Click here to read April 2012 newsletter - Romiley Golf Club

Romiley Golf ClubRomiley Golf ClubApril Newsletter 2012Sunday, 11 September, 2011Sunday April 1 st 2012A relaxed Mr. Captain, Derek Worthington, ready to enjoy his Drive In

A gloriously sunny day greeted Mr. Captain, Derek Worthington, on the traditional Drive In. Supported by hiswife, Janet Worthington, and his two sons, Simon and Andrew, the smile on Derek’s face was as wide as theAmazon BasinIt was, of course, April Fool’s Day. We all thought the joke was the huge driver that was given to Derek for thefirst hit off the tee. However it was the unexpected explosion of the golf ball leaving a pall of talcum powderwhich brought the most laughter.Four excellent drives from Derek, our incoming President, Roger Whalley, Lady Captain, Audrey Jones, and thenew Junior Captain, Oliver Andrew, led to warm, appreciative applause. The combined distance of 807 yardswas the best for many years and Vice Captain, Simon Hebden took the money (a lot of money) for the bestestimate.And so the golf began and Clark and Parke were on the mark with a win on the Front 9. To make it the ideal daywould you believe that Mr. Captain and Lady Captain won the back 9 with Audrey playing out of her skinfollowing lessons from our pro, Alex White, so she tells your editor.If Derek’s year is as good as the Drive In it will be exceptional.Junior Captain, Oliver Andrewhit a lovely drive.Look at that finishing positionOh to be so supple!Mr. President, Roger WhalleyRoger’s demonstration of his driving technique causedconsternation. However he reverted to his normal strokeand hit his drive just 2 yards further than the JuniorCaptain

Ladies 15 hole Bisque Bogey, 5/6ths handicap, Thursday 22 nd March 2012Winner Teresa Hogg(bronze)3 up2 nd Liz Wilde(silver)1 upLesley Williams2 upMen’s Bonanza Competition Saturday 24 th March 2012WinnersBarry Johnson & BrianTaylor 41 pts2 ndJohn Nolan Steve Lawton 40pts3 rdBernard Wilkinson & PeterFinch 39 pts

Ladies v Vets Match, Monday 26th March 2012Mike Wilson presents a bouquet to AudreyJones on behalf of the VetsIn the past this event has been played in driving wind and rainand the organisers are prepared at the last minute to reducethe competition to nine holes, but there was no chance of thatthis year. The unusually warm weather held out for the 11thmatch between the ladies and the vets and put the icing on thecake.Several ladies donned their shorts, surely a first for March inthis country, and the ball ran as if it were midsummer, to thedelight of all but especially the ladies, as it turned out. Thegreens had not recovered from their spring treatment and onegentleman was heard to say to his partner that they shouldhave gone to Specsavers, but there were reports of BarryJohnson sinking the ball from anywhere within 30 yards, sonot everyone struggled.In the fourteen years of the competition’s history one matchhas been halved, ten won by the men and three won by theladies, but today the ladies ensured their name was etched onthe cup for a fourth time by winning three matches up.Lady Captain was very grateful for the huge and beautifulbouquet of flowers presented to her by the Chairman of theVets and thanked the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for alovely match. The Chairman expressed the thanks of the mento the ladies for providing their lunch and promised to returnnext year to win back the trophy.Ladies’ Spring Meeting, Thursday 29 th March 2012Ahead of the usual schedule the use of mats ended just in time for the ladies’ Spring Meeting. There weremixed feelings from the competitors and an extra effort had to be made to keep the ball on the fairway so thatit could be placed; but the sun shone and the daffodils bloomed, putting everyone in an optimistic mood.The greens were fast after a prolonged spell of dry weather and it took some ladies by surprise. There werelots of comments on how well the course had recovered from winter.The competition was a 14 hole Greensome foursome, draw for partners, and three pairs tied for the top slot on30 points. Lady Captain and Liz Wilde were the winners despite scoring no points on holes 1 and 3. JuneBury and Pam Santopaulo were second and Janet McRoberts and Alison Cooke came third but in actual facteveryone was a winner, because for this event the ladies all took a “prize” and the winners had the first pick.WinnersLady Captain, Audrey Jones and Liz Wilde2 ndJune Bury and Pam Santopaolo

