DOGS Week-end Away 2012

The 2012 decampment took place on Sunday 15th July bound for the Donnington Valley Hotel, Spa and Golf Club, near Newbury.

The weather forecast was not encouraging as dark clouds were looming on the horizon. Typical for this summer.

We were fortunate to get in the 18 hole round without a drop of rain, however the course was so wet that buggies were not allowed on the course.

Sunday evening was our 3-course evening meal held in a private dining room. This is a good idea to keep the DOGS locked away from the other guests! The main fare was lamb shank with all the trimmings! For pudding we had a very scrummy bread & butter pudding with lashings of wonderful custard.

The evening past with fines (administered by Tony Lowe), a short quiz (won by Mark Ryland's team), and the grande finale - a raffle with all funds raised going to the Katherine House Hospice.

I am pleased to report that £155 was collected!!

Monday morning was slightly grim. It was raining, and had been all night. The DOGS were noticeably quiet at breakfast - hungover? Certainly not! Well.... you be the judge.

The routine prior to playing golf had a slight change as ALL the golfers were donning their waterproofs BEFORE teeing off. Grim. It was then decided to shorten the round from 18 holes to 9 holes.

The results:

Sunday (18 holes) Monday (9 holes)
1st Tony Lowe (33 points) 1st Steve Brown (18 points)
2nd Steve Brown (30 points) 2nd Ralph Stewart (17 points)
3rd Ralph Stewart (29 points) 3rd Mark Ryland (16 points)

Nearest to the Pin: Andy Adams Nearest to the Pin: John Stiff

Longest Drive: Ralph Stewart Longest Drive: Phil Wilks

Top Team: Top Team:
Bill Brown Bill Brown
Steve Brown Steve Brown
John Stiff Ralph Stewart

Overall Winner
Bill Brown (51 points)

Congratulations Bill!

We welcomed a new member to DOGS -- Ailean Carter is now proudly displaying her DOGS bag tag.

Photos of this event can be seen in the Gallery Section of DoL.

David Darst
Reporter