Christmas Shotgun and Christmas Draw plus

December 2014
Newsletter
Neil McRoberts receives a silver
salver from Mr. Captain as
a memento of his time as Chairman
Romiley Golf Club
Neil McRoberts, Inaugural Chairman, RGC
Back in time, back to November 2009, Neil was invited to become Chairman of
Romiley Golf Club. This became formalised at the AGM in March, 2010, and
Neil set out specifically to create and implement a new management structure.
One of the many challenges was steering the Club through the world-wide
financial uncertainties affecting everyone, everywhere. And Neil dd just that;
each year we have had a budgeted profit.
For Neil, his solution was to find the right people for the growth of the
structure he envisioned and created. His ability to persuade people that they
did have the necessary skills for the job was the key to his success. They
responded to his leadership, support and vision. Neil’s style is similar to Bill
Gates who said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those
who empower others.”
An impressive structure is in place and we have more people than ever involved
in working voluntarily for the Club: lean and mean at the top with each board
director sure of his responsibilities and keeping to budget; committees and
subcommittees reporting back like a well-oiled machine.
Our Club owes Neil a debt of gratitude for his enormous energy and the clear
direction and skill he brought to his job as Chairman. Your editor has been
proud to be part of the initiative which has seen the Club advance each year
and sees the membership in good spirits and with high hopes in these
challenging times.
Peter Milnes and The Rhodesian Trophy
It was unfortunate for Peter
that the Rhodesian Trophy
was unavailable on the Prize
Presentation Evening in
October.
Here he can be seen gleefully
collecting it from Mr. Captain
before being placed straight
back in the trophy cabinet.
(The trophy, not Peter.)
Christmas Cheer at RGC, Friday, 12th December, 2014
It was a night in December that all would remember,
the masterly duo of Gordon and Ian our music would render
and played a mixed bag of carols, disco and jazz;
while we tucked in with bags of pzazz
feasting on mulled wine and mince pies supplied by the bar
for just a fiver a time which went in their jar.
At the start of events I made it quite clear
that singing was optional and no-one need fear
that the sound of my voice would damage their brain,
for I would stay silent and spare them the pain.
The evening began with carols galore
and despite the above there was a great roar
as many among us let rip with our voices;
and those on my table became rather boisterous.
All started to croon - but not the same tune
the Twelve Days of Christmas seemed more like a year
but still they did sing and persevere
Next was a quiz about Santa, Rudolph and Scrooge and the rest;
where all of the members and all of their guests
took part in the contest and all did their best.
But only one team could win the first prize
and who that team was came as no surprise.
The Harmans and Hales took the honours once more.
The chocolates and sweeties went to those smart four.
Happy but tired, slightly hoarse and well fed,
we got in our cabs and went home to bed.
Chris (tmas) Broster
Ian and Gordon strut their stuff
Murder at the Half Moon Speakeasy
RGC stepped back in time to 1925 and became the scene of a shooting on 4th December.
Eight suspects were identified and faced rigorous interrogation by the lady members. No
blood was detected but guns were rife, including several in handbags, one hidden in a violin
and one strapped to the thigh of Ruby Miller (Irene) who turned out to be the leader of the
rival gang to Marion Coleman (Francine), who recently took ownership of the Half Moon
Club following the death of her husband in suspicious circumstances.
Likely suspects: Marjorie the Meddler, Hazel the Hussy, Virginia the Waitress, Marion the
Boss, Ruby the Gun Slinger, Arlene the Back Stabber, Ida the Sleuth and June, Bit on the
Side—Brilliant!
To some the alibis and red herrings were confusing but others saw through the muddy
waters and were easily able to detect the truth.
“It was obvious,” declared June Levy, who must have been sober!
The Flappers were fabulous—never seen so many legs—and tassels—on display! The ladies
rose to the occasion once again for their Christmas celebrations, in some style, and had a
great evening.
