Romiley Golf Club
October 2012
A packed lounge cheered and clapped the victors as they proudly accepted their trophies. 74 members were presented with a prize. Thank you to Handicap and Competitions Committee for all its work throughout the year.
Ian P. Smith – H/Cap & Comps Committee Cup Lynn & Graeme Nuttall - Mixed KO
And Singles K.O.
Ken Fendall – Centenary Trophy Mr. President with John Mitten, the first winner of the
Gentlemen’s President’s Prize
Lightning Lee Prendergast with his two trophies Dave Skillington – Rhodesian Trophy
Hudson Cup and Entwistle Cup
Stableford, Wednesday 3rd
October 2012
Winner Derek Young 35 pts 2nd
Malcolm Booker 34 pts cpo 3rd
Ken Jackson 34 pts
Vets Versus Bramhall GC. Friday, 5th
October 2012
As the teams assembled for
what was, for both of them, the
final match of the season, they
may well have found a film
brought to mind; not (rusty) Tin
Cup, but Waders of the Lost Ark.
The seemingly limitless heavy
rain of the previous few days had
abated for a while, but a lot of it was still lying, either
on the course or just under the surface.
But with both teams still inspired by the heroic
European efforts of the previous Sunday, ageing limbs
were filled with fresh energy and a close match
ensued, the final score being 4- 3 to Romiley. One of
Bramhall’s wins was achieved by Harry Parker and
Peter Drinkwater who, while playing for the
opposition, inflicted a heavy defeat on their
opponents !
(I won’t mention who they are for fear of upsetting Eric Jones & Barry Johnson ) What really added salt to the
wounds, twisted the knife, put the fat in the fire, exacerbated the situation, call it what you will, was that as
Harry and Peter were guesting for Bramhall, it was necessary for Eric & Barry to
stand them a couple of beers afterwards! Barry could still be heard muttering under his breath about this most
galling aspect of the affair on the course the following day.
Chairman Mike’s closing speech was received appreciatively, as were all the others, and he ended with the
final series of anecdotes of a fairly successful, if unusually damp, season.
Keith Selby
So Paddy walks
into a bar and
says......
Captain of the Vets, Mike Wilson, snuggles into Gordon Taverner and Kevin Ogden on the
Vice Captain, Derek Young. tenth tee pleased with the first half of their match.
Barry Logan and Paul Trafford are allowed to Peter Howcroft shows his tolerant nature despite look self-satisfied. Both had hit good drives Geoff Higgins’ insistence on calling him “Hovercraft.”
at the tenth......... for a change.
at the 10th
.
October Monthly Medal, 6th
October, 2012
Division One
Winner Ian P. Smith 72 – 6 = 66 2nd
John Allman 72 – 1 = 71 3rd
Nick Bailey 80 – 8 = 72
Division Two
Winner: Darrell Parker 86 16 = 70 2nd
Josh Knowles 84 – 13 = 71 3rd
Doug Mills 82 – 10 = 72
Division Three
Winner: Phil Ankers 101 – 26 = 75 2nd
Ken Fendall 98 – 20 = 78 3rd
Gary Travers 98 – 19 = 79
Oh to be 50!
Ros Hale, Rachel Broster Gill Thompson, Julie Fitzpatrick, Caroline Brinsley Fran Davies
All at the club supping champers and celebrating Caroline’s 50th
. Caroline tells your editor that she
looks back at being 40 and wonders what all the fuss was about!
The Tree Line
As you play the course just cast your eyes on the
trees; specifically the tree line. Notice that as your
ball bounces against a tree you probably have the
chance to play as the epicormic growth has been
removed.
( epicormic – growth at the bottom of a tree!) as
have the branches above to allow you a full shot
and it also allows the tractors to mow under the
trees. This is thanks to the gallant band of
volunteers working their way around the course.
Keith Selby, master of the tree loppers!
MAN UTD. V MAN CITY
Sunday 7
th October 2012 saw the 2
nd annual match play championship golf event at Romiley Golf Club
between fans of Manchester United and Manchester City.
The City fans had attached little blue notices to many of the tees so they could remind the Liverpool fans etc.
who had been drafted in to make up their numbers, which team they were playing for.
