Report on First SSGS Annual Dinner and Prizegiving

Stirling Golf Club Friday 11^thNovember

 

Organisers Gordon Thomson and David Smith pulled together an excellent evening’s entertainment on the occasion of our first dinner. Superb co-operation from our hosts at Stirling Golf Club meant high quality fare enjoyed by all present.

The evening was very ably chaired by SSGS Captain George Rodaks. Members and partners were joined by guests Bill Miller, Director of Golf Development at Scottish Golf. Club Captain David Fallow, Principal Speaker Colin McLachlan (Glenbervie). Administrators Bill and Dorothy Crighton, and our Backup administrators Dave Terrey and Archie Wohlgemuth.

Captain Rodaks, while announcing his top table, presented a bouquet of roses to his wife, Irene, as it was their wedding anniversary. George also paid tribute to all those who had contributed to the Society’s ongoing success and to the vision of founder Gordon MacDonald without which the evening would not have been possible. George also thanked Alan Nelson, who administers the Net Order of Merit and Drew Wilson who organises the Winter Stableford series of events.

Bill Miller presented the year’s prizes and afterwards had warm words for the Society and in particular the fact that seniors golf was sustaining the sport during a decline in active participation amongst younger groups. Match Play Champion Ian Brotherston and Order of Merit Champion Bob Stewart both took the opportunity to thank the SSGS organisation for the competitive opportunities offered by SSGS and to say how much they enjoyed competing with a most sociable group of fellow members.

Colin McLachlan presented a lively and humorous toast to the Society. He had himself made efforts to set up an organised seniors structure some years ago but found insufficient support at official level to make this sustainable. He was therefore more than delighted that Gordon MacDonald had shown the perseverance to take it forward and hugely impressed by the success story that the Society had been. Colin recounted several light hearted moments, both from his playing and officiating days. His toast was followed by warm applause from the members and guests. Colin’s nominated charity, Strathcarron Hospice, will benefit from his after-dinner efforts.

Reply to the toast was given by Clober’s Drew Wilson. In an excellent response he complimented Colin on a high quality speech and went on to express his own enjoyment from being part of the Society. In a humorous parody he illustrated how the Society had formed itself into “gangs” each with its own ringleaders. Several members were exposed to his rapier wit but all thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

A prize draw offering free SSGS Golf for 2012 was won by Neish Chisholm. Neish is surely a well merited winner as he is a permanent fixture at our events and a great supporter.

Captain Rodaks drew the evening to a close with warm thanks to Stirling Golf Club and to Gordon Thomson and David Smith for their organisation of an outstandingly successful evening.

 

 

 

2011 sees the first SSGS Annual DInner. on November 11th at Stirling Golf Club.

In previous years, prize medals and trophies have been handed over at the Order of Merit Shoot out at Blairgowrie.  However, as the shoot out features only the top 30 combatants, it was felt we should honour our winners at a function that all winners could attend.

Stirling have kindly agreed to provide facilities, both for golf during the day and for the dinner and prizegiving in the evening.

Tickets costing £25 each are available by firstly emailing organiser Gordon Thomson on gordonwthomson@ntlworld.com and then by sending a cheque to Jim and Peter Kinloch at 69 Russell Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 3BB. Each member is entitled to bring a partner/guest with tickets on a first come first served basis.

Timetable:

Golf  10.30 - 12.30 stableford as part of Drew Wilson's winter series.

Dinner 6.30 for 7.00  Dinner. Presentation of Prizes, followed by Toast to the Society by Colin McLachlan and reply to the Toast by Drew Wilson.

Chair: George Rodaks, Captain Scottish Seniors Golfing Society

10.30 approximately- vote of thanks and close.

There will be the opportunity to purchase club ties, SSGS Vintage Malt Whisky and other  pre Xmas items of merchandise at reception before and during the evening.

 

6th November  Stop Press. Sold Out!

2011 Main Prize Winners

Order of Merit - Bob Stewart

Match Play-  Ian Brotherston

Super Senior- Sandy Pirie   Over 70s-  Duncan McCallum

Doubles-  Mike Currie and Tom Rintoul

Regional Opens- Bob Stewart, Graham Bell, Andrew Campbell (2) George Blair, Gordon MacDonald

Inter County- South of Scotland

Net Order of Merit Andrew Campbell

2011 Murcia Seniors Singles-Malcolm Reid

Doubles- Sandy Pirie and Gordon MacDonald