Richard Lomax

Club Captain 2010/11

Dear Members

A relatively quiet month for a change!

However, there have been some low as well as high points.

A recent incident on the driving range brings to the fore the need for self control and safety at all times on the golf course and a message to this effect has already been posted on the members’ website.

The Midsummer Madness competition was enjoyed by all who played in it. It was a pity that we only had about 40 entrants but the day clashed with the DBs’ tour and another group’s away day. However, the winning team of Gill and Tom Lane with Mike WIlliams and Colin Henley were very worthy winners having easily outscored all opposition and achieved three birdies and a par on the par three 7^th along the way!

The Hillman team won their first Plate round with a comprehensive 6.5 to 0.5 win over Weston Turnville.  Congratulations to James Dawes and his team of Sean Sargeant, Geoff Kells, Ray Ross, Mark Seymour, Clive Norkett and Hillman debutant Cliff Waller, who turned a "4 down after 9" position into a win on the 18^th!

Sadly the Mens’ Interclub team have not had a good month, losing 4-2 to The Lambourne at home and then 3-2 away to Castle Royle.

The highlight of the month for me personally, and the club, was the team win in the Newbury Interclub Challenge, held at Sandford Springs. This competition was originally started by Donnington Grove  and the trophy donated by the club back in 2003. We won the cup that year but have failed to win it ever since, until this year, that is. Our great rivals at Donnington Valley have won it for the last three years running and put out a crack team most years. We have chosen to field the team from our committee as a sort of thank you for all the hours they put in during the year. So, it can be a bit of “hit and miss” as to whether or not we have a strong team! However, the team this year of Tim Brunsden, Ann MacDonald, Sylvia Davies, Brenda Agutter, Gill Lane, Tony Coleman, Mike Williams and, last but not least, yours’ truly, put in a great performance and won by 6 points. The cheer which went up when our win was announced was reflective of how much we really wanted this one!  It is our year to host the competition in 2011 and Tim Brunsden will, no doubt, be fiercely defending the trophy on our behalf, with the benefit of home advantage.

Another reciprocal course, Heythrop Park, near Chipping Norton, has been added during June to the list of courses which members can play free of charge. Tim and I played a round there last month and can report that it is well worth a visit. However, like Castle Combe/Manor House, a buggy is recommended!

Our course has suffered to some extent during the June dry spell, although the greens are in great condition. Much as we have all enjoyed playing in the sunshine we could do with a good fall of rain to restore the fairways to their former lush condition. Just so long as it rains during the night and shines during the day we don’t mind!

My chosen charity for the year is Help for Heroes. This is an amazing charity dedicated to supporting many young men and women who have suffered life changing injuries through serving our country since 9/11. Click here for further information. I hope that all DG members will support me in raising funds for this very worthwhile cause during my year in office.

If you have any issues you wish to raise with the committee just click on the email link at the top of this page and let us know about them.

Click here to read Richard's letter to members which accompanied the annual renewal letter from Donnington Grove.

Let us know if you are competing in events outside of the club. If you are successful tell us. We will be happy to publish your achievements on the website. Just email the details to:- committee@donnington-grove.com