RAGS Knockout 2019

Retaining the crown, CONGRATULATIONS Roger Henry for winning the 2019 Knockout competition.  Well done Graham Cook for reaching the final.

PBA Trophy, Tidworth Garrison Golf Club, Wednesday 23rd October 2019

The penultimate event in the RAGS calendar was won handsomely by Robert Salame with a score of 41 points, 4 points ahead of Matthew Tester.  Janet Halliday-Stronge took the ladies prize, coming in with 30 points.

The Bell Trophy, Weybrook Park Golf Club, Thursday 19th September 2019

Congratulations go to John Hobby, winner of the Bell Trophy with a fantastic score of 41 points. It was a beautiful day, the course being in excellent condition with super fast greens. Well done also to Alison Mills, first in the ladies competition.

Burj Trophy, West Berks Golf Club, Wednesday 21 August 2019

Another brilliant day at West Berks and a fantastic evening spent at The Burj – those guys really know how to look after our taste buds and tummies – thank you Mr Roy and all your staff.  Hats off to the Stronge / Tester team for winning the Burj Trophy YET again.

President’s Trophy, Sandford Springs Golf Club, Thursday 10th July 2019

I don’t know.  I wasn’t there.  But the photos look great!  Congratulations to the winning team – that’s two years running in the top spot for Lee Cowan – and thank you Martin and Sally for the drinks and super prizes.

DHC Trophy, Wrag Barn Golf Club, Thursday 13th June 2019

Rob Salame from our sponsor Dickens Hopgood Chidley Solicitors said the office had done a sun dance the day before to keep the rain away – I reckon they must all have left feet as we got thoroughly soaked!!  Rain aside for the mo, we had another fun event with 9 teams of 3 taking part in the Waltz.  The course was a little soggy/challenging in places and we had to rack our brains on the rules relating to temporary water on the greens.  Well done to John Harrod, Peter Cheney and Margaret Hoyland for battling through the elements to come first with a score of 69.  HUGE thanks to DHC for the fabulous prizes, we are thrilled to have you as our sponsor for the Wrag Barn event and we absolutely love the gorgeous new trophy, a stunning replica of the Ryder cup – Thank you!!

Ramsbury Trophy, Marlborough Golf Club, Monday 6th May 2019

A great turnout of 39 players today at Marlborough Golf Club, all competing for the coveted Ramsbury Trophy. Congratulations Dave Woods, with 39 points he was the overall winner.  Well done Amelia Tester, she topped the ladies leader board with 35 points.

David Dudley Trophy, Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, Tuesday 2nd April 2019

“Ouch. OUCH!”  Captain John cried out as sharp winds and hailstones battered his now stinging left ear. He bravely tried to tee-off from the 13^th before deciding it would be much better to wait a while – and then promptly hid behind me and my umbrella.

As you may have gathered the weather on Tuesday 2^nd April dealt some interesting challenges to Ogbourne Downs Golf Club and the 28 players competing in the David Dudley Trophy.  “Four seasons in one day” – James Pollock very aptly summed up the weather.  I think most of us would rather have been at a Four Seasons somewhere drier and warmer, but we all survived, including Gill Devey, our newest member.

Well done Brian Davis, the overall winner on the day with an impressive score of 38.  He couldn’t be there to collect his trophy on the evening and also missed the excellent roast and fruit crumble served by Sanjay and the catering team – yummy!

Special thanks to David who sadly couldn’t be with us for the event – the prizes were AWESOME!! We missed you and send much love, gratitude and hope for a speedy recovery xx

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2018 Events

Christmas Cracker, Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, Friday 28th December 2018

22 brave souls took to the chilly slopes of Ogbourne Downs to play in the Christmas Cracker on Friday 28th December.  If they’d eaten too many mince pies or had one too many sherries over the festive period you’d never have known it – Jimmer Flippance and his guest Cameron McLaughlin scored a magnificent 50 points to win the event.  Well done to everyone for braving the cold and we hope to see you all again in 2019.

Merry Christmas to all RAGS members.  Thank you for your friendship, joviality and all-round support during 2018.  It’s been a fantastic year and we look forward to more fun and laughter in 2019.

