Captain’s Day for NHS – Luton & Dunstable Hospital – 19th September 2020
"What an absolutely brilliant day!
I confess, when I arrived at 7AM, I was getting a little anxious that, despite all the planning, we would find ourselves overwhelmed either in the car parks or the clubhouse. But none of it!
With my Vice-Captain, Adrian Yule, keeping an eye on the parking, Ken Aplin marshalling the tee times, Sue Walkerdine and my wife Jane (who is now known as the Pie Lady) monitoring the complimentary drink and food, George organising an overflow car park as well as making the course look superb, plus the club’s staff assistance it went like a dream!
On behalf of the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, for whom the day was organised, I can’t thank them enough and for you all for taking part and making it a great day.
The scores achieved by many of you belied the windy conditions. From the off I thought 37, possibly 38 would win it, but the class acts proved me wrong. Seven players came in with 38, pipped soon after with others on 39 and then a 40. Then, the strength of youth kicked in!
I am delighted to report the Winner of The Captain’s Charity Day with 44 points (playing off 5.3 now) was Cameron Mitchell. A big congratulations to Cameron and sincere commiserations to Martin French who came in 2nd place with 40 points. Well played all!
The drama was also unfolding on the 18th with Nearest The Pin. With the wind swirling I expected a tough task for all. Roger Quelch showed the way and fired his tee shot to within 8 feet. Not to be outdone Dave Gilligan put it inside to 7 feet from the hole. Chris Powell stepped up to the plate and showed them both with his effort, 6 feet from the hole.
And then she arrived! “Make way!” she said and with the smoothest of swings planted her ball 2 feet from the pin. Congratulations to Carole Chapman who won NTP and also won the biggest smile of the day.
Meanwhile the pies arrived from Messrs. Harpers. Freshly baked that morning. The smell and the temptation to scoff the lot was seriously tempting but I managed to resist...mainly because I was being watched by Sean and Bex! Not so...Neil Vickers and Glenn Allen who were contenders for scoffing the pies the quickest in the bar!
The purpose of the day was to raise money for the Luton & Dunstable Hospital. With so many of you taking part, including Nearest the Pin and the very generous donations made by so many it gives me great pleasure to announce you raised, with some further donations £2,570!
A fantastic result so, once again, thank you one and all"
Steve Harris
Club Captain
