I hope that everyone is enjoying the Christian season. I know that one or two have picked up seasonal bugs unfortunately!

It’s a short newsletter this week. Not much to communicate, and not many of us have been the golf club to catch up on events.

Autumn League – Final Results

Most of the field did not turn out for round 8/8 last Friday, due to the very strong winds and rain. However, Martin Franks got 33 points, putting him in a three-way tie for top place in Division 1 with John Armstrong and Michael John on 161 points.

I believe that Martin Franks will be winner of the league on account of the fact that he had three ‘podium’ places, a 1st, a 2nd and a 3rd.

The Division 2 winner is Phil Ormesher with 156 points, Dave Craggs came second with 152 points, and Ron Thornton 3rd with 151 points.

Winter League

The Winter League will begin on 5th January. Discussions about handicaps for the Winter League are still ongoing, therefore the new handicap list is not available yet. It will be on this website by next Wednesday at the latest, and we will put a list on the Seniors’ noticeboard.

The division of handicaps for Division 1 and Division 2 will also be adjusted, to give more equal number of players in each division. The median handicap of the seniors has come down by about 2 shots in the past year. Again, this will be on this website before the Winter League starts.

Seniors’ Calendar for 2024

Thank you to our secretary Dave Craggs, who despite the holiday season has been busy finalising the 2024 calendar. You can download the calendar spreadsheet here on the Senior Section Calendar tab.

Lymm Golf Club Team Shirts

Please note that if you wish to play in the inter-club friendly matches next year, you will need a navy blue team shirt. John Armstrong has arranged next year’s fixtures, and he will be putting a sheet on the noticeboard to which you can append your name if you wish to be selected for the fixtures.

I think Steve has just a couple of shirts left in the Pro’s shop, one of which might be the size you require. If not, please tell Steve as soon as possible that you want to order a shirt. Steve needs to know there is a demand for the shirts before he can order the required minimum number for the next batch.

Similarly, if you already have shirt, that has got a bit faded or tatty over the years, and would like a new one for next season, please tell Steve as soon as you can.

Tee Booking schedule for tomorrow (Thursday 28 December)

A few of us gathered at the Choy Hing at Grappenhall yesterday. The evening was arranged by Bob, who informed us on Monday that he had invited a special guest this year: Lord Nuttall of Appleton Thorn.

The food was excellent as always, a banquet specially chosen for us by Sammy, and lots of beer!

Autumn League – Round 7 of 8

Reporter: Peter Willson

With Paul Foster away last Friday, I took over the task of checking the cards and updating the league tables and handicap list.

A fairly steady week. Not too many fireworks with the exception of Paddy Moran with a great round with 36 points followed by 3 players across the 2 Divisions on 34 points

There were 43 players in total, 27 from Div’n 1 and 16 from Div’n 2.

Only One – 2 this week – Colin Chisnall on the 9th.

Four new names appearing in the TOP 3 slots for each Division this week, who hadn’t been in the top three before. Good to see the love is being spread around.

Just 2 incorrect handicaps used.

The all-important results:

Division 2 Results:

Winner – Alan Thomas with 34 pts (CPO over last 6 holes)

R/up – Stuart White with 34 pts

3rd – Steve Bramhall with 31pts

Division 1 Results

Winner – Paddy Moran with 36 pts

R/up – John White with 34 pts

3rd – Colin Crail with 33 pts

John Armstrong still leads Division 1, but now jointly with Michael John with Mike Bennett in 3rd place

Dave Craggs is still narrowly the leader in Division 2, followed by Ron Thornton and Phil Ormesher jointly in 2nd place

Happy Mondays – December 18th

Reporter: Peter Willson

7 teams turned out on a dull and cloudy morning yet reasonably – mild until the drizzle started after 10 holes – the game a “Yellow Ball”. 

The usual confusion reigned – with 5 x 3 man teams and 2 x 4 man teams some deciding to count all scores and not designating a Yellow Baller or not dropping out in an understandable rotation. 

However a result was arrived at eventually and the winners were  

First – Mike Bennett, Colin Crail and Richard Yates – 33.3 points per team member 

2nd – John Booth, Tommy Lawless and Phil Perry – 32 points each 

3rd – Colin Chisnall, Dave Meir and Alan Thomas – 31.7 points 

A re-think is required on the format it’s getting difficult for our brains to function so early on chilly dark mornings – I’ll come back with new, bigger and better formats in 2024!

