Old Colstonian Golf Society – Chipping Sodbury Meeting 18^th September 2016

A warm sunny day greeted 23 O.C. golfers arriving for the late summer O.C.G.S. meeting at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club.

An opportunity to meet and catch up over an introductory coffee and a bacon sandwich (mandatory fare for School Governors), were all enjoyed in the spacious lounge, and outside balcony with an elevated panoramic view over the golf course.

The greens and fairways were in superb condition, and were testament to the improvements introduced progressively over recent years.  Water hazards feature on several holes, and a fine array of maturing trees give Chipping Sodbury the status of an excellent parkland course.

The golfers played in three ball groups, starting from the 1^st and 10^th simultaneously, thus optimising the proximity of tee off times.  This also permitted some discourse, and occasional banter between golfers on adjacent holes.  (Unfortunately by this exchange I learned of the Bristol/Wasps rugby score, to which I attribute my dismal score on the back 9!)  Sodbury is a long course, but in perfect conditions, was clearly mastered by many of the O.C.s judging by the very commendable scores achieved.

A most enjoyable afternoon’s golf concluded with an excellent, and very welcome, dinner and drinks followed by the awarding of prizes.

Dave Tooze welcomed the attendees all of whom had been catalysts for another superb day.  He thanked every member in turn around the table.

• Bob Jennings and Steve Tucker for organising the event, and, on the day, writing up cards, handicaps, order of play, and analysis of scores.
• Pat and Sam Bowery had again travelled from North Devon, similarly Richard Hibberd and Dougie Winstone from Wiltshire, Dave Hodgson from North Gloucestershire, and Paul Winterbottom from Worcestershire.
• Ian Crombie and George Thomas substantially lowered the average age, and we were also pleased to see Sodbury members Neil Day, newcomer Chris Leven, and Colin Olds prior to his annual winter migration to Florida, and especially Mike Humphries whose liaison with his club had ensured the day had run to perfection.
• Glyn Evans, Keith Watts, Ian Parkes, all ex-captains, and regular supporters, likewise Andy Thomas and Ian Gunn, both former O.C. Presidents, not forgetting Knowle Seniors star Kev. Griffiths who had to leave prior to the dinner.
• Marina Parkes and Doug Lodge, my threeball partners, and most enjoyable company.

Prize Winners were:

Highest Stableford Score
1^st Nine - Bob Jennings


2^nd Nine - Dave Hodgson



Nearest the Pin
7^th Hole - Mike Humphries



12^th Hole - Andy Thomas



Highest Total Stableford Score
1^st - Paul Winterbottom



2^nd - Pat Bowery



3^rd - Neil Day



Over 70s Prize - Dougie Winstone




(Our thanks to Doug Lodge for photographs of the presentation.)

O.C. President Bob Jennings reminded the gathering that there were one or two places still available for the Annual Dinner on the 8^th October, without doubt one of the year’s highlights.

Bob agreed to pass on our best wishes to Martin Tayler, and also buy a calendar for Mike Brown, whose misalignment of dates had deprived us of his company at Chipping Sodbury.

It was suggested that our meetings for 2017 might be Kingsdown (April/May), Minchinhampton (July), and Royal North Devon (Sept); Bob would investigate.  Interestingly this would involve playing on England's two oldest golf courses RND (1) and Kingsdown (2).

Many thanks to  all O.C.s who have participated in our meetings this year for their support and great company, and we look forward to our events in 2017.

David Tooze