Last Sunday’s fine weather was most appropriate for the annual Max Pipe organised springtime coach trip, writes John Pawley.

Around 45 members and their guests very much enjoyed the trip to Compton Acres near Bournemouth where the variety of plants and bushes, and their colours was very much appreciated.

An evening meal in the Martyrs Inn at Tolpuddle, where the food was excellent, rounded off a most enjoyable day and all gave thanks to Max and Maggie for their organisation.

Monday was a day of changeable weather with frequent bursts of thundery rain to affect the players in the seniors’ friendly match against Cricket St Thomas. Played at home with fast greens the Honiton team were not able to repeat last week’s win, and lost by four to two. Special mention to Buzz Harris who turned up when asked to play at the very last minute.

The threat of heavy rain reduced the Tuesday mixed field to 20 hardy souls who played in teams of four- the best ladies and gents Stableford scores to count on each hole. Although two prolonged really heavy showers dampened proceedings, the worthy winners with a score of 79 points were Maureen and Laurie Tollemache with Sue Kelson and Max Pipe – the runners up with 75 points being Di and Phil Wall with Heather and Peter Clarke.

The seniors played their monthly medal competition last Friday in generally sunny conditions. As one bad hole can damage a round, medal competitions are not the most popular, and also that the back tees are in use.

Around 50 players ensured a good turnout and welcomed at least one new member David Morris, who returned the compliment by winning Division One with a net 69. Mike Kent followed with 71, a score also attained by Phil Faulkner and Roger Matthews, who were separated by countback. Fifth was Mike Watts with 72.

In Division Two, Mike Delaney, wishing to reduce his handicap, succeeded spectacularly with a net 67 to win by five clear shots, and also collected the monthly tankard. John Vessey was second with 72, followed by Bob Cockett (73) with Peter Blake and Ron Rogers, each with a net 75.

There were a pair of twos scored by John Fleetwood on the second and Andy Sharland on the seventh leaving the pair sharing 40 golf balls.