On December 17th we had our our Christmas Competition and our Christmas Dinner. The competition was for teams of three, Stableford, over 13 hole. The good weather and a multiple tee start (cleverly designed by David Baker) contributed to enoyable and successful competition. The winning team was John Faherty, Jess Smith and Alan Higgins.

The competition was followed by an excellent Xmas buffet. Tomato soup, followed by traditional turkey, stuffing, vegetables and roast potatoes and, of course, Xmas pudding. Crackers, hats and corny jokes added to the festive atmosphere.

The competition prizes were awarded followed by an exciting successful raffle which raised good money for charity. All thanks Mevyn Cooke, Alan Parkes and Tom Woods for helping Colin Edge organize the day's events. Thanks too, to those who donated raffle prizes (we each got one), to Mickey Breedon for the photos and to the Akhtars and staff for the environment and the food.

The food was splendid as usual - many thanks to Mrs A. and her staff. The speeches highlighted our achievements over the past year and reinforced what we take for granted - the success of the Venerables as group. Our match record may be less than brilliant, but the enjoyment we experience in our weekly activities, such as the ladder and the informal games plus our away activities is more than satisfying. It was great to see Derek Buxton receive the accolade of Golfer of the Year and we congratulate Peter Hill on being chosen as Tom Woods' Vice Captain.

A great many thanks go to Colin Edge for his captaincy and his special contribution to a most enjoyable year and, of course, for the excellent dinner. We should not forget that, apart from being a great captain, his golfing achievements have been excellent.

Those who were not able to come to the dinner and receive their prizes were: Mervyn Cooke who won the Singles Knock-Out Competition and Ray Charles and Len Hopkinson who won the Generation Foursomes.

On December 12th we had our our Christmas Competition and our Christmas Dinner. The competition was for teams of three, Stableford, over 13 holes (Cambs and first 4 Essex). The winning team was Derek Buxton, Sir Donald Tebbit and Tom Woods.

The competition was followed by an excellent Xmas Dinner. Tomato soup, followed by traditional turkey, stuffing, vegetables and roast potatoes and, of course, Xmas pudding. The meal was beautifully cooked and perfectly served up, thanks to the Akhtars and their staff. John Akhtar generously provided wine.

The competition prizes were awarded together with a most successful raffle which raised good money for charity. All thanks to Colin Edge and his helpers for organizing the raffle, to Merv Cooke for the competition, to those who donated prizes, to Mickey Breedon for the photos, and, of course, to Alan Parkes for organizing the whole day.

Alan's speech highlighted the year's events followed by a touch of nostalgia, Mervyn Cooke gave the toast to the Ladies and referred us to that outstanding poem by Pat Edge (scroll down to Burns Night 2006 - Toast to the Laddies) and Colin Edge among other bon mots announced his excellent choice of next year's Vice Captain - Tom Woods, and nominated Peter Howath as Golfer of the Year - we all agree that this was a great choice, reflecting all the many things Peter has done for the Venerables - not least by shepherding many of us from the other place to this peaceful haven. The third surprise nomination was that of Alan according Honorary Venerable status to Jim Dempster - probably an age thing.

Presentation of the golfing awards is the highlight of our annual dinners. We all enjoy our golf immensely - despite the off days. But some of us do very well and we applaud their efforts. So well done all the recipients. Some stood out from the rest; Andrew Wyatt (he's really far from boring) with four awards and Tom Woods with three.

We must thank our resident paparazzo, Mickey Breedon, for the photos. And of course many thanks indeed to Alan for the dinner and a thoroughly enjoyable year.

On December 13th we had our our Christmas Competition and our Christmas Dinner. The main competition was teams of three Stableford, best two scores counting - over thirteen holes - all of Cambs and the first four of Essex. There were also prizes for the longest drive (on 7th Cambs) and nearest the pin (on 8th Essex).

The winning team was Colin Edge, Terry Gardner and John Faherty. John Charman hit the longest drive and Colin Edge was nearest the pin.

The competition was followed by an excellent Xmas Dinner. Super soup, ever so slightly spiced, followed by traditional turkey, stuffing, vegetables and roast potatoes and, of course, Xmas pudding or fruit salad.coffee etc.. The meal was beautifully cooked and perfectly served up, thanks to the Akhtars and their staff. John Akhtar generously provided the wine (Andes Peak which we have come to love)

The competition prizes were awarded together with a most successful raffle which resulted in raised good money for the Captain's charity. All thanks to Alan Parkes and his helpers for organizing the raffle, to those who donated prizes, to Mickey Breedon for the photos, and, of course, to Ron Webster for organizing the whole day.

