Oct 15 - Away Day, Haverhill

We don't usually have a 'man of the tour', but this year we had one outstanding performer. Colin Edge not only won the Tour Trophy and the Bill Cook Trophy - but also the Alan Parkes' quiz (actually he was Captain of a four man team, but contribution from the others was insignificant). He is seen above receiving his ex-captain's tie from skipper Tom Woods.

Andrew Wyatt came close to Colin. He won the green jacket on Day 2, nearest the pin in two on Day 3 and joint third for the Tour Trophy. But best of all he got a hole-in-one on the 2nd hole - seen above with his witnesses, Colin and David Baker.

Many thanks to Tom Woods for three great days, to Mervyn Cooke for the competitions, to Tony Oakes for organising the bookings, to Peter Wildblood for ensuring our finances and to Alan Parkes for his quiz, not forgetting our photographers - Mickey Breedon and Andrew Wyatt .

Colin Edge (32)

Thorpness did us proud - the course was beautiful but tough as ever and the food was splendid. Many thanks to Colin Edge for a wonderful three days, to Mervyn for the competitions, to Tony Oakes for organising the bookings and to Alan Parkes for his hilarious quiz.

L to R. Jim Dempster, Wiktor Bakiewicz, Richard Ellis, Mike Powell, John Charman, Sir Donald Tebbit, Colin Edge, Chas Bennett, Peter Wildblood, David Soanes, Captain Ron Webster, Paddy Keane, Peter Howarth (avec sa grenouille), Tom Keenan, David Baker, Meredith Belbin, John Searle, Peter Shawdon, Mervyn Cooke, Alan Parkes.

ON LA MER TEE

Colin Edge (63)

John Charman (60)

Peter Howarth (58)

The Golfers

Colin Edge, Ron Webster, Mervyn Cooke and Day 1 Pink Ball Brian Wilkey

Tom receiving the trophy + wine from Mervyn.

L to R. John Tudor, Peter Shawdon, Peter Howarth, Chas Bennett, Mickey Breedon, Tom Reilly, Reg Neville, Allan Parkes, Ray Hasler (avec Grenouille), Ian Gordon, Wiktor Bakiewicz, Mervyn Cooke, Tom Keenan, Kit Barker, Colin Edge, David Soanes, Sir Donald Tebbit, John Charman, Ron Webster, Brian Wilkey, Peter Pirie, Jim Dempster, Richard Ellis, Ian Taylor.

SNAPPED AT DINNER

The weather was good compared with other years. As to be expected the course was tough, what with the long par fours, the heather and the gorse - latter beautiful in full bloom but deadly. Despite the difficulties, the golf was enjoyed by almost all of us with talent coming to the fore - Mervyn Cooke winning the trophy. However there were some unexpected ups and downs. At the upper end our usual pinkie Richard Ellis came second on day 2 with 30 and at the lower end Reg Neville, the steadiest of us all, returned an atypical 13 on day 3.

A sports quiz organised by Mike Jeffels was held on day 2 after golf. The winning team was the Dewsbury Doughboys: John Charman, Peter Pirie, Peter Howarth and Mike Powell. That evening we had the customary Court Session. It was a hoot with many thanks to Peter Pirie and Chas Bennett who was in his element. The fines raised £140 for the Club Captain's charity - Scope.

Many thanks to Mervyn Cooke for a thoroughly enjoyable three days, to his able assistant vice captain Ron Webster and to Tony Oakes who helped organise the tour.

Mervyn Cooke (60) see right receiving the trophy from Vice Captain Ron Webster

Richard Ellis and Dave Watts (58) (apprentices)

Peter Shawdon (54)

Steak and kidney pudding and apple tart, what could be better for a winter outing. The day was thoroughly enjoyable. Mervyn Cooke our new captain made the presentations and we thank him for a splendid day.

Day 1 - By Channel Tunnel to Hardelot where we teed off at les Dunes at about midday. No pink ball this time as Ian Taylor, the holder from the last day at Thorpness, could not join us in France. The course was tough but the weather was kind. To Le Touquet and settling in at the Westminster Hotel. A super dinner where the day's winners and the order of play for the next day were announced - including who was to be the pink ball holder. Then to the elegant (but expensive) bar for some prolonged nightcaps.

