‘Hey Rom, what are you doing on Saturday?’’ Driving in a golf cart and watching my Dad play. And so it was that a young boy saw his dad almost get a hole in one and pick up a handy pre solstice earner.’
It was a big day all around last Saturday. Beavers at various venues were getting ready for the Presentation Dinner. The mafia were drilling and arranging, the Lord and Lady with Shiralee and the Bare Elbow were chopping and cutting while Sadie cleaned and fussed.
The evening began with a reflective pause in honour of Bev Kain, which brought up images of many past players and the realisation that we are all just passing through and doing our bit for the club.
Mary Matthias gave an explanation as to why the Community Bank supports the Braidwood Services Club generally, and golf and bowls particularly. She said the Club is central to the community and the sporting clubs provide opportunity for participation for all ages. She thought they ensure that those who live alone need not dwell on loneliness. She thought the presentation dinner was more like a family reunion, and so it was.
The chief hecklers from last year changed places but maintained a steady stream of banter. Archimedes took up a sheltered position on the Captains table but it didn’t help. At one point Lady Scott confronted him with a declaration of her age and a determination not to be intimidated. Mind you this only kept him in his place momentarily. Fortunately Tiger Warne was wearing enough finger bling to dazzle and deter any untoward behaviour. He also extolled us to invite more players to the course because it was a ‘gem’.
The Mafia is a well organised and longstanding family cooperative, that always ensures the flowers and table decorations are impeccable. Their behind the scenes contribution is matched by their commitment to play at every opportunity. Sister Barb won the day last Saturday and I wonder how many times she has achieved this. Last Saturday I had the pleasure of playing with the landed gentry – a Hassall, Hart and Royds - and I pondered on the amount of times that Geoff and Les had played golf together. Stalwarts and quiet achievers over many years. Then there are the younger brigade. Those like Pixie who captained the handicapped Pennants Team to its success this year. They both play and put their hand up to help. In a similar vein we had Pat Martin’s words. A young man who acknowledged the help he had received over the years and particularly the work of Luke Staunton and Les Mundy. He said he had played on a lot of courses this year and Braidwood was up there with the best.
And it was good to see a very pleased Michael Tillman-Ryan who after ten years with the Club had finally won something.
All in all it was a great night and a fitting end to what has been a special year for the Club - The rise and rise of the ladies, the pennants success, and most of all the companionship, humour and good will. A special thanks to all those who contributed to the evening.
This Saturday is the Rob Beuzeville Trophy. It is a medley single stableford shot gun start. It precedes the Annual General Meeting at 5pm.
Monkittee Platypus.
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