The day of the Old Gramms Autumn Golf dawned with the threat of fog and the possibility of some early rain. By the time we had gathered for the start, the fog had dissipated to patchy cloud with the occasional appearance of a watery sun.

After the “Hail old Fellows” and “What Ho Old Boys” greetings quickly descended into “Alright Mates”, “Bloody hell, you look Old” and “You must be Joking”, the mutual insults settled down into a convivial conversation until the realisation came that we had to get out there and play some golf.

Howard Longton, Bob Reid and Sam Powell started the ball rolling (literally in one case) followed by the fancied grouping of Wally Manton and Mark Rayner with Richard Platt and Greg Spink. (Not sure who fancied them and when, but it was a long time ago.) Next, Don Seabright, John Bedford, Adrian Wood and Paul Gillham, a half sensible bunch, set off in a determined fashion with the Senior group of John Bateman, Nigel Creasy, Chris Shadwell and the very Senior Dave Jeffery in the rear, always ready to rein in any stragglers.

Surprisingly, all the starters managed to return after the round, (I counted them all in…), then handed their cards in to the lone adjudicator and scorer Tony French, sadly without his sidekick, Alan ‘Swooper’ Smith who had passed away recently.

While Tony deliberated and interpreted the scorecards, the contestants were refreshed with offerings of liquid and more substantial sustenance from the Golf Club Bar. The cry came up “The Results are in!” and the contestants settled down (having recently been joined by Old Boys Chris Ody and Pete Coxon, who enlivened the conversation with their reminiscing and tales of past misdemeanours.)

A plethora of wines, some of dubious origin were on display, as was the Silver (plated) Trophy previously held by Mark Rayner (who thoughtfully remembered to return the trophy for presentation this time). Each bottle was donated by a contestant, the winner getting the first pick – a significant advantage.

Old Gramms Vice-President (soon to be President), Brian York announced the winner to be Paul Gillham (20) with a very respectable 39 Stableford points and presented the Trophy, accompanied by a rather raucous round of applause. Second place went to Wally Manton (19) only one behind on 38. The final podium place went to the previous holder Mark Rayner (17) scoring 36. John Bateman (13) and John Bedford (21) were next sharing 32, with Chris Shadwell (13) last in the 30’s with 31. To avoid embarrassment (for some) we will only publish the lower placings, not the scores. 7th onwards, Greg Spink (28), Dave Jeffery (21), Howard Longton (21), Sam Powell (30), Don Seabright (21), Nigel Creasy (21), Richard Platt (40), Bob Reid (30) and finally Adrian Wood (24).

Thanks to Dave Jeffery, Don Seabright, Tony French and Howard Longton for organising.