Tee Booking schedule for tomorrow (21 December) for play on 5th January 2024

A big thank you to Lymm Golf Club’s Seniors from Prostate Cancer Support.

Reporter: Phil Ormesher

In the North West, on average, 1 in 6 (1 in 8 in London; 1 in 3 in Scotland!) men diagnosed with prostate cancer are already metastatic – in other words the cancer was diagnosed too late and had spread into the rest of the man’s body.

The National Prostate Cancer Audit showed that patients living in more socioeconomically deprived areas, like Warrington, are 19% more likely to present with metastatic disease.

So, you can see why we, as a local charity, focus on PSA testing – the earlier it’s found the better the chance of survival.

The £500 that was raised at the Christmas lunch will be put towards the cost of PSA testing which will be done at Warrington Wolves in February/March.

We ask each participant to pay £5, Prostate Cancer Support will pay the remaining £20 and there will be an attendance encouraging promotion run by The Wolves.

Whether you support The Wolves or not they are doing a great job in supporting the local community and your contribution will fund 25 of those tests, again potentially saving men’s lives.

Thank you, guys, your support is fantastic.

Merry Christmas!

As this is the last newsletter before Christmas: Happy Christmas to all!

If you are going away, or doing anything that you think might interest your fellow seniors, please do send me any news and photographs for inclusion in the newsletter.

Newsletter Editor: Mark Pickles

Newsletter Editor: Mark Pickles

I certainly enjoyed our Christmas Party.

Somehow, I found myself sitting at a table with some friendly, and some scary, pantomime characters!

First up was the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk:

And then came Cinderella:

 

And then Cinderella was joined by her Sisters:

 

What a way to start the Christmas Celebrations!

Reporter: Dave Craggs

A record 54 attendees this years Seniors Christmas lunch after our usual Friday morning’s golf.

Following Grace, said by our chairman Mike Bennett, an excellent festive meal by our chef was served to us by Karen, Lyndsey, Josh and Nettie without a hitch.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved in the raffle we raised the magnificent sum of £500.00, the proceeds of which we have donated to Phil Ormisher’s Prostrate Cancer Charity.

Wishing all our members and families a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

 

Autumn League – Round 6 of 8

Reporter: Paul Foster

A couple of Christmas crackers this week with session equalling high scores of 39pts, great scores from Tony Lambert and Barry Smith.

A rare sight this week with a birdie on the 7^th with two shots gave Jim Wilson a mighty 5 pts on one hole..!!

There were 44 players in total, 30 from Div 1 and 14 from Div 2.

17 played above the ‘zone’, a good scoring day for sure, except for the stragglers at the end who were caught in the miserable rain.

21 played in the ‘zone’ which is between 25pts and 30pts where their handicap is not affected.

Only 6 played below the ‘zone’.

Two 2s this week, Mike Pigott on the 2^nd, and Tony Lambert on the 5^th See Mr Gosling.

Five players appearing on the podium this week, had not been in the top three before.

Just the one incorrect handicap used.

So to the all important results;

Division 2 Results

Winner: Tony Lambert with 39 pts

R/up: Jim Wilson with 38pts

3^rd: Jeff Chapman with 36pts on a cpo

Ron Thornton also scored 36pts

Division 1 Results

Winner: Barry Smith with 39pts

R/up: Duncan Clarke with 36pts on a cpo

3^rd: Alan Ranscombe also with 36pts on a cpo

Paul Collins also scored 36pts.

John Armstrong still leads division 1, but now over Mike Bennett, and Dave Craggs is the new leader in division 2, followed by Ron Thornton.

Happy Mondays – 11 December

Reporter: Peter Willson

 Well it started off drizzly –  got wetter and then very wet finally ending in steady heavy drizzle.

Nine very wet golfers trudged into club house for a welcoming warm drink

The victor was the course (again) but the final results :-
Game: Team Stableford

1st – Pete Broady, Phil Perry and Peter Willson – the 3 P’s – 62 points
2nd – Charlie’s Heath and Hill and Tony Lambert – 56 points
3rd – Colin Chisnall, Dave Craggs and Alan Thomas – 49 points

Newsletter Editor: Rob Taylor

Some Interesting Xmas stuff . . . .

Well, Xmas is interesting for everyone, but specifically for senior’s members . . . . at this specific time.

This coming Friday looms large on our calendars. Our much- anticipated Xmas Lunch!

