I don't know where the last ten days has gone to but gone it has and I need to update the blog but the reason I haven't done it sooner is partly my neighbour's fault. He is a publisher who started me off with the idea of keeping a blog - he's read it and thinks its fairly boring! He's right of course because I just can't get down and write the exact descriptions of how everyone behaves and my perceptions of various members. I know I would probably upset EVERYONE hence I've stuck to just the facts. Maybe when I'm too old to play golf I'll re write this but meanwhile I think I shall write things that have gone on in my life that are faintly relevant in an obscure way and be more candid about friends outside the club - they know I love them so won't be offended - well not too offended at any rate.
So, now to the AGM! Mark's big night for the takeover from Paul - very good speeches from them both and Mark set out the programme for 2010. Richard, our secretary made the point that we haven't lost so much money in 2009. But quite honestly an AGM without proper accounts is pretty farcical. This may well be a contraversal statement, but I do know that the majority of the club are very unhappy about that policy just as they worry about the element of the involvement of a certain board member who owns a golf club only a few miles away and is in direct competition with ours. Obvioulsy there are divided loyalties here. Many members are extremely worried.
Moving on!
The Christmas Comp. turned out to be really good fun despite the hiccup of people wanting to play outside the official tee times. I frankly see no point in upsetting the men over such a trivial competition and fun day. Different if it hadn't already been in the book and it was a counting comp. Never mind it was fun and just about everyone enjoyed it. It was the Colonel's birthday and I had given him a flight with Airforce pilot friend in a small light aircraft. It was a really beautiful day despite the cold but they flew over the course and tipped the wings and circled around much to everyone's excitement. Sheila and I were on the thirteenth at the time - I was just driving off when Sheila shouted t'they're coming' I promptly put my ball in the bunker!
But it was worth the duff shot!!
Apparently J. had to wear a parachute which he was secretly hoping he might be able to use! Also had to go through umpteem paper checks including an age check - Pete put him down as 57!! Can only think Pete was dislixic - ie needed to turn it around and add one. Later that morning J. looped the loop - not bad for a first time at the age of....?
The next day, despite the weather warnings we set off for London and Surrey but there was no serious snow. I phoned Berkely Hospital en route to see how our 100 year old Clare was and to my astonishment was told that she had been discharged. Just hope she won't sack her minder!
We're off to Budick Vine for Christmas on Wed. so no more Blogs til New Year and the big DRIVE IN on New Year's day.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Turkey Trots and Christmas Party
The first Turkey Trot was absolutely ghastly - freezing cold a real bone chilling day - I made it a 15 holer and I think everyone was quite grateful. Saturday on the other hand was lovely - played with Emma who got 21 points on the back nine which off 8 in winter conditions was fantastic. Just a few elite played but it was really nice and Jenny bought mince pies to get us in the mood a bit for Christmas parties!
In fact it was the Christmas party that night - brilliant food and great bobbing - but couldn't quite get the arm movements for YMCA - must be my dyslexia - it wasn't for lack of trying.
The one man band was great but he needn't have bothered with the slow waltzes no one was really interested in that stuff. Mark and Sandra back from Mauritious with expensive tans - gearing up to take over as Captain on Thursday!
In fact it was the Christmas party that night - brilliant food and great bobbing - but couldn't quite get the arm movements for YMCA - must be my dyslexia - it wasn't for lack of trying.
The one man band was great but he needn't have bothered with the slow waltzes no one was really interested in that stuff. Mark and Sandra back from Mauritious with expensive tans - gearing up to take over as Captain on Thursday!
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Christmas Decorations - Bridge pm
Help! As I start this have just realised I forgot to lock the glory hole - ie the cupboard that houses the decorations - not that there is any in there now - they are all up!
Emma, Sue and Chris came to help which was great so lots of creative input - quite a lot of the stuff rather old but actually it all looked pretty good. Now did you know out there that the only way to put tree lights on was to put them on first - stand back and then squint through slitty eyes to see if they are even - if not adjust and when perfect then put the balls on. I bet a lot didn't know that! We just about finished in time before the men came steaming off the course rather soggily.
pm was the monthly bridge and guess who won? One hundred year old Clare and Katie - those of you who know who has a one hunmdred year old still firing away will have guessed the club - keep it to yourself!! Well you may have guessed anyway - never mind.
