Romiley Golf Club

August 2011 Newsletter

Ken Cooper President Romiley Golf Club

Relaxes with his grandson, Ellis

President’s Day Sunday 21st

August 2011

Mr. President spent a great deal of thought on the

placement of tees and pin positions. He asked your

editor to drive him round to check that the ground

staff had actually followed his instructions. Various

adjectives came to mind as your editor saw what he

had done. Sadistic and cruel were just two of those

adjectives. When he surveyed the 6th

green he

couldn‟t stop chortling where the pin was fiendishly

placed on the brow with the bunker‟s gaping mouth

waiting for errant putts.

What a gorgeous day on which to play golf and the

excellence of the course was commented on by so

many people. Well done the Greens staff.

Roly and Sandra Hewitt Lynn and John Spence

John and

Sandra were the

only couple to

compliment the

President on his

pin position on

the 6th

. Why?

They parred it so

no problem.

Rachel Broster had not looked forward to teeing off

in her first competition never mind the fact that it

was President‟s Day. So when her drive went

sweetly down the middle she literally jumped with

sheer joy and relief.

Mr. President takes us back to the old days and

had the men teeing off the old 6th

tee.

The dining room was beautifully decorated by Mr. President‟s wife, Rosalind and his daughter, Sarah

Paula Hough with Mr. President and Andy Reed

Winners of President‟s Day

Andrew Rexstraw and Pres Duncan Challen and Janet Godfrey Denise Booth

Longest Drive Men Second 36 points Longest Drive Ladies

The incredible, incorrigible Maurice Hall surrounded by Mr. President‟s family, Rosalind, Nadine and Sarah.

Maurice acted as M.C for the evening in his usual elegant style. He belies his age in the best of ways. Maurice had

nothing good to say about the President but he was glad to be asked as he would “glad of the money.” In 1969

Maurice and his wife won President‟s day and it was decreed from that time that there could be no husband /wife

partnerships in future.

Mr. Vice Captain, Derek Worthington, said an interesting grace that had to be listened to carefully.

“We go now to find our plate as we prepare to masticate.”

Ladies Stableford, August 4th

, 2011

Diane Houghton - 35 points Pamela Cunnington – 33 points

Maureen Marsden Angela Wheeler Darrell Parker Mark Kitchen

Nearest Pin 2nd

Ladies Third - 35 points Nearest Pin 11th

Men

Romiley Mens Open Sunday 7

th August 2011

1st

Les Hattersley 79 -15 = 64

2nd

Ollie Shore 81-14 = 67

3rd

Ross Gregory 80-9 = 71 (v)

Les Hattersley

Les had a look of disbelief as he came off the 18

th green. He had managed

his nett 64 despite having a double

bogey on the 17th

and a bogey on the

18th

. Les plays his golf at Denton now

but was a Junior at Romiley once

upon a time.

Steve Harrison had a hole in one on the second. He just

had to equal Anne.

Vets Centenary Cup Holes 1 – 14 Friday, 5

th August 2011

Your editor had the privilege of playing

alongside Harry as he won the Centenary

Trophy with a nett 55. Seeing as he 3-putted

from nowhere on 4 holes it could have been a

phenomenal score. His short explosive back

swing seemed to hit the middle of the fairway

with boring consistency and his next shot

always seemed to give Harry a chance. Well

played.

Rose Bowl and EWGA Medal Thursday 11th

August 2011

Winner Astrid Ceelen

87-13 = 74 CPO

Second Francine Walburn

102 -28 = 74

Cautionary Tale

On the 6th

August the Burchall Goblet was called off because

of torrential rain and thunder. Recently a golfer was out on

the course with 3 other gentlemen for a regular weekly tee

time. They teed off and got around to the back nine when it

started to rain.

When there was a little lightning way off in

the distance they decided to head in. They

waited under a tree half way in when the

rain became very heavy. When it let up a

little bit three of them then continued in but

one guy decided to wait it out under a 50'

pine with an overhang of 10' while standing

next to his bag.

Minutes later a lightning bolt struck his bag

and push cart as he was holding onto one of

his clubs killing him instantly.

