she was presented
with Annette’s Trophy to keep for a year.
Sally felt embarrassed that she took home the majority of the prizes…..
Next year’s event (possibly at Hill Valley) will be confirmed in due course.
Pauline Walker
April Monthly Medal, 19th April 2015
Division 1
Mark Smith, 75-5=70
David Oldham, 78-8=70
Steve Hogg, 76-5=71
Division 2
Laurie Salmon, 84-13=71 Al Martin, 84-13=71
Colin McManus 83-12=71
Division 3
Harry Parker, 90-19=71 Nick Gorman, 95-21=74 Mr Chairman, 99-24=75
Daily Mail Foursomes, 23rd April 2015
1st: Sally Hebden and Lynn Schofield 37 points
2nd: Lady V. C., Irene Barrow and
Pam Cunnington, 35 points
3rd: Beryl Reade and Gill Walker,
33 points
Thursday 30th April, EWGA Medal
1st: Sally Hebden
84-12=72
2nd: Denise Booth
85-11=74
3rd: Val Bonser
98-23=75
Your Captain (and Club) needs your help!
A couple of things have been brought to my attention which have the potential to damage both
our course and also our rounds of golf, and everyone's help in addressing these would be very
much appreciated.
1)
TROLLEYS
Where they exist, paths should be the main line of use for all trolleys. There are parts of the
course which are not suitable on safety or course management grounds for trolleys, such as the
bank up to the right of the 6th green and between the pond and green on the 2nd.
It is appreciated that you may want to take your clubs to your ball where it lies but occasionally
the need to park up and carry a few clubs across is the correct action.
We ask that you please consider where you take your trolley, safely, and without risk of
damage to your course, and respect any 'No Trolleys' signs.
2) SLOW PLAY
Let’s all try to eliminate slow play,
So everyone can enjoy their day.
As you read this contemplate,
Some hints you might appreciate.
Move quickly to each and every shot,
Those seconds saved add up to a lot.
If some hit off before marking cards,
You’ll certainly gain some extra yards.
When you reach your ball before the rest,
Be first to hit – you’ll find that’s best.
Should partner’s ball be in trees or brook,
Hit your own before you help to look.
And if the ball is hard to find,
Call through the group that’s stuck behind.
So take heed of these handy clues,
And then a fairway you won’t lose.
When you fall behind, it’s such a shame,
Cause that can spoil everybody’s game.
Neil Brindley,
Captain
Alistair May
The death of Alastair
took everyone at the
Golf
Club
by
surprise. Earlier in
the newsletter you
can read that he
came
3rd
on
Saturday, April 11th,
2015. For the last two
years
he
had
consistently appeared
near the top and his
handicap
tumbled.
There
was
no
doubting his joy at
winning the Burchall
Goblet in June last
year.
Alastair was born in Stockport in 1952 and is survived by his only brother,
Graham, and Graham’s family. Alastair and Graham’s parents, and many
generations before, have always lived in East Cheshire. Alastair attended
Stockport Grammar School for 13 years. Graham remembers their large
garden lawn in Hazel Grove, where many epic test matches and football
internationals were re-enacted.
At 16, his parents, Philip and Marjorie, moved the family to a new venture;
running the Rock Tavern pub in Chisworth, on the country road between
Marple Bridge and Glossop. Alastair took to the pub life like a duck to water,
although not always sticking to the usual drink of choice for ducks!
Alastair sailed the seven seas for many years in his job as purser returning to
the UK in the 1980's to jobs in the catering industry and involved himself in his
passion for rugby and cricket and turning to "proper" golf in the last few
years.
Alastair was only just 63 when he suffered an unexpected stroke whilst at work
just over two weeks ago. It is a blessing that he did not suffer too much pain in
the brief period before his demise at hospital. It is a life sadly cut short.
St. George’s Night – 25th April 2015
Lareena
The room was beautifully dressed with a red and white theme
running through, from napkins and tablecloths to red roses and the
flag of St George. After we located our tables and the Lady Vice
Captain had finished saying grace, we took our seats and waited for
the meal to be served, and what a meal!
The starters, main course and desserts were all excellent. Piping hot
and beautifully cooked - one of the best meals I have ever had at the
Club.
As soon as the desserts were finished and the tables cleared,
Lareena, who had been in Tom Jones’s team on The Voice in 2013,
began to sing. During the evening she sang all sorts of music,
including soul, rock, pop and classic songs from the Sinatra era.
The dance floor soon filled up and everyone had a wonderful time.
At the end of the evening the patriotic songs, Jerusalem, Rule
Britannia, There’ll Always Be an England and Land of Hope and
Glory came thundering out of the sound system and the whole room
exploded with people singing along and waving flags. A great finish
to a great night.
Chris Broster
Junior Summer League
Sunday, 26th April, 2015
1st: Tom Swarbrick
39 points
2nd Brooke Snape,
39 points
3rd: Matthew Murray
34 points
Tom Swarbrick’s 39 points just pipped Brooke Snape on a cpo after a superb
back 9 score of 23 points! Well done Tom, handicap now down to 19.5. Brooke
has reduced to 24.5.
9 Hole Competition
Harrison Hall
The 9 hole competition was won by 11 year old Harrison Hall, Harry Hall’s
grandson, with 21 points. Harrison will have a well deserved handicap
reduction.
Captains’ Corner
Mr Captain
Following my first month in office, it is a real honour to be communicating to you all as the
Captain of Romiley Golf Club!
