The Old Elizabethan Association

This annual extravaganza was held at La Grande Mare on 29 August 2008 under indifferent skies but, luckily, no rain.

For the very first time, ladies were invited to participate in this most prestigious of sporting spectaculars. Not just any old ladies, but the esteemed wives of Old Elizabethans.

And participate they certainly did! After the morning tee-offs a ladies’ threesome was showing the males the way with a commanding aggregate score of 77 Stableford points. The OEs themselves who had afternoon tee times were heard muttering under their breath that ladies winning this event was just not on so earnest endeavours were required to attempt to ensure that the coveted trophy remained with the former attendees of what is, after all, a boys' school.

Well, at the end of the competition there were four teams tied on 77 points and all waited eagerly at the evening dinner and prize giving to hear the final result. Roger Smith (5605) was the organiser this year and it was he who implemented the dreaded countback on the “my decision is final and binding" basis. Surprisingly, it was declared that this year’s overall winning trio was a men's team comprising Brian Bisson, Pierre Bisson and Peter Radford. The ladies were pipped at the post, finishing third.

42 golfers took part in the competition and 52 sat down to a very enjoyable dinner in La Grande Mare Restaurant. Roger had introduced some new twists including two nearest the pins challenges (the second shot on the 7th hole). The morning challenge was christened “Carumba” and was won by Pippa Hudson. That in the afternoon, titled “Zut Alors”, was awarded to Simon Vermeulen. These winners each won two bottles of wine suitably labelled "Carumba" and "Zut Alors", and appropriately decorated and adorned by Roger. This wine was kindly donated by La Grande Mare so Simon cunningly contrived to win back half of what he had donated.

Roger had asked certain non-playing wives to judge two further competitions. One was for the most neatly written score-card. The winners each received no less than a pencil with integral eraser. All other score-card authors were given detentions for sloppy hand-writing! These ladies also got together to decide on the most original team name, the winners being “The Deviant Divotees” each of whom also received an identically excellent writing implement!

Brian Bisson said a few words on behalf of the winning team, thanking all concerned and vowing to return next year to defend the trophy which his team seemed to now regard as its very own.

President Jerry Girard presented the prizes and made a short but appropriate speech. The whole evening was ably compered by Roger, keeping those gathered suitably entertained with his usual mix of anecdotes and witticisms! Roger threatened to organise next year’s event and has already managed to secure useful sponsorship.

Tremendous thanks are due to Roger, whose efforts this year resulted in such a successful and enjoyable day.

Nick Brett (5586)

See the Golf Day pics