Day 2 - After a leisurely breakfast we drove the few kilometers to the LeTouquet golf club where most of us collected buggies and off to La Mer course. Once again the weather was kind and the course as challenging as ever. Back to the hotel for the traditional second day drinks hosted by Wiktor and Jim in room 211. Fortunately Mervyn had booked us into one of the larger rooms, so all 19 of us were able to squeeze in comfortably. The last dinner of the tour was a splendid occasion; food and wine superb, followed by presentations for the day's play and specially for the winner of the Bill Cook Trophy. The order of play for the next day was announced, together with the naming of the next pinkie. Not too many of us graced the bar probably because we had already drunk enough and because of the relatively early start next morning.

Day 3 - A splendid, but not so leisurely breakfast was followed by checking out and driving round to the golf club. The weather was just right for our last day's play on La Foret The course was in superb condition - probably the best we have seen over the years. The 14/15th have been changed - a great improvement. It is certainly the easiest of the three courses we played, but nevertheless full of little challenges - a good course to end our tour. The day's winners were announced, the Frog awarded to the tour champion (best two rounds) and the pink ball holder named for next spring at Thorpness. After the group photo and lunch at the clubhouse for some and the Royale in town for others, we made our way home.

As ever the tour was a great success and we look forward to our next visit to France.

L to R ..Mick Breedon, BrianWilkey, Jeremy Marshall, John Charman, Reg Neville, Ray Hasler, Tom Reilly, Meredith Belbin, Mervyn Cooke, Peter Pirie(with Frog), Wiktor Bakiewicz, Ray Borham, Kit Barker, Colin Edge, Allan Parkes, Peter Howarth, John Tudor, Ron Webster, Jim Dempster

DRINKS IN ROOM 211

This Venerable's UK Tour had a record attendance. The total of 31 comprised 26 from Heydon Grange (of which 14 were from the old place), four Venerables who have not joined Heydon Grange and one regular guest (John Charman no less). Unfortunately Ken Brothwell (who donated the UK Tour Trophy) and son Steve were unable to come.

Peter recieves the trophy from Captain Tony Oakes

Peter Pirie

Ron Webster

Jeremy Marshall

On Day 2 Jim Dempster equalled the lowest ever score record with 10 points (Richard Wilson in France several years ago) - this record was smashed next day by Ian Taylor with a remarkable 7.Captain Tony commiserates. Ray Borham's 12 on Day 1 was not outstanding - there were ten seniors with scores between 12 and 17.

The Haverhill is known for its excellent cuisine and this day was no exception - homemade tomato and basil soup, steak and kidney pudding (generous helping, the size of a sandcastle), lemon tart. Good wine, surprisingly cheap.

Despite the conditions we all enjoyed the day.

Day 1 - By Channel Tunnel to Hardelot where we teed off at les Dunes at about midday. Richard started us off with the pink ball inherited from Thorpness. We went out in fours - most of in buggies, except for Peter P. who had his electric trolley and Jeremy who carried. To the Grand Hotel at Le Touquet for a few drinks at the bar. Followed by a excellent dinner and presentation of the day's winners (and loser). Then back to the bar for those of strong constitution..

Day 2 - A memorable day packed with diverse events. Round to La Mer for the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy and the normal day's competition. The weather started off reasonably but soon deteriorated badly and it rained solidly till we were all back in the club house. Fortunately we were all in buggies. Back to the hotel to sort out how to dry our clothes and golf equipment. Customary second day pre-dinner drinks in room 67 hosted by Wiktor Bakiewicz and Jim Dempster (single malts) and Peter Shawdon (wine and nibbles). Another excellent meal followed by court proceedings and presentation of the day's winners (and loser). and the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy. Then to the bar where we had to compete with rather younger participants in a DHL conference.