Most of the items in the bag simply

disintegrated from the heat and intense

initial zap - including the labels to his ping

irons and Cleveland woods (which all

popped off). The electricity burned holes

into the bottoms of the clubs. The strange

thing is the tree under which he was

standing had no sign of a lightning strike. The bolt literally went sideways under the tree to the golf clubs.

Lesson to be learned - If you are caught out on the course or water ... distance yourself from anything metal

OR graphite. (Did you know that lightning rods are often made of graphite?)

Put your cart 50' away from you! When you see lightning off in the distance

GO IN IMMEDIATELY-, DON'T WAIT.

Vets v. Mellor Friday 12th

August 2011

On Friday, 12th August Romiley vets welcomed the team from

Mellor for another round of „friendly‟ matches. The day was a big

improvement on the previous Saturday; those members of the team

who had played then cast occasional nervous looks at the sky.

They needn‟t have worried. The weather was fine, the course was

excellent and the overall result being a comfortable home victory.

Mellor will get an early chance for revenge when the teams meet

for the return fixture in early September.

Keith Selby, author

Malcolm Booker, Chair of the Vets –

pleased at the victory.

Centenary Cup Round One Saturday 13th

August 2011 and Centenary Cup Round 2 Sunday 14th

August 2011

Winner Gary Williams 76-11 = 65 2

nd Mark Smith 73-6 = 67

3rd

Peter Milnes 72 -5 = 67

Winner Phil Morley 78-13 = 65 2

nd Mark Kitchen 74-5 = 69

3rd

Peter Milnes 74-5 = 69

Centenary Cup Overall Result

Winner Peter Milnes 67 + 69 = 136 2nd

Gary Williams 65 + 72 = 137 3rd

Phil Morley 73 + 65 = 138

Peter Milnes and Gary Williams were the last two out but the first two in the competition. As Peter prepared to take

his drive at the 16th

he knew he was having a very good round and thought he had gained a few strokes on Gary. His

drive soared out of bounds. His second hit a tree to the right! Playing another provisional ball down the middle

Peter was 5 off the tee and saying good bye to the centenary Cup. BUT….. the second ball had actually rebounded

back into play. A 3 wood saw him only needing a pitching wedge. This left the ball just 14 inches from the hole.

Peter missed. On the 18th

Peter holed a 9 footer. It was only as they sat down to check their scores that Peter

realized just how close Gary had been and how essential that final putt should be holed.

Peter Milnes Gary Williams

Junior Stableford, President’s Trophy, Sunday 14th

August 2011

This competition was played in glorious weather. The winner

was Luke Walker playing off 20. Despite not scoring on two

holes he recorded a very creditable 32. Last month Luke won the

Juniors Captain‟s Prize. He has been taking advantage of the

group lessons that have been arranged with our Professional,

Alex White, and it is clear these lessons have paid off. Only two

months ago Luke‟s handicap was 28 and he was delighted to

learn that his handicap has now been reduced. Clearly he has a

lot a potential. The Trophy was presented to Luke by President

Ken Cooper.

Richard Nuttall Bob Blundell Luke Walker

Clarke Thompson Harry Doyle

Handicap Cup Round 5 Wednesday 17th

August

2011

Winner Dave Skillington 83-17= 66

2nd

Steve Baldwin 78 – 11= 67

3rd

Mike Andrew 80 – 11= 69

9 hole qualifying Comp Friday 19th

August 2011

Winner Graham Walker 22pts

2nd

Nigel Ingle 18 pts

3rd

John Knighton 17 pts

Peter Milnes 71-4 = 67

1st Division Winner

Seniors‟ Trophy Winner

2nd

Joe Doyle 75-6 = 69

3rd

Loui Bovis 78-7 = 71

Monthly Medal and seniors’ trophy Saturday 20th

August 2011

Vinnie Walker 81-14= 67

2nd

Division Winner

2nd

Harry Parker 85-17 = 68

3rd

Roly Hewitt 86-18 = 68

John Beaver 90-20 = 70

3rd

Division Winner

2nd

Warwick Bailey 91-19= 72

3rd

Nick Gorman 94-20= 74

Captains Away Weekend – 30th

/31st July 2011 at Swindon Golf Club, Dudley, West Midlands

Martyn Wilson, Author

Back in March 2010, even before he was Vice-Captain, I was unlucky enough to be in Smithy‟s company when he

announced that he was intending to hold an Away Weekend during his year as Captain, and I was also foolish enough

to agree to “help” him with the organisation.