Love from your committee

The PBA Trophy, Tidworth Garrison Golf Club, Thursday 25th October 2018

Is there anything in England’s green and pleasant land quite so wonderful as a round of golf followed by a delicious roast dinner?  I think not.  Extra woollies and the odd bobble hat were donned for our final sponsored event of the year, the PBA Trophy. Tidworth Garrison Golf Club excelled themselves once again with a course that was in fabulous condition and by serving a stonkingly delicious 2-course meal.  Thanks to PBA Accountants in Hungerford for their continued sponsorship, for all the lovely prizes and for the gorgeous cup which now sits proudly on my mantlepiece.  Get in!!

….and Matthew Tester was presented with the Bell Trophy, his win from last month.

The Bell Trophy, Weybrook Park Golf Club, Thursday 20th September 2018

The whole experience was mind blowing…literally. Rain and gale force winds aside, we had a super day and were really impressed with Weybrook Park, Basingstoke. The bacon rolls were top notch, staff very helpful and the course was in fabulous condition – I have to say much better than some of our local golf clubs.  It was a great place for our two newest members Steve Standage and Anne Carroll to show off their skills and Anne certainly did by winning the Ladies competition with 34 points.  Matthew Tester played his socks off to achieve a score of 40 points which, in those conditions, was simply fabulous.  We’d take our hats off to him if they hadn’t all been blown away.

Special thanks to our Sponsors, The Bell at Ramsbury, for making us feel very welcome in the main restaurant for the evening celebration. After an extremely delicious 2-course meal, Vice Captain John presented some cracking prizes to the winners, all courtesy of the generous folks at The Bell.  The eagle-eyed amongst you may notice the absence of the Trophy in the following photographs.  Lee.  Lee.  Your year is up, you need to let Matthew have it now.

The Burj Trophy, West Berks Golf Club, Friday 24th August 2018

This will go down as one of my all-time favourite RAGS events.  West Berks Golf Course was in lovely condition and the skies, although a wee bit dark at times, were kind to us.  The most joy, however, came from witnessing Richard Smith sink a hole in one on the 17^th.  His team mates – including wife Carol – were so pleased to share the wonderful moment with him.   The resultant mass excitement, unfortunately, led the team to fall apart performance-wise and with Richard being the only one to score on the 18^th,  the team was beaten into 2^nd place by Ronnie Stronge and his 3 outstanding players.  Well done Alex, Amelia, Janet and Ronnie for a great score of 93 points and for winning the first Burj competition.

The atmosphere in the Burj restaurant for the evening meal was brilliant; obviously helped along by wine that Richard very kindly provided in ‘hole-in-one’ tradition.  The meal was delicious and plentiful, and Mr Roy presented a host of prizes to the winners as well as the gorgeous, shiny new Trophy.  Thanks to everyone at The Burj for sponsoring the event and for your part in making it a day to remember.

President’s Trophy, Sandford Springs Golf Club, Thursday 12th July 2018

Another great day out for RAGS; 10 teams of 4 took part in a Texas Scramble at Sandford Springs Golf Club.  The course, which we always enjoy and is a personal favourite of our President Sir Martin Arbib, played well and the greens, with some tricky pin positions, were in excellent condition – not such an easy feat in this heatwave.  Martin and Sally joined us at The Bell in Ramsbury for a lovely meal and were, as always, so very generous with the prizes.   Bob Osmond was presented with a super gift in recognition of everything he does for the Society – thanks Bob, we couldn’t do it without you.

DHC Trophy, Deanwood Park Golf Club, Tuesday 22nd May 2018

Two firsts for us on Tuesday 22^nd May 2018: we played Deanwood Park Golf Course, Newbury for the first time as a Society and we were extremely honoured to do so with the aid of our brand-new Sponsor, Dickins Hopgood Chidley, a firm of solicitors based in Hungerford.  We were really pleased that Rob Salame from DHC – and what a superb golfer he is playing off 8 – joined us for the day to take part in the 2-ball-better-ball competition.  He shared his highs and the lows of his round in the clubhouse afterwards and presented the magnificent prizes.  Well done Ronnie Stronge and John Harrod for your win and many, many thanks to Dickins Hopgood and Chidley for supporting us.

Dickins Hopgood Chidley – your local high calibre law firm

Congratulations John & Ronnie

Ramsbury Trophy, Marlborough Golf Club, Monday 7th May 2018

The sun shone on Bank Holiday Monday for the 2nd meeting of the year. 41 RAGS members competed for the Ramsbury Trophy at Marlborough Golf Club.  We welcomed two new members: Attilio Cristina and David Wylie to the Society.  Attilio was particularly happy as he had a great round and was crowned the overall winner.  Kirsty Wilson also deserves a mention as did the treble and she won ladies nearest the pin, the longest drive and highest score.