Audrey Jones
Super sleuths and worthy winners: Pam
Cunnington, Alison Cooke, June Levy, Doe Shaw,
Pauline Whitehead, Francine Walburn, Lady
Captain and Rebecca Byle.
Winner of the Fancy Dress
Competition: Hilda Thomas,
carrier of the lethal violin case.
“REUTERS: NEWSFLASH
Embarrassing questions are being asked at the FBI HQ after the daring escape
of racketeer Ruby Miller (aka Red-Eye Carslow) and her two known associates, Arlene
Logue and Hazel Turner. Red-Eye was under investigation for the recent massacre at the
Caterpillar Club and the murder of Fanny Birchwood, and Logue and Turner for
involvement in the vicious Carslow gang. The FBI are convinced that inside help was used
in the escape and a thorough departmental investigation is underway, headed by Elliott
Ness. All the suspects have been placed on the "Most Wanted" list and are considered
highly dangerous and the public are advised not to approach.
Also under investigation is the disappearance of Marian Coleman, owner of both the
Caterpillar and Half Moon Clubs. Her trademark silver turban was found at a nearby
construction site close to the Interstate Highway. A warrant has been put out for the
arrest of Hilda ("The Hat") Thomas who also is suspected of being a recent recruit to the
Carslow syndicate.
Finally, the IRS has issued a warrant for the arrest of Lola Lemont, the acclaimed
"Hoochie Coochie" mama, for tax evasion and illicit "hooch" dealings.”
Reporter: Lady Vice Captain Irene
Left:
Miss Lola
Lemont, special guest
artist
with
her
rendering of Minnie
the Moocher, and Pat
Jones.
Right: Helen, Ellie,
Holly and Reece,
joined in the fun of
the occasion and
provided an excellent
carvery.
Quiz Night RGC Friday 5th December 2014
A select band of quizzers gathered for the last quiz of 2014. After the mental
rigours of the November event I decided to give our regulars something
different to exercise their grey matter. Instead of the normal rounds of
geography, history, literature, quantum physics, exploits of the Swiss Navy
and Italian war heroes, we would have rounds of cryptic cars, the colour of
music, riddles, add a word and musical animals among others.
This seemed to go down very well with almost everyone saying how much they
enjoyed it. We only had five or six teams made up of the usual suspects, plus
the bar team of Ryan and Imogen aided and abetted by two members of the
Eggheads who had popped in for a quickie; Kevin ‘what is he talking about’
Jones and Nick ‘no, sorry, you’ve got that wrong pal’ Gorman. They didn’t
manage to win, unfortunately, but did provide some of the most unusual
answers, most of which are unsuitable for publication.
The winners on the night with an amazing score of 95 were Judi and Peter
Howcroft with their friends, Sue and Ken Hodder.
The next quiz will be on Friday 23rd January, the quizmaster for that date to be
announced nearer the time. See you then. In the meantime I hope all our
quizzers have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Chris Broster
4 Man Team Event, Saturday, 6th December, 2014
1st Peter Drinkwater
2nd Craig Higgins
Keith Selby
John Gordon
Greg Giles
Al Martin
3rd John Beaver Mike Murray
Graham Couser
Andrew Cainen
68
Nick Bailey 68
Steve Kidd 67
Past Lady Captains Celebrate Christmas—10th December
The Joshua Bradley was the venue this year for the Past Lady Captains’
outing at Christmas.
A conservatory wouldn't normally be the first choice for a room in which
to eat in mid December, but it was a lovely warm setting - and the
lighting was good for menu studying!
Pam Cunnington’s prerogative as the President to be featured in every
photo.
They don’t half get around these ladies. What reason will they find next to
meet and eat?
Singles Stableford, Saturday, 13th December, 2014
1st Roly Hewitt 30 pts
2nd Mark Smith 30 pts
3rd Steve Brown 30 pts
Those going out later in the day
had a decided advantage as they
could actually see the ball when
the mist lifted, so Roly’s win was
even better because he was an
early starter.