Anyway have now need to make a form out for the Christmas lunch 'lunch onlies'. £5.00 for parsnip soup and mince pies and mulled wine - I shall pay for the mulled wine.
Must get on - got to do the shopping as well - no food in the house!
Emma, Sue and Chris came to help which was great so lots of creative input - quite a lot of the stuff rather old but actually it all looked pretty good. Now did you know out there that the only way to put tree lights on was to put them on first - stand back and then squint through slitty eyes to see if they are even - if not adjust and when perfect then put the balls on. I bet a lot didn't know that! We just about finished in time before the men came steaming off the course rather soggily.
pm was the monthly bridge and guess who won? One hundred year old Clare and Katie - those of you who know who has a one hunmdred year old still firing away will have guessed the club - keep it to yourself!! Well you may have guessed anyway - never mind.
Anyway have now need to make a form out for the Christmas lunch 'lunch onlies'. £5.00 for parsnip soup and mince pies and mulled wine - I shall pay for the mulled wine.
Must get on - got to do the shopping as well - no food in the house!
Meetings!
Its been all go this week. 2010 meeting on Saturday morning. Felt that the Marie Curie stuff was pretty well on track. Sponsorship is slow but David C and Keith have both got 2 each - I must try harder - but time is such an enemy at the moment - I think I shall just have to wait to have another go in Jan. Approached Dave M (owns race horses but frankly - blood and stone come to mind - hope he doesn't read this or all is lost anyway!) Feeling amongst some of committee that need better tasking to achieve results. However regardless of sponsors we're still going to go ahead with the Fashion Show using Ed's stuff and and using Flax for apres golf which will be great - really liked Sally Perkins the owner. Date fixed for 17th April - seems ages ahead.
Sunday - Ladies Committee Meeting. Couldn't have scrambled through that without Jan (secretary)- such a lot of bits and pieces and chat - in the end I did get the hang of moving it on - otherwise might have been there til lunch time. I'm not sure one or two think I'm a pushover! Fortunately one or two realise I'm not the table banging sort or the tally ho sort - 'follow me girls!' I think I'm the 'manipulative type' so that if I meet a wall of resistance I tend to chip away til I get through! If I'm sat on I'll wriggle out! But basically I do tend to like people and can usually find something in common - maybe that's the actress in me?
Anyway....!Circulalting reports before the meeting I think is essential and I think all committees should do the same if they have any sense.
I might come back to this and add a bit more later.
Sunday - Ladies Committee Meeting. Couldn't have scrambled through that without Jan (secretary)- such a lot of bits and pieces and chat - in the end I did get the hang of moving it on - otherwise might have been there til lunch time. I'm not sure one or two think I'm a pushover! Fortunately one or two realise I'm not the table banging sort or the tally ho sort - 'follow me girls!' I think I'm the 'manipulative type' so that if I meet a wall of resistance I tend to chip away til I get through! If I'm sat on I'll wriggle out! But basically I do tend to like people and can usually find something in common - maybe that's the actress in me?
Anyway....!Circulalting reports before the meeting I think is essential and I think all committees should do the same if they have any sense.
I might come back to this and add a bit more later.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Gloucestershire Ladies County Golf Association
Had a rivetting day yesterdya. Angela picked me up outside Waitrose at 9.15 am and off we went to0 Westonbirt for the AGM at the Hare and Hounds. Absolutely pissing with rain and as we passed through a particularly large lake in the road, Anglea told me that that particular flood was outside Highgrove gates - you'd think his RH would do something about that for us poor mortals passing by. Fortunately we were erly so had time to get to the front of the queue for the loo.Angela appeared to know absolutely everyone but then I discovered later that she had been a county captain herself so I was in illustrious company. However, Ive never seen so many old b ags like me in one room at once! Still I had to remember that at a fashion show - I was definitely not. I then noticed that all the young pretty ones were at the front. How wise I thought.