David Dudley Trophy, Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, Wednesday 11th April 2018

Our first event of the year and one of the coldest days we’ve ever had at an April meeting.  Our wonderful sponsor, David Dudley,  came to say hello in the morning; sadly an injury prevented him from playing this year but he returned later to join the meal, hear about the near misses and to present the fabulous prizes.   HUGE congratulations went to Amelia Tester, she had an amazing day winning nearest the pin, ladies 1st place and the David Dudley Trophy.  Matthew, her husband, didn’t do too badly either by coming first in the Gentlemen’s section.   Massive thanks to David, again, for his extreme generosity in sponsoring the event and for being an all round super dude.

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2017 Events

Congratulations to Isobel Henry, winner of the 2017 RAGS Knock Out Competition.   Isobel beat Jimmer Flippance in the final round in October 2017.

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The PBA Trophy, Tidworth Garrison, Tuesday 17 October 2017

Congratulations to Pete Cheney, the overall winner of The PBA Trophy scoring an impressive 39 points.  Pete was unable to stay for the prize giving so sadly you won’t find him in the photos below with the other gleeful winners.  Thanks to Tidworth for a very delicious carvery and a MASSIVE thank you to PBA for being such wonderful sponsors and for all the great prizes they have provided over the years.

The Results:

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The Bell Trophy, Donnington Valley, Thursday 21 September 2017

A mixed bag. Some members experienced extremely slow play from the groups in front and, coupled with the very wet weather, decided to call it an early day at the 9^th hole. Those at the back of the party had a much better round and, despite getting wet and soggy, enjoyed the challenging course.   Congratulations go to Lee Cowan, the overall winner on 32 points.  He played some beautiful shots and was a worthy winner.

The evening was another fabulous occasion.  Huge thanks to our sponsors, The Bell at Ramsbury for a wonderful Italian themed meal in Café Bella and for their extreme generosity with the prizes.

Results:

Committee Cup, Cumberwell Park 15th September 2017

6 members of the committee took a trip out west.  We were on a two-fold mission – to check out Cumberwell Park Golf Club, a course we’d heard rave reviews about – and to play for the all important Committee Cup, now in its 3^rd season.

We played the original 18-holes of the Red and Yellow courses, there are 45-holes in total.  A little bit of rain here and there didn’t dampen our spirits, in fact we had an absolute ball (couldn’t help myself).  It’s easy to see why it’s rated one of the best courses in the South West with stunning rolling countryside, woodland, lakes, streams…it has it all.  The clubhouse is lovely, the staff very professional and attentive and the bacon rolls 10/10.  We’d certainly recommend it for society events and, members willing, hope to include it in our future programmes.  John Harrod was happy too, our Handicap Secretary got his trophy back.  Well done John.

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Summer Trophy, West Berks Friday 25th August 2017

9 teams of 4 entered the Summer Trophy this year; it was a really good day and the weather was just right.  The evening event was held in the Ramsbury Brewery, another of our favourite haunts, where we got to view the state of the art distillery as we ate.  Special thanks go to The Burj, Foxhill, Wanborough, for a fantastic Indian takeaway meal and for their excellent customer service.

Results:

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President’s Trophy,  Sandford Springs 11th July 2017

Worthy winners celebrate at The Bell, Ramsbury with our President Sir Martyn Arbib, Captain Ian Burfield and Bob Osmond:

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The Wheatsheaf Trophy, Wrag Barn 14^th June 2017

Our new event for 2017 was a roaring success. 30 members took part in the ‘Wheatsheaf Waltz’ at Wrag Barn, Highworth.  Weather amazing and the course in fabulous condition.  Afterwards at the Wheatsheaf Inn, Chilton Foliat, owners Ollie and Lauren served a wonderful meal and Ollie presented the shiny new cup to the winning team.  It was the first time many of our members had eaten at the Wheatsheaf and we were all extremely impressed by the quality of the food (just how do you cram so many delicious flavours into one chicken pie?) and the staff’s superb hosting skills.  Thank you so much Ollie and Lauren for taking us on and for providing all the lovely prizes.