Mention has to be made of
Andrew Rexstraw whose 29 pts
put him in 4th place. Just over
10 weeks ago he had a complete
knee replacement. Remarkable!
And he even managed to take
the picture below.
Ladies’ Stableford Team of 3, Holes 10—18, Thursday, 11th December, 2014
1st Francine Walburn
Lesley Williams
Teresa Hogg
2nd Anne Harrison
Jan Harman
Angela Slate
3rd Gill Walker
Jackie Purcer
31 pts
26 pts
Alison Reed 25 pts
Christmas Shotgun and Christmas Draw p
Front 9
1st Pete Ditchfield Eddie Howson John Nolan Dave Ball 50 pts 2nd Mark Hilton Carl & Joe Panne
Darren Baxenda
“I’m dreaming of
A. White
Christmas.”
The Christmas Shotgun competitors ignored the grey, di
profusion. A volley of 9 pounders signalled the start, or wa
the day. The format of best two scores from four proved ve
Ian Smith auctioned Lady Captain’s parking space with an
spiel that he found he was the highest bidder with £100!
The Christmas Draw was done at lightning speed thanks t
and whiskey sped to the winners. One of the star prizes, a d
remarked that it would be greatly underused as Selby rarel
plus Brunch, Sunday, 14th December, 2014
Back Nine
Carolyn Brinsley
ett 1st Steve & Teresa Hogg Roly & Sandra Hewitt 51 pts 2nd Tony Fitzpatrick Chris & Rachel Broster
ale
ismal, damp morning and bonhomie abounded in festive
as it a stray Canada Goose? High scores were the order of
ry popular.
ny proceeds going to the charity. He was so taken with his
to the brisk efficiency of Irene Barrow; champagne, wine
divot repairer, was won by Keith Selby. One cruel member
ly created pitch marks.
“Well, Graham. Who has
been eating all the
Christmas puds?”
Bonanza, 18th December, 2014
Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, stuffing and chips, plus mulled wine, awaited the
ladies after their Christmas 9 hole competition and, despite 24 hours of rain beforehand,
there were lots of stalwarts who played. There were 10 prizes on offer and it was the last
competition for a while, so they made the most of it. Okay, it was wet under foot, but it is
December and to be expected. Can’t understand why none of the ladies wanted their
photograph taken in their winter gear!
Angela Slate was the winner with an excellent 18 points considering the conditions, with
Anne Ludford in 2nd place with a very commendable 17 points. Anne Harrison upped her
score considerably with a 4 for 4 on the 17th and came in with 16 points to take 3rd place.
Angela Slate with her bubbly for 1st place with 18 points
Anne Ludford, 2nd with 17 points
Anne Harrison, with bubbly for 3rd
prize, with 16 points
Other prize winners:
4th:
Lady Vice Captain, Irene Barrow, 15
5th: Gill Walker, 15
6th: Rebecca Byle, 15
7th: Francine Walburn, 14
8th: Audrey Jones, 14
9th: Val Mackinnon, 14
10th: Hilary Craven, 14
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY – 6 DECEMBER 2014
It was 3pm on Saturday 6 December and, after much preparation and help
from the Ladies’ Committee, all was ready for the onslaught of over 50 very
excited children.
On arrival the children played with the ever popular balloons, blown up by a
few merry men, led by John Walker, who had just completed their round of
golf. The children were then entertained by “Amazing Stephen.” They were all
enthralled, as were the adults, with his magic tricks, games and jokes.
It was then time for the party tea – carefully prepared and put in party boxes.
After tea the children were waiting in anticipation at the windows for their first
glimpse of Father Christmas. There were a few false alarms – one little boy
reported that he could see Father Christmas arriving but what he had seen
were the lights on a plane!
Father Christmas duly entered with his sack full of presents, much to the
delight of the children who then waited in anticipation to hear their names to be
read out so that they could collect their gifts from Father Christmas.
Afterwards, many of the youngsters sought out the man in red again to whisper
their Christmas wishes – see photos below!
