To the observant ones amongst our Seniors, you will have noticed that names for the first three matches are requested by Captain Neil, and you are all asked to get your diaries out and put your names down.

At the same time, you may want to put your name down for the first of the Olton Senior Open meetings on May 22nd. The word is out, names from competitors from other Clubs are winging their way to Dennis Pick, without, so far, much response from the home crowd. To avoid disappointment, you will find Application forms on the Club web site (Open Competitions), or in the Senior's area - if there is only one left, get a photo-copy from the Office. But do book in to the Singles Open or the Pairs Open later in the year - preferably both! Many thanks.

Kit Morton

The Working Party Christmas Golf and Lunch took place on Monday 19th December, the coldest, wettest morning for some time. The competitors started out in the early morning frost, went through intermittent mizzle, and finished in the rain, suggesting that the temperature had gone up - it certainly didn't feel likei t!

But they are hardy souls, and although the scoring was not wonderful, Doug Money took the honours wih a very creditable 34 points, and Club Captain, Geoff Chaplin, presented him with his prize. Peter Siddall and Captain Neil Brenton were equal second with 30 points. I don't think anyone else wanted to reveal their scores!

At a very convivial Lunch, Chairman of Greens, Dennis Pick, praised the work the WP had done, particularly the clearing of the brook, and looked forward to opportunities to harness their energies in the future. Our latest requirement had been to cull the brambles around the 15th tee area, and when Neil presented Dennis with a monogrammed ball he had recently lost, we realised why there had been some emphasis on this task! 

We start again in the New Year on January 9th, and welcome any new member who might feel inclined to try their hand. It is all good fun.

Kit Morton

The Bill Danter Pairs Trophy attracted a 52 Pairs entry total, the largest event our Senior Section have taken part in. Immediate Past Lady President, Jess Danter, presented the Trophy to the winners, and there were gifts of appreciation to Jess, Jan (our ever so helpful Club Sec), Pat, (who looks after all our spiritual needs), and Trevor, (who keeps us topped up with liquid refreshment).

There was a certain inevitability about the winners of the Competition, when Club Captain Geoff Chaplin found himself drawn with newly-cut John Martin.  Despite the efforts of the handicap review committee, they ran out easy winners on 41 points. David Johns and newcomer, Ian Cohen, were second with 36 on countback, with President Terry Smith and Mike Doyle (how did they find themselves together?), third.

In the 9 hole Competition, everyone would have been delighted to see Tony Hazard in the winning enclosure. (Pictures on Senior's Gallery).

At the party celebrations after, Tony Sumpter and John Molesworth treated the assembled multitude to a wonderful rendering of "Underneath the Arches", whilst the Working Party reminded everybody that, despite our normal golfing prowess, we should "Always look on the Bright Side of Life". The entertainment was beautifully enhanced by the professional playing of Mike Padmore, on his wonderful organ, and somone said he could be heard at a Cinema near you shortly! Mike also played a couple of Carols, and Gary Compson added some saxophony to complete a very good day, well organised by Captain Neil Brenton.

Your correspondent from Dubai, Kit Morton

Preparations are now in hand for the Senior Open Events in 2012, on Tuesday 22nd May (Singles), and Tuesday 14th August (Pairs). Application forms can be found on the Club web site under "Open Competitions". Age categories have now been introduced into the Singles event, which should make it more attractive to those of us who are age-challenged! On the converse side, the event will be played off white tees, and qualify for handicap purposes. Also under consideration at this time is a third Open, another Pairs event, likely to be played on Thursday November 15th.

The Working Party has continued to function during this period, and recently made a really good job of clearing the brook, which had become somwewhat overrun with chickweed(?). They are holding their own Christmas Competition and Lunch on Monday 19th December. They will resume activity in the New Year, and new recruits will be made most welcome. They ply their trade each Monday morning for three hours, (9 -12, except on Monday medal days), and are rewarded with a free pint on the Club. So come and join us!  

A Very Happy Christmas, and a prosperous 2012 to you all,

Kit Morton 

Captain Gary Compson's year came to an end with a shuddering defeat by the Juniors', 0 - 6, but an encouraging half against the Ladies. Gary, troubled by back and foot problems, was unable to play against the Juniors, and Neil Brenton captained on the day. Without exception, the older members marvelled at the prowess achieved by the younger generation, and all concurred with the Jack Nicklaus quote, that  they "play a game with which I am not familiar".  Pars were rarely good enough, although a number of seniors played out of their skins, but the result was well deserved and we congratulate our young players and wish them well for the future.

The weather was the winner in the match against the Ladies, so the teams played "Magnetic Darts"  (narrowly won by the men), and "Carpet Golf", which was narrowly won by the Ladies. Honour was, therefore, even, and "Match Halved" was the agreed result. A very convivial lunch was taken, with no hard feelings on either side.                                                                        Kit Morton  

On a bright autumn afternoon 12 teams of four took to the field in the Senior's annual Yellow ball Stableford Competition, organised by Captain- elect, Neil Brenton, who takes over from Gary Compson after the last two matches of the season against the Juniors and the Ladies.