Results:

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Ramsbury Trophy, Marlborough Golf Course Monday 1st May 2017

Results:

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David Dudley Trophy, Ogbourne Downs Golf Club 30 March 2017

Results:

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2016 Events

Summary of the 2016 results/winners;

David Dudley Trophy – Penelope Clothier

Ramsbury Trophy – Kirsty Wilson

President’s Trophy – Martyn Arbib, Sally Arbib, Philip Duncan and Ian Haines

Bell Trophy – Ian Haines

Summer Trophy – Ronnie Stronge, Janet Stronge, Matthew Tester and Amelia Tester

PBA Trophy – Ronnie Stronge

Christmas Cracker – Simon Peet, Jamie Appleyard

Summer Knockout – Roger Henry beat Alex Scott in the final.

Special highlight –  Sally Arbib – hole in one

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Summer Trophy held at West Berks on Friday 26th August

Won by;

Janet Stronge, Ronnie Stronge, Amelia Tester and Matthew Tester.

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President’s Trophy held on Wednesday 13th July

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Ramsbury Trophy held on Monday 2nd May 2016

Ladies Winners:

Kirsty Wilson 38

Alex Scott 33

Carol Howard 32

Gentlemen Winners:

Kevin Jauncey 36

Simon Peet 35

Ronnie Stronge 34

Nearest pin: Carol Howard and Roy Bailey

Longest drive: Jamie Appleyard and Kirsty Wilson

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David Dudley Trophy

Penelope Clothier 1st

Janet Stronge 2nd

Ronnie Stronge 1st

Ian Haines 2nd

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Twenty-Four Laws of Golf

LAW 1

No matter how bad your last shot was, you should have Inner Peace
knowing that a shittier one is yet to come. This law does not expire
on the 18th hole, since it has the supernatural tendency to extend
over the course of a tournament, a summer and, eventually, a lifetime.

LAW 2
Your best round of golf will be followed almost immediately by your
worst round ever. The probability of the latter increases with the
number of people you tell about the former.

LAW 3
Brand new golf balls are water-magnetic. Though this cannot be proved
in the lab, it is a known fact that the more expensive the golf ball,
the greater its attraction to water. Expensive clubs have been known
to be partly made with this most unusual natural alloy.

LAW 4
Golf balls never bounce off of trees back into play. If one does, the tree
is breaking a law of the universe and should be cut down.

LAW 5
The higher a golfer’s handicap, the more qualified he deems himself as an
instructor.

LAW 6
A golfer hitting into your group will always be bigger than anyone in
your group. Likewise, a group you accidentally hit into will consist
of a football player, a professional wrestler, a convicted murderer and an
IRS agent — or some similar combination.

LAW 7
All 3-woods are demon-possessed. Your Mother in Law does not come close.

LAW 8
Golf balls from the same “sleeve” tend to follow one another,
particularly out of bounds or into the water. See LAW 3.

LAW 9
The last three holes of a round will automatically adjust your score to
what it really should be.

LAW 10
Golf should be given up at least twice per month.

LAW 11
All vows taken on a golf course shall be valid only until the sunset.

LAW 12
Since bad shots come in groups of three, your fourth consecutive bad
shot is really the beginning of the next group of three.

LAW 13
If it isn’t broke, try changing your grip.

LAW 14
It’s surprisingly easy to hole a 50-foot putt when you’re lying 8.

LAW 15
Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like
expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.

LAW 16
Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.

LAW 17
It’s not a gimme if you’re still 4 feet away.

LAW 18
The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a
straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree.

LAW 19
You can hit a 2-acre fairway 10% of the time, and a 2-inch branch 90%
of the time.

LAW 20
Every Time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make a double
or triple bogey to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the
universe.

LAW 21
If you want to hit a 7-iron as far as Tiger Woods does, simply try to use it
to lay up just short of a water hazard.

LAW 22
There are two things you can learn by stopping your back swing at the top
and checking the position of your hands: how many hands you have, and
which one is wearing the glove.

LAW 23
A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.

LAW 24:Don’t buy a putter until you’ve had a chance to throw it .

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2015 Events

Christmas Cracker

A beautiful day welcomed the 21 brave RAGS Members and guests at Ogbourne Downs on Tuesday 29th December 2015 for the Christmas Cracker.

Clear skies, sun and a light breeze made very pleasant golfing conditions, and with the course in excellent shape it was ideal for a most enjoyable day. Scores reflected the good conditions with three pairs coming in with 44 points.