The officers sitting at the top table were mighty impressive - particularly the President who ran the meeting in an incredibly relaxed style and clearly incredibly knowledgeable which me me feel hugely ignorant - how have I managed to play golf all these years without realising how the heirachy of the county work and operate? The Captain was particularly impressive (and definitely not an old bag - most attractive). The amount of fixtures and event throughout the year was awesome put particularly the achievements of the team - they were the pretty young ones at the front I soon realised. I was so proud and thrilled to discover that Alison from our Club was among this elite 6. Bearing in mind that there are 39 clubs in total in the Association. WOW! And then it emerged that the Club/Asociation champion who plays literally all over the world was one of the pair who beat Alison and Hilary in the finals of the Watson Williams on the 18th I thought what a fantastic achievement Alison and Hilary had pulled off.
The thing that struck me quite forcibly was how young these girls had started playiing and how dedicated their parents much have been and how terrific the Association's encouragement was to get them to this amazing standard.
The Association had also decided to make 5 life members including 2 from our club - Anne and Diana (thank god they were both chosen - I cannot imagine the outright war if only one had been chosen. Very funny - typical of Anne - when she 'graciously' thanked the Association for their recognitition to the past she wais 'Well I wont go on too long - there's been far too much this morning as it is' I mentally put mty head in my hands and giggled - typical - totally unphased she might be offending the 200 odd women in the room!
I could do a bit more gossip here - but better not - one doesn't know who will read this. So, to conclude Alison, bless her heart won once of the imprtant cups - another feather in our cap for our club.
Today was the Senior's Ladies Lunch at which I had to respond to the Senior Captain's toast. I spent the middle of the night rehearsing and then gave myself a migrain this morning - pure fear I have to say. But it was okay and a very nice 'do' indeed. Paul tried to hijack me before the response but in the end I was able to rtell the Seniors they were all extremely hansome and envied throughout Gloucestershire and wished them lots of birdies in 2010. I think they laughed as well as clapped?
The officers sitting at the top table were mighty impressive - particularly the President who ran the meeting in an incredibly relaxed style and clearly incredibly knowledgeable which me me feel hugely ignorant - how have I managed to play golf all these years without realising how the heirachy of the county work and operate? The Captain was particularly impressive (and definitely not an old bag - most attractive). The amount of fixtures and event throughout the year was awesome put particularly the achievements of the team - they were the pretty young ones at the front I soon realised. I was so proud and thrilled to discover that Alison from our Club was among this elite 6. Bearing in mind that there are 39 clubs in total in the Association. WOW! And then it emerged that the Club/Asociation champion who plays literally all over the world was one of the pair who beat Alison and Hilary in the finals of the Watson Williams on the 18th I thought what a fantastic achievement Alison and Hilary had pulled off.
The thing that struck me quite forcibly was how young these girls had started playiing and how dedicated their parents much have been and how terrific the Association's encouragement was to get them to this amazing standard.
The Association had also decided to make 5 life members including 2 from our club - Anne and Diana (thank god they were both chosen - I cannot imagine the outright war if only one had been chosen. Very funny - typical of Anne - when she 'graciously' thanked the Association for their recognitition to the past she wais 'Well I wont go on too long - there's been far too much this morning as it is' I mentally put mty head in my hands and giggled - typical - totally unphased she might be offending the 200 odd women in the room!
I could do a bit more gossip here - but better not - one doesn't know who will read this. So, to conclude Alison, bless her heart won once of the imprtant cups - another feather in our cap for our club.
Today was the Senior's Ladies Lunch at which I had to respond to the Senior Captain's toast. I spent the middle of the night rehearsing and then gave myself a migrain this morning - pure fear I have to say. But it was okay and a very nice 'do' indeed. Paul tried to hijack me before the response but in the end I was able to rtell the Seniors they were all extremely hansome and envied throughout Gloucestershire and wished them lots of birdies in 2010. I think they laughed as well as clapped?
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
I don't know where the time has gone since 12th, well I do but I won't dwell to much on it cos its got nothing to do with 'Lady Captain'! Last I wrote was, ".... off to Blackpool" It was a soldiers reunion and the Colonel had been invited which was pretty amazing as he was the only officer who had been invited. They were a great bunch, 7 RHA (paras) from the sixties. Lots of war stories and do you remember so and so. The person organising it, the Colonel had actually put in prison - I never did discover what for but he was hilarious and seemed to bear no grudge.