The children, very tired, left for home. It was then time for a very welcome
drink for all the many helpers.
I am already looking forward to next year!
Lady Captain
Irene Barrow has a very legitimate reason for sitting on Santa’s knee. Rumour
has it that Shaun Slate is trying to make sure that on Christmas Day he receives
the latest Cobra Fly-Z+ with E9 face technology with dual roll and off-centred
elliptically shaped hot zone plus lightest hosel adapter, speed channel face
technology and flip zone weighting system. Cannot wait to see it in action!
Peter Howcroft, ex-Chair greets Kei
Vets’ AGM, Friday,
As always, the Vets’ AGM flowed seam
bureaucrat, Geoff Higgins. Thanks w
years as Treasurer, to John Stansfield
to Derek Young for his contribution.
Keith Selby took command with pa
forward to a year of witty remarks an
As can be seen by the pictures, the sta
afternoon of camaraderie and jollity d
to the golfing exploits it became ver
better we were.
ith Selby, incoming Chair of the Vets’
19th December, 2014
mlessly as organised by that wonderful
were paid to Ken Wykes for his many
d for his countless years as auditor and
anache and authority. The vets look
nd limericks and more sober ties!
andard of dress was immaculate and an
drifted the hours away. As one listened
ry apparent that the older we get the
4 Ball Yellow Ball, Saturday, 20th December, 2014
1st Ian Smith
James Millington
2nd Mick Andrew
Craig Oakes
3rd Andrew Rexstraw
John Allman
Tony Fitzpatrick
Mark Kitchen
Gary Williams
Rick Evans 62
Alastair May 58
Joe Smith
55
The Christmas Lottery, 20th December, 2014
Peter Milnes,
winner
1st Peter Milnes—£173.63
Peter Milnes was actually in the clubhouse when the “El Gordo” of RGC was
drawn. On hearing his name he then capered around his table unable to
contain his joy.
Peter is pictured with the unsung heroes of our lottery committee, Anne
Harrison, Joyce Glynn and Audrey Jones. Or, as Peter said, “Me and my gals!”
The lottery has been going just 18 months and has raised £3000 for our Club
and given out £3000 to our members.
Do NOT miss out. In it to win it. Go to our web site and download an
application form.
2nd Janet McRoberts
£104.18
3rd Roly Hewitt
£59.45
Boxing Day fun competition! Friday, 26th December, 2014
No sign this year of any excesses of the previous day, though at least two players were still
making their way to the tee when the hooter sounded. Snow was forecast but didn’t appear,
thankfully, so the scores were good, especially since only three clubs and a putter were
allowed.
Winner and loser: Tony “Why did I buy a full set”
Fitzpatrick way out in front with 21 points and
Chris “I was rubbish” Broster with 5. Chris
granted permission for publication of his score!
Joint 2nd with 18 points:
Anne Harrison and Joe Smith
Everyone was a winner, though Tony had first pick and Chris the last and missed out on the
wine. Lovely mince pies and mulled wine were very kindly provided by Lady Vice Captain,
Irene, and relished by the players after a very cold round. Many thanks to Irene for her
hard work this year organising all the mixed competitions. She has done a splendid job and
always takes care of every detail.
Mr President, David Mason, took over the microphone after the presentation to tell us about
Lady Captain’s panic when she arrived and couldn’t find her trolley in the store and
promptly complained to Secretary Charles about security. She didn’t know that Santa Claus
(aka Derek) had delivered a new trolley to the pro shop for her. Even though it was only
four clubs, she had to use the trolley, didn’t she, and Derek decided to get his money’s worth
and his clubs shared the ride.
Lady Captain and Derek and Gordon Harman brightened up the Clubhouse
by modelling their Christmas jumpers.
Pairs Stableford, Saturday, 27th December, 2014
Winners: 32 pts Richard Crooks & John Walker
2nd Paul Wagstaff & Paul Mellor 31 pts 3rd Phil Cody & Alastair May 31 pts
Ken Jackson had a feeling that he
couldn’t miss whilst Peter
Wagstaff looked on in disbelief.