Winners – Owen Lucas and Robert Smith

Second – Phil Snook and Richard Snook

Third – Ian Burfield and Gavin Burfield

Fourth – Iain and Lee Cowan

PBA Trophy
The PBA Trophy was held on Thursday 22nd October; a great day, 27 played and the weather good The course played very well and the food was excellent. Thanks to all the Tidworth staff, who were extremely helpful and welcoming.

The results were;

Men

First – Roger Henry 38

Second – Ronnie Stronge 37

Third – Brian Davis 36

Ladies

First – Amelia Tester 35

Second – Janet Stronge 32 (countback)

Third – Carol Smith 32

The Summer Knock Out
Congratulations to Barrie Littler who beat Isobel Henry in the final at Marlborough on Wed 14th October 2015.

Click on the graphic above to see the previous rounds.

The Bell Trophy

Donnington Valley was in splendid condition for the penultimate event of 2015. Afterwards – at the Bell – following a terrific BBQ, the following prizes were awarded;
Nearest The Pin – Philip Duncan and Carol Smith
Longest Drive – Ronnie and Janet Stronge

Men
1st (and over all winner) – Ian Haines (38pts)
2nd – Mike Bauer (32pts)
3rd – Bob Osmond (28pts)

Ladies
1st – Carol Smith (29pts)
2nd – Janet Stronge (27pts)
3rd – Amelia Tester (25pts)

The Crown & Anchor Trophy

Yet another marvellous day’s golf on Friday 21 August at West Berks Golf Club. Teams of four with the best two stable ford scores counting on each hole, spoils went to;

1st, Ronnie Stronge, Janet Stronge, Ian Priestly and Amelia Tester

2nd, Barrie Littler, Ian Burfield, David Leake and Mike Bauer

3rd, Roger Henry, Isobel Henry. Martin Vigors and Alex Scott

The President’s Trophy

Teams of four (ten in all) played Sandford Springs Lakes and Woods on Tuesday 7 July at another RAGS President’s tournament. Sir Martyn sent his apologies – due to illness – but the Bell in the evening a glass was raised to his speedy recovery.

The winning team (ably captained by Tony Wilson) won the event. Tony, with John Gunton, Penelope Clothier and Mike Hellier are pictured below receiving the trophy from Ian Haines (RAGS vice captain).  Don’t drop that glass trophy John…

The Famous RAGS BBQ

Thanks to Ian Walker for another great evening BBQ (and Ian Smith for the bar). A great time despite heavy rain.

The Ramsbury Trophy

Thanks to Bob’s weather management, we had another great day’s golf on Bank Holiday Monday (4th May) at Marlborough.

In the evening, forty plus sat down to a meal in the Ramsbury Memorial Hall and prizes were awarded.

A new RAGS member (Alex Scott) won on her first outing. Congratulations to her and all other participants for some memorable performances.

Here is the full list of winners;

Ladies’ competition –

1st; Alex Scott (42pts)

2nd; Amelia Tester (38pts)

3rd; Janet Stronge (36pts

Men’s competition –

1st; Jamie Appleyard (38pts – 23 on count back)

2nd; Barrie Littler (38pts – 22 on count back)

3rd; Bob Osmond (36pts)

Longest drive (ladies) – Janet Hierons

Longest drive (men) – Roy Bailey

Nearest the pin (ladies) – Amelia Tester

Nearest the pin (men) – Ben Wells

Ravens – Alex, Amelia, Penelope, Jamie, Bob, Roy and Ian.

The RAGS AGM was held at the Bell 

Here are the minutes;

RAMSBURY & AXFORD GOLF SOCIETY

AGM Minutes – Wednesday 28 January 2015, in Cafe Bella at 19.30

1.1 Present / apologies

Neil Jordan, Wendy Jordan, David Leake, Bob Osmond, Janet Hierons, Barry Hierons, Janet Stronge, Ronnie Stronge, John Harrod, Terry Schutt, Simon Hamilton-Eddy, Gina Hamilton-Eddy, Ian Burfield, Ian Haines, Ian Priestley, Roy Bailey, Carol Howard, Tony Wilson, Chris Goddard, Alison Mills, Roger Henry, Isobel Henry, Alex Scott, Ian Walker.

