Last Friday saw a Shotgun Start for the Seniors so we could all get back to the clubhouse in time for lovely food from Clare and team, and a special presentation by our Captain John Hanna.

It was a marvellous turnout to support John 's excellent efforts in fund raising throughout the year and we enjoyed some fine weather out on the course too.

John, on behalf of Axe Cliff Golf Club's Seniors' Section, was delighted to welcome Naomi Cole and Geoff Clode from Axe Valley Friends of FORCE- Geoff is its Chairman- to receive his cheque for an amazing £2510.

John , in a very good speech, explained to all why he had chosen FORCE Cancer Charity for his year. He first knew of the Charity when a lady member of our club and dear friend advised him of the excellent support it had given her and her husband, which inspired him to raise money.

He knew he picked right when, on a visit to Tesco, a collection was being made for FORCE and he was approached by a lady who asked if he was aware of the Charity. She told him that, without the help of FORCE, when her husband sadly passed away, she would not have been able to cope. When he saw the smile in her eyes, he knew!

Due to Covid restrictions, his fundraising didn't start until March this year. Three Raffles were held during the remaining of the year and, as always. were well supported by the Axe Cliff Seniors.

Not just content with that, Captain John persuaded many of the local Golf Clubs to part with gifts of Four-Ball games, which he auctioned. He also opened a pop-up restaurant at home on two evenings for some members and their partners, who hopefully enjoyed his culinary skills.

John was overwhelmed, as well, by the many donations that were given by members, friends and passers- by, mainly walkers who were passing the clubhouse on the South West Coastal Path, and stopped for a bite and well-earned drink.

He would like to thank everyone who supported his Charity through these difficult times and he knows the generosity shown simply reflects the friendliness of this wonderful club.

On the Saturday, John did receive a very complimentary email from Geoff Clode, thanking everyone for the warm welcome that he and Naomi got from our members and was blown away by the amount of the cheque, especially as the last two years have been very challenging for all charities.

John was then able to give out the result of the Christmas Stableford that preceded the Presentation thanks to Rob Grove and Brian Thompson’s excellent checking of cards.

In Division 1, Adrian Bishop was the outright winner with 40 points, retired busman Stuart Mackie was 2nd with 37 pts and, close behind on 36 pts Bill Dearling took third spot.

In Division 2, Mick Swann, hitting so many fairways with his long drives, took the honours with 34 pts but, only just, from two others both on 33 pts, with Nigel Garwood's back nine better than Dave Weston's. That reminds me, I must give Mick Swann back a ball I found in the heavy rough the other week, with a big ‘M S’ on it.

We also had prizes for Nearest the Pin on the par three 7th won by Tony Snell. The 11th was won by the Rhonnda's Leighton Morgan, and Tony Snell also won nearest the pin in 2 on the par four 13th hole.

Surely with Tony playing this well, why was he not on the Podium – that's another story!

A very mixed bag for last week due to the weather again, which put paid to our match with the ladies last Monday but, fear not, we hope to replay it this week.

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.