A wonderful historic clubhouse and a sunny day on a lovely golf course – what more could you ask for ? – answer, No Wind !
Our April outing at Wellingborough GC attracted 18 players. They included our 2 new members, Andrew Randall, introduced by Mike Webb and Brian Bamber, introduced by Pete Schofield. After dinner, they were presented with their new LEGS ties by Captain Graham. You will see that they had been carefully prepared by our official “Keeper of the Ties”.
After a very challenging 18 holes played in very windy conditions, it was no surprise that only 3 players managed to score 30 or more points. The clear winner was Pete Schofield with a fine score of 36 and he was presented with the April Cup by its co-sponsor, Alan Horn - the other being Ken McCarthy. Pete finished ahead of Richard Shortland, 2nd with 33 and Bob Broomhall in 3rd place with 31 points. As you will see in the summary of the results that’s set out below, our Handicap Secretary has been sharpening his scythe !
Competition for the “Last Leg” was a lot closer with 3 players on 20 points. After a countback exercise on the last 6 holes, Jos Daalhuizen had the pleasure of taking the trophy for April. However, it should be noted that due to our house rule that no one is allowed to retain this trophy, the Secretary being 1 point behind them led to the countback exercise being required.
I am pleased to report that the Secretary partially made up for this embarrassment by taking the prize for nearest the pin in 2 at the 18th hole. On the par 3 4th hole, the prize went to Andrew Stevenson who was obviously keen to remind the Treasurer that it was in 1 shot !
To help boost this year’s Charity Pot, the Captain donated a very special bottle of Scotch that he’d recently received as an unwanted birthday present. This was snapped up by Bob for a bargain £40.
Pete Schofield took on the role of Finesmaster and his work plus donations from missing members led to a wonderful total of £285 being raised for “Crisis”.
Next month takes us from Northamptonshire to Cambridgeshire as our schedule moves on St Neots – hopefully for a less windy round of golf. The entry form on our website is now open for business.
As the weather improves and the days get longer, if you can’t make the golf, please let me know if you would like to join us for dinner only.
I look forward to seeing you at your next event.
Colin Oates
Secretary 2025
We mustered 15 players for our 1st event of 2025 and the golfing weather gods smiled on us at South Beds GC. This is clear from the photos of the first few shots of the year from the 1st tee from the Captain, the Secretary & the Handicap Secretary. The glorious sunshine was enjoyed by all and it proved to be ideal weather for golf – for some.
Like many local clubs, the previous week had seen extensive course maintenance taking place so the greens proved even more tricky than usual. The 2nd group out certainly enjoyed the conditions and that 4-ball included the top 3 scorers – albeit on countback. As you will see from the results summary at the bottom, we had 3 players finish on 36 points. Alan Horn was edged out of the places on countback and Clive Haywood squeezed past Paul Jones into 2nd place based on the last 3 holes. However, we did have a clear winner, Jeff Wood with 39 points. His “reward” will be a reduction of 3 in his playing handicap next month.
At the par 4 7th hole, the nearest player in 2 shots was Tom Inskip, seen smiling with his prize.
However, our other 2 prizes for nearest the pin at a par 3 and a par 5 went to auction to enhance the Captain’s Charity. This was not because there was nobody near but because Clive was nearest to both. However, having already secured 2nd place he was unable to take any more prizes home. Bringing up the rear with a score of 21 points was The Secretary. Having gone many years without doing so, this is now 2 occasions in the past 6 months – methinks more practice is required.
In addition to the golfing prizes, Andrew presented the prizes for Henry’s 2024 Forecast Quiz. The winner was Paul Jones with Alan Horn taking the runner-up spot – on the tie-breaker.
I have also included a photo of the latest LEGS branded tops – as modelled by the Three Amigos !
We enjoyed a lovely dinner of Chicken & Mushroom Pie (probably ordered by Past Captain, Pete “The Pieman” Schofield). After dinner, my thanks go to Paul Jones for his Finesmaster performance. I’m very pleased to report that £200 was raised for Captain Graham’s chosen charity, “Crisis – Together we will end homelessness”.
I would like to remind you that our next outing will be to Wellingborough GC on Wednesday 17th April. It’s one of my favourite courses and the sign-up screen is now on open our website. I hope you can make it and look forward to seeing you there.
Colin Oates
Secretary 2025
This year’s LEGS Bowling evening attracted 24 members & their guests and a very jolly time was had by all. Mike Webb had set us up with 4 rinks and the 8 teams generally played boys v girls – just to give a competitive edge to proceedings. After 2 hours of bowling it was clear that there was a wide range of abilities on show.
Many sporting analogies arose during the evening;
Captain Graham delivered a display that endorsed the general feeling that contrary to popular belief, golf actually is his sport! At one stage, Secretary Colin looked like the tension had all got too much for him – see photo !