I quickly realised that “help” meant do everything to arrange it, in the certain knowledge that if all went well, he

would take the credit, and if it didn‟t, I would be castigated for being wholly responsible.

After months of painstaking research, including visiting potential venues, I located and provisionally booked Swindon

Golf Club near Wolverhampton as the place to go, and recommended to the Captain that he should view the websites

for both the course and the suggested hotel before finalising the deal.

He then spent several months doing neither of these simple tasks before I was contacted in mid June by the Club to

enquire whether our provisional booking from January was still in place, because another group wanted the same

weekend. This finally spurred our Captain into action, and the event was confirmed.

22 intrepid golfers made their various ways to the West Midlands to participate in the inaugural “Romiley Golf Club

Captain‟s Away Weekend”, and it must be said that everyone did have a fantastic time.

Mr Captain had said that he did not want any special

privileges for him or the President in the draw for

partners, so it was fitting that his name came out of the

hat last of all, with Mr President only one before him.

The evening session started with a wholesome meal of

Steak & Kidney pie, with lashings of potatoes and

vegetables, and a good helping of pudding – just the

foundation required for the intake of liquid refreshments

which inevitably followed.

The Mount Hotel provided our overnight accommodation, and was

originally the home of the Mander family, famous for producing paint.

It had been built in the style of a baronial hall, complete with oak

panelling and minstrels gallery in the dining room, and at breakfast on

Sunday Ray “Hollywood” Hayes remarked that he was considering

decorating his dining room at home in the same style.

“On Tour” rules prohibit any publication of the evening‟s activities,

but suffice to say there were a few bleary looking faces the following

morning.

Day 2 took us back to Swindon for a Singles Stableford event coupled

with a Captains v Presidents team match based on the aggregate scores

of all of the players.

The highlight of Day 2 was a hole in one by Joe Doyle at the 17th

hole,

which he promptly followed with a birdie at the 18th

. That was 7 points

on just two holes. It‟s a shame he only managed 21 points on the other

16.

The President‟s team won the challenge by a substantial margin, and

the individual event was won by Jim Millington with 32 points,

followed closely by Ian Kershaw and the writer with 30 points each.

Jim had also backed himself in the event, and was a member of the

President‟s team so he probably came home with more money than he

arrived with.

Swindon is a relatively short and undulating course, but with plenty of

mature trees, which the President used to his advantage on several

occasions during the second round. The course was generally in good

condition, although everyone found the greens difficult to read, and

some of the pin positions were “interesting” to say the least.

Nevertheless the weekend was a tremendously enjoyable event, which

of course was entirely due to the Captain‟s ability to delegate, and I

have now been asked to “help” the Vice-Captain to organise something

for next year.

Joe Doyle

Setting the sartorial standard

Geoff Higgins and Keith Selby

Winners

Vets‟ Doubles K.O. 2011

Romiley Vets 4 Ball Betterball 2011

The two matches took place on Wednesday, August 24th. In

the first, Bob Stirling and Colin McManus raced into a 2 hole

lead over Roly Hewitt and Bill Swindells. They had further

chances to extend their lead, but putting frailties let them

down and Roly and Bill staged a strong come-back, finally

prevailing one-up.

In the second, owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding,

Denis Hall found himself faced with the prospect of playing

Geoff Higgins and Keith Selby on his own ... and a valiant

effort he made of it, too. Having levelled with a two on the

eleventh, he held his own with some excellent golf until going

one behind on the seventeenth. Even then, he had a chance to

square the match on the last green, but his otherwise

dependable putter let him down, allowing Geoff and Keith to

squeeze home, also one-up.

The day we went to Blackpool

Thursday, 18 August

Didn‟t we have a lovely time the day we went to Blackpool

A beautiful day, a coach all the way and all for the price of a meal you know

On the way back we couldn‟t cuddle Jack or open a bottle of cider

But we did sing a few of our favourite songs as the wheels went around.

Thankfully the dreaded sea breeze stayed away for our Exchange Day at Blackpool North

Shore and a coach ride and view of the beach and Tower on the seafront drive (even with the

road works) put the ladies in holiday mood.

