It was Black Ties and Posh Frocks at Astbury Golf Club on Saturday 6th March where officials, members and their specially invited guests from Congleton Golf Club, gathered for the 2010 Annual Dinner. The event formally celebrates the arrival of the Captains to their Official roles, celebrates the close ties between the two clubs and essentially marks the start of the Social Season at the Golf Club.
Pictured
Ladies seated Left to Right
Mrs B Arthur, Mrs R Matthews, Mrs J Bozon, Astbury Lady Captain Mrs Sue Bentley, Congleton Lady Captain Mrs C Negus,
Mrs N White, Lady Vice Captain Astbury Mrs Hazel McVitie, Mrs S McAllister, Mrs E Porter
Gentlemen standing Left to Right
Astbury Vice Captain Mr Bill Arthur, Congleton Captain Mr R Matthews, Astbury Captain Mr Peter Bozon, Astbury Secretary Mr P Bentley, Mr C Negus,
President Mr A White, Mr D McVitie, Chairman Mr D McAllister, Astbury Senior Skipper Mr E Porter, Astbury Junior Captain Mr A McCormick
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Around 80 members enjoyed a delicious 4 course meal and settled down to the evening’s speeches hosted by Club Chairman Dominic McAllister. Club Captain Peter Bozon kicked the speeches off emphasising the pride he felt in his role at Astbury. He remembered well how far his enduring passion for golf had grown from the days when he first held a club as a result of a friendly wager with an old friend Harold Jackson. Peter made particular note of the financial management of the club which sees Astbury in a strong and healthy financial position and also the great support to the running of the club given by Mr Fred Reed in recent times. Peter concluded by highlighting how much he was looking forward to the year ahead and welcomed the Captain and Lady Captain of Congleton Golf Club and their respective partners, Mr and Mrs Robbie Matthews and Mrs Chris Negus and Mr Negus.
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Chairman Dominic McAllister introduces the speakers
In reply The Congleton Captain thanked Peter and admitted that he wasn’t that keen on winter golf, adding that once he has performed his duties in the Captain’s drive in at the start of the winter he effectively hibernates until the first glimmer of a warm sun is seen. It didn’t escape notice that he seemed quite well groomed for someone who this year must have spent 4 months under the duvet! When the season gets underway of course Robbie was very much looking forward to the “Ryder Cup” event between the two clubs and toasted both clubs and their future.
The Astbury President Alan White spoke wittily in reply and looked back to the choice of Astbury over Congleton as “his” club. Concerned about meeting new people he was advised that he could achieve this most effectively by playing someone else’s ball but quickly found this a bad plan for longevity. Talking of his election to president he was reminded of the “interview” with outgoing president Mr Peter Bennett “ How long do you think a President’s speech should take ?” “ about 3 minutes….” came Alan’s reply . “ Right… You’re on the shortlist !” With his tongue firmly in his cheek, the President then queried what appeared to be the Congleton club’s successful discriminatory policy of offloading their Scottish Ex Captains as so many seemed to have migrated to Astbury over the last few years. Alan raised a toast to celebrate the relationship between the two clubs and that long may it prosper.
The incoming Vice Captain Bill Arthur spoke without an interpreter and with great humour and conviction in support of the ladies. Quoting lyrically he mesmerised the ladies present. Several of the hardened Astbury members could be seen sitting on their hands to stop pinching themselves at such unexpected goings on. Bill concluded graciously with the Toast to the Ladies.
The Lady Captain Sue Bentley ( quickly recovering from Bill’s “coming out”) concluded that she was also very excited at the prospect of the year ahead and given the growing Ladies membership this section should continue to go from strength to strength – she highlighted that she aims to ensure that Astbury will continue to be known above all else for its friendship and warmth – and who could argue with such a fine goal as that? Sue concluded by thanking Jim Barry and Eileen Dale for the organisation of the evening and keeping the traditions for the event.
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President Alan White thanks Congleton Captain
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Jaqui entertains
With the formal parts of the evening concluded the club welcomed Jaqui who performed an impressive and sensitive selection of Motown, Soul and Pop standards. The attendees that could still dance took to the dance floor while the remainder mingled (should that be slumped?) into the quieter areas of the bar and chatted late into the night. A good time was had by all!
PC 9/3