When I got back I discovered I'd come first in the Thursday comp - lost it on count back!
Then last week end went to see son Charlie and Jayne, daughter in law, and my twin granddaughters Daisy and Imogen aged 22 months who are of course totally gorgeous as of course are my Australian grandchildren Lily (aged 9) and Sam (aged 7) who I miss dreadfully.
Anyway called in to club today (Wed) and found I'd won the bowmaker with Val and Margaret -
how embarassing is that - am sure Lady Captains arent meant to win competitions - certainly not new ones and two in a row. Oh well!
Off to the Gloucestershire Lady Captain's Golf Society AGM tomorrow with Angela - quite looking fwd to it - hope I won't be asked any searching questions!
When I got back I discovered I'd come first in the Thursday comp - lost it on count back!
Then last week end went to see son Charlie and Jayne, daughter in law, and my twin granddaughters Daisy and Imogen aged 22 months who are of course totally gorgeous as of course are my Australian grandchildren Lily (aged 9) and Sam (aged 7) who I miss dreadfully.
Anyway called in to club today (Wed) and found I'd won the bowmaker with Val and Margaret -
how embarassing is that - am sure Lady Captains arent meant to win competitions - certainly not new ones and two in a row. Oh well!
Off to the Gloucestershire Lady Captain's Golf Society AGM tomorrow with Angela - quite looking fwd to it - hope I won't be asked any searching questions!
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Thursday 12th Nov
I felt quite guilty taking Venetia's parking slot but nevertheless it was jolly nice to feel I have it for the next 12 months! There seemed to be umpteen small jobs to do but it was a gorgeous day - played with Val B. and Barbara G. - all was well til the 15th when the heavens opened and the golf went down the pan. Had to guess what Val was saying some of the time and embarrassingly got it wrong - but she told me that her 93 year old cleaner had the same problem - did that make me feel a whole lot better ?- no it did not! Anyway off to the wretched deaf specialist for the third time on 26th - hope he turns up this time.
Ed has the 2010 sweaters in and have chosen a very fetching shade of salmon/pink.
It was really tipping it down when I finally got through shedding files and jobs and headed for home via the newsagent to collect the Thursday edition of the Standard. Rather fetching photo of Venetia and me after she had pinned the broach on me. I look as though I'm clutching her for dear life. Perhaps I was but I feel quite relaxed now about the year ahead and looking fwd to the challange.
Off to Blackpool tomorrow - Johnny has a reunion with his battery soldiers of 40 years ago.
Well I've never been to Blackpool and the only thing I know about it is that".... its a place for fresh air and fun and Mr. and Mrs. Ramsbottom went there with Albert their son........"
I felt quite guilty taking Venetia's parking slot but nevertheless it was jolly nice to feel I have it for the next 12 months! There seemed to be umpteen small jobs to do but it was a gorgeous day - played with Val B. and Barbara G. - all was well til the 15th when the heavens opened and the golf went down the pan. Had to guess what Val was saying some of the time and embarrassingly got it wrong - but she told me that her 93 year old cleaner had the same problem - did that make me feel a whole lot better ?- no it did not! Anyway off to the wretched deaf specialist for the third time on 26th - hope he turns up this time.
Ed has the 2010 sweaters in and have chosen a very fetching shade of salmon/pink.
It was really tipping it down when I finally got through shedding files and jobs and headed for home via the newsagent to collect the Thursday edition of the Standard. Rather fetching photo of Venetia and me after she had pinned the broach on me. I look as though I'm clutching her for dear life. Perhaps I was but I feel quite relaxed now about the year ahead and looking fwd to the challange.
Off to Blackpool tomorrow - Johnny has a reunion with his battery soldiers of 40 years ago.
Well I've never been to Blackpool and the only thing I know about it is that".... its a place for fresh air and fun and Mr. and Mrs. Ramsbottom went there with Albert their son........"
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
The AGM
7th November:
Day dawned - quite nice - sun shinning - had large breakfast - no nerves at 11 am! Went off to drinks party and someone said 'Lady Captain' - immediately went into a downward spin - left party immediately and went home to calm down and take 2 drops of 'rescue' and drove off to the Club.
