OLD COLSTONIAN GOLF SOCIETY MEETING  -  CUMBERWELL PARK  _  26th SEPTEMBER 2021

At long last it was possible to hold a Golf Day under “normal” conditions, and it seemed appropriate that the venue for our Late Summer Event was Cumberwell Park, the location of our last pre-pandemic meeting in Sept. 2019, before masks, distancing, no changing facilities, and other Covid regulations were imposed.

This sentiment was clearly welcomed, as a good contingent of 26 O.C. golfers returned to this excellent, and continually enhancing, Wiltshire course which is rapidly becoming one of the O.C.G.S. favourites.

The easing of restrictions enabled us to welcome back a number of old friends, Pete Boswell,  Jeremy Davis,  Richard Lewis,  Alan Morley, Clyde Paris, and Roger and Sally Fry, plus debutant Wayne Marks.

       A strong School contingent of Headmaster Jeremy McCullough,  Deputy Paul Hill,  Head of Lower School Dave Edwards, were clearly intent on adding to prize winning performances at the Players Club and the Kendleshire, by adding new Head of Rugby, Irish international Girvan Dempsey to an already stellar line up.

We were also delighted that long standing members and Carlyon Bay “originals” Dougie Winstone, and David Lockyer were able to join us for pre-match socialising on the spacious patio overlooking the course.  It was good to exchange updates, and to see both looking fit and well.

The course was in top condition, the weather perfect, and clearly the O.C.’s good luck was holding ,since the day transpired to be the last of the well above average September weather, with heavy rain descending less than twelve hours later.  

The 36 holes of the course are split into four distinct 9 hole layouts, which permits the flexibility of a permutation of any two from the four.  We played the Yellow and the Red nines, effectively the original 18 holes, and although many of us are now reasonably familiar with this course, designer Adrian Stiff’s water hazards, notably the 3rd.  14th, 16th, the tricky 8th,  , and the long all uphill  18th. ensure that the challenge does not become any easier.

The “Hotline” from around the groups was reporting that Cumberwell specialist George Thomas,  Paul Hill, spearheading the School challenge ,  Jeremy Davis,  and Bob Jennings with an incredible four consecutive birdies, were all burning up the course.   A close call was inevitable and winners would not be determined until the final scores were submitted. 

            Creditably, no less than 16 golfers scored over30pts Stableford.

Our two lady golfers were also playing very commendable golf, accurate drives, and some exemplary putting, which I was able to observe, as one of the final 4-ball, along with my old friend and Roundway contemporary Roger(Teddy) Fry.

The post match dinner was running slightly late, which fortuitously gave welcome time for a refreshing drink on the patio, and an analysis of the day’s fortunes. The dinner, taken in the comfortable, large, Dining Room was excellent, chicken wrapped in smoked bacon, with an abundant supply of vegetables, followed by individual home made crumbles.

Dave Tooze again thanked all of the members for their attendance.   In addition to our local “loyal regulars”, it was testament to the enjoyment of the day, that a good number had travelled from many areas of England,- Richard Lewis and Phil Hill ( the North),  Roger and Sally Fry, and Paul Winterbottom (Worcestershire),  Pete Boswell, and Clyde Paris ( the South), and Neal Crombie (Devon).

          It was a pleasure to welcome the ladies again.  Apart from their contribution to golf, Dave opined that their presence help ensure a high level of decorum in the proceedings !

Prior to the prize giving, Bob Jennings advised that he had visited Sandra Briffett, en route to the meeting, to display the new Autumn “Briffett” Cup, purchased with part of Briff’s generous legacy to the O.C.G.S.   Sandra had ,in turn, produced a large photograph of the original 1996 Carlyon Bay party.  Five of the group were at Cumberwell today, but sadly, six, all O.C.G.S. legends- Ian Gunn,  Dave Shaw,  Tony Clark,   “Denzil“ Collar,  Bruce Sparkes,  and Briff himself, had passed on, while Richard Pring had not enjoyed good health for some time.     It was felt that this cup should always be associated with past members, and to this end, Bob proposed a toast to “Absent Friends”.

                   It could not have been more fitting and appropriate that the first winner of this impressive trophy was the member who has long since taken on many of Briff’s  roles and commitment to the O.C.G.S. , a life- long single figure golfer, and with a blistering 40pts. today – Bob Jennings himself.  

PRIZE  WINNERS were –

1st. Stableford and Briffett Cup       -     Bob Jennings

2nd. Stableford                                  -       Paul Hill               3rd. Stableford    -   Jeremy Davis

Highest score                 Front Nine  -       Girvan Dempsey         Back Nine  -  George Thomas

Ladies Prize                                       -        Sally Fry

Nearest the Pin      16th.( in one)      -        Keith Watts          18th.( in two)        -  Alan Morley

Special Founder Members award        an inscribed 50th. anniversary glass     -  Doug Lodge

Had there been a sartorial prize, it would have undoubtedly gone to Andy Thomas,, resplendently modelling the new (2019) sports jacket, which had been subject of much pre-match hype. (Nice choice, Verity!).

Steve Tucker updated the members on Carlyon Bay, which was booked for the 8th.,9th., and 10th. April 1922. Previous deposits would be carried forward, and further details would be issued shortly.

Dave Tooze concluded by thanking, yet again, Bob and Steve for superbly organising and administering another top day, and Doug for his professional photographic skills. It was clear from compliments made during and subsequent to the meeting that the day had featured amongst the best.

     Dave also reiterated forthcoming Highlights, -- The Annual Dinner on Nov. 6th.( A welcome return to the School after last year’s inevitable cancellation, and Pat Lam as guest speaker), Carlyon Bay in April after a 4 year break, and not to be missed 2022 meetings which Bob and Steve will undoubtedly customarily organise.

   We look forward to seeing as many O.C.s as possible at these events.

Golfers attending ( in addition to Prize Winners Above)-

Pete Boswell,  Mike Brown,  Neal Crombie,  Dave Edwards,  Glyn Evans,  Roger Fry,  Richard HIbberd and Louise, Phil Hill,  Richard Lewis,  Doug Lodge,  Wayne Marks,  Jeremy McCullough,  Clyde Paris,  Andy Thomas,  Dave Tooze,  Steve Tucker,  Paul Winterbottom.

Story by Dave Tooze