Remember, remember the 6th of November

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin. Some 407 years ago last week, 13 young Catholic men under the leadership of one Robert Gatesby attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament - along with King James 1st - by exploding 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellar under the great chamber. This action was in retaliation for the continued persecution of Catholics by the King and his government.

The poor chap who was selected to light the blue touch-paper and retire immediately was the now infamous Guy (Guido) Fawkes. Sadly for him, an informer leaked the plot to the authorities, he was caught red-handed, the plot failed and he was tortured and beheaded (not burned at the stake).

So, on that very night, November 5, 1605, bonfires were lit across the country by the King's loyal subjects to celebrate the fact that he survived the 'gunpowder plot' - and we still carry on the tradition today!

All of which has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that on November 6 this year, 39 seniors played their fourth eclectic competition of the winter. The weather was changeable in the extreme, sometimes sunny, but predominantly windy, chilly and wet - a bonfire would have been most welcome! The competition scratch score for the day was a rather harsh 73 (35 Stableford points) and several of the greens had been hollow tined - it's never easy is it?

Back in the warmth of the clubhouse, Captain Tony revealed the results to a breathlessly excited bunch of blokes, and the wily winners were:

In third place with 34 points - Graham Jenkins, obviously benefiting from his slightly increased handicap.

In second place with 35 points - the quietly capable Alan Yates.

Triumphant yet again, with three-dozen points, our amiable alien from the antipodes - Allen Watts, who receives a fully deserved handicap reduction from seven to six.

Captain Tony and Dudley Williams both did their eclectic records a world of good by scoring twos at the sixth hole, while Morgy Morgan was pleased to award last week's Bob Howse sponsored raffle prize to Peter Hart - who promptly returned the cash to sponsor this week's bonus ball based bingo.

The draw for partners for next week's Ambrose pairs scramble was made by Jim Martin - do remember that each pair play off combined handicaps and each player must have at least six drives.

Finally, Captain Tony reminded everyone about the Christmas party and the spring tour to Celtic Manor - a senior's life is just one long round of hedonistic delights!

M.F.

Mark scorches to Burleigh Leach success

Ninety-four players entered the annual Burleigh Leach competition on Saturday and, as it turned out, it was a closely contested affair.

After the 17-hole event, which sees competitors take on the course 'the wrong way round' (at least, that's the simple way of putting it), no fewer than four players had tied at the top on 37 points.

After countback, though, it was a delighted Mark Edwards who claimed the silverware thanks to an impressive 25 points over the last nine holes. Amazingly before that, Mark had also registered three 'blobs' on his scorecard, but his finish was just too hot for the others to handle.

Leading scores and prize winners were as follows:

1. Mark Edwards 37 pts. (Burleigh Leach Trophy plus £65); 2. Owen James 37 pts. (£55); 3. Robin Bradbury 37 pts. (£35); 4. David T. Morgan 37 pts. (£25); 5. Mervyn Tucker 36 pts. (£20); 6. Lee Lewis 36 pts. (£15); 7. Terry Davies 35 pts. (£10).

Twos: Alan E. James, David McMann, Anita Davies, Paul Davies, 2, Ken Gouldsbrough, Anthony Key, David Webb, 2, John Whitcutt, Bethan Morris, 2, Huw Roberts, John Ball, Stephen Cole, John Gillespie, Luke Harries, 2, Robert Willcox, Robin Bradbury, John Gottwaltz, Roger Schofield, Michael Schooling (£4 each).

Bag draw: Sue Shooter, Viv John, Stephen Cole, Rob Willcox, John Gillespie, Neil Dickinson (£15.66 shop credit each).

Pro Shop draw: Tim Davies (Ping putter).

Precipitation prevents

play - Chickens cheesed-off

It is quite depressing to sit here on a bright, sunny Thursday morning knowing that the weather forecast is so bad that there will almost certainly be no play for the Chicken Totters on Friday, November 9.

This would have been the fourth trot of the 2012/2013 season and the Chief Trotter was confidently expecting a good turnout - Ah well - the best laid schemes of mice and Mickeys, etc...

At least this disappointment gives me space to further advertise the forthcoming Chicken Trotters Christmas Spectacular on Friday, December 14. You will see from the photograph that the trophy for which we will be competing is an impressive piece of - well actually - plastic! The Chicken Trotters' archives show that when it was first donated by the then stewards, no expense was spared in its design and manufacture. I believe that this was a 'typo' and that it should actually have read: 'No expense was incurred' etc. No matter, it's the taking part that counts, not the reward - although try telling that to millionaire Ian Poulter!

The Christmas lunch is a long-standing tradition in the Trotters' history. There will be a 15-hole Stableford competition for the aforementioned trophy, followed by a traditional two-course lunch and a unique post-lunch raffle - where all those attending donate a raffle prize and, amazingly, all those with a free ticket win a prize! You do not have to enter the competition to attend the lunch; in fact, the more mature founder members of this historical section are actively encouraged to attend. The booking sheet is prominently displayed in the gentlemen's locker room, so please enter your name early to avoid disappointment.

Let's hope that we have better weather today (Friday), in which case I'll see you there!

M.F.

Rabbits round-up

Remembrance Sunday saw the fourth round of this year's Rabbits Winter League on a glorious sunny morning. With many poppies on display, the six pairs took to the course anticipating great performances.

First out was the match of Phil Carpenter and Robin Bradbury against Paul Davies and Mike Munro, with Paul bemoaning the fact that he was giving shots to everyone. Paul and Mike were unable to maintain their previous performances, losing 6 and 4.

The second match out saw league leaders Steve Cole and Bob Flower (alias Mike Fox) taking on the bottom pairing of Mark Edwards and Peter Turton (alias Tony Morris). An upset was on the cards from the start, with Mark and Tony winning the first three holes, but Steve and Mike fought back, before eventually losing 4 and 2.

The final match out saw Bill Davies and Mackie Harts take on Steve Watkins and Chris Smith, who had just dried out after the previous week's soaking. Bill and Mackie won the match 4 and 2 to give them a share of second place in the table after four weeks.

Many thanks to Mike and Tony for subbing for Bob and Peter and to all the Rabbits for respecting the two minutes silence on the course at 11 o'clock.

ANNUAL TRIP

After the matches, captain Phil reminded all Rabbits about next year's trip, which will take place on April 12-14, when we will visit Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa. We have a maximum of 20 places available between Rabbits and guests, so please book your places early. Please see the club noticeboard for further details.