The Christmas Shotgun 16th December 2007

On the morning of the 16th December 2007 the members of High Elms Golf Club came together in a celebration of peace and goodwill to all men. The clatter of breakfast was interrupted by Lee and Barry on the microphone detailing exact tee places while handing out the scorecards. To make sure there was no confusion during the days play, John Featherstone handed us copies of the official golf rulebook for 2008.

Through icy winds and frost covered grass, we made our way to our respective tees for the 8.30 commencement of the 2007 High Elms Christmas Shotgun. At 8.30 on the dot Matt, our new Club Pro, very kindly obliged by lighting the blue touch paper of the massive rocket that then exploded high over Farnborough and Downe and battle commenced! Emphasis needs to be placed on icy grass as conditions were less than perfect underfoot although the sun did shine throughout the day. With the greens playing havoc with any direct assaults upon the flag, it was obvious that playing to your handicap on this day was going to be a tough ask and anyone who did would indeed be near the top of the tree when it came to the prize giving later in the day.

With John and Dorothy frantically entering all the scores on the computer, the raffle took place in the bar. The highlight of the raffle was a Phillips DVD recorder, courtesy of Mat Wazrzewski amongst many other bottles of various spirits etc, many of which were also donated by members. It is with great pleasure we can advise you that some £260 was raised for the Special Care Baby Unit at Farnborough Hospital, our Club Charity this year. Well done everyone – a fine effort.

The official presentation of the results of the Shotgun and swindle was undertaken by our Captain Lee McCready and Lady Captain Jean Dignam.

The results of the shotgun were as follows:

Barry Butler commented it was great to see so many happy members braving the freezing conditions. It was particularly good to see old faces such as Sid Conway, Peter Remy, Paul Gifford and many others joining us for what was a maximum turn out of 88 players for our Christmas Shotgun. Barry asked that this report include a big thank you to the girls for preparing the terrific hampers, John and Dorothy for collating all the results and all the other unsung heroes on the committee who made the day go so smoothly. We also take the opportunity of thanking Andy Brzozowski for the time he took preparing the results software programme, which helped us enormously to prepare the results efficiently and also allowed us to add the mystery team prize this year, with minimal extra effort.

After all the fun of the prize giving some 45 members headed towards the dining room to enjoy a delicious Christmas feast, while others were left to enjoy the fun and "soak up" the atmosphere in the bar.

To everyone in the Club your Captains and Committees wish you all a very Happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the Christmas & New Year at High Elms and sincerely hope you and your families prosper in 2008.

Images of the Christmas Shotgun