In the car park the teams were assembling ready for the shotgun start at 0930. The weather was fine and reasonably warm and everyone was looking forward to a match played in the best spirit of fair play and
friendliness, just like the Premiership.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, after about 4 hours we all assembled back in the club house, where the two
teams bought each other drinks, patted one another on the back and said how well their opponents had played
while smiling through gritted teeth.
Eventually after a delicious brunch, came the announcement everyone was waiting for when Mr Captain,
resplendent in red, announced the result of the match. By his side in blue and getting bluer by the minute was
the leader of the City team, Mr. Peter Wagstaff. Between them they held a cup to which two ribbons had been
attached, one red, one blue. This is the trophy that the United team, sorry, the winning team will receive each
year.
This year, (as last year) it went to the red side of Romiley Golf Club by a margin of around 50 points.
As an unbiased reporter I would like to say how sorry I am for the losers. Having won your first
championship in forty odd years, losing must be so hard to take, but don’t worry you’ll soon get used to it
again.
Chris Broster
Eric Jones and Steve Denton
console themselves with a card to remind them that City really did win the Premier League.
An Incredible Story
Len Lewis and John Ollerenshaw
67 years ago I was conscripted to join the forces prior to which I had spent four years as an amateur with
Manchester City. The first six weeks in the army were spent in Northern Ireland undergoing basic training.
When we were introduced to the sergeant in charge of our platoon he asked if any of us could play football.
My father had warned me not to volunteer for anything whilst in the army and so I kept silent.
Back in the barracks the lad in the bunk below me said, “You play for Manchester City. Why didn’t you tell
him?” I told him that I did NOT play for City, which was technically correct, as I had signed for Arsenal three
weeks before I joined up!
Getting more up-to-date about six weeks ago the Seniors’ Open was being played at the club and as the
weather was lovely I strolled to the first tee and sat on the bench soaking up the warmth. The starter for the
event was Mike Wilson, the Vets’ Chairman, who I only knew by sight but after introducing ourselves Mike
burst out, “Oh! You’re the ex Man City player. I’m a season ticket holder there and I’ll bet the man who sits
next to me will know you. He’s been a fanatical supporter for over seventy years.” I asked Mike if his name
was Len Jackson.
“It’s definitely Len but I don’t know his surname. I’ll find out at the next match,” replied Mike.
When he reported back he said that it was the sergeant from 67 years ago but his surname was Lewis not
Jackson and that he was over the moon when Mike told him John’s name. Can you imagine the long arm of
coincidence finding this army mate from 67 years ago sitting next to a Romiley Golf Club member.
I phoned Len up and we met up at our club and regaled each other with our memories. We realised that the
older we get the better we were.
John Ollerenshaw
Past Captains’ Golf and Lunch Event, Tuesday 9th
October, 2012
Diane Houghton and Maureen Marsden Joan Kelly and Jill Woolstencroft
Vets 9 hole Stableford, Friday 19th
October 2012
Winner: Nigel Ingle 19 pts 2nd
Derek Harrison 18 pts 3rd
John Knighton 17 pts
The Past Lady Captains held their annual Golf and Lunch event on Tuesday, 9th
October. As last
year’s event had to be postponed due to the weather it was eventually played in August this year,
the winner being Diane Houghton, daughter of last year’s President. Unfortunately as there had not
been a presentation opportunity Diane had the trophy presented and then it was cruelly whisked
away to be presented to this year’s winner.
This year’s Lady President Joan Kelly was very gracious in her welcome to those present and those
who were unable to attend. Mary Walker was presented with a bouquet of flowers on the occasion
of her 91st birthday.
The winner of this year’s golf, Jill Woolstencroft, was duly presented with a prize provided by the
President, plus the winner’s trophy.
Fish ‘n Chip Night Fryday 12th
October, 2012
Romiley Golf Club was certainly the plaice to be on Fryday night. The Bennett family, regular visitors
to our golf club, can be seen having a whale of a time as guests of Richard and Ros Hale.
Maria, Robin and Sarah Bennett
Final Medal Saturday 13th
October 2012
Winner: Neil Russell 85 – 19 = 66 cpo 2nd
Brent Shore 76 – 10 = 66 3rd
James Millington 84 – 16 = 68
It was a brill evening and Heather is a dab hand at these and is unlikely to flounder. Every one
haddock asion to prays the food and not a sole was disappointed. Talk among the golfers present
may have centred around the efficient chips (fish ‘n chips ) they’d be playing on Saturday as
approach shots, or possibly they may’ve eyed John Glynn, perched on his seat, tuna butty
containing ten chips, and wondering what eel be whiting for the newsletter.
