We held our second quiz night of the season on the evening of 18th January over Zoom video, thank you Andrew for arranging again.
8 LEGS members attended, and a lovely evening was had by all. A good number of kind LEGS members who could not attend donated their £10 anyway, thank you this is very much appreciated.
Alan Horn kicked us off with a quiz all about Bedford and Bedfordshire. The questions were taxing and very well constructed with a mix of sport, local history, TV & film and even prisons! This was followed by the second quiz with John Simpson who billed it as ‘simple mathematics’. The maths may have been simple, but the questions were fiendish.
The scoring was good with John and Andrew the evenings winners, very well done to you both.
The money raised is to be finally counted but it will be in order of £150 all going to the Captain’s charities, thank you everyone for your generosity.
The bowls event we had pencilled in for February will not be able to take place this year due to the club’s membership and calendar challenges. I will write to you all shortly with an alternative social event hopefully still in February.
We held our first quiz night of the season on the evening of 15th Dec over Zoom video, thank you Andrew for arranging.
9 LEGS members attended and a fun evening was had by all. A good number of kind LEGS member who could not attend donated their £10 anyway, thank you very much indeed.
Richard Shortland kicked us off with a general knowledge quiz, testing the grey matter of all. This was followed up by Colin Oates who had created a ‘front 9 & back 9’ golf quiz, this was equally taxing and great fun. Thanks to Richard and Colin, everyone agreed they were first rate quizzes and provided a good laugh too.
The scoring was high, many congratulations to Martin Lavansch who won not one but both quizzes with impressive scores. Some lovely wine is on its way to Martin.
A number of ‘fines worthy’ misdemeanours were noted throughout the evening and will be addressed at our first event in Wellingborough. More welcome contributions for the charities.
Jeff was pleased to report we raised an excellent £190 for the Captain’s charities, which I think you’ll agree is quite something indeed. Thank you for your generosity.
**Download Henry's Forecast Quiz here >>
Download the AGM 2022 Minutes here >>
Download the 2022 Season results here >>
Greetings everyone. The meeting at Dunstable Downs was a great success. We were not greeted by fog. The weather was dry and very windy. The course was well set up. There has been a good deal of vegetation clearing. The tees, bunkers, fairways and greens were in excellent condition. We were made most welcome by all the staff. They worked hard so there was no delay between the meal and AGM. The AGM was attended by players and three non-players. Plenty of discussion and the program for 2023 ratified. Despite the high winds there were some very good scores.
A perfect way to end our golfing year. May I wish you all a happy Christmas and offer best wishes for a healthy golfing 2023.
Greetings.
Despite the possible intervention of fog, the day went uninterrupted. Fifteen players tackled this parkland course. Pavenham has suffered the ravages of the hot weather, but the ground staff are working hard to rectify this, as are many other clubs.
Some of us found the greens difficult to stay on and read but others had no difficulty at all. The eventual scores showed both the wooden spoon and winners enclosure hotly contested. There was one point between three players for the spoon. Similarly, just one point separated the winner and two runners up.
It was a delight to welcome Howard Smith back into the fold. Also, to welcome Colin Bolster who was a previous member.
Our Fines Master Richard Sharpe, who stepped in with very short notice swelled the charity pot in fine manner and tradition. Thank you, Richard.
The final meeting and AGM is at Dunstable Downs on 10th November.
After a 3-year gap, on Wednesday 5th October our 2022 Autumn Trip headed to Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort near Grantham. After some movement in our expected numbers, 15 LEGS members gathered at this former DeVere Hotel for 36 holes with dinner & breakfast sandwiched between the 2 rounds of golf.
Day 1 - The Lakes Course
As you can see from the photo of the organiser, most players prepared themselves for a very damp day - with or without venturing into the numerous water hazards that give the course its name. While being reminiscent of our Greetham Valley downpour in 2019, the conditions were made even more challenging by a strong 25mph wind.
I am pleased to report that all players completed their rounds with no repeat of the Greetham Valley early returns to the bar.
A combination of the weather, the difficulty of the course and the quantity of golf balls that found a watery grave, inevitably led to low scores. Perhaps the only surprise was the winning margin of 5 points with Richard Shortland managing to score a stunning 32 points - the only player to get into the 30s.
A team prize was also given to Richard, Bob & Stephen. Their average score of 25 points just edging out the other 3 teams with 24.5, 23.75 and 23.5 - so very close.
After the usual post round inquests, we headed to an excellent 3 course dinner with wine. The evening closed with a return to the bar to enjoy the musical talents of Martin Lavansch. As a result of sponsored requests from our members, and a couple of other hotel guests, Martin's songbook raised £130 for this year's Captains Charities.
Day 2 - The Woodside Course
After insufficient sleep for most, our hearty breakfast was enhanced by the sun bursting through the windows - a dry day lay ahead. The theory was that this course would be easier than the Lakes and so it proved. Despite another windy day our average score was 2.5 higher.
The team prize was won with 29.25 points by Andrew, David, Alan & myself after we edged Mike, Martin, Bernard & Tom into 2nd place - a mere 0.25 behind. The best individual score was 36 points from Tom Inskip. This also meant that he won our 36 Hole Trophy - a solid silver creation from The House of Broomhall. His winning aggregate score of 63 included 6 zeros - so hope for us all. Tom led Captain David by 4 points with Richard Sharpe in 3rd place a further 3 points behind.
Our trip closed with the prizegiving of seemingly endless bottles of wine, set up by our Director of Scoring, Andrew Stevenson. He did a superb job over 2 days and once we included a few nearest the pins, best improvements, most zeros and a few other more novel prizes, everyone went home with at least one of the aforementioned bottles of wine.
So, a great time was had by all, and we look forward to a similar trip next year - hopefully with more LEGS members able to join in the fun.
