O.C. Golf Society Meeting – Cumberwell Park 22^nd September 2019
 
An early start was the order of the day as the O.C.G.S. met for its Autumn event at the delightful North Wiltshire location of Cumberwell Park.  England’s opening game of the Rugby World Cup with an 11.15 am kick-off was a pleasant prelude to our own tee-off time.  Bacon rolls, coffee, or something stronger, a large TV screen and an England bonus point win versus Tonga set the scene for an excellent afternoon’s golf.
 
We were also very pleased to see O.C.G.S. icons, Dougie Winstone, and David Lockyer who were able to join us for the rugby, and to cheer the groups of three-balls off the first tee.  Dougie has not played a great deal lately, and David has some demanding domestic commitments, but we hope to see them back in action with us, sometime very soon.
 
The last of the long summer weather came to an end a mere twelve hours prior to our meeting, but the forecast rain only marginally materialised, with a couple of very brief showers, and waterproof kit being required on no more than 3 or 4 holes.
 
We played the original 18 holes, which have progressively matured over the years to become an excellent course with good greens, and a number of stand out holes which test the full repertoire of golfing skills, many featuring designer Adrian Stiff’s signature water hazards.
 
A most enjoyable round of golf ensued.  In my three-ball, Martin Tayler was in good form, and Bob Jennings amply demonstrated why he has been a lifetime single figure golfer.  In addition Bob was fast tracked into the prestigious Ballfinders Guild, rapidly finding no less than seven “lost” balls, while assisting my search for a wayward hook into the hedge/ditch to the left of the uphill 18^th.
 
The “buzz “ from other parts of the course was that George Thomas was the man “on fire”, and this proved to be the case at the conclusion of the event.
 
Previous reports on Cumberwell Park have highlighted the commendable reinvestment made on the course, (progressively extended to 36 holes plus a 9 hole par 3), the clubhouse facilities, and visitor accommodation.  Pat and Sam Bowrey stayed in one of the club’s cottage-style Cotswold stone lodges which was excellently equipped, most comfortable, and suitably mitigated their long drive to and from Carlyon Bay.
 
After an excellent dinner of chicken and bacon roulade, followed by apple crumble, Dave Tooze thanked the attendees for their support, and customary good company, notably Pat & Sam, and Peter Skeels-Piggins having travelled up from Cornwall.  Bob Jennings had, with rapid dexterity,analysed the scores and the awards were:-
 
Prize Winners
 
1^st Stableford (and Autumn Cup Winner)        -      George Thomas
2^nd Stableford                                                   -      Pat Bowrey
Best 1^st 9                                                           -      Keith Watts
Best 2^nd 9                                                          -      Bob Jennings
Nearest the Pin 7^th                                           -      Bob Jennings
Nearest the Pin 17^th                                         -      Martin Tayler
 
Bob advised the gathering that our great friend Dave Briffet, the “father” of Carylon Bay visits and many other accolades, had generously bequeathed a legacy of £1,000 to the O.C.G.S. in his will.   It was felt that a trophy in memory of Dave, (we already have a the “Briff” Cup/Cornish Championship), and probably a number of other friends and stalwarts who are no longer with us, would be a fitting momento.  Bob had already spoken on this point with Sandra Briffet who was very much in favour, and it was agreed that Bob would explore options and propose something eminent and appropriate.
 
In conclusion Dave Tooze thanked Bob for another excellent, smoothly run meeting and his continuous hard work for the O.C.G.S., Steve Tucker for liaison and co-ordination with the members, and Doug Lodge with a device on his camera, akin to a miniature Cutty Sark sail, which we are assured will enhance even Doug’s highly accomplished photographic skills.
 
The next major event is the Old Colstonian Annual Dinner on 2^nd November.  Always a marvellous evening,and hopefully a good number of golfers will be able to attend.  Spring 2020 heralds a return to Carlyon Bay, (details to be issued by Steve Tucker shortly) and arrangements for the summer and autumn meetings are in the good hands of Bob Jennings and will be advised.
 
Those playing (in addition to prize winners above) were:-
 
Sam Bowrey                                Peter Skeels-Piggins
Glyn Evans                                   Andy Thomas
Kev Griffiths                                Louise Tinker
Richard Hibberd                          Dave Tooze
Mike Humphries
Doug Lodge
 
Written by - 
Dave Tooze
October 2019