Fortunately all the girls were so encouraging so felt less nervous for a while sitting behind the table next to Venetia until time I noticed the items on the agenda were gradually nearing the handover. 'Chris, sitting next to me asked if I was cold - 'no' I said - just nervous. Anyway it was okay once I started and hugely encouraged by smiling faces in the audience. I must have said something funny so that was enncouraging. Summoned up my best authoritive air to run rest of meeting and hoped for the best. Think I shall be better now all that's over.
Went home for large drink. I shall post my speech (well more or less what I said) but I know this needs a good sort out but not sure how to do it yet.
8th November
Got down to the filing and transferring all the names on to EMail - took ages but shan't test it til I've got something to say otherwise they'll all be fed up with me! Going away tomorrow to see old friend - going to persuade them to play in Charity Day - back on Wednesday.
Day dawned - quite nice - sun shinning - had large breakfast - no nerves at 11 am! Went off to drinks party and someone said 'Lady Captain' - immediately went into a downward spin - left party immediately and went home to calm down and take 2 drops of 'rescue' and drove off to the Club.
Fortunately all the girls were so encouraging so felt less nervous for a while sitting behind the table next to Venetia until time I noticed the items on the agenda were gradually nearing the handover. 'Chris, sitting next to me asked if I was cold - 'no' I said - just nervous. Anyway it was okay once I started and hugely encouraged by smiling faces in the audience. I must have said something funny so that was enncouraging. Summoned up my best authoritive air to run rest of meeting and hoped for the best. Think I shall be better now all that's over.
Went home for large drink. I shall post my speech (well more or less what I said) but I know this needs a good sort out but not sure how to do it yet.
8th November
Got down to the filing and transferring all the names on to EMail - took ages but shan't test it til I've got something to say otherwise they'll all be fed up with me! Going away tomorrow to see old friend - going to persuade them to play in Charity Day - back on Wednesday.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
5th November:
Gorgeous crisp sunny day. Played a greensome bowmaker with Meg against Gill H. and Hilary C. We did pretty well despite the chat and laughs - good shots, bad shots - as you do. Got 36 points - oh if only on the 15th actually if only on the 17th we would have won - the winners got 37 - isn't that just golf all over. Bit of wittering about slow play in front - not sure how I'm going to handle that - the trouble is its not a big deal in my book except if its really cold in which case hyperthermia will false me to take steps!
The evening dinner was really great - everyone out for a party - Noise level high - always a god sign - great meal by teve and Rita must be waitress of the year - have never seen anyone so tiny carry so may plates in one go. Venetia organized fireworks which was inspired - prize giving not too long and Emma and I raised £100 with the raffle for the raffle - more of that stuff later.
November 6th
Friends coming to stay - no time to dwell on Saturday and speech etc. Clean house do shopping -
get lunch all before midday when friends arrived. Brought them off to Glos. Docks in the afternoon and guess what I actually found 10 beautiful solid silver spoons circa 1930 with little crossed golf clubs depicted on the end of the spoon - couldn't believe it - perfect - exactly what I envisaged. Lots of bargaining went on and in the end I got them for £84 which I think was a really good price - I had been prepared to spend more.
There was a service dinner in the evening at the New Club - lots of old war stories bashing around the room but I have to say the dinner was not a patch on Steve's and I told the Secretary that the popates looked like a lot of dried turds and the veg like school dinner remains. He wasn't very pleased - even though I thought I said it nicely!
Gorgeous crisp sunny day. Played a greensome bowmaker with Meg against Gill H. and Hilary C. We did pretty well despite the chat and laughs - good shots, bad shots - as you do. Got 36 points - oh if only on the 15th actually if only on the 17th we would have won - the winners got 37 - isn't that just golf all over. Bit of wittering about slow play in front - not sure how I'm going to handle that - the trouble is its not a big deal in my book except if its really cold in which case hyperthermia will false me to take steps!
The evening dinner was really great - everyone out for a party - Noise level high - always a god sign - great meal by teve and Rita must be waitress of the year - have never seen anyone so tiny carry so may plates in one go. Venetia organized fireworks which was inspired - prize giving not too long and Emma and I raised £100 with the raffle for the raffle - more of that stuff later.