Thanks to Tom & Andrew for organising the pre-event Nepalese meal which proved to be a resounding success. Finally a word for one of our founding members – Mike Webb on the occasion of his birthday. He looked like he’s returning to his old self and spent the evening trying to coach some of our players. It certainly tried his patience.
So overall, a very entertaining evening and a great way to set up this season’s series of 9 golf outings.
Captain | Pete Schofield
Secretary | Graham Shennan
Charity | Mind
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Mike Webb
Secretary | Pete Schofield
Charity | Multiple local charities
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | David Steel
Secretary | Mike Webb
Charity | St John's Hospice, Marie Curie Cancer Care
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Bob Broomhall
Secretary | David Steel
Charity | Children with Cancer UK
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Tom Inskip
Secretary | Bob Broomhall
Charity | The Stroke Association
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Alan Horn
Secretary | Tom Inskip
Charity | MIND
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Colin Oates
Secretary | Alan Horn
Charity | Macmillan Cancer Support
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Andrew Stevenson
Secretary | Colin Oates
Charity | British Heart Foundation & MS Society
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Ian McLuskie
Secretary | Andrew Stevenson
Charity | Help for Heroes
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Andy Pohler
Secretary | Ian McLuskie
Charity | British Heart Foundation
View details of winners and losers >>
The History of LEGS is not in itself particularly startling, but what has surprised those who set it up and the inaugural members is the success it has enjoyed over the years. The initial meetings were held in a variety of licensed premises in and around Luton between April and September 1986. Nobody can remember why it was important to always drink whilst discussing such an important issue. The people involved were, in alphabetical order - George Clarke, Harry Critchley, Alan Hughes, Colin Roberts and Mike Webb. At first it was thought LEGS should stand for “Luton’s Eccentric Golf Society”. It was then decided that some clubs may not take us seriously and accept bookings. So we became executives, which probably contravened the Trades Description Acts of that time for most of us.
George was then the area manager of the Woolwich Building Society, so he had plenty of time on his hands to get LEGS started.
Harry was the manager of Bank of Scotland Luton branch, so he had as much if not more time to kill than George.
Colin was the manager of Legal and General and was always looking for things to do to fill his day.
Alan was a hard working self employed Insurance Broker, who enjoyed doing as much of his business on the golf course as he could.
Mike was a self employed commercial surveyor looking for any excuse to do anything but act for his clients.
A list of potential members was compiled - mostly from the immediate Luton area. Colin Roberts, offered to host the inaugural meeting at his offices on the 22nd October 1986. Legal and General provided a superb buffet and the scene was set. At the meeting, George became secretary, Harry - treasurer, Alan - vice captain, Colin - co-ordinator and Mike - captain. A full year’s program was agreed and booked for 1987 with the first meeting held at Dunstable Downs on March 24th.
History written by founding member Mike Webb
The aim of LEGS was to provide an opportunity for people to meet, play golf at various venues throughout the year and raise money for charity. It was decided that each captain would chose the charity for that year. This continues today. We are delighted to say that funds for various local and national causes have reached some £65,000. It is important for members and their guests to understand that we are foremost a golf society based on fellowship which raises money for charity. We are not a fund raising group who play golf.
All four founders agreed to each provide a trophy. George - the booby prize, Harry – the winner, Colin – the runner up, Alan – Nearest the pin, Mike – longest drive. Unfortunately all seem to have gone missing.
Captain Jeff Wood decided new trophies should be introduced during his tenure in 2014. Members were invited in pairs to sponsor a trophy for each of the month’s that we play. This was fully supported and now complete.
2023 Mike Webb
2022 David Steel
2021 Bob Broomhall
2020 Tom Inskip
2019 Alan Horn
2018 Colin Oates
2017 Andrew Stevenson
2016 Ian McLuskie
2015 Andy Pohler
2014 Jeff Wood
2013 Richard Ebbs
2012 Andrew Stevenson
2011 Martin Lavansch
2010 Ken McCarthy
2009 Ken McCarthy
2008 Henry Richardson
2007 Howard Smith
2006 Neil Curtis
2005 Ivor Harris
2004 Dickie Bird
2003 Mike Stockford
2002 Derek Jones
2001 Brian de la Salle
2000 Gerry van Lottum
1999 Ivor Harris
1998 David Steel
1997 Alan Horn
1996 Mark Hewitson
1995 Ray Berresford
1994 Bill Clayburn
1993 Paul Davies
1992 David Yallop
1991 Gordon Pritchard
1990 Nick Sheridan
1989 Mike Beatty
1988 Peter Ball
1987 Mike Webb
Sign Up for St Neots, May 14th
Form submitted to the secretary.
If you can make it, look forward to seeing you. If not, hopefully next time!