Are you sitting comfortably? - Then I'll begin.

Early one Friday morning in the early 1970s, four venerable members of the club met to play a round of golf. The four were; Norman Badham, Arthur Booker, Danny Carew and Doug Perry. I'm sure that you will either have met them, will remember them or have just heard of them - they are part of the history of the club.

So, as the four started out, Danny Carew suggested that they play for a chicken! A strange suggestion perhaps, but the story is that Danny usually won - and he preferred a chicken to golf balls or whatever.

There was immediate dissent from Norman Badham, who was a vegetarian, so after a bit of bickering it was decided that they would play for a small amount of money; it had to be small, because they were very conscious of their amateur status!

And that is how the historical Friday morning competition started all those years ago.

The format has gradually evolved into a 15-hole (1 to 14 and 18) Stableford competition, played every Friday (weather permitting) over the winter season each year, aptly entitled 'The Chicken Trotters'. Historically, this 15-hole trot was often played as a practice round in preparation for the Saturday morning medal.

The administration and organisation is undertaken by a volunteer Chief Trotter and one or more assistants; the original title was 'Chief Cock', but political correctness scotched that one! The list of previous chiefs is impressive and includes: Danny Carew, John Mabe, Vince Shaw, John Hancock and Moran Boot, to name but five. The current incumbent is Mickey Johnston and the secretary/treasurer/vice-chief/handicap secretary and holder of historical records is Steve Cole - this will be their third year in office and they have done a remarkably good job so far.

This pleasant little gathering of golfers is a very informal and light-hearted affair. Trotters play for the sheer pleasure of competing on our lovely links. Rules and regulations are kept to a minimum (consistent with the requirements of the R & A). Scores and entrants are recorded using pen and paper - and the handwritten records of Trotters statistics have been religiously kept since the very beginning.

Any gentleman member - regardless of age or handicap - is more than welcome to play in the Trotters. There is no joining fee or booking procedure - just turn up and join in with any other two entrants (three balls are preferred - but if circumstances demand it, twos or fours will be fine!). A box of unique Trotter scorecards (expertly designed and produced by Marilyn) is always available on Friday morning in the locker room, with spares for new Chickens.

The entry fee is 30p -unchanged since decimalisation - and prizes are awarded for: 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, any 2s scored and the lowest score of the day (the booby) As you can imagine, with such a modest entry fee, the prizes are somewhat less than breathtaking, but the honour and prestige is immense. Every winner is formally presented with a certificate designed by Danny Carew.

Participating gentlemen start with their club handicap, but are critically assessed, and after their first round a unique Trotters handicap is awarded in accordance with an historic and secret formula. Every Friday, any player scoring well enough to achieve first, second or third place will be consigned to the 'Sin Bin' - having his handicap reduced for their next three Trots. Any player who is consistently low down the scoring pecking order will have his Trotter handicap increased to improve his competitiveness (how kind!)

The starting time for Trotters is flexible - subject to the sensible request that no players should finish later than 12.30 pm; should you finish your round later than this, you will still be welcomed by your fellow Trotters back at the 19th hole - but your card will be invalid.

There we have it. Support for the Trotters has increased recently after an inexplicable lull at the back end of the naughties, and it is quite important that this trend continues - it would be a real shame if this historical little organisation was to disappear.

I urge everybody who has Friday morning free to come along, pick up a Trotters' scorecard from the locker room, join the crowd of Trotters on the first tee and enjoy a stress-free 15 holes of Stableford. You may be fortunate enough to play with the immediate past captain, one of several vice-presidents, the editor of this prestigious newspaper, the honorary treasurer and, who knows? - you may even win up to £1.50! There are also three prestigious and much sought after historical trophies to be won in events over the season.

Perhaps best of all, Trotters can look forward with keen anticipation to the end of season lunch and prize-giving, regarded by many as the social event of the year!

At this point, I would crave your indulgence while I make a 'Crie de Coeur' to anyone reading this article that would be able to offer this fine old organisation some financial sponsorship for the 2013- 2014 season. The Quid pro Quo would be an acknowledged relationship with the Trotters, and frequent mentions in these columns. Any interested benefactor should text their details to 07887912756. The Trotters can run on a shoestring - and indeed have done for some time, but having descended to the sad state of having to ask honoured guests to pay for their own meals! - we need a modest financial injection.

This winter's Trotter season will start on Friday, October 4, and end in March next year. Let us hope that the weather is kind for the first Trot of the year and that there is a really good crowd on the first tee, keen and eager to trot. I look forward to seeing you there.

M.F.