13 Holes & Christmas Lunch Wed 13th Dec 2023
On a damp windy day Twenty Nine Venerables attended our annual Xmas lunch at the nearby King William pub, after a 13 hole competition.
This was a new venue for us, and with no passed experience to gauge whether the King William could cater for this size of function, we took a gamble.
I have to say the gamble paid off, and l could not fault the venue or the Xmas dinner, which judging by the empty plates everyone enjoyed.
First of all we must thank all the Venerable's who supported our decision and attended the event. The alternative was to cancel the lunch which was something the committee was not prepared to do.
Our thanks goes to the staff at the King William who could not be more helpful and did everything with a smile.
A big thanks goes to Richard Gardner for his communications, and together with Steve King for finding and arranging the venue. I could visibly see the relief on their face’s as the event came to a very successful end.
Thanks also goes to Andrew Wyatt for the photos on the day, and Dave Sephton who as always will make good use of them on our website, Steve Board for making sure all the money is in, and anyone who had to cancel got their refund.
Most of us turned up on the day and enjoyed what was arranged, however, this was not the case for our Competition Secretary Steve King who started his job at least three weeks previous and with at least 6 draw version later eventually got there in the end, our appreciation goes to him.
The results of our 13 hole competition are below.
Waiting for lunch
Heydon Venerables enjoying the xmas festivities
Captain Ken addressing the happy Venerables and Steve K giving out the days results
The days results below:
1st. with 60pts J. Fisher, C. Young & P. Black
2nd OCB with 50 pts G. Handscombe, T. Eggs, & G. Raynsford
3rd OCB with 50pts M. Phillips, D. Baker, & M. Arthur
Fortunately, the lying snow from the previous week had all disappeared in time for out annual 13 hole team competition and Christmas lunch. A modest field of 22 Venerables set out to complete 4 holes on the Essex followed by the Cambs, playing a competition of best 2 from 3 stableford scores. In spite of those nice BBC weather forecasters spreading doom and gloom with a mainly moist forecast, the weather behaved itself and we all stayed dry.
Back in the clubhouse, we were joined by another 5 Ven's just attending the lunch and were treated to an excellent Christmas lunch which was washed down with the occasional glass of grape juice.
Our thanks to Steve K for organising the event, to our official photographer Andrew, to Dave Sephton, David Baker and Mike Phillips, to Richard for officiating, and to Ed for a splendid lunch. A true team effort.
A raffle was held to raise funds for the Captains' charity, and including a £24 contribution from Russ, we raised £159
Lunch is served
At the tables
David Baker just checking Kens raffle ticket is in the bag!!
Somebody had a good afternoon !!
Richard thanking both Mrs A & Ed
Richard adressing the vens after a glorious day !!!
The results were as follows:
3rd place with 53 points
Richard Gardner, Dave Sephton, Martin Redgewell
2nd place with 54 points
Dave Watts, John Seale, Steve Truckle
1st place with 56 points
Steve King, Kevin Esplin, Ken Rowbotham
In balmy, almost tropical weather conditions 30 Venerables set forth to play the annual 13 hole 'Xmas lunch' competition. The competition was best 2 of 4 stableford scores on each hole, and as testified by the results, in ideal conditions, there were some good scores to be had.
Back in the clubhouse lunch was eagerly anticipated with many discussions kicking off with 'If only' and 'what if', with the highlight being a side splittingly funny joke from Mr Taylor.
The lunch and service were excellent with many clean plates going back to the kitchen.
Our thanks to Richard for organizing the event, to Ken Rowbotham and David Baker for the raffle, Dave Sephton for the photos, Tony for the scorecards and results, Dave Watts for the staff collection, our skipper Steve for officiating and of course to all the Ven's who supported the event. A god team effort, and an excellent social event.
We raised £155 in the raffle for the Captains charities.
Off we go for 13 holes before lunch
Just the 4th on The Essex to play phew!
Back in the clubhouse waiting for lunch
At the tables
Steve Board presenting presents to Bob, Ed & Mrs A
The days results were as follows:
3rd place OCB with 70 points - Richard Gardner, Steve Board, David Baker, Ian Taylor
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2nd place OCB with 70 points - Dave Watts, Steve King, Bob Bridges, Steve Wiliams
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1st place with 73 points - Graham Handscombe, Steve Truckle, Martin Appleton, Gary Raynsford
Ending with David Bakers Raffle