New Year
A
Romiley
Over 60 people attended RGC for a wonderful
wonderful feel to the evening and Michele Laws
looked at the age profile of her audience before
and Forties.
Neil McKinnon looked magnificent in his kilt b
the celebrations began he found out that his son
r’s Eve 2014
At
y Golf Club
l evening of friendship and entertainment. There was a
son, the entertainer, was outstanding. She had obviously
providing a host of appropriate songs from the Thirties
but he was only wearing it because just one hour before
had “borrowed” his one and only dress suit.
Our web site— “The Course”
You may recall that we have been working on h
flyovers of each hole on our course. The first step h
reached and you can gasp and gape in awe and w
first stage of the use of the aerial flyovers can be see
and enjoyed on our web site.
Go to “romileygolfclub.org”. Hover over “The C
click “Aerial Flyovers”. This gives a picture of al
can be seen on the left of the page.
Then click on “The First Hole”. As you read it yo
that this hole is sponsored by TFO Tax. You then se
visual description of the hole as seen on the right.
As you go further down you will see a picture of t
with a white triangle in a red circle.
Click on the 4 “dots” at the very bottom right. This
you have a full screen. Click on the white triangl
and enjoy.
Apart from providing pleasure for our memb
marvellous selling point for visiting societies and vis
Phil is also currently
working on an Apple
app store app and
Google Play store app
for the Golf Club
which will include all
the
new
aerial
flyovers.
Our thanks go to Phil
Roberts,
whose
expertise and time
have
made
this
project
such
an
amazing success.
Phil Roberts
having aerial
has now been
wonder as the
en and heard
Course” then
ll 18 holes as
ou will realise
ee a top class
the first hole
s makes sure
le then relax
bers it is a
sitors.
s
PRESIDENT’S PONDERINGS
First, to everyone, I hope you had a tremendous Christmas and I wish you a great New Year.
On matters seasonal, may I pledge my support for Mr Vice Captain’s idea regarding
Christmas cards – donations to Captains’ Charity and an e-card, instead of us all exchanging
purchased cards. I commend the idea to all for the future.
As stated previously, my winter golf is pretty much restricted to fun events, such as the 9
hole competition on Christmas Draw day when I had the great fortune to partner Jack
Thomasson, Hilda Thomas and Kevin Bennett. We won ‘nowt’ on the course but had great
fun with Jack talking the legs off us all morning and, for those of you who remember my
Drive-in, all three of them outdrove me on the 10th !!! Despite that, it was a most enjoyable
event and I picked up a couple of prizes in the draw afterwards to aid my ‘pressy’ buying
list!
I then ventured out on Boxing Day where my choice of 3 clubs, plus putter, was not too bad.
Playing with Lady Captain, husband Derek and Charles, our hard-working Secretary, I
managed to duff my tee shot on the 10th, again, but got my act together and managed 17 pts
playing the back nine. This begs the question – why do we insist on buying and lugging
round a full set of clubs? The winning score was 21!!!
The morning had started poorly for Lady Captain who found her trolley missing from the
storeroom and gave Charles a bit of grief, and I can tell you that Mrs W with a strop on is
something to be avoided! So, a word of warning to those working with her in 2015 [only
joking!]. The problem was soon solved when Derek gave her his Christmas present –a new
all singing and dancing trolley.
I had been wondering what to write about until mid month when I had clear evidence given
to me of what I have said before concerning the strength of members here at Romiley.
Wearing my official hat, or should I say blazer, I was an invitee to the Annual Vets' Section
Christmas lunch. If ever an example were needed of staunch support, it was here.
Approximately 100 attended to celebrate their year. Trophies were presented and there was
much extremely good-natured banter, all put together by a most efficient committee which, I
am reliably informed, is made up of square pegs in square holes. We are so lucky to have
these members who do, indeed, spread out their good deeds into the main section of the
Club. I thank you all for giving me the honour of joining you for this event.