Day 3 - We woke to a hotel without hot water (some thought it was the result of a minor flood in roon 206 - but it seems that the hotel had notified us the previous day of the impending cut in comfort). We packed up, checked out and proceeded to La Foret, where we started with the putt-out between Brian (the villian) and Wiktor (the victim) which ended in an honorable draw. The weather was grand for our last day' golf . After refreshments in the club house, our Captain made the presentations for the day and for the tour. We then trooped out on the lawn for the obligatory group photo after which we dispersed and went our separate ways back home. We all had a marvellous time despite some natural (rain)and man-made (hot water) elements which on reflection were minor.

Bill Cook, a founder member of the Venerables, was our amazing competition and handicap secretary during the Meridian days - but more important he set up and organised our UK and France tours. He died in July of this year. To commemorate his very special contribution to the Venerables and now to the Heydon Grange seniors, we have instituted this trophy to be played on the second day of our away days. Peter Wildblood has produced a trophy comprising a whistle which reflects his school master background - which we had to endure.

DRINKS IN ROOM 67

"Being.a.Pinkie.does.not necessarily reflect my political leanings"

A rare moment of serious reflection

"He doesn't know it -- but he's about to be cut three strokes"

Peter, our captain, reads out the day's results with repressed mirth. However, Peter our tour organiser, creases himself without restraint. But Colin, the wretched first-timer, flicks his pink tie and, in the words of Oliver Hardy, says "This is a fine mess you've got me into"

Day 2 -The day started with a leisurely breakfast followed by Venerable efforts to understand the programme and organise buggies. As has become custom, La Mer was the next course to receive our blessings. Brian drove off the pink ball and we launched into the toughest course of the tour. There were the usual heroics and the not so heroic. Notable heroics were an unexpected teeing off drama (see specials below) and the holing of an almost

Day 3 - An earlier breakfast, followed by check-out and even more Venerable efforts to cope with the logistics of the day. La Foret course, seemingly benign compared with La Mer, has its particular challenges (eg 7th and 18th). Some us watched the final group on the 18th green to decide the Trophy Champion; confusing because the putts were repeated for Peter Shawdon's camcorder. In the repeat play Peter H. should have missed a long putt - but he didn't. Anyway at the presentations at the clubhouse all was put right. Peter P. got his trophy and Peter H. settled for runner-up. After the group photo we dispersed and wended our way homeward. Half of us stopped for a splendid meal at our usual fin-de-tour restaurant in Le Touquet.

CHAMPION ....... PETER PIRIE

DAILY WINNERS

The apres-golf followed in the Venerables' tradition enhanced by the gracious amenities of the clubhouse, particularly the atmosphere of an old-established golf club bar. The food was excellent and Chas selected some very fine wines to wash it down. It was good to see all the familiar Vens and Friends. Of the 22 who came on our first Society tour, 12 are from Heydon Grange, 4 are likely to join Heydon Grange, 4 are from other clubs in the Cambridge area and 2 are friends. The spirit of the Venerables is secure.

TOUR DE FRANCE - 2001

Day 1 By channel Tunnel to Hardelot where we teed off at les Dunes at about midday. Bill had organised 10 buggies which were a great saviour for all of us who went out in fours - but not for the three's who included Bill. The day's winner was Mervyn Cook with runners up Steve Brothwell, John Pinto and John Charman. After check-in at le Manoir we enjoyed the customary quaffing of malt whisky in Wiktor and Jim's room. Unfortunately Wiktor could not come this year, but he generously provided a bottle of Macallans. Jim's room-mate this time was Radders, but that's another story. Dinner was the usual mixture of gastronomy and bonhomie with an interesting toast by Peter Pirie in reply to a comment from an adjoining table that we should proceed in a more doucement fashion.

Day 2 Good breakfast and a leisurely start at la Mer course. The weather was grand - in fact the best we have known of all the four years we have played the Opal Coast courses. The fairways and greens were superb - there could be no excuse for some of the high scores. The winner was John Pinto and the runners up Steve Brothwell, Ron Ward and Ron Webster. Drinks, dinner and drinks at le Manoir lived up to the excesses of past years.

Vice Captain Peter Howarth presents the Frog Trophy to Mervyn Cooke.