Well, I never thought I'd ever be accused of being longwinded but comments upon last month's edition suggest that it went on a bit so, in future, I'll do my best to keep to the point.
We welcomed the Staffordshire Lady Vets Team in April as a precursor to our annual interclub match against Brocton. However, despite the preparation and fielding what I thought was a very strong team we managed to lose to Brocton 9 - 3.
Unfortunately I was unable to partner our Lady Captain in a mixed event held at Newcastle Golf Club on 19 April due to a longstanding golf commitment; my thanks to our President and Vice-Captain for standing in at short notice.
For the past thirty years or so I have accompanied a group of members on an annual golf holiday. This year we were heading for Fife and, once again, I'd agreed to drive the minibus. The main pick-up point was the golf club where it seemed to take an age to get everyone and their kit on board despite it being a "seventeen seater" for only twelve occupants. We were eventually on our way to our final pick up in Leek, Dave Allen`s home. We'd been on the road for less than a minute when my mobile went off. After fighting with the seat belt, I managed to retrieve my mobile from my trouser pocket and saw that it was from one of our party`s mobile, Dave Smith (Endon). I shouted towards the rear of the vehicle, "Forgotten your phone, Dave?" No response came back. I shouted again, this time a little louder, still no response. I gave my phone to Arthur asking him to pass it to Dave who then informed us all that Dave was not on board! There was no alternative but to return to the club to find Dave waiting on the car park. It transpired that we had left the club whilst Dave had visited the loo.
I am not sure what was the funniest part of that - David`s face when he came out of the Club-house to find we had left for Scotland without him or our faces when we finally realised he was not on board!
Please excuse my apologies for digressing, as I get back to my report. On the social side, I must applaud the efforts of the Lady Captain and Vice-Captain, Andrew, and ask members to do their utmost to support the events being organised. Two events to make a note of are the" Summer Ball" on the 11th July and the Murder Mystery Evening scheduled for later in the year. On the golfing side, my "Weekend Away" in late July is now fully booked. I have posted a list for my Captain's Day Out at Druids Heath Golf Club on 12 June and please look out for the entry sheet for the Men's Invitation which has been reinstated by popular demand.
The lounge refurbishment has been well received by members although it has highlighted the need for replacement furniture which continues to be work in progress. However, I am pleased to report that we are soon to receive samples in order that options can be fully considered.
Our computer systems have been updated to provide an integrated facility that can be expanded to meet future demands. Immediate improvements include a reliable till system and improved management of golf competitions and handicaps
Your Management Committee is keen to maintain an improvement programme through the recently created "steering group", so please keep suggestions coming in. Currently under consideration are the provision of on-site buggy storage and improvement to the men's locker room.
I am pleased to report that membership levels remain healthy. However, we do have vacancies so feel free to spread the word particularly regarding our Academy which is becoming the preferred route for many new recruits. There's no doubt that it provides an excellent introduction to Leek Golf Club.
Until the next time, enjoy your membership at Leek Golf Club, and please feel free to let me have your comments or suggestions.
Best wishes
Your Captain 2015
CAPT vs. VICE-CAPTAIN TEAM CHALLENGE
The annual challenge between the Leek Captain Trevor Eccleston and his Vice-Captain Andy Baxter took place on Saturday 2nd May.
To get thirty-six golfers together at the same time and place took considerable planning, but after a few phone calls, all were assembled for this 'friendly' challenge.
Tradition plays a large part in this event, as reflected by the fact there were nine past presidents and eight past captains, as well as current club officials. Among the 'newbies' to this event were Ian Beeson, Mike Andrews, Rob Brunt, Mark Robinson, David Smith and Ken Hewitt- a real mixture of talent assembling for the day ahead.
After playing, the players chatted and swapped stories in the clubhouse, and then enjoyed an excellent meal of carrot and coriander soup, braised steak and a choice of sweets.
Trevor stood up and spoke eloquently about his particular game, also expanding to relate a story about his recent trip to Scotland. At the very end he quietly whispered that his team had won four matches, and it was left to Andy to inform those in attendance that the actual score was five-four in favour of the vice-captain. He also thanked his team for starring for him, and for making the effort to support the day.
For those reading this report who didn't play, please try and support the club for all these friendlies, as they are very rewarding, and create a brilliant atmosphere.
The details of matches were as follows:
Trevor Eccleston & Graham Cook lost to Andy Baxter & Mike Andrews
Lincoln Boulton & Mick Barker beat Ralph Harrison & Ian Beeson
Dave Gallimore & Neal Parton beat Peter Cordon & Ken Hewitt
Don Eardley & Roy Emery lost to Paul Bradley & John Cooper
John Rogula & John Carr lost to Tony Brindley & Frank Colclough
Tony Lovatt & Warren Alcock beat Rob Brunt & Mark Robinson
David Robinson & Mike Wootton beat George Tatton & Dave Weaver
Dennis Parkes & Alan Whitfield lost to Tony Swindells & David Smith
Dave Allen & Bob Woollaston lost to Brian Baggaley & Roy Morris
Thank you once again to all who took part.
Ross Martin Stars In County Seniors V Cheshire
On Tuesday, Leek Golf Club provided the Staffordshire County Seniors team with three players to face a strong Derbyshire side at Little Aston. The weather was stormy with high winds and regular heavy showers but this was nothing compared to the battering we were taking on the greens from the Cheshire players.
The only Ray of sunshine in the morning foursomes came from Ross Martin who managed to secure a half, playing with Ian Wilson from Beau Dessert Golf Club. Duncan Stott suffered a rare defeat and Dave Gallimore managed to snatch a defeat from the jaws of victory after being one up with two holes left to play.
The afternoon format changed to fourball betterball and Ross Martin recovered from being two down at the halfway stage to fight back and gain maximum points for Staffordshire. Duncan Stott and Dave Gallimore failed to beat their opponents in the afternoon and they need to get their thoughts together before facing Derbyshire at Maywood Golf Club in two days' time.
Club Captain Trevor Eccleston went on to say "Leek Golf Club are very proud that these guys have represented the County Seniors Team again and they all have a good record playing for the County. I have to congratulate Ross Martin on his performance and I am sure that Duncan and Dave will bounce back in the next match"
Mixed Fours Social Competition
Fourteen couples got together for the first Bank Holiday social competition of the season on Monday, 4 May. The sun shone and the banter flowed. Organised by our very efficient Lady Secretary, Maria Wootton, all received prepared cards and enjoyed the team AM-AM format - one lady and one gent to count. The competitive edge was provided (as expected) by John & Jan Moss along with Dave and Karen Griffiths who won first place over Andrew and Jayne Baxter playing with Tony & Wendy Thornhill. A tasty meal followed without the usual formalities of a dress code which enhanced the 'holiday' atmosphere and prizes were awarded by our President, Mr Lincoln Boulton.
The match result ended Cheshire Seniors 14 Staffordshire Seniors 4.
Forthcoming MIXED events for your diary:
Monday, 25 May - MIXED OPEN
Friday, 29 May - MIXED friendly v Trentham Park (A)
Monday, 31 August - MIXED OPEN
Friday, 18 September - SENIORS MIXED AM AM
Wednesday, 30 September - OPEN MIXED CHARITY AM AM (Lady Captain's Charity)
Please support your club organisers - you will not be disappointed. Jayne Baxter L C
May Medal & Vets Cup Sunday, 3 May 2015
First Division - Rich Cordon - Gross 79 Nett 71
Second Division - Robbie Woolliscroft - Gross 76 Nett 64
Third Division - Mark Alcock - Gross 85 Nett 68
Fourth Division - Alan Harrison - Gross 95 Nett 72