In 1995, the Tommy Hutton Bowl was presented for the very first time, to John Lehane and J. D. Thomas. Tommy had died the year before and in his memory his widow, Marion, presented the club with a fine silver bowl to be used in a competition in his honour. As Tommy was active with the Chicken Trotters and the Seniors, it was decided that the Bowl would be a Chapman Foursomes competition for any club member over the age of 55.

Both Chickens and Seniors have been involved in promoting this event and it has become a popular part of the Seniors' calendar. The Tommy Hutton Bowl has become synonymous with friendly competition, followed by an informal meal, before the presentation to the winners.

This year 42 names were placed on the list, but only 38 golfers set of in pursuit of glory. Due to prior commitments, there were a few last minute replacements. The organisers were delighted to see a few new names among the list, including that of John Gillespie, last year's club captain, David Blackmore, this year's captain, along with Chris Beecher, his vice-captain.

David Blackmore had Roger Schooling to help him with a score of 44, while John Gillespie required the help of John Stenson to earn his 39 points. In between those scores was the 42 of Chris Beecher and Paul Jenkins. They were close, but not close enough.

Last year's winners, Bob Howse and Robin Hagley were going well, until Bob's runaway trolley tried to mount Robin's trolley on the 17th. Both were visibly upset, so it was not surpring that Bob missed his putt on the 18th, giving them a score of 43.

There was a cool start to the morning's event, but the sun showed its face and warmed the spirits of all who played. Newman Vincent 'focused' well to keep up with Jim Moffatt - another 39. Jeff Banfield, however, has found a new vocation - dead-heading flowers in the rough! He was playing with Jim Martin and found himself in parts of the course unfamiliar to him. Jim enjoyed playing off the fairways.

Neil Dickinson and Meurig Jones were reported to be burning up the course in their usual fashion as demonstrated by the scorch marks. "They were not scorch marks," said Neil. "They were skid marks!" Thirty-seven was not enough.

Tony Morgan was not following Allen Watts's directions. On the 17th, Allen gave Tony the line to putt and he followed it. Unfortunately, he rapped the ball too hard. Fortunately, he hit the pin and the ball ended up two feet away. Again 39 was not enough.

Owen Monaghan had enlisted the help of Doug Havard and was pleased to provide Doug with a second shot throughout the morning. Thirty-four didn't win them a prize. Tony Morris and Brian Diment came close with their 44, thanks to Tony's new driver, but even they fell in line behind this year's winning pair.

They had been trying for the last 16 years to get their names on the trophy and, according to Ken Gouldsbrough, it was well worth waiting for. He and Derek Bath were two of the early starters and this proved to be a day when everything went in their favour. Drives were straight, chipping was good and they were putting in from all angles. As a result their 45 points was good enough to place them ahead of all the early starters and it was a position they held on to all morning. Derek had to miss out on the meal, but it was not due to the possibility of having his handicap reduced, as was suggested by one wag!

Mrs. Marion Hutton joined the group to present the trophy and other prizes and said how pleased she was that the competition continued in such a successful manner. She should have been joined by Chief Chicken, Micky Johnston. Unfortunately ill health prevented him from leaving the roost on this occasion and everyone sent him their good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Results: 1. Ken Gouldsbrough and Derek Bath 45 pts; 2. Tony Morris and Brian Diment 44; 3. Roger Schooling and David Blackmore 44; 4. Robin Hagley and Bob Howse 43.

Twos: Gouldsbrough and Bath (17th), Hagley and Howse (6th), Morris and Diment (17th).