Last year, the Frostbite Friendlies ran throughout the winter for those that wanted to continue the mixed format when the summer season ended. However, with less daylight hours, they were held on a Sunday morning and it was always a problem rallying the men to sign up. Sunday is the day of the Rabbits and Divots Leagues, and for those not playing in those, it was family day with the juniors. So rather than chase people to sign up each month, this year we have tried a new idea.

The competition went onto the computer for a quiet Saturday and hey presto we actually had to turn people away! Partners were drawn last week and everyone turned up, even though the forecast was giving stormy winds and rain coming in. Well, we certainly had the high speed winds, but thankfully the rain held off and all groups managed to play their 14 holes in the relative dry.

Not surprisingly, no twos were recorded. We'd have been better running a sweep on the number of balls lost in the strong winds!

Two pairs won their entry fees back in the bag draw. They were David T. Morgan and Ruth Goldwait, and Georgina Ormond and Gavin Field-Thomas.

Three pairs had managed par points over 14 holes with 28 points. In third place were Heather K. Morgan and Neil Evans; beaten on the back three by lady vice-captain Marion Clarke and Rhys Davies. Rhys is the new addition to our green staff and we were pleased to welcome him to this social event. I think there may be a few areas of rough getting the chop on Monday now he's played the course.

The popular winners of the competition on the back six were Sue Shooter and Chris Davies. I think we will be seeing their names on some trophies next year.

The next event is the Christmas Mixed Charity Foursomes on Sunday, December 29. This will be going on the computer soon, so keep a watch out for that. Thinking ahead, pairs need to be planning if they want to sign up in January for the Llewellyn Thomas Knock-out. This starts in March, but please remember, you need to be available to play the final on Finals Day if you want to enter.

H.K.M.