Friday 17 November 2006

After Tony Oakes' most amusing tale leading to a toast to the ladies, Ron Webster gave us a very enjoyable account of the year's doings, delivered in his unique svelte style. As is customary, the vice captain, this year Alan Parkes, nominated Golfer of the Year and next year's vice captain. Peter Wildblood became GOTY for his immaculate appearance, his steady golf - but mainly because of his special service to the seniors for organising our French tours. Superstar Colin Edge will be our next vice captain - very well chosen, Allan.

The Mickey Breedon's photos give a flavour of the super evening. Many thanks to Ron for thr dinner and a great year.

28 January 2006

To the Laddies - by Pat Edge

The winners with 62 points were Ron Webster, John Charman and Jim Dempster. Second with 55 points OCB were Peter Pirie, Tony Oakes, Kit Barker and Ian Taylor. Nearest the pin, 4th Essex, Roy Bell and Longest Drive, 4th Cambs, Colin Edge.

The competition was followed by an excellent Xmas Dinner. Delicous tomato soup, ever so slightly spiced, followed by traditional turkey, stuffing, vegetables and roast potatoes and, of course, Xmas pudding. Andes Peaks wine (or was it Jacobs Creek? no matter - all excellent stuff), coffee etc.. The meal was beautifully cooked and perfectly served up, thanks to Heydon Grange staff behind the scenes and Linda with her well dressed helpers in the forefront.

The competition prizes were awarded together with a most successful raffle which resulted in all 42 participants winning at least one prize. All thanks to Colin Edge and Alan Parkes for organising the raffle, to those who donated prizes, to Salim for his special contributions and, of course, to Mervyn Cooke for organizing the whole day.

We don't know what will happen to the money raised in the raffle (over £200?) doubtless it will find its way to some deserving charity (apart from the Seniors' wine fund).

Mervyn treated us to an impressive presentation of the year's doings, credits and the rest - delivered professionally but with great charm. Particularly likeable was his walkabout round the tables. We knew who won the competitions so awards offered no surprise - but it was nice to see them being presented with their trophies. One exception was Golfer of the Year which is always kept secret until the dinner. This year it was John Muir who joined the luminaries and the not-quite-so-bright recipients. A well deserved award, congratulations John. The other welcome surprise was Ron Webster's choice of Vice Captain for 2006 - an excellent and popular choice.

The pics below give a flavour of the super evening. Thanks to all who contributed - but mainly to Mervyn who did us proud.

Sadly the course was closed due heavy rain in the early hours. However John O'Leary opened the course specially for us later in the morning. We played 9 holes on the Herts. The Team Stableford was won by Robin Doddimeade, Ian Gordon and Jim Dempster, the best individual score was won by Ray Hasler and the Booby Prize went to Tom Keenan.

Despite the slghtly pathetic sight of strange old men in funny hats, the meal was superb and just right to usher in the festive season - soup, turkey and pud - with all the trimmings. Wine was kindly donated by Selim and John O'Leary.

Many thanks to our Skip and to John Grainger who suggested the dinner.

Another year comes round, another Burns night and it came as no surprise that Peter Pirie, who presented and produced the event, excelled himself. Once again this year's Burns Night supper was held in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Heydon Grange - the photo above gives some idea of the effect of soft lighting (provided by none less than Dave Watts) on the ancient bricks. It was a magnificent evening, all the contributions were great - but one should make particular mention of Peter Pirie's Tam O' Shanter and Sir Donald Tebbit's Immortal Memory. We should not forget the excellent meal - well done chef Peter and his helpers in serving nearly 100 of us. And of course thanks to the Akhtars; it was good to have John join us.

The photos below will give you a small foretaste of what is shown comprehensively on Mervyn Cooke's video. Do have a look at it if you can.

The Haggis. John the Piper leads Peter the Chef bearing the hallowed Haggis with Ian Taylor bringing up the rear with the whisky. Peter Pirie delivers his splendid Address to the Haggis while Ian Taylor looks on with undisguised delight. Somewhat later, Chas Bennett gives his monologue - we had expected Albert and the Lion - but instead he tells us what Haggis is really made of. Fortunately by this time we had consumed the Haggis - and we thought it was delicious.

An assortment of choice diners - l to r: Mervyn Cooke, Sally Watts, Barbara Howarth, Colin Edge, an unsually serious Peter Howarth, Ian Gordon and Dave Watts.