November 6th
Friends coming to stay - no time to dwell on Saturday and speech etc. Clean house do shopping -
get lunch all before midday when friends arrived. Brought them off to Glos. Docks in the afternoon and guess what I actually found 10 beautiful solid silver spoons circa 1930 with little crossed golf clubs depicted on the end of the spoon - couldn't believe it - perfect - exactly what I envisaged. Lots of bargaining went on and in the end I got them for £84 which I think was a really good price - I had been prepared to spend more.
There was a service dinner in the evening at the New Club - lots of old war stories bashing around the room but I have to say the dinner was not a patch on Steve's and I told the Secretary that the popates looked like a lot of dried turds and the veg like school dinner remains. He wasn't very pleased - even though I thought I said it nicely!
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
4th November
Yesterday morning I had my session with Venetia at 10 am in the Club House. By 12.30 not only was I mesmorised by the size of the files but brain dead wondering if I could go and dig and hole and put myself in it.
Today, however I shook myself off and got down to some serious filing and now feel a whole lot better especially when I found 'Notes for a Vice Captain' Better late than never one might say!
Mind hasn't been entirely on the job - had a call from very old friend whose husband died of a heart attack on the motorway. He was always pretty dramatic and Liz said he wanted to go out with a bang - he sure did. One thing it did bring it home to me thought that I do have friends and a life outside and absolutely must not forget that and if any other Lady Captain reads this - do take that on board cos they will be there after office and after golf.
Anyway, just spoken to Margaret - HELP - nearly made terrible boob - end of term Lady Captain's present has to be given after the dinner tomorrow night not at the AGM on Saturday.
Thank goodness I went to buy the wraping paper etc this afternoon.
I'm beginnning to flap again - is it too early for a glass of wine. No perhaps 'd better not have one at all - I don't know - I'll ring Sue instead.
Yesterday morning I had my session with Venetia at 10 am in the Club House. By 12.30 not only was I mesmorised by the size of the files but brain dead wondering if I could go and dig and hole and put myself in it.
Today, however I shook myself off and got down to some serious filing and now feel a whole lot better especially when I found 'Notes for a Vice Captain' Better late than never one might say!
Mind hasn't been entirely on the job - had a call from very old friend whose husband died of a heart attack on the motorway. He was always pretty dramatic and Liz said he wanted to go out with a bang - he sure did. One thing it did bring it home to me thought that I do have friends and a life outside and absolutely must not forget that and if any other Lady Captain reads this - do take that on board cos they will be there after office and after golf.
Anyway, just spoken to Margaret - HELP - nearly made terrible boob - end of term Lady Captain's present has to be given after the dinner tomorrow night not at the AGM on Saturday.
Thank goodness I went to buy the wraping paper etc this afternoon.
I'm beginnning to flap again - is it too early for a glass of wine. No perhaps 'd better not have one at all - I don't know - I'll ring Sue instead.
Monday, 2 November 2009
2nd November:
Got the hair done - but didn't like it - spent ages brushing it in different directions - tried putting peg on back of neck - too late for the face lift now but have to say that the photographer, Dave Jones was brilliant. How he got rid of the turkey neck I'll never know! I shall post it on here when I've discovered how to do it.
Then went off to Westonbirt to get Venetia's presey - the Colonel told me it was near Stroud.
Let metell you that if you are coming from Cirencester it is nowhere near Stroud - one hour later taking the pretty route I got there just as there was a heavey down pour. No umbrella - so hair do ruined anyway.
When I got back home like drowned rat - phone was ringing and Penny T told me I had won something - sounded very important and I had a problem trying to remember when I had ever played so well last summer! Its all been ghastly lately - part of the problem was learning my lines during every round for the play I've just performed in. I was Madame Arcarti in Blithe Spirit -
'Pluck up your heart I would say as I missed my third putt. Still I did win something extraordinarily and should have been there to collect my prize but neither Penny nor I were informed so I mised my moment. Never mind!
EMails flying back and forth to 2010 Committee - we are all desperately trying to get sponsors but don't want to double up on our effort - people could get seriously brassed off (I would say the other word normally but must try to keep language tidy in this just in case anyone does read it)
I'm choosing a couple who sold a Hotel for a few million and looking for other projects and the Chelsea Building Society cos I know the ex MD/Chairman. Need to think of others of course.