Before the ladies departed Heather was invited into the downstairs lounge and, to her complete surprise she waspresented first with a lovely card signed by all the ladies and then a wedding gift, a John Lewis voucher. Heatherwas visibly touched by this gesture.Pamela SantopaoloOn her way in to get thatbottle of wine off JuneBuryA very happy Heather Mercer receives herwedding gift from a happy Lady CaptainMarcia Conway ( aka Tiger) Gets Her First Hole in One“After twenty odd years... at last I have had myfirst hole in one. To make it more special it was atthe Spring Meeting. So thrilled. It was at the 11 thhole; a 5 wood , teed quite high.” Marcia’s son,Rich congratulated her.“Well done, mum,” he enthused, “It can be a realpain getting it through the windmill.”(Your editor wonders what made the first twentyyears so odd).Marcia Conway

John George – Life Member of Romiley Golf ClubJohn George quite clearly blames Peter Cooke for his association with our golf club. “There I was quitehappily playing tennis at Greave with several pals when Peter persuaded us to join Romiley Golf Club.That was in 1962. Here we are in 2012 and I am being presented with this beautiful clock after 50 years.Is that to remind me how old I am?”John was appointed captain in 1971 and President in 1998. His lowest handicap was 4 but he stillmanages to play off 20. John thanked the meeting for the opportunity to speak though he was a poor,struggling old golfer. “Look!” he said, “50 years and I am still standing. Why? I’ve lived a clean-living,sober, boring life and continue living thanks to the daily morning intake from the pharmaceuticalindustry. It’s actually past my bed time now and I feel like the last act at the Glasgow Empire. I know Ican’t speak for much longer as my legs will give way. “Vacillating.” That is what it is, this talk of mine.Waffle. But to continue.......“41 years ago we had a member who was the MD of TPT who gave a good imitation of being aRottweiler, and after the vote he declared that, “The last vote for your election is null and void.” Therewas consternation as the committee went into a huddle. I was going to be deposed. I was illegitimate. Itwas like an Irish parliament; all talking and no listening. However those with shares voted me in, thankgoodness.”Two days after John was made President he drove proudly into the President’s parking space. LesArrandale told John he had no right to park there and John must move immediately. “I am thePresident!” said John. Les was unimpressed and remarked, “I don’t go to AGM’s now!”John spent a lot of time at the golf club and on one occasion his wife got hold of him, marched him intothe lounge and said, “These are your children, and these are their names!”John finished with “The last thing I need to say is that I am lost for words. I’m not fit for purpose. If yousee me sitting at the bar then perhaps you can take my advice or we can reminisce or if you realise that Idon’t have a gin and tonic in front of me........ feel free to buy me one!”John sat down to a deserving torrent of tumultuous applause.Well done that man!The inimitable John George being presented with his gold clock by RGC Chairman, Neil McRoberts

First DivisionMen’s Monthly Medal, Saturday, 31 st March 2012WinnerSimon Hebden 72 – 2 = 70A great start to his year bythe Vice Captain2 ndAlex Vaughan 79 – 6 = 733 rdAndrew McRoberts79 – 6 = 73Second DivisionWinner Brian Turnbull84 – 13 = 712 nd John Mawdsley88 – 17 = 71Third Ted Tynan88 – 16 = 72Winner Vinnie Cook100 – 28 = 72Second Wayne Andrew98 – 25 = 73Third Alan Whitehead95 – 21 = 74

Ladies Stableford Thursday 5 th April 2012Division 1Division 2Sandra Hewitt 32 ptsFran Walburn 37 ptsLiz Wilde 31 ptsLesley Williams 29 ptsDiane Houghton 30 ptsBeryl Reade29 pts