A Selby / Glynn Combo
..For goodness hake !
Now you see it.......... Friday, 12th
October 2012
Now you don’t – Saturday 13
th October
A mere illusion
ROMILEY GOLF CLUB
2013 MAJORS COMPETITION SPONSORSHIP AND SPONSOR
27/4/2013 HUDSON CUP - LEE PRENDERGAST
11/5/2013 VICTORY CUP - COLIN DAVIES
25/26/2013 ALL WINNERS TROPHY - IAN SMITH
22/6/2013 ENTWISLE CUP - LEE PRENDERGAST
29/30/6/2013 SCRATCH TROPHY - DEREK WORTHINGTON
13/7/2013 BURCHALL GOBLET - STEVE CLEARY
20/7/2013 DR BLADES TROPHY - ANDY REED
10/11/8/2013 CENTENARY CUP - PETER MILNES
17/8/2013 SENIORS TROPHY - RON HARRISON
1/8/2013 JUBILEE TROPHY - BRENT SHORE
14/9/2013 RHODESIAN TROPHY - DAVID SKILLINGTON
21/9/2013 VICTORY MEDAL - MARK KITCHEN
12/9/2013 FINAL MEDAL – JIM MILLINGTON
Our club is fortunate that Mike Cope’s initiative to ask the winners of our Major Competitions to
sponsor the competition in the coming year has proved so successful. Our thanks go to all the sponsors
named above and may they win the trophy again. A great tradition has started!
Murder Mystery Night, Saturday, 13th
October, 2012
We arrived about 7.30pm suitably attired for a masked ball, found our table, nodded to the other four guests and
then noticed one chair was empty and one guest was missing. Suddenly one of the guests announced that the
chap, the Vicar’s husband, who should have been sitting at our table had been found dead in the stables where
he trained Lord Whatsisname’s racehorses! Looking on the bright side, those of us left alive on the table got an
extra meal to share as the waitresses insisted on serving the corpse in absentia.
We were now invited by the police attending the crime to help them solve the mystery and one of our fellow
guests, a certain Mrs Fran Davies revealed her true credentials. Hang on a minute, I’ll rephrase that! Fran
suddenly turned into a veteran detective, firing questions at various shady characters and taking down their
particulars (had to get that in somewhere) when they turned up at our table. These included the lady vicar, a
couple of rather attractive ladies; Lady Sybil and her friend thingy who actually got engaged on the night to
Lord Whatsisname’s son and an old boiler, Lady Whatsisname. She was like a dog with a bone (Fran, not the
old boiler). So much so that after her initial queries were rather evasively answered, it was the last we saw of
the suspects that night.
The masked ball now descended into a sort of masked melee, with people rushing about accusing one another
of sleeping with their husbands, partners, servants and horses and of having murdered the vicar’s husband.
Voices were raised and the language became a bit fruity.
What happened next defied belief; another guest got done in! This time it was Lord Whatsisname’s son. What a
short engagement that was! His body was dragged into the back bar where an examination revealed he’d been
battered with a sand wedge. He must have coughed when Mark Jones was making a bunker shot! Our resident
pathologist, Dr. Richard Hale, was called in and immediately gave a verdict of ‘natural causes’ as he couldn’t
be bothered with the paperwork!
Sorry only kidding, he’d been hit on the head with a blunt object, I think. By this time Colin Davies had got the
LJD’s (Large Jack Daniels) in and I was taking less and less notice of the proceedings and concentrating on
staying upright!
Fortunately other members and guests were taking the matter seriously and were determined to bring this evil
perpetrator to justice. As the tension mounted various tables became more and more agitated as they began to
put two and two together. Forms were handed round to each table asking us to write down who we thought had
done the evil deeds and why.
Unfortunately Colonel Mustard with a candlestick in the snooker room as suggested by Smiffy didn’t get us a
prize!
Andrew (Fergie) Worthington, Mr. Captain, Mancini masquerading as Richard Hale and Ros Hale
wishing it was Mancini.
Anne Harrison and Irene Barrow – winners!
Ian Smith – not!