At the top table facing the camera, l to r: John Akhtar, Mary Oram, Peter Pirie, Peter Howarth reciting John Betjeman on golf, Brenda Wildblood and Donald Tebbit.

l: John Akhtar and Mary Oram {looking positively regal). r: Rezan and John Muir and their guests.

Congratulations Pete for your superb Burns Night Supper - Rabbie would be proud of you.

Wines

Andes Peak Merlot from Chile,

Andes Peak Chardonnay from Chile

Menu

Tomato and CorianderSoup

Roast Saddle of Lamb withSausage meat and Apricot Stuffing, New and Roast Potataoes, Selection of vegetables.

Lemon Souflee

Coffee & Mints

Matt, the piper, opened the evening with the haunting sound of the bagpipes from the top of the stairs. About eighty of us were ushered into the dining area to the welcoming sight of bottles of whisky on each of the candlelit tables. After the introduction from Peter and grace from Jeremy Newson, the Haggis was piped in with due ceremony by Matt, Chef Peter and Ian Taylor. Peter P gave the address to the Haggis and the feast began. Scotch broth, followed by chicken in white wine sauce with neaps, tatties and haggis and ending with apple crumble. It was all beautifully cooked and presented - much credit to Heydon Grange organisation.

Peter Wildblood gave us the Immortal Memory, in which he concentrated on the third of Burn's indulgencies (after drink and song). Prefaced by "...he loved women, he loved women a lot, and he loved a lot of women", Peter presented an absorbing catalogue of Burn's dalliances.

The musical interlude was provided by Matt with Amazing Grace, I'll Take the High Road... etc. and by Chas Bennett who sang Over the Sea to Skye - he really has a lovely voice.

Sir Donald Tebbitt delivered a superb toast to the Lassies - as would be expected from such a distinguished diplomat. His recounting of Lord Wolfenden disposing of his case of whisky, as demanded by his wife, had us all in fits. The saga involving bottle, cork, glass and sink was reminiscent of Gerard Hoffman at the Oxford Union with the builder and the bricks. Lynn (ex Pirie) replied with a delightful toast to the Lads - in which she recalls the lot of the happy wife left to enjoy the pleasures of home while the husband is away at golf.

Peter Pirie's Tam 'O Shanter was, as ever, a tour de force and the highlight of the evening. His rendition was in English English much to the joy of the Lowlanders, Sassenachs and foreign guests - but much to the disappointment of the Highlanders and purists. So at last we all understood the great saga.

We then had a Turkish poem to life and mankind from Sinan with the English tranlsation, followed by Peter Howarth's recitation of Wilfred Owen's Dulce et Decorum est ... which desribes a mustard gas attack on a group of soldiers in WWI. Then Morton Andersen gave us the Danish Dog Story - it would have been the Polish version, however Wiktor drew the long straw. Morton had only two hours' notice, but did well. Geoff Whalley, master of the theatrical pause, recited Horace, the one who, ... much to his Mum and Dad's dismay, ate himself one day. Jeremy Newson gave us a little ode to the Venerables' apres golf. Mary Oram closed the presentations with a toast to the artists and all those who provided the food and the splendid ambience of Heydon Grange.

The evening ended with Scottish Country Dancing. Ian Taylor tried gamely to organise us; there were some couples who knew what they were doing, but in general it was a glorious shambles. Auld Lang Syne closed the proceedings with Chas telling us how to do it (when to cross arms).

As yet we have no photos (a senior moment when the camera was left behind). However Mervyn Cooke made an excellent video recording of the evening (from which we'll try to get some stills). But do have a look at Mervyn's video if you can.

Wines

Andes Peak Merlot from Chile,

Andes Peak Chardonnay from Chile

Menu

Minestrone Soup

Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding,Horseradish sauce, roast Parsnips, Green Beans, Carrots and Roast Potatoes

Apple Crumble and Custard

Coffee & Mints

Peter Howarth, our intrepid captain, delivers his bon mots with customary polish. He covered our turbulent period, told us just one joke and paid deference to the eminences grises

--- Peter Wildblood, our next captain, on the ethos of Venerable golf

---Mervyn Cooke, our secretary, reminds us on how we came here and the debt we owe Peter Howarth, Peter Pirie and Jeremy Newson in arranging our move.

Tony Oakes, a shining example of a New Generation Venerable, gives out. Capt says: "often seen in this pose in Stockport market."

Peter Pirie, our Competition Secretary and organiser of and power behind all our activities, blesses the gathering.