The AGM and subsequent drive-in
already feels like an extremely long
time ago, and I am delighted that the
experience of standing before a crowd
of people and attempting to hit the
ball down the 10th does not need to be
repeated! I would like to once more
thank those people present at both the
AGM and the drive-in for your kind
words and support to myself and my
fellow dignitaries, and I would very
briefly (and somewhat tongue in
cheek) just like to advise you all that,
whilst our new Junior Captain’s drive
off the 10th was quite rightly praised in
the previous newsletter, my own
personal drive actually went a
whopping 1 yd further.
The month of April seems to have flown by and there have already been a number of
highlights in the month, such as the lovely meal and brilliant entertainment at the recent St
George’s Dinner. For those of you that were not able to attend, I can assure you that you
missed out on a wonderful evening, and hopefully we will see you at one of the future events.
The next diarised events include the Captains’ Charity Disco (Saturday 9 th May), which
promises to be a fun filled evening, for which I have already ordered my non-compulsory
fancy dress outfit, and a Wine & Cheese evening on Friday 22 nd May. Whilst unfortunately
I have already committed to taking my wife and our son to a Take That concert on the
evening of the Wine & Cheese event, I am sure that the chance to sample what will be our
new wine menu will be one to savour.
As I mentioned at the AGM, your Lady Captain and I have chosen two charities that we are
going to support jointly . The first is the extremely worthy Teenage Cancer Trust and the
second is the Neo-Natal Baby Unit of the University Hospital South Manchester, where they
do an amazing job of looking after extremely poorly premature and full-term babies from
around the whole of the North West. More details will be provided over the course of the
year on both charities and further fund raising activities will be taking place in an attempt
to raise as much money as possible for both of these fantastic causes.
From a golfing perspective, Romiley will unfortunately not be participating in any
subsequent rounds of the Dunham Forest or the Archie Preston mixed competition
(following losses to Mellor & Shaw Hill respectively), however we are due to play Haigh Hall
in the 2nd round of the City Glass Foursomes in the coming weeks. I would extend both my
own personal thanks and thanks on behalf of our Club to Mark Jones, Garry Hall and
Steve Harrison for their organisation of the teams and playing dates for the Dunham and
Archie Preston, and I hope to leave the thanks to the organisers of the City Glass
Foursomes for a good few rounds yet!
There are some interesting potential developments being looked at behind the scenes in
relation to our Club, and I hope to be able to report more on these (including the imminent
arrival of 4 Golf Buggies for general hire & turning Mr Captain’s Junior Prize on Sunday
5th July into a day full of enjoyment for all members) in due course.
With one month down and eleven to go, I look forward to seeing
you all both on the course, and supporting our social events and
wish you all a successful golfing season.
With best regards
Neil (Mr Captain)
LADY CAPTAIN
April has been another busy month with certainly varied weather from summer to winter
conditions. All the ladies' competitions have been played.
The Bell Cup match went ahead on Sunday April 19th at Warrington. Unfortunately,
Romiley lost in another close match. Well played and commiserations to the team. The
Handicap, Plate and Friendly matches are well underway with some very good results for
Romiley.
I played in the Archie Preston at Shaw Hill on Easter Sunday with Mr Captain. We played
very well, helped by Mr Captain’s long drives. However, Romiley lost. Our next game
together will be the Mixed Knock-out where we are playing Derek and Anne Jackson. At
least there will be a winner in our house! Look out, Derek! My golf is improving following
my lessons with Alex.
The Ladies' Section had a very enjoyable weekend at Hollins Hall.
For once the weather was dry but it was very cold. The course
was picturesque but extremely difficult. The winner of the
Trippers' Trophy was Sally Hebden. Well done, Sally.
I was invited by the Past Captains to join them for lunch on 21st
April. This was a delightful occasion, the food and company being
excellent. The St George’s Dinner was another enjoyable evening.
Well done, Rachel.
The next event is the Charity Disco on Saturday, May 9th, hosted
by Ray Hayes. This will be a superb evening so come along and
support the event.
Happy golfing!
Lady Captain
President’s Ponderings
It has been an honour to be elected as President and I look forward to supporting
the Captain and Lady Captain in their year of office.
A month has soon passed since the AGM and has provided much to reflect on.
I decided that I would like to play with as many members as possible throughout
the year and have randomly put my name down for the Saturday competitions
hoping that other members might join me, and so far I have not been left as "Billy
No Mate".
In the Monthly Medal I enjoyed the company of Roly Hewitt and Nick Madden and
witnessed the “shot of the month.” Nick's tee shot from the 16th finished in the
trees on the left hand side near the old bunker. For his second shot he drew a 4 iron
well over 220 yards through the trees which cleared all the branches and landed
about 4 feet from the pin - absolutely brilliant. How unfair of me to mention he
missed the birdie putt.
I have also taken a more active part in the Vets’ golf, of which I knew little. I’m
amazed how well supported and organised this section is and such a major part of
the Club.
Most members have their own views of Romiley's signature hole, probably the
favourites being the 14th and 17th. However, standing in the pine trees at the back
of the new 11th tee and looking across the elevated turf at the green below, the view
beyond is quite breathtaking. Credit to all concerned for a great addition to RGC.
I have certainly played plenty of golf during the month, including a few days on the
Costa del Sol, Vets’ Club comp at Bramall Park, Saturday competitions, knockouts
and roll ups, and I just hope a little extra skill might come my way - we shall see.
On the social side there was the first event of the
year, the St George’s Day Dinner, where the
food and the camaraderie were excellent. The
evening was finished off with a rousing sing
song.
All in all a very busy and enjoyable month.
President