Heather Mercer and Garry Hall Get Married Thursday April 5 th 2012And so the great event finally took place. Those arriving at the Britannia Hotel in Manchester did a double take asthey saw the welcoming notice above. For those struggling to understand, it says, “Murder and Hell Welding”.Someone, unnamed, played around with the “Mercer and Hall Wedding.” No need to ask whether Heather and Garryenjoyed the day; their beaming smiles say it all. Heather looked stunning in her fabulous wedding dress. TheSwarovski Crystal necklace provided the perfect counterpoint. Garry told me his suit came from Primark.Romiley Golf Club was well represented on the guest list (this is called understatement!). Even at her own receptionHeather could be seen checking on the buffet. The next morning Garry and Heather jetted off to Los Angeles for afew days before they went cruising down to Mexico. Everyone wishes them a great life together.Heather and Gary HallCharlotte MercerNathalie GreavesMark Kitchen and Nick MaddenCompadres!Mark, in his pyjama top, ready for bed.The delectable Charlotte Brinsley

SUCCESS IN THE BELL CUP – SUNDAY 8 TH APRIL 2012Romiley Ladies are now through to the 1st Round of the Bell Cup after a 4/3 home win against Shaw Hill GolfClub in the Preliminary Round.The match was played on Easter Sunday and it was disappointing, after the previous week’s glorious weather, thatit was a normal cold, wet and miserable day.We expected a tough match as all Romiley team players were giving shots and the Shaw Hill ladies did play well.An all square situation of 3 games each meant the decider would be all down to the last match, which was allsquare on the 15 th . After matching shots down the fairway, a wayward shot to the green by the Shaw Hillopponent gave the opportunity to go 1 up – course knowledge a definite help here.The 17 th was a nail biter (groans and cheers from the supporters) as both players played their shots into oppositegreenside bunkers. A better lie for Romiley (and the newly supplied sand by the Greens staff) helped the shottowards the pin, whereas a more difficult “lip” shot put Shaw Hill at the back of the green. A putt up and it was allover – 4/3 for Romiley. Needless to say the emotions felt were equivalent to the Masters Winner, Bubba Watson –nervous tension, just slightly less crowds and an intense feeling of relief when it was all over.Great team win. Well done to all the players.A big thank you to the trolley-pullers: Jill Woolstencroft, Lady Captain – Audrey Jones, Sandra Hewitt, LynnSchofield, Marjorie Healey and Anne Ludford and a special thank you to all the supporters who braved the cold –especially on the 16 th and 17 th deciding holes!Match Organiser: Irene BarrowTeamDenise Booth Astrid Ceelen Pauline Walker Diane Houghton Linda Moore Angela Wheeler Irene BarrowFirst DivisionLadies EWGA Medal Thursday 12 th April 2012Winner - Jill Woolstencroft 2 nd - Liz Wilde 3 rd - Denise Booth98 – 19 = 79 99 – 19 = 80 92 -10 = 82Second DivisionWinner Angela Slate 111 – 33 = 78 2 nd Debs Kershaw 106 – 26 = 81 3 rd Lorraine Burrow 114 - 33 = 81

Stuart and James Booker Hit the HeightsIt was Wednesday 11 th April 2012 and the rain was still tippling down. Your editor’s wife, Joyce, offered totake him to the club for lunch. Such excitement. We watched the Wednesday 1 p.m. roll up dithering as towhether it was worth it. They went and ... and got soaked.“Just think,” I said to James Booker, our young waiter, “we were in the Lake District in glorious sunshinejust over a week ago!” James asked if we went walking and we replied we could tell him most of the coffeeshops there. I asked did he walk. Affirmative! “Which ones?” I asked. James hesitated. “Well..... I havewalked all the Wainwrights. I completed them when I was twelve. And a few years ago Dad (a member atRGC) and I did a bit of Everest.” To say your editor was put in his place is understatement. Thephotographs are self explanatory.

