The 1999 Annual Dinner of the Somerset Golf Union was once again held at the grand venue of the Winter Gardens at Weston-Super-Mare. Tony Pendray, Somerset President presided over the event with the guest of Honour being the Immediate past-President of the English Golf Union, John Scrivener.
The excellent dinner of Stilton & Watercress soup, Roast Lamb and Apple Pie was followed by speeches from Tony Pendray, John Scrivener, Adrian Deakins (County Captain) and Norman Forrest (guest speaker and past-President of the Lancashire Union of Golf Clubs). Some of the highlights of these speeches follow:
Tony Pendray, President, Somerset Golf Union
Tony, a native Cornishman, in proposing the toast to the English Golf Union, quipped, "I joined the ranks of the English 30 years ago when I left Cornwall".
He went on to congratulate Gavin Legg for his gutsy performance at Woodhall Spa in the English County Champions Championship where, after a bad 1st 9 holes went on to play the remaining 27 in just 1 over par. Anyone who has played Woodhall Spa off the competition Tees will realise just how good that was. Tony said that one of the highlights of his year as President was the Trounson Trophy held at his own Club, Minehead & West Somerset.
From left to right John Poolman (President, Wiltshire), David Cann (President, Cornwall), Tony Pendray speaking, David Coward from Wiltshire (President South West Counties), John Scrivener, Paul Casson (Toastmaster), Norman Forrest)
On the day, The Enmore Park 3-man team, with a combined handicap of 2, completed their 3 rounds in an amazing 8 under par and won the competition for the 2nd year in succession. Tony expressed his appreciation for all the hard work for the Somerset Golf Union undertaken by Charlie Carr and Bill Jennings, who retire from the Committee at the end of this year. The guests were stunned when Tony burst into song during his speech, and in his own words to the US Marine Corp tune "From the Hills of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli", he praised the efforts of the County Players during 1999.
John Scrivener, Immediate Past-President, English Golf Union
John opened by apologising for the absence of the EGU President Peter Wilson, who would have attended had the Sussex County Union Centenary Dinner (their first one in 100 years!) not been on the same evening. Talking about his own game, John said "When you are old, everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt doesn't work!"
He went on to sing the praises of English Amateur Golf which has had by far its best year in 1999, winning almost everything in the world at both boys and full international level, topped by the Walker Cup at Nairn (where the UK team included 6 English players), the Home Internationals and the Boys World Championships. The Chairman of the Boys World Championships event was quoted as saying that England has the best coaching system in the world for amateur players.
Adrian Deakins, County Captain, Somerset Golf Union
Adrian talked about the achievements of the Somerset County players, particularly Gavin Legg, in what had been a mixed season for the team. He thanked the team for their wholehearted support during the year. Adrian also announced that two Somerset players were joining the ranks of the professionals - Dave Wixon and Matt Humphries, and he wished them well.
Norman Forrest, Guest Speaker
Norman's talents as a speaker were identified by Ken Hinchliffe (1998 Somerset President) the previous year when he attended the Gloucestershire Annual Dinner. Norman's Lancashire accent and dry sense of humour had the room in fits of laughter. He started with a quip aimed at Charlie Carr (Somerset Secretary):
"It was the 10th of March when Charlie rang me to ask if I would be guest speaker tonight - I remember the date clearly as it was the only reverse charges call I got that month."
The next quip was aimed at Tony Pendray:
"Isn't it annoying when the phone rings a couple of times and stops before you get there - it happened to me once in April. I can't stand not knowing who it is so I rang 1471 to find out the number of the caller, and I didn't recognise it. So I dialled 3 to ring through and before I could say a word, the person at the other end said "Hello Norman, Tony Pendray here - just confirming you are OK to act as guest speaker in November""
Speakers at Mens golf dinners normally aim a few jokes at Lady and Senior golfers and of course Norman was no exception:
"It was during my year as Lancashire President when I was standing in the car park of my Club - Walmesley. From 50 yards away, the fearsome lady captain roared at me "I want a word with you". So I went over and she said "You're something big in the County aren't you - I need a ruling!". She continued "two of our ladies were half way down the par 4 5th hole .." Then suddenly her tone changed " … they were discussing the new Autumn Collection in Marks & Spencer …". Losing my patience I said "yes, get to the point" and she continued , her tone changing back, "hmm yes where was I - oh yes - the two ladies had been searching for their balls for 5 minutes when they realised they hadn't teed off ! What is the ruling ?"
"What is the definition of a Seniors golfer? You ask your playing partner what his name is on all the odd holes and you have a pee on all the even holes!"
Draw for the 1st Round of the year 2000 Somerset Bowl
Traditionally, the Somerset Bowl 1st Round draw is made at the Annual Dinner. John Scrivener drew the home teams and Tony Pendray drew the away teams. The complete draw can be seen if you click on Special Events.
Presentation of Trophies
The 4 major Somerset Trophies were presented
County Champion: Gavin Legg
Somerset Bowl: The Mendip Golf Club (beating Windwhistle 3½-1½)
County Scratch Foursomes: Danny & Robert Perrett (shooting 69 and 73)
George Irlam Cup: Gavin Legg
Once again, a very enjoyable evening and a great opportunity to make and renew friendships with other Clubs. Some 155 guests attended and their thanks must go to Charlie Carr for organising the event.