Virtually all the holes could be seen from the stylish clubhouse in the centre of the course.

From that viewpoint the fairways looked pretty flat and uninteresting but once out there it

was surprisingly undulating, hilly in parts, and not at all dull. The grass just off the fairway

was luscious and hid the ball well and here and there was high wispy rough and scrub where

the ball disappeared without trace, but ladders weren‟t needed to climb out of the bunkers and

the greens were excellent.

View of the 18th from the clubhouse. The same green from the 18th fairway!

First out were Lady Captain, June Bury and Lesley Williams, and it‟s embarrassing to report

that once or twice they were lost on the course and had to ask for directions. In their defence,

there were no arrows pointing the way and no-one in front to follow. Thankfully the ladies of

Blackpool didn‟t have the same problem at Romiley and in fact some of the ladies enjoyed

the course so much they have requested information about our Ladies Open next year.

Three RGC ladies actually didn‟t play but came along anyway for some seaside sale shopping

and the meal. There were bargains galore, including a new hat, which could well have had

“Kiss me Quick” on it for all we know, and one lady who hadn‟t taken any golf shoes was

able to bag a bargain pair from the pro.

The Blackpool air, that‟s what it must have been, had the effect of making the ladies burst

into song because Lady Captain treated us to a song in her speech and then on the journey

back, in true coach trip style, there were songs but with very clever words, courtesy of June

Levy. The coach driver had been very friendly and happy to drive his golfing passengers, but

after the third song he threatened to jump out. Can‟t think why. We certainly enjoyed it.

The Trippers‟ Trophy (or more accurately Second were Pauline Walker, Diane

the Singles Knockout Cup which was taken Houghton and Sandra Hewitt with

by mistake) was won by Margaret Berry, less points than the winners.

Angela Slate and Lynn Schofield, best two

scores, with loads of points.

A great day out thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks to Lady Captain and to Sandra Davison

for organising the day which went like clockwork save for a minor hitch on the coach when

we found an extra lady from somewhere. Still, it‟s better than losing one.

As we know Margaret Berry died unexpectedly on 25th August just a few days after this event. Angela Slate had been asked to

write a few words about the winning team of herself, Margaret

Berry and Margaret‟s daughter, Lynn Schofield.

This is printed as a small tribute to Margaret.

“Trying to find our way around the course at Blackpool was a

nightmare as there were no markers. But Margaret, Lynn and I

negotiated the twists and turns and were delighted with a score

of 80 points.

The 18th

green has two very deep bunkers on either side and

Margaret found one of them. I suggested she needed to use the

point of the club house roof as her guide but Margaret pointed

out she couldn‟t even see the roof. It did not prove to be a

problem as Margaret put her ball right in the centre of the green

and finished with a short putt.”

Lee Prendergast – Spiderman

Four years ago Lee’s two girls, Grace and Jessica aged just 11 and 9 let out a

scream which sent him racing upstairs. They pointed at a spider. “it’s huge ,

dad!” “Big?” said lee. “No way. I’ll prove it to you.”

The next day he returned home with a goliath spider. “Big!” said Lee “Now that

IS BIG.” And so started his dedication to collecting spiders. His girls get the

pleasure of naming them; names like Geraldine the goliath Spider, Tigger the

sun Tiger, Pandora the common pink toe. Lee has 12 exotic spiders and two

bearded dragons. When your editor visited to take photos I thought lee would

be handling them but in fact he was ultra cautious but reassured me by saying

things like,” One bite here, John, and your dead.!

Well, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. Your editor will not be joining

lee in his passion for Arachnids.

Lee Prendergast, Golfius Spider

Rarely seen at home Pokey the very dangerous Pocathera Spider

Ben, the bearded dragon

Geraldine the Goliath Bird-eating Spider Fergie the Brazilian White Banded Spider

(nothing to do with Man United!

Hi John. Here is a photo of myself and Sandra Hayes presenting 580 pound in cash to my chemotherapy

nurse Oonagh and my trial research nurse Simeon. (male). The money was raised at the 60,s night and we have another 580 cash to give to the head and

neck dept where Ian smith captain attends. Regards Debbie x

Debbie Costello and Sandra Hayes are proud to hand over £580 in cash to Debbie‟s chemotherapy nurse,

Oonagh and trial research nurse, Simeon. You will

recall that the money was raised at the spectacular 60‟s

night.