The meal was Lebanese - cooked on the spot by Sami and his Mediterrenean chefs and assistants. We started with meze (Turkish/Arab hors-doeuvres) - such mouth watering delicacies as stuffed vine leaves, sauteed lamb's liver, peppers stuffed with rice and parsley, grilled chicken wings with yoghurt and garlic, aubergines stuffed with onion, tomato, garlic, parsley and chick peas. If that was not enough we were then tempted with the the main courses which included charcaol-grilled marinated lamb and chicken cubes, lamb cutlets and kebabs seved with rice and salads. The feast ended with Lebanese pastries, coffee etc..The fine selection of wines came from Australia and Chile.

Peter made an excellent speech which reflected all our feelings. He said how marvellous to see all the old faces gathered together as if nothing had happened..

Many thanks to Sami for the excellent cuisine and high standard of service, and, of course, special thanks to the Akhtar family for providing the unique ambience of the sorroundings and for rallying round to ensure the evening's success.

Centre top table: Barbara Howarth flanked by Peter Wildblood (Vice Capt.) and husband Peter (Capt.) - note the bon vivant with his cigar, coffee and Remy Martin. Perhaps he is saying "If she could see us now ...."

Viv and Ken Brothwell look on as Peter Pirie, the birthday boy, revels in the limelight - Ecco il miracolo.

BURNS NIGHT - 2002

On Saturday 2nd February, the Burns night supper was held at the Cambridge Meridian clubhouse. The evening surpassed expectation thanks to Peter Pirie's efforts in setting up and organising the event. Resplendent in his tribal gear, he was the ultimate master of ceremonies. But best of all was his Tam 'O Shanter - each year his rendition gets better and better and each year we say this must be the ultimate (perhaps it is - but for reasons outside our control). As usual contributions from the floor were splendid. Particular credit should go to Chas Bennet for his singing, to Peter Howath for his WWI poem, to Peter Wildblood for his toast to the lasses and Lynn (ex Pirie) for her reply, to Andy Harter for his dedicated golf poem, and to all those who had the courage - or gall, to get out of their seats and perform. A special treat was poems from the international set - Polish by Wiktor Bakiewicz, Turkish by Rezan Muir, French by Helen Ward-Hunt and because most of us could not understand a word - Geordie by John Muir. A superb Haggis all the way from Perthshire, splendid whiskies (thanks to Peter W.) and excellent pipes from Hamish ....... , added lustre to our senses.

ANNUAL DINNER - 16 November 2001

....... TOP TABLE: Alan Oram, Mary Oram (Club Chairman), Pam Mole, Wiktor Bakiewicz (2001 Captain), Barabara Howarth, Peter Howarth (2002 Captain), Julie Clemons, Mike Clemons (Club Professional)

As in recent years our dinner was held at the Quy Mill Hotel. Some 54 souls comprising doughty venerables, strange apprentices and bemused guests spent an excellent evening of chat, booze, drink and food and more booze. Wiktor Bakiewicz hosted the dinner with his usual continental charm. His purpose was to wind up his Captaincy in style, select a menu to remember, present prizes to the worthy and handover to his Vice Captain.

The hotel did us proud; as last year we had two reception rooms (one with the bar) and the dining room with the magnificent water wheel as the backdrop to the top table (see above). Reception on arrival gave us time to meet each other, choose the wines, find out where we were to be seated and indulge in an apertif or two or more. Dinner was probably the best we have ever had at this annual event. Tomato and basil soup, roast beef, sticky toffee pudding followed by cheese and coffee does not sound particularly dramatic - but it was really superb. Clearly Wiktor's well-considered choice was the key factor, but Chas in his professional capacity assured us that the Chef had more than a little to do with it, particularly as she was surprisingly young.

Toasts and speeches were followed by the presentation of prizes. Winter Stableford - Derek Buxton. Away Day Trophy - Peter Howarth. Knockout - Mervyn Cooke. Traditionally the Vice Captain presents the Golfer of the Year Trophy, this year Donald Tebbit was the recipient - a tremendously popular choice. The evening continued in the reception rooms, although some were still glued to their seats at the Scroats' table. Those who were staying at the hotel were last to drift off - sometime after two in the morning. Congratulations to Peter Pirie for the organisation and of course to Wiktor for giving us such an excellent year under his captaincy not forgetting his choice of menu. So it's goodbye and thanks to Wiktor and hello and best of luck to Peter. Wiktor is one hell of a difficult act to follow, but Peter will undoubtedly bring his own style and personality to play - we have complete faith in Wiktor's choice of successor.