1.2  Apologies

Kirsty Wilson, Adrian Compton, Cheever Hardwick, Susie Hobday, Christopher Cannon, Birdie Cannon, Martin Vigors, Phillip Duncan, Anne Duncan, Ian Cowan, Sir Martyn Arbib, Ben Wells, Mel Evans, Bryan Davis, Pete Osmond.

2.   Previous minutes

The 2014 AGM minutes were approved.

3.    Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

4.    Captain’s report

2014 saw another enjoyable year of RAGS golf with eight tournaments (including the Summer Knock Out) as well as a great Barbecue on Friday 27th June. The tournament winners were;

• David Dudley Trophy onThursday March 27th at Wrag Barn; Mens’ competition, John Hobby. Ladies’ Competition, Wendy Jordan.
• Ramsbury Trophy on Monday 5th May at Marlborough; Mens’ competition, Gordon Kenneth. Ladies’ Competition, Kirsty Wilson.
• The Summer Knock Out; Dave Lewis
• President’s Trophy on Thursday 17th July at Sandford Springs; Simon Hamilton-Eddy, John Hobby, Penelope Clothier and Guy Piercy.
• Crown & Anchor Trophy on Friday 22nd August at West Berks; Chris Goddard, Roy Bailey, Ronnie Jones and Bryan Banyard.
• Bell Trophy on Wednesday 24th September at Donnington Valley; Men’s competition (and over all) winner, Ronnie Stronge. Ladies’ competition winner, Isobel Henry.
• PBA Trophy on Thursday 23rd October at Tidworth; Men’s competition winner, Mark Leslie. Ladies’ competition winner, Wendy Jordan.
• Christmas Cracker on Monday 29th December at Ogbourne Downs; Iain and Lee Cowan

John was thanked for his term as captain.

5.    Treasurer’s report

Society funds have been set on an even keel this year with a starting balance of £1660.37 growing to a year end balance of £2363.90. (See attached Treasurer’s Update to the end of 28 January 2015).

Barry Hierons was thanked for his support of the Society throughout his term as Treasurer.

The Society ended the year with 59 fully paid up members and 4 life members.

A discussion, following a question from the floor by Isobel Henry regarding the possible need to recruit new members, concluded that a recruitment drive is not necessary yet and that c60 members is an ideal number.

6.    Planned events report

In 2015 there will be a similar schedule of events to 2014 with possibly a more adventurous programme for the 10 year anniversary year in 2016.

The dates for 2015 events arranged so far are;

• David Dudley Trophy – Tuesday March 24th.
• Ramsbury Trophy – Monday 4th May.
• The Summer Knock Out – entries required by 30 April.
• Barbecue – Friday 26th June.
• President’s Trophy – Monday 7th July.
• Crown & Anchor Trophy – Friday 21st August.
• Bell Trophy – to be announced.
• PBA Trophy – Thursday 22nd October.
• Christmas Cracker – Tuesday 29th December.

7.    Election of committee

Ian Haines  was elected onto the committee having been proposed by Roger Henry and seconded by Isobel Henry.

Ian Burfield was elected onto the committee having been proposed by Janet Stronge and seconded by Wendy Jordan.

Ian Haines was elected as vice captain (and thereby captain-elect for 2016) having been proposed by John Harrod and seconded by Ronnie Stronge.

The constitution states that the President is elected for a three year term. Sir Martyn Arbib is happy to stand for a second term and was elected having been proposed by Neil Jordan and seconded by Ronnie Stronge.

Neil Jordan was elected as Treasurer having been proposed by David Leake and seconded by Janet Stronge.

8.    Proposals for 2015 season

8.1  Fees

Fees were discussed and it was agreed to carry on into 2015 with 2014 rates.

8.2  Summer Knock out

Following difficulties in previous years around the management of the Summer Knock Out competition, it was agreed to carry on for 2015.However an entry form will be introduced which includes all members’ contact details. And it will be the competing pairs’ responsibility to arrange and complete rounds and notify John Harrod. Otherwise, on the completion due date, lots will be drawn to determine who progresses to the next round.

9. Any other business

A committee Trophy was established in 2014 after the generous donation of a cup by Janet Hierons. Due to poor weather it was not awarded but will be competed for in 2015.

It was agreed not to purchase more Society merchandise for the present (with the exception of RAGS branded golf balls which are used as prizes).

—–

2014 Events

The Annual Christmas Cracker was held at Ogbourne on Monday 29th December 2014.