Vets’ v Bramall Park Away Friday 13 th April 2012Romiley Vets' first match of the season was on Friday, April 13 th . Fortunately we had no triskaidekaphobics andhad a full team. It still ended in defeat at Bramhall Park by the margin of 6 to 2 with 2 halved. As usual, somemembers of the Romiley team found themselves struggling to adapt to mat-free golf (stock excuse #1) whileothers had to acknowledge that the home players were on fine form.Despite the reverse, however, the day was very enjoyable with the course being in good condition and thecompany welcoming and courteous. Another big positive was that the tremendous hail, sleet and thunderstorms ofthe previous two days had fizzled out, although many water-logged areas bore testimony to the severity of theweather earlier in the week.After the match the teams enjoyed a good meal before listening to brief addresses from the chairmen of the twosections. In this, Mike Wilson acquitted himself very well on his debut for Romiley and concluded with just twojokes from his astonishing collection which were well-received.How times have changed : Here's a little of the introduction to the Bramhall Park website history section ...The 40 men who sat down in the billiard room of Benjamin Ashwell’s Bramhall residence on 8 October 1894 sawno earthly reason why they could not construct a golf course – for which they had neither land nor funds – withina month. They agreed to form a club with an entrance fee of £1 1s and a similar figure for an annual subscription.Marl Field, at the corner of Park Road and Ravenoak Road, was rented for £30 per year from a local farmer, andon 10 November four gentlemen played the first round on a rough but recognisable 9-hole course. Bramall ParkGolf Club was born, with 75 members and plans for a rustic pavilion where members could meet and save thewear on Mr. Ashwell’s carpets. “Ladies,” read the rules, “may be permitted to use the links on payment of10s 6d per annum, but not on Saturday afternoons, match or medal days.”Romiley Golf Club’s Vets’ TeamPhoto Caption CompetitionGeoff Fisher has Mark Kitchen saying to Alex –“What did you say you did for a living again?”Whereas Martyn Wilson has Kitch saying to him“One day you too will look like this.”Whilst Joyce Glynn’s entry is“I’ll tell you a story to make your hair stand onend!”But the worthy winner of a bottle of wine isRachel Broster with“What’s that parrot doing on your shoulder,Alex?”

Top Dog Competition 2011 / 2012The Top Dog Finals were held at Romiley on Sunday the 25 th of March, 2012. There was a comparatively low turnoutfrom the participants but all the contenders for the title played on the day.Prizes were awarded to the League Winners who were:League One Roly Hewitt & Nick MaddenLeague Two Dave Skillington & Chris MullinLeague Three BobLaw & Mark RichardsonLeague Four Denise Booth & Ann HarrisonThe event comprised a Competition of the Day,entry to which was open to all Top Dog Playersand, run concurrently, the Play-Off for the TopDog Shield contested by each league’s winnersand runners up. The Comp. of the Day was wonby Andrew Rexstraw & Paul Wagstaff with ascore of 43 points; the runners up being ChrisMullin & Steve Brown scoring 42 points. All theabove received prize vouchers to be redeemedwith our Professional.Paul Wagstaff and Andrew RexstrawThere were 4 twos recorded on the day: Mark Richardson at the 15 th , Brian Turnbull at the 2 nd , Nick Gorman at the5 th and most notable, Denise Booth at the 13 th all receiving a sleeve of golf balls to recognise their achievementSecond Place in the main event were Andy Brocklehurst & Gareth Woolnough with 41 points, the winners whoobviously had a very good day and the new holders of The Top Dog Shield are Andrew Rexstraw & Paul Wagstaff.Men’s Stableford Competition Saturday 14 th April 2012WinnerJohn Braithwaite2 ndAlan Russell – 36 pts3 rdWayne Andrew – 36 ptsBad News Good News – Taster SessionsUnfortunately the leaflet about the Taster Sessions contained an administrativeerror. It included VAT. Somehow it snuck through all the checks and balances.The good news is that there is NO VAT payable.