Colin Oates
Greetings everyone.
The day at Old Fold Manor was dry. There were 17 of us and one guest. The club staff looked after us very well and the food was excellent.
Unfortunately, the course was not in a good condition. The weather this summer has not been kind to a good many outdoor facilities including golf courses, but there did not seem to be a whole lot of effort put into the upkeep. Pity, it is a very good venue and test of golf.
Despite the course condition the scores were very good. A countback for the winning prize and only one point behind for third.
The Spoon was also heavily contested, there being only one shot between the three contestants.
Our fines master – Martin – known sometimes as Jack – did a us proud with all suffering one way or another. Good work Martin, thank you.
A provisional booking for 2023 has been made.
The next meeting is at Pavenham on Thursday 13th October.
Greetings everyone.
It never rains – but pours. Certainly did, with thunder and lightning. We have been very lucky so far this year. Dare I say the rain was very welcome but rather upset the usual scoring format.
As some of us did not complete our rounds, Andrew our handicap guru did his best to level the field for the prize giving. The only two members to be affected were the winner and runner up. Captain David completed his round with 42 points …. and still came second. Bad luck David – it was an excellent round.
Knebworth always look after us well. Wednesday was no exception. Hope you all enjoyed the fish and chips.
Tees and greens in wonderful condition considering the dry spell. As member Colin Oates said – “the fairways are biscuit coloured”. Thanks for all your efforts for the meeting Colin. I know we all appreciated them.
A booking for 2023 has been made.
Greetings everyone
Captain’s Day at Bedford & County was a great success. Warm – thankfully not too hot – a gentle breeze and a course in good condition.
LEGS was the first group to have a meal in the new Terrace Bar. This has been photographed and noted by Richard Shortland – Greens Director for B&C. It will be featured in the monthly B&C bulletin called Hot Of The Course. Thank you Richard.
The staff looked after us very well. It was a first for them, so some teething problems can be ironed out for future events.
We were entertained by a band during the meal and presentations which is another first for LEGS. Captain David was fines master – his charities were the eventual overall winners for the day.
A booking for 2023 has been made.
NEXT MEETING – Knebworth on Wednesday 17th August.
Greetings everyone.
The meeting at Mid Herts went exceedingly well. Played in hot, humid conditions. The course was possibly as well presented as I have ever seen over the many years of visiting. Greens and fairways true, two cuts of rough penal but playable and the long grass difficult. We were made to feel very welcome by all the staff. They even bought out a buggy to the course for one of us in the middle of the game.
The scoring complimented the course in most cases. A very high standard. It is not often that the member who came third played under his handicap.
Our fines master – Ray Beckman did a very good job of swelling the charity coffers – thank you Ray.
A booking has been made for 2023.
CAPTAIN’S DAY – this is our next meeting at Bedford and County on Thursday 14th July.
The trophy for the July meeting is sponsored by Andrew Stevenson and Richard Ebbs. I hope you can all be there with captain David.
The day at St Neots was a great success. The club looked after us in their well organised and friendly manner. We certainly did not leave hungry. The food was excellent.
The course is in very good condition. It is tree lined as we all know. The rather high wind meant that there were a number of shots taken out of the treed areas back onto the fairways. Despite this, a few managed some good scores as below. The clouds threatened on several occasions but we manged to avoid any rain.
St Neots has been booked for next year. They know our society well and that fellowship and charity are our goals. They have confirmed very favourable rates for the event.
St Neots gave Captain David a complimentary 2 ball voucher which he will be auctioning at Captain’s Day.
Fines Master Bernard Henry stood to say he was going to “sting everybody”. He did not disappoint us. Well done Bernard.
The next meeting is Mid Herts on Thursday 16th June.
The Verulam meeting on the 20th April was held in lovely weather conditions. There were 21 players in total. The course was extremely well presented. The staff made us very welcome. A good time had by all. We have made a provisional booking at Verulam for 2023 pending the November AGM.
We had three guests. One of them – Richard Shortland has joined. Richard is a Bedford & County member. We are delighted to have him with us.
The scores reflected the weather and condition of the course. Some excellent results.
Both Guest winner and Member winner totals are believed to be records. Congratulations to both Jeff and Richard.
Handicap adjustments have been made for Jeff, David and Bernard. Our fines master – Paul Jones reminded us of our misdemeanours. Stephen Long did grace – thank you both. The membership agreed unanimously that a donation £200 from LEGS sinking fund should go towards the war effort in Ukraine. The money is going to “Wollaston and Bozeat Support Group” who are sending their finds raised to the official Government DEC fund.
LEGS had an excellent start to the year here. Whilst the eventual number of participants was reduced due to covid and personal circumstance the meeting went very well. We had 12 members and one guest.
As expected – the course was in a very good condition, even after all the wet weather recently. This venue is highly rated in golfing circles for good reason. The staff looked after us extremely well. We were in a pleasant dining room set up as one large oval table. This allowed some quite interesting conversation and inevitable banter.
The weather was bright and sunny. Little wind, true greens, to compliment this delightful undulating course.
Treasurer Jeff gave full details on the result of the two winter quizzes with bottles of wine for organisers and winners. A great way to link the close of 2021 and start of 2022.
Richard Sharpe gave an entertaining show as fines master. The captain’s charities clear winners. Well done Richard.
Prizes for the day:
Our guest was Allen Merrifield. He won the prize bottle but felt it was undeserved, so he kindly auctioned it for the captain’s charities. A very nice gesture which we all applauded.
It will be good if we can welcome more guests through the year.
VERULAM – is our next venue on 20th April. Some bookings are already received. Captain David looks forward to seeing you all there.
See more about our LEGS Autumn Trip 2022 here >>
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.
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
