On a morning that promised so much, in the rain department that is, the final Chicken Trot of the spring season got under way, under lowering skies, but thankfully, the promised rain cleared away fairly quickly.
Jim Martin and Idwal David were the early leaders in the clubhouse, Jim fairly briefly, as his 13 points was almost guaranteed to give him bottom, or even booby position, certainly not the pole one.
But, and there is a big but, if Jim were to be fortunate, or unfortunate, depends I suppose on where you stand, to win, sorry lose, I think I had better stop there, as its getting confusing, the booby. Are you still with me? I'm not! He will get a prize. There, it's all out in the open now, and there is a superb piece of sartorial material, a 'waiting in the wings. Thank God that's over!
Now then, it is our Chicken duty, to inform you that this is Vince Shaw's (pictured above) last season of being chief cock. He has decided that enough is enough, and is handing over the Chicken feeder to a 'younger man'. He has done the Chicken cause a power of good over the last three years, and in his own inimitable way, has been instrumental in keeping the Chickens in a high profile position. This continues a fine tradition, that started 21 years ago, with Danny Carew, John Mabe, Arthur Booker and Norman Badham to name but a few, of the leading lights in the Chicken history.
But, back to the day's proceedings for a while. There were two trophies to be played for, the Danny Carew Putter and the Norman Badham Trophy. Both prizes that, in their own right, any Tenby golfer of any note and of a certain age, would be proud to have their name upon.
Because of the expected downpours, the Trot was a bit depleted, but thankfully, more sat down to the final lunch and prize giving than played.
The Chickens can always rely on Sonny Perkins to toss in a tale or two, and as ever, we were not disappointed. Even brother 'Fly' came into the proceedings. Very amusing, and its good to know, that the art of telling tales has not been forgotten.
After an enthusiastic toast to the Queen, proposed by Mike Fox, Vince and guest John D. R. Williams, our Seniors captain, got down to the business of the chat and prizes. A great pity our club captain, Mary Rowell, couldn't be there, but a sore throat kept her away from the proceedings. No, she hadn't just come back from China!
Only 21 playing entries for the day, because of the aforementioned conditions, but this didn't detract from the enjoyment, or competitive spirit of the day. A few interesting facts and figures came out as well. Are you ready? Then we will begin.
During the period, January 10 to April 12, 11 competitions were held, and four lost to bad weather. Some 329 cards were taken out, an average of 30 per competition. Or 29.909 recurring for the pedantic amongst us. A total of £101.70p came in, eight Chickens got their money back, amounting to £2.40p, and that leaves £99.30p. Still with me? £72.05p was paid out in prize money, and there were 22 twos, that paid out £16.45p. The most important fact here is, that the remaining bit went into the kitty!
There was only one 'hole-in-one', Pat Rees on the 9th, and there is now £92.41p in the 'insurance fund'.
The leading money winners were: Ken Fletcher, £4.20; Rick Lewis, £4; John Hancock, £3.50. Interestingly, Rick Lewis now has a new handicap of 14!
Most boobys went to Morran Boot and Arnold Kaney, with three each, and ironically these two picked up prizes also for being third and fourth in the trophy. Arnold is in danger of starting the next winter season in skirt and suspenders, his handicap is now so high, and zealously guarded as well.
As far as Vince was concerned, the most enjoyable booby of the season was picked up by Paul Bradley, who, as Vince said, "has been a pain for three years!"
Top man in the Danny Carew Putter was Brian Morgan with 28 pts, and the Norman Badham Trophy went to Ron Murphy with 30 pts. Nice to see new names on these.
A big welcome was given to Gwyn Tibbs, Dick Boobyer and John Bonar, who haven't been with us for some time, what with one thing or another.
Finally, Vince (pictured below left) introduced the 'younger man' who will be the new chief cock when the season starts again on October 17, and is shown giving Morran Boot (pictured above) the kind of advice that Morran said would be useful! He also said he could be open to bribery of the spiritual kind. Accent on the spirit bit, but would not have the feathers pulled over his eyes.
Thanks went to Mac, Fay, Linda and Sarah for the lunch, and to Fred Adlam, who is on a carbohydrate free diet, so Spike Evans and Paul Bradley ate his potatoes and bread roll, and left him with the cauliflower and carrots. Poor Fred didn't even get the gravy, because Meurig Jones had that! These Chickens are fattening up for something.
A good day, and a good end to the season
Results: Danny Carew Putter: 1. Brian Morgan 28 pts; 2. Spike Evans, Ken Gouldsbrough, Nick Beacham 27; 5. Ken Fletcher 26.
Norman Badham Trophy: 1. Ron Murphy 30 pts; 2. Jim Taylor 23; 3. Morran Boot 22; 4, Arnold Kaney 19.
J. B. H.