Each player took the Yellow ball in rotation off the tee, four times, with the final two holes a choice by the Team Captain. Yellow ball points counted double, which suggested a possible 108 points as a par total.

A team comprising Bruce Wilson, David Farrar, late stand-ins Mike Baker and Graham Hoskin, ensured victory with a magnificent 107 points!! In a very creditable second place with 98 points were John Belcher, Colin MacMillan,  John Pegg, and Geoff Foster. John Belcher was making his maiden entry into our Senior Golf calendar, and he has made an immediate impression. Neil wished John a happy association with Senior's golf. With 93 points, Brian Warren, Malcolm Traves, Roy Tapper and Tony Beer came in third. A very good afternoon's golf was enjoyed by all - unless you lost your Yellow Ball!           Kit Morton

At the Senior Final Stableford, played off yellow tees, with full handicap, the winner was a Senior who has sent his opposition this season into paroxyms of despair - John Martin, with 47 points!! In second place was Mike Whitfield with a mere 44, and Club Captain Geoff Chaplin was third with an average 40 points! It was a fine day, but the greens had been sanded, and proved difficult for many, but certainly not the winner, who achieved a 5 pointer on the 3rd hole. (Pictures in the Picture Gallery section).

Just before the AGM which followed, a cheque for £1549.50, generated largely by the Senior's Charity Day, was presented to Terri Treseder, Manager of the Solihull Family Care Trust., the nominated Charity for the year. 

Captain Gary Compson  then gave his report in which he thanked everyone for their support, both on the Course, but also in the Office and behind the bar. He particularly mentioned the help given at and before the two Opens we sponsored. He acknowledged that the results during the year had not been wonderful, but were enhanced by the way our Seniors' had performed in the Club Classic competitions, and John Molesworth's wonderful win in the Lawrence Batley Over 80's Competition at Maxstoke Park. His accounts were passed, and Gary then proposed Neil Brenton as his successor. This was warmly received. Neil thanked Gary for the hard work he had done during his year as Captain and wished him well for the future. He presented Gary with a Voucher and a Card signed by most Senior members, and Gary looked suitably embarassed. Neil asked for support for his nomination of Syd Madeley, as Vice-Captain, and that also received the approbation of the crowd. Neil then posed the possibility of a third Open in the Winter period, which would bring further revenue to the Club. Club Captain Geoff Chaplin suggested that such an event should be an AM-AM type event. This was generally well received.

The future fixtures were touched on, after which Neil invited members to a drink at the bar.                              Kit Morton

The Hodson Shield is the Senior Individual Knockout Trophy, played over 6 rounds, normally, and is always hard fought. The rules say that play is off the White tees, full handicap, and full handicap difference between contestants. Two of the strongest contestants, Terry Smith, Club President and winner of the inaugural Olton Senior's Open, and Arthur Huke, a previous winner of the Trophy and a semi-finalist in several current Club Competitions, had won through to the final, and both expected a tough game, - and so it proved. President Terry, with some four shots up his sleeve, triumphed  3 & 2, and conceded that it had been very close right to the end.

Well done, Terry, and bad luck to Arthur, - both worthy Senior finalists.     Kit Morton

Olton's run in the National Senior Club Classic, came to a sad conclusion, when our valiant team were beaten in the Final by Stock Wood GC, Billericay, 2.5 to 1.5. Captain Brian Warren was successful and Tony Turner got a half, but the opposition proved too strong. More details will emerge and be reported on as they emerge, but we must congratulate the team on their overall success in the Competition, and wish them well next year.  

Kit Morton

The second Olton Seniors Pairs Open took place on Tuesday 16th August 2011 on a generally fine day, although there was some slight mizzle during the morning. The afternoon was warm and fine. The Course was in excellent condition, and there was particular praise for the state of the Greens throughout the day.  

The Winners with 43 Points were J Barton (Coventry Hearsall) and B Platt (Forest of Arden).

2nd  -  42 Points  -  Mike Doyle (Olton) and his invited guest John  Forster (Brokenhurst Manor, New Forest).

3rd  -   42 Points -  R Titterton and R Leek  (Lingdale GC, nr Loughborough)

4th  -  41 Points  -  Mike Whitfield (Olton) and his invited guest Paul  Webb (Bird Hills GC nr Maidenhead).

5th  -  40 Points  - Bob Gay (Olton) and his invited guest Wilf Shoreson (Robin Hood).

Club Captain, Geoff Chaplin, presented the prizes, and together with Senior Captain, Gary Compson, thanked Dennis Pick and his helpers for the excellent organisation of the event .

Kit Morton                   

In the Lawrence Batley Over 80's Competition at Maxstoke Park on Monday 25th July, in which 12 competitors from Olton GC took part, I am pleased to report that after a very strenuous three days of golf in the Cheshire area, followed by competition in the Veterans Bowl, and a winning Hodson Shield Knockout match, all within the space of a week, John Molesworth became the Lawrence Batley Over 80's Winner, with 38 points, at his first attempt in the event.  Without a buggy, either! Well done, John. 