Andrew Worthington as Tutankhamun Anne and Steve Harrison purring away
September’s Crossword
The first name drawn out of the hat (in fact, the only name in the hat) was the talented Keith Selby, a
cruciverbalist of top quality. Charles Haworth’s RGC – associated crossword certainly challenged a lot of
people. Be certain to look out for Charles’s Xmas bumper edition. Your editor will take a lot more care in
ensuring its accuracy.
4BBB Stableford Saturday20th October, 2012
Winners: Vinnie Walker and Wayne Andrew 42 pts
Wayne took some convincing that their score was good and that he shouldn’t tear it up. Vinnie took it in
his stride and just drank some more Peroni.
2nd
Ken Cooper and Charles Haworth 39 pts 3rd
Alan Whitehead and John Parke 38 pts
Ken can’t believe that they haven’t won. Two smuggy boots happy to be in the money.
My Two / Three Loves
I have owned the triumph Stag for over ten years and during that time have taken it apart and had it
totally rebuilt, completing the restoration at the end of last year. Unfortunately, as with all my previous
cars, once it was finished I quickly started looking for a new project. Initially that was to be an E-type
Jag but after viewing at least ten I had to accept that the level of work required was beyond my
capabilities in more ways than one. By chance I was taken for a drive in a Morgan +8 and was hooked.
But......Janet laid down the guideline that I could only look for cars requiring NO work.
I eventually travelled up to Scotland for a test drive of a one-owner car with a low mileage rubbing my
hands with glee at the bargaining to come. After a super test drive Janet ruined my purchasing pitch,
as with a huge smile, she instructed, “Just buy it!”
The car has a hand-built wooden frame on a steel chassis with an aluminium body and a tuned 4 litre
V8 engine, which is quite quick! I am not allowed two toys so the Stag will have to go.
Derek Worthington
Mr. Captain with his three loves!
Vets’ Stableford, Friday 26th
October, 2012
Winner: Bob Blundell 16 pts 2nd
Peter Howcroft 16 pts 3rd
Jeff Knott 14 pts
Champagne Celebrations for
80th Birthday Girl, Ann Booth
She can hardly believe it herself, and neither can anyone else, but on 26th October, Ann Booth was 80 years
young.
Ann has been playing golf and bridge for almost forty years, at Werneth Low and Romiley. She’s won many
competitions over the years and been Lady Captain at Werneth Low. But, as Ann says, ‘The real pleasure has
been all the wonderful friends that I’ve met while being a club member’.
Ann was kept in the dark by family and friends as to exactly what was going to happen but could not have been
disappointed with the celebrations, which lasted more than a week.
Festivities began with champagne and cakes, secretly organised by Ann’s daughter, Penny, for the Tuesday
ladies. On Thursday, at the Autumn Meeting dinner, Ann was presented with a large bouquet of flowers and a
lovely card signed by all the ladies.
At lunchtime on Friday there was a family gathering at Platform 1 organised by Ann’s daughters, Jillian and
Fiona. On Saturday, Ann travelled to Combs to stay with her daughter Penny, and was wined and dined once
more. The celebrations concluded, when Ann returned home, with a visit by her son Peter.
Amongst many gifts, Ann was presented with a large collage depicting her four children, ten grandchildren and
one great grandson. A particular joy for Ann was being able to spend time with all her family during this
extended celebration.
Lady Captain, Audrey and birthday girl, Ann Booth
Update from the Greenshed
No doubt many of you will have read the October newsletter outlining Martin’s plans for the winter (providing
the weather behaves which it very rarely does nowadays!). After much deliberation we have decided to take a
closer look at four greens which have caused concern during this year’s deluges.
As you have no doubt seen several of the greens are constantly suffering from surface water with no adequate
drainage / swales to assist in removing this water as quickly as possible.
Starting on Monday 5th
November work will commence on the following greens (in no specific order)
16th
,17th
,7th
and 6th
to reconstruct the worst areas affected by draining, remodelling certain areas with swales
and in one case lifting part of the green (17th
) to allow water to be shed away to drains.
Inevitably there will be some disruption, but hopefully if we have a reasonable November most of the work will
have been undertaken leaving us with greens which will cope better with the heavy downpours we have all
seen this year.