All monies are accounted for – many thanks to you all for answering the clarion call of the Treasurer – and it’s super encouraging that the numbers just get stronger and stronger each year. ( Committee must be doing something right?)

So . . . . Just a few pertinent details to set the scene.

Make sure your bar card is topped up with a few loose pounds of sterling money before you leave home? The bar staff do not want to be topping you up during the rush! Your popularity may take a downturn.

Kick off for the meal is timed for 14.00 hours – We need to do this as the club is really busy at this time of year and the room needs to be cleared and reset for another function that evening. No issue though – any laggards will just be moved off into the lounge area , then the snooker room, then the car park. Depends on how long you languish in the warm embrace of your friends!

Perhaps time your arrival a little earlier then – get a pint in (bar will be manic) and a bit-of-circulation before the big sit down?

Christmas Lunch Raffle

We have had some kind donations for our Christmas raffle at our lunch on Friday. Our chairman has decided on sell tickets at £5 per strip, donating the receipts to Phil Ormersher’s Prostate Cancer charity. Please do donate any further prizes for the raffle.

2024 Seniors’ Calendar

The Senior’s calendar has very nearly been finalised for 2024. The calendar will be signed off at the next committee meeting on Friday 15th December, and published on this website.

Round 6 – Autumn Session Friday 31st November 2023

On this day at Lymm Golf Course, absolutely nothing happened.

Well, nothing of any great consequence . Some players pitched up – many did not. Those that did, faced a frozen course with all 12 holes being on temporary greens.

Ergo ( that’s “therefore” in Latin for the under educated amongst you) the planned Round 6 competition could not happen. In a word, it was cancelled.

One happy – camper though : John Armstrong.

Whilst enjoying his average round he slipped in a surprise “2” on the second ( big surprise – he doesn’t do this often) . A tear stung the corner of his eye when he was told that the competition had been abandoned but soon replaced by a radiant smile when he was told that : “Rules is rules!” Although the comp is cancelled, anyone who plays on a cancelled day will have his “2” honoured. A sleeve of magnificent balls are his to keep and cherish.! Now all you “gotta do” John is get them from out of the Treasurers grasp! Good Luck with that.

There was a hint that in some of the few fourballs, wagers were being placed – shock/ horror – gambling no less. Gold coins were seen to change hands.

Andy Ward Pairs Knockout

Peter Willson has updated the spreadsheet for the Andy Ward Pairs Knockout. Just 3 more matches to be played by 22nd December:

Tee Booking for tomorrow – Thursday 7 December, for play on 22 December

Now – what do members get up to . . . . .

Its become a bit of a tradition at this time of year when the golf is tailing off a bit and news becomes a bit sparse, to delve into some of the interesting stuff that some of our brethren get up to when they are not huffing, puffing and cursing as they tramp around the green sward.

A question, shouted across the table on Friday morning – why this suddenly came to someones mind is a mystery – triggered a grand tale.

“ Oy! Have you done finished that painting yet Mark ” said . . . not sure who now – someone anyway.

The reply? See for yourselves!

Above: Oil painting on canvas, 170cm x 120cm.
Below: some detail from the bottom left of the painting, and top right:

Yes. We think you could say this one is finished. WOW! Gob-smackingly and brilliantly amazing. Not enough space for all the words that come to mind.

One might agree? A talent at work – and you saw it here first! Not bad at golf ( he’s only a young lad you know) but give him a paint brush – goes to another level!

And there are others . . .7 completed works of Manchester scenes in total.

Mark is now exploring opportunities to exhibit this collection at a suitable venue somewhere in the city. A grand foyer would make a fine exhibition space – somewhere like City Hall, Man U Stadium? City’s ground? ( not sure about this one?) He’s hoping to interest a corporate buyer, having previously sold 3 London paintings to Silicon Valley Bank UK.

Oh, but you fancy the big one for a Xmas present to yourself? Hang it in the Hall of your baronial home in Stockton Heath? Sorry chaps – minimum 5 figure price tag – jump in early with a bundled £20k now – you might seal an early deal?

All is not lost though. There will probably be series of limited prints on the market in 2024 – watch this space! (I’m sure he’ll do mates rates!)

HAPPY MONDAYS – 4th December 2023

Marvellous what a sharp prod will do to a lazy reporter – this week’s offering arrived “toots sweet” and in grand condition. OK Stretching it a bit but it’s nearly Xmas.

And the report was . . . . nothing happened!