RGC AmAm, Wednesday, July 4 thThere has been a a very good response to to this year for the AM AM and all the tee starting times are now reserved.We are therefore currently look confirming forward to the a full details days’ for golf the various commencing prizes at to 8.50 be won am and on the running day and through increasing until 3.40 the value pm. of theprizes Our new this AM year, AM so if Sponsor, you are Leama playing Specialist we hope you Cars, have will a take most an enjoyable active part day, in the good day’s golf, proceedings. good food, good We look companyand forward hopefully to their good presence weather and working with them throughout the day and of course for next four years during theMike period Bury, of their AM Sponsorship. AM Organiser. Members will have seen the new Sponsors sign by the 1 st tee. I am sure all memberswould enjoy visiting their website at www.leama.co.ukLike all open events the AMAM is only successful if there are plenty of volunteers to help both before and on theday. Would anyone who is not playing golf on the day and is willing to help for an hour or so, please contact MikeBury. A number of our regular helpers have already volunteered to help with registration etc but we do need morefor various jobs. In particular we could do with two video camera operators to video participants at the start andalso to video around the course with the intention of having a continuous feed running in the Club House.Volunteers could of course use their own video camera but Phil Roberts has kindly offered to lend us his owncamera for the day.A number of suppliers to Romiley Golf Club have reserved tee times for the AM AM and we would like to thankthem for their support.We are currently confirming the details for the various prizes to be won on the day and increasing the value of theprizes this year, so , if you are playing , we hope you have a most enjoyable day, good golf, good food, goodcompany and hopefully good weatherMike Bury, AM AM Organiser.Jonathan Travis Mike Bury Mark PlattsLadies EWGA Medal Thursday 19 th April 2012WinnerJill Woolstencroft2 ndIrene Barrow3 rdLiz Goddard

Vets’ St. George’s Competition Hole s 1 – 9 Friday 20 th April 2012Winner – 15 ptsGordon Taverner2nd – 15 ptsHarry Parker3 rd – 14 ptsColin McManusConditions were dreadful for the Vets’ St. George and it was a tribute to their stoicism that 33 handedtheir cards in. Colin McManus, is pictured here as we finished at the 9 th .Haute Cuisine at RGCGuilio Santopaolo, Ronnie Grimes, Pete Woolley and Derek Youngtuck into their pork pies, their coffee and whisky as they prepare to tackle the 11 th !

First DivisionMen’s April Monthly Medal Saturday 21 st April 2012WinnerNick Bailey 77 – 9 = 68Second Division2 ndNick Schofield 78 – 6 = 723 rdMark Worsley 75 – 2 = 73WinnerSteve Lawton 84 – 15 = 69Third Division2 ndMartin Clark 88 – 15 = 733 rdMike Clarke 85 – 12 = 73WinnerRay Hayes 93 – 21 = 722 ndNick Gorman 95 – 20 = 753 rdPeter Howcroft 99 – 24 = 75

Enjoy Life – get to the Golf ClubRobinson’s Elbowon sale from Friday 4 th May 2012After many requests, in May going on saleWe’ve a delightful brew of Robinson’s AlePlease drink it fast is all we askCos’ it doesn’t last long; it’s in a caskWe’d like to sell it for your delightSo please come and drink day and night.Poetess – Heather HallFriday Fish NightSpend some time with your friendsOn Friday night as the working week endsHave some wine and a tasty dishCome to the golf club for Fish and ChipsJust turn up, you don’t have to bookCheck the dates on the board; have a lookTasty fish good wine and beerRemember 6-9 p.m., the weekend starts herePeter Gregson was filmed by the BBC at our golf clubon Thursday 26 th April, 2012. He is taking part in aconsumer programme to be aired in September. Whenasked by the producers of the show what were hisprimary interests Peter immediately said golf – eventhough he has not played for over 10 weeks because ofa knee injury.