Seeing the Lady Captain tomorrow for handover stuff.
Got the hair done - but didn't like it - spent ages brushing it in different directions - tried putting peg on back of neck - too late for the face lift now but have to say that the photographer, Dave Jones was brilliant. How he got rid of the turkey neck I'll never know! I shall post it on here when I've discovered how to do it.
Then went off to Westonbirt to get Venetia's presey - the Colonel told me it was near Stroud.
Let metell you that if you are coming from Cirencester it is nowhere near Stroud - one hour later taking the pretty route I got there just as there was a heavey down pour. No umbrella - so hair do ruined anyway.
When I got back home like drowned rat - phone was ringing and Penny T told me I had won something - sounded very important and I had a problem trying to remember when I had ever played so well last summer! Its all been ghastly lately - part of the problem was learning my lines during every round for the play I've just performed in. I was Madame Arcarti in Blithe Spirit -
'Pluck up your heart I would say as I missed my third putt. Still I did win something extraordinarily and should have been there to collect my prize but neither Penny nor I were informed so I mised my moment. Never mind!
EMails flying back and forth to 2010 Committee - we are all desperately trying to get sponsors but don't want to double up on our effort - people could get seriously brassed off (I would say the other word normally but must try to keep language tidy in this just in case anyone does read it)
I'm choosing a couple who sold a Hotel for a few million and looking for other projects and the Chelsea Building Society cos I know the ex MD/Chairman. Need to think of others of course.
Seeing the Lady Captain tomorrow for handover stuff.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Count down to inauguration on 7th November!
My Profile for the Centenary Book:
'Helen's father was a doctor in the Army, her mother, an artist. Her childhood was spent partly in West Africa commuting back to boarding school where she learnt very little apart from Drama. Her early career led her into the film industry. Subsequently following a nomadic life from Kenya to Berlin and Hong Kong she ran her own interior design business in the UK. he has two sons and four grandchildren.
She finally came to roost in Cheltenham with husband John and went full circul back to theatre producing shows for charity. She joined.............Golf Club eitght years ago and has loved being a member of such a welcoming and friendly club.
SHE IS VERY PROUD TO BE MADE LADY CAPTAIN FOR 2010 the centenary year of the course.'
That's it in a very tiny nutshell so I'll just enlarge a little bit. I'm half Irish and my father who went to Trinity acted with the Abbey Theatre and only remained a doctor rather than an actor because he joined when the war came along. I did indeed commute back to West Africa to Accra. In those days it took 3 days - there was a gang of us escaping from maleria and we must have given the air hostess who was meant to be in charge of us, nightmares. But we only commuted once a year, other holidays were spent with my Irish Grandparents or my Grandmother in Kent or with other school friends. Bearing in mind I was a wartime baby, many of my school friends didn't have fathers, they had been killed in the war. It always surprises people that 50 years on we are still a close bunch and meet regularly. We have these atrocious nick names, I'm Spot but there is Pooh, Splosh and Stew as well! We must have sounded funny in the Club car park earlier this year! We all play golf. But next year its Stew's turn - so we're going up to Wakefield.
I had a wonderful time in the film world - I was waiting to go to LAMDA I was only 17 and you had to be 18 if you'd won a scholarship) but a Abbey Theatre friend of my father's turned up in Niarobi and gave me a job as a double for Elsa Martinelli in a film called 'Hatari' with John Wayne. If you see the film - her backside in the safari jeeps, is mine! I won't bore you with my film stories they do go on a bit and this is about me and golf really.
I first learnt to play golf when I was in Hong Kong - I was still acting then and doing stuff on Radio Hong Kong but at the same time designing evening wear for the export market. Mad! I was a complete amateur. Anyway, I started off at Fan Ling in the new territories - I was secretary to the secretary and decided I should have some lessons - then we moved to the island and this extraordinary character, Diana Lawrence, I can see her now invited me to play with her at a club called Sheko. In those days we always kept our water in Gordon Gin bottles and always brought a ful one with us because it got so hot even after a few holes and starting very early.
