BACK TO NEWSLETTER 1998 CONTENTS
Letters 1998
14th September
Dear Zelle,
Visiting the UK for family celebrations coincided with this year's OC Golf meeting.
Having read of this obviously enjoyable meeting in the OC magazine, it was an opportunity to engage in at least one OC gathering in my life time.
On the way to the Temple Golf course we passed through a wall of water - the heaviest rain I can remember in the UK. Being a fair weather golfer I was for turning back but having got so far (12,500 miles), this would have been sheer cowardice.
In the club house I was greeted most royally by Julian Bailey and Andrew Beaton. Being dressed in the usual informal N.Z. style required a dispensation from management to enter the sitting out area and dining room. (The last time I wore a blazer was at school, and I gave up wearing a suit not long after arriving in New Zealand. Every time I wore one, the local undertaker's eyes would light up and the enquiry "Who is it this time Doc" soon persuaded me to don the informal local attire).
Some twenty members were present, amongst whom were two instantly recognisable faces even after fifty years. George Hodgson and John Bentley. I had not expected to recognise anyone!
A few hardy souls had played in the morning in the most appalling conditions. An excellent lunch followed and (I should know better) the wine was passed around generously. Well fortified and the weather having moderated a little, the field made up into fours, and play commenced. The format being stroke play and combined stableford. Us jerries, myself, John Bentley, George Hodgson, and Trevor Harrison brought up the rear. No one breathing down our necks so we were able to go at our own pace. It was windy and wet at times and it would be something to be allowed to play and worship at the Temple in fine conditions. My golf was mediocre but the others excelled themselves with very steady golf in the conditions and swept the board with the prizes. John the cup, George the runner up, and John and Trevor the combined winners.
An altogether splendid day in great company and our thanks must go to Roddy Symes, the incumbent member, for persuading Temple Management to accept us, hackers and all. Victor, the maitre de golf club for feeding us so well and Julian Bailey for organising the meeting.
Another visit? It would be nice but England is so very expensive and it does seem to rain an awful lot.
Tim Brodie (Prep 35-42. Iwerne 42-47.)