One final word, there is no trolley or buggy ban for those who use them, but please walk that extra yard and
stay clear of obvious problem areas around your course, stick to the designated routes and come spring time we
will have our lovely course once again back in tip top condition. Many thanks for your cooperation
Peter Milnes - Greens Chairman Martin Thompson - Course Manager
Ladies Autumn Meeting, Thursday 25th
October 2012
The very popular Autumn Meeting was a fourball team event, best two scores to count, played over 14 holes.
Playing off mats was a shock so early in the season, and a bitter north wind took the ladies by surprise after the
mild weather for the previous week or so, but for once it didn’t rain.
LC Audrey, PLC Pauline Whitehead and Pam Cunnington played in the same event last year with Elsie Heyward
and lost the top slot on a CPO. The threesome this year played with secret weapon Liz Wilde and thought they
had a winning score of 62 points, beating three other teams on 61, but they were relegated to second place by
Marjorie Healey, Anne Ludford, Irene Barrow and Val Bonser with a fantastic 64 points. Just to confirm that
summer is over, winter handicaps are now in force so the winners were docked one shot.
Heather and her staff cooked and served a superb meal and the dining tables looked beautiful, thanks to Pam
Cunnington.
The winners, with Marjorie telling us how The runners up - again
brilliantly Val had played.
Men’s Better Ball Bogey, Saturday 27th
October 2012
Winners: John Omand & Roy Duncan 7
2nd
Tony Cocks & Martin Gahan 6 3rd
Paul Beesley & Gary Williams 5
Ladies Friendly Matches 2012
When I was asked to take over the Romiley Ladies Friendlies I wasn’t sure what was involved. However
with help from June levy I soon got the hang of it and really enjoyed the role. Now the season has finished I
can report that during 2012 the teams of ladies won seven out of the eleven matches. We lost against Disley
away whilst Hazel Grove was a home win and the venues for these matches will be reversed in 2013. This
year we were asked and agreed to play on the same basis with Alderley Edge and Glossop has also
approached us for the same format for 2013. The other matches against New Mills, Heaton Moor Marple
and Houldsworth are played both home and away each year. The weather was relatively kind to us for most
of the matches we played but we did have to re-arrange the Hazel Grove and Alderley Edge matches due to
torrential rain. This meant the season extended to October 15th
, our last match. The golfing calendar is so
hectic it has been suggested that an extended season should be adopted for 2013. I would like to thank
Heather for the superb catering she provided for us at our home matches. Her warm scones with fresh
cream and jam always got whoops of delight from all the visiting ladies. Thanks Heather, much
appreciated. All the visiting teams loved our course and quite a few ladies took entry forms for the Ladies’
Open.
Thanks to June Levy for her help when I was on holiday and to all the ladies who played in the Friendlies
this year for their support and reliability.
After serving my first year I now realise how lucky we are at Romiley and I am looking forward to
organising the matches for 2013.
Christine Holland
Val Mackinnon, Chris Holland, Janet Godfrey, June Levy, Janet McRoberts, Sandra Davison, Lady
Captain, Audrey Jones, and Pam Cunnington.
Other ladies who played were Lady Vice Captain, Francine Walburn, Lilian Smith, Pauline Whitehead,
Marjorie Healey, Lesley Williams, Alison Cooke, Barbara Leith, Janet McRoberts, Marcia Conway , Beryl
Reade, Sylvia Hall, and Marjorie Chandler.
Thanks to all the helpers
On 31st October Romiley Golf Club expressed thanks, in style, to all the members who gave up their precious
time to assist at the two Men’s Senior Opens, the Kinsey Salver, the Mixed Open, the Senior Mixed Open and the
prestigious AmAm. The Vets’ Working Party was invited as a recognition of the splendid work that is done
every week and the helpers at the Romiley Young Farmers’ Show also attended.
The food was excellent, not to mention the glass of wine which was constantly refilled by a very attentive
Heather.
The monies raised from these Open Competitions are increasingly important to the Club when we are short of
both Gentlemen and Lady members and therefore the work done by the helpers to make these Opens run
smoothly is essential. 25 people assisted at the AmAm alone, including the registration desk, starters, those in
charge of the putting competition, and of course the very persuasive raffle ticket sellers.
