2006

Another cracking start to the day! This time, out-going champion had chosen Screwdrivers as the mornings tipple. Served with a wedge of orange it was eggcellent and went down better than an Early Starter! Although Wally was missing this year, his van (& gaz stove) had been kindly loaned for the event - with Tim, as always, cooking to order.
Once again the numbers had been swelled, this time by a fine selection of first-timer's. This years virgins to slaughter being a very 'healthy' Darren Whitford; Assistant Club Pro, Chris Nunn (our first contender playing off scratch); and the long lost Jim Miller (yes Mr Sullivan; "as in Jim Miller, as in Cathy Miller, as in runner, as in living in Milton Keynes.")
This year Wat had come up with the bright idea of everyone putting a ball in the hat, then plucking one out - this would kill two birds with one stone - being to draw the order of play and the sweepstake in one fowl swoop!

I'm sorry, I can't keep all these puns going, so I'll chicken out of them for the time being!

One surprise was the presentation to past winners of specially commissioned baseball caps. Our thanks to Ken of Work-Leisurewear for his support.


 

Click here to see Wally receiving his cap!

With all the necessaries out of the way it was soon time for Paul Gillan to get the match under-way - this time (to much mirth) by hitting an exploding golf ball... Oh, how we laughed!

Of course, trusty Matt Bright had once again brought along a couple of bottles of Port to help us Toast the Hunt - thanks Matt. The shortest drives being from Matt himself, Darren Whit, Jimbo, Captain Baggywrinkle, Tredge, Matt Dawkes, Dover and Ed.

Anything slightly off the fairway this year was punished severely, due to the long grass, and at one stage Ken & Alan almost lost Dodger after a wayward drive sent him into the tall stuff.

At the turn, and in the last group out, Wayne Morris had amassed (there is no other word for it!) a staggering 23 points – four points clear of next in-line contenders Paul Gillan & Richard Jubb – and must have been feeling that he had one arm in the jacket already. Only a lot of wheels falling off would be likely to stop him!

Although Matthew Dawkes shrugged off the effect of the port to card 20 points on the back nine; and ‘Tim’ produced another steady 18 points to total 36 overall, it was not quite enough to catch Wayne.

In some respects, the presentation of the prestigious Grim Jacket and FA Cup-Cup has been upstaged by the prize for most birdies. And this year was not going to disappoint!

With three players producing three birdies each (Wayne, Dodger and Chris Nunn) it gave the organisers something to think about – but not for too long! After a quick confab Brothers Grim came up with the perfect solution…

Since Dodger had won the budgie last year it seemed the perfect chance for Tim to pop out of the room, only to return with a familiar looking object, draped with a cloth. As Dodger came up to receive his prize the cover was taken away to reveal another budgie cage – this time with a plastic budgie on the perch.
Moments later Wayne was announced as joint winner and he must have felt slightly relieved as he made his way to the front. Not so! For this time it was Wat’s turn to leave the room, returning with a large box.

Had the Brothers Grim found something to match last year’s budgie? 

Well, the box was opened, and it took little encouragement for Henrietta to fly out the box and perch herself on Wayne’s shoulder!

Many months of planning & secrecy had, once again, paid off!

Finally, although Chris had missed out on the presentations, he did return a bit later. This gave Wat & Tim the opportunity to present him with a prize for his tally of birdies. He was therefore asked to pick a number (these having been allotted to the prizes available). It couldn't have been planned any better, as his choice of number meant another final appearance for Henrietta!

So, the list of winners  went something like this…