Participants:
Robin Andrews, Mike Barton, Philip Biggs, Anthony Carroll, Edward Corbould OSB, David de Chazal, Kevin Garrett, Guy Henderson, Paul Howell, Charles Jackson, Hugh Jackson, Marcus Moore, Jonnie Mounsey, Nick North, Kieran O’Brien (Douai), Finbarr O’Connor, Joe Pinnington (Belmont), Francis Stafford, Felix Stephens OSB, Donald Sutherland, Will Theile, Peter Thomasson, David Thunder, Mark Webber, Trevor Leary (old Gregorian), and guests Paul Chesham and Bobby Capes.
The China Cup v Old Uppinghamians, at Delamere Forest Golf Club.
- have not beaten Uppingham in recent years and this year there was a steely determination to rectify this omission. It was therefore pleasing that Ampleforth came out on top, but the result was of minor importance to the friendship that has grown between the sides. Excellent games by all, Delamere looked after us very well, and Lord Stafford entertained us with a lovely speech at the dinner.
The Lytham Quaich v Royal Lytham and St Anne’s Golf Club, at Lytham.
- again the Amplefordians were on parade at 11.00am for a wonderful Champagne Reception at the Old Dormie House where the Society was formed in 1912. Beryl kindly hosted us and Simon Coupe again generously supplied the bubbly. It was noticeable that the Lytham team appeared rather late in the proceedings when the party was in full flow, but that might help explain why, once more, the OAs were outwitted on the Links! There was a fine luncheon in the wonderful club dining room and as always the OAs were made to feel most welcome, and the Links were a superb challenge. The Amplefordians then drove back to the Wirral for supper at Annabel and Mike Barton’s home. This is the only occasion on the tour when OAs all get together just as Amplefordians, without other teams present, and is a special part of the week.
Match v Caldy Golf Club, at Caldy.
- team look forward to Caldy, an excellent championship course with spectacular views over the Dee Estuary to the Welsh hills. bunkers are not quite so deep here! Will ile hit a magnificent drive on the 18th hole, a par 5, only requiring a lob wedge to the green, but unfortunately this was not enough to prevent Caldy’s victory. Again a friendship with the Caldy men has grown over the years and we are very well looked after.
The Wirral Decanter v Royal Liverpool Golf Club, at Hoylake.
The decanter has been missing for a few years, but recently found in the Royal Liverpool trophy cabinet! The day was a magnificent finale to four wonderful days of golf. The Links were in superb condition. The long table for 36 dinners in black tie in the splendid club dining room, with a marvellous meal, with much laughter, was a fitting climax. Oh yes, and the result was a draw.
Thanks: To all who participated, especially Kevin Garrett and Kieran O’Brien who helped host some of the OAs.
Next year, 2018:
Tuesday 31st July – The China Cup v Old Uppinghamians, at Delamere Forest Golf Club.
Wednesday 1st August – The Lytham Quaich v Royal Lytham and St Anne’s golf Club, at Lytham.
Thursday 2nd August – match v Caldy Golf Club, at Caldy.
Friday 3rd August – The Wirral Decanter v Royal Liverpool Golf Club, at Hoylake.
See you then!
Mike Barton