The Seniors' winter season came to an end on Tuesday, with the traditional prize-giving for the various competitions.

To finish off the proceedings, a hidden partners Stableford competition was organised over 15 holes. In bright, sunny, but cold conditions, 33 seniors set out for the final winter event.

On their return, a draw was made and the partners sorted, with Paul Nixon aided by Allen Watts calculating how many points each partnership had made.

In the meantime, there were two charities to be presented with cheques by captain Tony Morgan and our chief charity organiser, Brian Morgan; this was Brian's last collection and presentation as he is leaving Tenby GC, but more on that further on.

Tenby and District Gateway Club, represented by some of the members and Mrs. Young, were delighted to be presented with a cheque for £276. The second charity receiving a cheque of £300 was Adam's Bucketful of Hope and Chris Evans-Thomas was on hand to receive the cheque from Captain Morgan. She went on to explain the aims of the charity and to state that they had now received over £500,000 and thanked the seniors for their valuable support.

Before I go on to talk about the competitions, I must talk about Brian Morgan, or Morgie as he is affectionately known to us. Brian has been a member of Tenby GC and a very active member of the Seniors' section for 12 years. In the latter years, he has been our charity steward and nobody dares, or should I say can, get past Brian without him extracting £1 from the pocket! His enthusiasm cannot be underestimated for the work he has put into this over the years, raising over £15,000 for various charities, mostly local. Brian you are living legend. His leaving is a sad loss for all the seniors.

In recognition of our thoughts for Brian and celebration of our friendship for him, the Seniors made a special presentation. Captain Tony presented Brian with a set of black Welsh slate table mats, suitably engraved, in recognition of his membership of the Seniors' section and the camaraderie we have enjoyed with him. He was also presented with a lifetime certificate to enable him to enter our Seniors Open whenever he cares to join us.

Brian, we are all rather saddened at losing you and wish you well and every good fortune - please come back whenever you can.

One other presentation was made. This was to Rhys Harry, our professional, for all his time and help in booking in the seniors each week throughout the winter period. Many thanks, Rhys, enjoy your drink.

Captain Tony went on to thank various people for all the help he had received, namely Allen Watts for looking after finances and for stepping in as vice-captain when the position became vacant. Tony was most grateful to Jim Martin for organising all the winter competitions and arranging numbers with other clubs. He also thanked other members of his committee, Roy Morgan (secretary) and Brian Waters for his invaluable assistance in joining the committee.

Thanks were also given to Gareth and Julie for the big breakfast served to the seniors on their return from the course.

Before the season's prizes were presented, the day's hidden partnership results were announced. In first place were Meurig Jones and Richard Davies with a combined score over 15 holes of 54 points, winning £5 each. Second were Tony Morris and Martin Neilan on 52 points, winning £3 each. In third spot were Paul Nixon and Brian Diment on 51 points, winning £2 each. A big thanks to Paul for organising the cards and sorting out the results.

There was only one two achieved on the day and that was from Newman Vincent on the sixth, winning £5 for his efforts.

Finally, the presentation of the five winter trophies. First up was the Seniors Order of Merit, which is the best six Stableford points totals. There are two sections and the KCG Rose Bowl for the 75-year-olds and over was won by Alan Yates on 213 points; second was Bob Wiseman (defending champion) on 199 points and third was Mike Fox on 195 points.

The main trophy, The Clifton John Memorial Trophy, was won by Bob Howse on 217 points. Unfortunately, Bob was not able to collect his trophy, being laid low by the dreaded lurgy. Runner-up was Brian Morgan on 215 points, with Paul Nixon, another consistent performer this past winter, coming third on 214.

Three years ago, a trophy was donated in memory of the late Colin Griffith for the best nett eclectic of 75-years-old and over and the recipient this year on nett 51 was Alan Yates; runner-up was the leader for many weeks, Mike Fox, losing out by the narrowest of margins on the back three holes. Third was Derek Bath, also on nett 51, but with a poorer back nine. Derek won the inaugural event for this trophy three years ago.

In the gross eclectic section, two players, namely Jeff Banfield and Allen Watts (defending champion) had battled away all winter, with the lead constantly swapping between them; they both finished level on 64 shots, but it was Big Al who prevailed by the narrowest of margins, winning by one shot on the back nine.

Captain Tony presented Allen with Des Stone Gross Trophy, with Jeff runner-up. Mel Neale's 65 gave him third spot by virtue of his last three holes by one shot.

So to the oldest of the trophies, the Seniors Cup, which was originally presented by Dudley Williams. Jim Martin had won this cup the last three years on the trot and there was a sigh of relief when he said there was a new name on the trophy this year. The winner of the cup, which he literally snatched in the last two eclectics, was Rod Clarke, winning by two shots on a nett score of 49 off a 19 handicap.

Only two shots covered the top six, in fact second spot to sixth spot all finished on 51. Finishing second, winning by 0.5 of a shot on the back nine, was Alan Yates off 21 handicap; in third spot was Mike Fox, off a 27 handicap, losing out by one shot on the back three.

So that concluded the Seniors' winter season, and by the time this report goes to press, the first of their summer season matches, home to Glynhir, will have been played.

Next week, 20 seniors will be travelling to Celtic Manor to play the courses there over three days; we wish them some good weather.

J.D.M.