The weather was wonderful for the post Christmas shake down. With more than 20 hardy individuals turning up, the places were strictly a family affair;

Winners – Iain and Lee Cowan

Second – Matthew and  Amelia Tester

Third – Ian and Kevin Burfield

 The PBA Trophy was held on Thursday 23rd October at Tidworth.

This was an individual stable ford competition. Many thanks to Clive at PBA for his continued sponsorship of this event. The results were;

Men’s competition winner – Mark Leslie

Second – Dave Lewis

Ladies’ competition winner – Wendy Jordan

The Summer Knock Out Competition was won by…

…Dave Lewis who beat Kirsty Wilson in the final.

The Bell Trophy was held Donnington Valley on Wednesday 24 September.

Another great day’s golf followed by a magnificent BBQ at the Bell in the evening. Thanks yet again to Ian, Duncan and the rest of the Bell for sponsoring the event.

The results were;

Men’s longest drive – Brian Davis
Ladies’ longest drive – Isabel Henry
Men’s nearest the pin – Matthew Tester
Ladies’ nearest the pin – Alison Mills

Men’s competition (and over all) winner with 39 pts – Ronnie Stronge
2nd – Chris Goddard (36 pts)
3rd – Brian Davis (34 pts)

Ladies’ competition winner with 32pts – Isobel Henry
2nd – Wendy Jordan (32 pts)
3rd – Janet Stronge (22pts)

The Crown & Anchor Trophy was held at West Berks on Friday 22 August.

Good weather and some outstanding golf saw the first three teams score over 90 stableford points (best two scores, from each team of four, on every hole counting.)

Thanks to Ray at the Crown & Anchor for sponsoring the competition and cooking a fine BBQ in the evening.

The full results were;

Mens Longest Drive – Bryan Banyard
Mens Nearest the Pin – Ian Burfield
Ladies Longest Drive – Janet Stronge
Ladies Nearest the Pin – Wendy Lappin

3rd Place (92points) – Peter Osmond, Ed Pope, Mark Leslie and Matt Reynolds

2nd Place (96 points) Ian Haines, Peter Grayson, Andrew Grayson and Bob Bridgeman

First Place (97 points) Chris Goddard, Roy Bailey, Ronnie Jones and Bryan Banyard.

The President’s Trophy was held at Sanford Springs on Thursday 17 July.

Unfortunately Sir Martyn was unable to join us on the day. We wish him all the very best for a full and speedy recovery.

The weather was hot and sunny and the usual Texas Scramble format proved a great success again. At the Bell in the evening, the following results were announced following a lovely meal;

A beautiful, sunny (if a little breezy) May Bank Holiday saw the annual Ramsbury Trophy competition contested at the usual venue.

The results were;

Ravens (for a net birdie) – Gordon Kenneth, Iain Cowan and Clive Glass.

Nearest the pin – Barrie Littler.

Ladies’ Longest Drive – Isobel Henry.

Mens’ Longest Drive – Iain Cowan.

Ladies’ Competition – 3rd; Isobel Henry, 2nd; Wendy Jordan and 1st; Kirsty Wilson.

Mens’ competition – 3rd; Iain Cowan, 2nd; Guy Piercy and 1st (and overall competition winner, scoring the most stableford points); Gordon Kenneth.

The 2014 Summer Knock Out draw was held after the dinner (in the Memorial Hall), following the Ramsbury Trophy Competition.

Follow the linked tab above to see the first round pairings.

The 2014 David Dudley Trophy was held at Wrag Barn on Thursday 27 March.

The winner was John Hobby. The winning lady was Wendy Jordan.

Other prizes went to Neil Jordan (nearest the pin), Carol Howard (longest drive), Tony Wilson (longest drive), Ian Burfield (main competition, third place) and Chris Goddard (main competition, second place.)

The AGM was held on Monday 20th January 2014 at the Bell

Here are the minutes:

RAGS_AGM_Minutes_January_14

Christmas Cracker – Ogbourne Downs; 27 December

The annual Christmas Cracker was held at Ogbourne and despite a cold wind and a fifteen minute shower, a good few hours golf was had by all.

The ever popular Ryder Cup format worked well and the winners were Roger Henry and Martin Vigors.

Martin also won the nearest the pin competition and Ian Cowan won the longest drive.

A Poem Spotted by Barry Hierons (thanks Barry)