Telephone System at RGC

There is now one telephone number for Romiley

Golf Club:

0161 430 2392

All other numbers have been discontinued. On

ringing, you will be given a choice of options

(Office, Professional, Bar, Caterer etc), so press the

relevant number. When the Office & Professional

Shop are closed, please leave a message on the

answering machine.

Fax No., Website and email addresses remain

unchanged.

Vets Jubilee Salver Holes 1 – 14

Friday, 26th

August 2011

A thrilled Barry Logan shows the winning

card. “My driving was perfect. My putting

exceptional. What more can I say?”

Anyone who has seen Barry drive will know

that what he considers “perfect” is when the

ball disappears at 45 degrees to the left before

re-entering the playing area having described a

beautiful semi circle to land 220 yards down

the middle.

Men’s 2nd

Invitation Day Saturday 27th

August 2011

Mark Kitchen with his partner, Steve Bridgman of

Ellesmere G.C. winners of the 2nd

Invitation day with 42

points were presented with their prize by Mr. Vice, Derek

Worthington. Coming down the 18th

Steve said to Kitch,

” Sorry I haven‟t been able to help you with the score. We

must be nowhere near.” Kitch thought to himself that a

par on that hole would bring them in with 42 points

which would be most acceptable. And so it proved.

Prize Vouchers

Gift vouchers issued by Matthew Ellis may be redeemed

with Alex White, our golf pro. These ME vouchers are

valid until Monday 3rd

October 2011.

Cheshire County Foursomes Championships

Sunday 28th

August 2011

Stephen Foster Ron Harrison

Secretary of CUGC Only entrant from RGC

Member at Chester GC

In the field of 64 players - 59 of them were off single

figures.

2nd

Senior Men’s Open

Tuesday 30th

August 2011

Malcolm Booker and Bob Nicholl (Werneth Low)

won this competition with 43 points. Malcolm was

a last minute stand-in to take the place of Bob‟s

missing partner. What a result. Malcolm started

with 4 pars and they did not have any one pointers.

Friendly Match: Romiley GC vs Bramall Park GC 17th

August 2011

On Wednesday 17th

August our President led the team in the friendly match with Bramall Park. After the match our

President, Mr. Ken Cooper, welcomed our guests and eventually (!!) invited the visiting President to respond. In his

own inimitable fashion, and always one to impress, he duly introduced Mr. John Reid, President of Prestbury Golf

club! Oh well Mr. President, it has been a long year – for all of us! The results were announced and of the 8 matches

Romiley lost 3. The pairs were asked to explain themselves and Martyn Wilson, partnering the President, agreed it was

all his fault as did the Vice Captain‟s partner, Alan Costello. When asked to explain their defeat Mr. Kevin Jones had a

straightforward explanation – “Coz Beavers did not play very well”. Kevin was actually more succinct but censorship

has intervened. Of course, as usual, win or not, it was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their evening

and long may they continue.

Richard Hale, author

Pictured is our President,

Mr. Ken Cooper

and the President of Prestbury –

whooops! – Bramall Park Golf Club,

Mr. John Reid.

It looks like Ken‟s been forgiven

Corporate Sponsors’ Day, Tuesday 23rd

August 2011 16 teams gathered at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 23

rd August 2011for the inaugural Corporate Sponsors Day, a 4BBB

Stableford competition. As they gathered at the first and tenth tee everyone expressed delight at the weather. Your

editor was heard muttering about rain arriving at 1 p.m. Fortunately, he was wrong yet again and the competitors

enjoyed the very best of weather on a glorious course.

Martin Clark and Charles Haworth are absolutely delighted to be winers as they represent Wings Restaurant in

Manchester. Sorry. That should be “winners”; it was the quantity of the grape they consumed that caused that

error. The grape was that marvellous wine “Chateauxneuf de Pape.”

They had both been drinking Red Bull. Why? Because it gives you WINGS. What more could you want.

A full report can be viewed on the web site.

New Editorial Team

Audrey Jones, Martyn Wilson, Phil Roberts, Chris Broster, John Glynn