David Mason - Golfing History from a Family TreeDavid began his Family Tree quest some time ago and has been astonished to findthat there is a strong golfing heritage . His first find was with Tommy Renouf (1874– 1955). If you look at the Romiley Golf Club Centenary Book on page 43 you willfind a copy of a letter from Tommy Renouf giving a favourable opinion of theplanned extension of our course from nine holes to eighteen holes. This was notsurprising as Conways Ltd. Golf Course Constructors, were given the task ofconstructing the additional holes and altering some of the then present holes,according to Tom Renouf’s design, at a cost of £1,630. Tommy Renouf wasappointed to Stockport in 1930 and stayed there until 1939.He lived in Marple where he died in 1955, being buried in All Saints’ Churchyard.David MasonA sister of Tommy’s married the cousin of CharlesHugh Alison (1883 – 1952) and became David’s secondfind. Hugh, as he was known, is the 2 nd cousin of thewife of his 1 st cousin twice removed. Hugh played golfat Cambridge and became a business partner of H.S.Colt the famous course designer. Hugh was elected tothe Japanese Golf Hall of Fame for his work there.Tommy Renouf’s had a son-in-law called Max Wellens,a PGA member, who went on to be the first President ofthe Swedish PGA.A 2 nd cousin twice removed was J. C. A. Cheatle. He represented Leicestershireat golf for some years and was elected President of the EGU in 1982.David never met any of these relatives and knew nothing about them or theirgolfing prowess until he got involved in Family History Research where onenever knows what may be found and what may have set the rails for one’s ownpath in life. David took up the game in his 30’s when he thought it might helphis working career and it was commented that he had a natural swing! As Davidsays, “It was a long time ago!”So there was a lot of golf in David’s family and it is hardly surprising that hehas such a love for the game. The same conclusions can be drawn regardingSteam Railways but that is a different story for a different audience!Tommy RenoufJohn Doherty Garry Travers Glyn RobertsGarry is half way round the course for the first time escorted by the redoubtable John and Glyn

Vets’ Texas Scramble, Team of 3, Holes 10 – 18 Friday 30 th March 2012Winners 29.9Bob Stirling Nigel Ingle Harry ParkerSecond – 32.5Mike Wilson Mike Andrew Jurgen FredericksonThirdDennis Hallsworth Graham Evans Dave Wilson

St. George’s Dinner, 28 th April 2012As your editor arrived for the champagnereception a sea of red and white assaulted his eyes.Was this a sneak preview of United celebrationsfor the United /City match for 30 th April? By thetime you have read these words we will all know!The magnificent decorating of the lounge wasthanks to Janet Worthington, Audrey Jones andJulie Smith.The evening was started by a champagne reception andhopes bubbled over. Derek Worthington started theformal evening by reciting a traditional ode to the gloryof England given to him by David Woolstencroft, amember of the Society of St. George. Our gorgeouswaitresses served the meal and the eating started!Phil Ankers and his partner, Babs King, were talking ofEngland and of duty. Babs casually mentioned that herson, Andrew, is out in Afghanistan as a pilot in the RAF.This made the evening more poignant and meaningful.Roger Whalley and Derek WorthingtonMr. President Mr. CaptainAnd then the entertainment started. Lissa and Dave were just top class. To book them call 0161 612 2649.They wowed us all night with classy singing, great energy and humour. Their first song sounded like a duetby Barbara Streisand and Neil Diamond. Anne Harrison, Judith Howcroft and Irene Barrow were dragged outby Lissa to dance with her as she sang “ Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Lissa chose the right girls as theyshimmied and shammied with real panache!Anne Harrison Judith Howcroft Lissa Irene BarrowJill Wolstencroft Mike Bury Maureen Marsden David Wolstencroft

And then came the singing. Is singing the right word? Caterwauling is a better description. “Jerusalem”, “There’llalways be an England” and “I vow to thee my Country” were mangled by an inebriated audience who thought theywere on the X-Factor. And then came “Rule Britannia” and Mr. Captain offered drinks to the table who sang thebest. Best?? A questionable choice of adjective. The inspired shouting of Andy Reed ensured his table weredeclared the winners.Andy Reed Angela Slate Alison Reed Babs King Joyce Glynn Bob BlundellShaun Slate Phil AnkersAnd then the JivingChampionship of RGC tookplace and Mr. President,Roger Whalley and his wife,Kathryn, showed theirexceptional prowess on thedance floor to take the prize.Roger’s high kicks weresensational. It is hoped thatA & E can get his leg backinto its socket.Jive WinnersRoger and Kathryn WhalleyLissa and DaveBrian TurnbullWith the tie of the night!Maurice HallIndefatigable on the dancefloorThe highlight of the night for your editor was when Lissa sang a song as shestraddled my shoulders! I have not a clue what she sang but who cares?A happy editorAnd so a marvellous St. George’s Dinner finally closed with protestations of ourlove of our country - ENGLAND.Your editor hopes his Irish and Scottish grandmothers and his Welsh grandfatherwere not listening.

The eighth green!John Glynn Phil Roberts Chris Broster Martyn Wilson Audrey Jones