In the Over 85's category, Barry Hudson came second (with a buggy, of course). Well done, Barry.

In the Ladies category, Margaret Huyton, Anne Lavery and Sheila Hudson took part, enjoyed themselves greatly, but left the prizes for other Club members!

Kit Morton

The sun shone for the 104 golfers who took to the field for the Senior's Charity Day on Thursday July 14th. Each Club who the Seniors play against, is invited to bring four players, and they play in twos with two Olton Members in an AM-AM format. On very tricky greens with a very high stimp reading, most players found the going difficult, but Harry Orme, Stan Birch and their team members from Gay Hill, Robert Tobin and Bob Summers were victorious with 80 points. In second place were Tony Turner and Doug Money, playing with Jim Campbell and John Murray from Maxstoke Park with 79 points. In third place were John Duncombe, Kit Morton with their partners from North Warwickshire, John Hickling and Paul Hicks, on 77.

A good lunch was enjoyed by all, and it was hoped that a goodly sum would be raised for the Charity chosen by the Organiser, Neil Brenton. Club Captain, Geoff Chaplin, thanked Neil for all the hard work he had put in to make the day a tremendous success,  

The amount raised for the Solihull Family Care Trust was £1049. These details will be passed on to each Club, as soon as possible.

KIt Morton  

Captain Gary Compson arranged the weather and a great course for our Senior's Away Day - Monday 27th June. Sapey Golf Club, Worcestershire, hosted the event, at which there were some 35 Seniors. In the morning, at the lovely Par 3, 9 hole Course, John Duncome excelled himself by scoring 9 Pars, taking his team of Colin Plimmer, John Pegg, & Kit Morton across the finishing line in first place.

In the main event, the Club Captain, Geoff Chaplin, took the Captains Trophy, in first place, with a score of 39 points.  Mike Whitfield sneaked 2nd place from John Arnold, both with 36 points. Graham Hoskin took the prize for the best Gross score, while Malcolm Traves and John Lattey found themselves somewhat fortuitously, particularly in John's case, the Nearest the Pin winners on the two requisite holes. 

Gary Compson gave out the prizes and thanked everyone for their support.. Geoff Chaplin thanked Gary for the excellent event, and asked for more support for his Captains Day at the week-end. An excellent meal was enjoyed by all after a thoroughly exhausting day!

Kit Morton

The Senior's Annual Medal was played on Monday 13th June, on an unusually chilly day, with sunshine emerging every now and again. Following a blustery and wet week-end, the conditions were favourable, with some of the recent sting taken out of the greens. However, the scoring was not in keeping with the easier course, and early scores were mainly in the 70's.

In the eventual 3rd place, Mike Symons on 72, was the clubhouse leader for some time, alongside some 4 others also on 72 (Messrs Whitfield, Pegg, Gay and Warren). Bob Young, playing among the later starters, improved with a better 72, to emerge in 2nd place, but his playing partner, Frank Lambert, took the honours as the runaway Winner with a very creditable 69,   

Congratulations to Frank, who will receive his prize at the Senior Awards Day in October, and better luck next time to Bob and Mike!

Kit Morton

Olton Golf Club launched its inaugural Senior's Open on Tuesday 24th May - a blustery, but bright morning, which developed into a sligtly balmier afternoon. 81 players took to the field, with the course in magnificent condition, but with the greens proving a really challenging test. Kit Morton and Tony Turner (both Olton and 31 points) were the early front runners from the morning session, but as the afternoon wore on and conditions eased a little, better scores started to emerge. Arthur Huke (Olton) and Dave Scholey (Hull GC) came in with 32. Geoff Lane, a visitor, went to 33. Ernie Sudron from Coventry GC was in the lead for some time with a better 33 points, before being overtaken by Mike Doyle (Olton) on 34 points. Then, at the death, Olton's newly-elected President, Terry Smith, crept in with a better 34 points and took the honours.

Senior's Captain Gary Compson, aided by the organiser, Dennis Pick, awarded the prizes to the winners, and declared the first Senior's Open an unmitigated success. He thanked all those who had helped to make it so. President Terry Smith, as the winner, responded.    

Kit Morton

At the Annual Dinner on March 11th 2011, several Seniors were to the fore and in receipt of Trophies. These included Bruce Wilson (Joint winner of the The Mixed Foursomes with Claire Beardmore), Graham Hoskin (winner of the Hodson Shield), David Johns (winner of the Veterans Trophy), Dennis Pick (winner of the Grandfather's Trophy), Barry Hudson (winner of his own Trophy for the Over 80's, for the second time), Bob Harris (winner of the F.L.Nock Tankard), and the Cecil Bayliss Joint Winners, John Molesworth and Bob Young. Well done to all of them.

Kit Morton