Mike thanked everyone involved and the Chairman, Neil McRoberts, thanked Mike for his all his hard work and
meticulous planning. The Chairman commented particularly on the congenial, relaxed atmosphere and expressed
gratitude to everyone involved.
This event is invitation only, but it’s not difficult to be invited - just volunteer your services for next year.
The Chairman, Neil McRoberts, and Mike Bury, Opens Organiser
Audrey Jones
Men’s 4BBB Saturday 3rd
November 2012
Winners: John Nolan & Steve Lawton 39 pts
2nd
John Allman & Lynden Kirby 38 pts cpo 3rd
Tony Hunt & Chris Broster 38 pts
RGC Annual Dinner, Saturday 3rd
November 2012
Champagne on arrival started the evening and there was an air of fulsome bonhomie and good fellowship. The
room looked superb thanks to Ian and Julie Smith, Lady Captain and Janet Worthington. The Captain, Lady
Captain and President were clapped in as they took their places and so began a delightful meal. To say the lamb
shanks were brobdignagian is understatement. Mr. Captain kept drinking his cough mixture to help down the food
and prepare his voice for his speech. This paid a glowing tribute to Lady Captain who sat there blushing as to
receive such praise. His one criticism was the Club’s Charity Day when Derek had his photo taken with a young
guide dog puppy called Grace. As he held her closely to his chest it dawned on him just how excited she was as a
warm trickle descended to his nether regions.
Lady Captain, Audrey Jones, responded with a few references to the “WEATHER!” She said that she was sure
her husband, David Jones, would be glad to have her back home. Fortunately LC did not see David’s negative
response. Audrey’s highlight of the year was the abandoned Lady Captain’s Day as she could enjoy TWO Lady
Captain’s Days. Audrey finished in her usual immaculate style with the poem below which received thunderous
applause and acclamation.
LC’s Old Age?
When I move into the old folks’ home, I’ll tell them of golf in our Union Jack skirts,
When I sit in a circle, my fate to bemoan, The Derby Match in our blue and red shirts,
I’ll bore everyone, well, those who can hear, I’ll show them lots of pictures of me,
With stories of golf and my LC’s year. Well.. I’ll show them to all the ones who can see.
I’ll tell them all about afternoon teas,
And sketches to scale for planting of trees,
About matches with vets, evening mixed, jubilee,
I do hope someone will listen to me.
I’ll tell them of lunches with birthday cake, I’ll describe to them all Lady Captain’s Day,
And sparkly evenings with Champagne and steak, How it rained so hard we abandoned play,
One night I recall there was murder committed, What kept me going were the cards and good wishes,
But I looked in the rules and that wasn’t permitted! On a day more suited to ducks and fishes,
I’ll talk about knockouts and matches too, I’ll tell them about the speeches I made,
And Romiley Young Farmers with judging to do, And when me and the captain and president played,
Doing hula hoop on the weekend away, The baby Guiness I couldn’t resist,
I do hope I keep dementia at bay. And the following day and all the fairways I missed.
The residents’ memories no doubt will fail,
In no time at all they’ll have forgotten my tale,
But that won’t be a problem, I’ll not complain,
Cos it means the next day I can tell them again.
Audrey Jones
Members and guests at the Annual Dinner, November 3rd
2012
Prize Presentation (continued)
Ron Harrison and Colin Hall Winners Men’s 4 Ball K.O. Mark Jones – The All Winners Trophy
Paul Wagstaff - Burchall Goblet Craig Kendall – Victory Cup and Victory Medal
John Nolan – Handicap Cup Simon Hebden – The coveted Scratch Trophy
Contour Drainage
Work gets underway to create mounds
and swales for contour drainage. The
digger can be seen creating soil at the
back of the bunker to the left of the 7th
green. This area extending from the path
from the 3rd
to the 4th
to the back of the
7th
green has been a quagmire. The end
product will be a green draining away at
the back to run into a drain line.
Martin Thompson, our course manager,
would be pleased to take groups of
members around the course and explain
the work being undertaken during the
Winter. It is much easier when you can
feel it, see it and smell it. Contact him on
07919216385
The spoil from the 7th
green is
being poured into one of the
bunkers on the left of the 3rd
fairway. Both bunkers will be
filled in and grassed over
5 p.m. Saturday 6th October 2012
Editorial Team
John Glynn Phil Roberts Audrey Jones Martyn Wilson Chis Broster