Here’s hoping the wintry weather does not
interfere with the completion of our major
works on the course, which are looking very
impressive, and I add my thanks to the
hardworking Brash Street Gang whose efforts
in tidying up vast areas of our grounds are
helping to provide greens staff with the time to
devote to more complex jobs.
Happy New Year
President - David Mason
CAPTAINS’ CORNER – DECEMBER 2014
LADY CAPTAIN
Since coming into office on 11th November 2014 it feels like my feet haven’t
touched the ground! I have been exceptionally busy with all the Christmas
preparations for the Golf Club. This has all been a rehearsal for next
Christmas as, uniquely, I will still be Lady Captain then and until March 2016.
The first event was the Ladies’ Christmas Party, a murder mystery evening
organised superbly by Audrey Jones. This was set in a Speakeasy in the 1920s
and all ladies came dressed accordingly. I mixed the gin and vermouth
cocktails which were certainly well received. A fantastic night was had by all.
Swiftly on its heels came the next event, the Children’s Christmas party,
attended by 51 children. After a slight hiccough with the online shopping for the
presents, everything went smoothly. The entertainment was provided by
Amazing Stephen and the children all had a super time.
The Christmas Bonanza competition was
held on 18th December. When I first looked
out of the window that morning, I could not
believe how bad the weather was and I
thought the golf would be called off.
However, the competition went ahead with
a shotgun start and we almost managed to
finish before the rain came again. We all
then enjoyed a festive lunch followed by a
prize presentation.
The next event will be the Ladies’ Winter
Dinner which will be held on 29th January
2015 – full details will be posted shortly.
My very best wishes to you all for 2015.
MR. CAPTAIN
Welcome to 2015 – I wish all the membership, family and friends of Romiley
Golf Club a Happy New Year.
The year past has been a tremendous one for me and I will reflect that more
fully as time goes on. Save to say I move into this year full of vigour and
enthusiasm to support you as Captain and represent our Club.
Golf
Christmas has passed us and we get into the ribs of the Top Dog Competition. There will be
a full Sunday programme so if you are getting behind with your games then get that 2015
spirit going and book your name down. Alex and I are booked up for the first and second
Sundays of January but happy to take challenges beyond that.
We still have the challenge of mats but to be fair they are allowing us to at least have a shot
out of the rough (sorry for those players who stay on the fairway) and give an even game.
Spring is on its way as the daylight increases every day.
Please take care on the course with the wet, and now, icy conditions. Ensure that your shoes/
boots are studded and think before tackling slopes.
The Turkey Trot and Boxing Day games went well so a big thanks to Lady Vice Captain,
Irene, Alex and Graham for the organisation.
The Greens Staff continue good work in redesigning the 11 th Tee and it looks impressive.
They are very busy at this time of the year so please be patient as this work will reflect on the
course in the summer. A personal thanks also for the work done in clearing leaves off the
course, the new machine worked well.
Social
The Children’s Christmas Party was brilliant. The smiles on those little faces as Father
Christmas came down the 10th always gets me. A big thank you to Lady Captain and her
team of elves.
Christmas Cheer Night saw Gordon Harman and his friend Ian entertain through song and
a quiz accompanied by good festive cheer. Thanks again to all involved.
A special thank you to the Vets section for their invitation to me on the lunch date and
AGM. The 19th December saw nearly 100 "mature" members from our Club meet their
friends and fellow members – laughter and stories abounded. The next main event for me
will be the Gentleman’s Evening on Friday 20th February so please get this date in your
diary and watch out for the posters.
Course
I am still amazed at the course condition and with the advent of mats we will enjoy a good
winter playing period. A personal welcome to Tom Swarbrick (junior member) who has
been taken on as an apprentice with the Greens Staff.
Thank You
On a personal note I have not been very well over the
Christmas period but your messages of support have been
overwhelming. I am on the mend now and hope to resume
normal service very soon – Thank You.