I took me a long time to discover why Diana was so unsteady on her feet after a round. Yes, you've guessed it her bottle was liberally topped up with gin.
When I got back to the UK I knew I couldn't continue in the rag trade and rather missed out by now on getting a proper acting career going or getting back into film so I trained in soft furnishing and learnt the building regs! Won't bore you with the interior design world the best part of which wasn't the clients so much as my lovely gangs of builders who kept me laughing all the time and always made me be optimistic when I thought everything was about to go pear shaped. They worked all hours and never complained. One lot was from Rainham in Kent and the other lot from Worcestershire. I worked mainly for the hotel trade and corporate market in the City.
I took up golf properly when I lived in Worcestershire and there's no doubt it helped to keep me fit and to endure the very long hours and physical stamina you need. Even when I came full circle back into theatre putting on shows for Charity I found the Club was a wonderful place to come to and forget the stresses of budget and the odd premadonner (can't spell)giving you hell
when you know they are complete amateur idiots yet they profess to know more than anybody.
Enough of all this stuff - get to the diary!
1st November:
Less than a week to go to my inaugoration on 7th Nov. Have got the committee I want (with a bit of juggling I might add! But all's well that ends well- will have to ask the girls if they want their names changed for privacy.
Its too late for me cos I've got a website and another blog (toadsrevenge.blogspot.com) and I do need to attend to that a bit this year to try to get on and sell my play - so please look at that as well if you like, especially if you have a production company. I will tell you about all the girls on the committee later - in fact now I come to think of it they could post a bit about themselves on here.
Tomorrow is photo time - getting the hair done first thing for shoot at 2.0 pm.
Talk to you tomorrow!
'Helen's father was a doctor in the Army, her mother, an artist. Her childhood was spent partly in West Africa commuting back to boarding school where she learnt very little apart from Drama. Her early career led her into the film industry. Subsequently following a nomadic life from Kenya to Berlin and Hong Kong she ran her own interior design business in the UK. he has two sons and four grandchildren.
She finally came to roost in Cheltenham with husband John and went full circul back to theatre producing shows for charity. She joined.............Golf Club eitght years ago and has loved being a member of such a welcoming and friendly club.
SHE IS VERY PROUD TO BE MADE LADY CAPTAIN FOR 2010 the centenary year of the course.'
That's it in a very tiny nutshell so I'll just enlarge a little bit. I'm half Irish and my father who went to Trinity acted with the Abbey Theatre and only remained a doctor rather than an actor because he joined when the war came along. I did indeed commute back to West Africa to Accra. In those days it took 3 days - there was a gang of us escaping from maleria and we must have given the air hostess who was meant to be in charge of us, nightmares. But we only commuted once a year, other holidays were spent with my Irish Grandparents or my Grandmother in Kent or with other school friends. Bearing in mind I was a wartime baby, many of my school friends didn't have fathers, they had been killed in the war. It always surprises people that 50 years on we are still a close bunch and meet regularly. We have these atrocious nick names, I'm Spot but there is Pooh, Splosh and Stew as well! We must have sounded funny in the Club car park earlier this year! We all play golf. But next year its Stew's turn - so we're going up to Wakefield.
I had a wonderful time in the film world - I was waiting to go to LAMDA I was only 17 and you had to be 18 if you'd won a scholarship) but a Abbey Theatre friend of my father's turned up in Niarobi and gave me a job as a double for Elsa Martinelli in a film called 'Hatari' with John Wayne. If you see the film - her backside in the safari jeeps, is mine! I won't bore you with my film stories they do go on a bit and this is about me and golf really.
I first learnt to play golf when I was in Hong Kong - I was still acting then and doing stuff on Radio Hong Kong but at the same time designing evening wear for the export market. Mad! I was a complete amateur. Anyway, I started off at Fan Ling in the new territories - I was secretary to the secretary and decided I should have some lessons - then we moved to the island and this extraordinary character, Diana Lawrence, I can see her now invited me to play with her at a club called Sheko. In those days we always kept our water in Gordon Gin bottles and always brought a ful one with us because it got so hot even after a few holes and starting very early.
I took me a long time to discover why Diana was so unsteady on her feet after a round. Yes, you've guessed it her bottle was liberally topped up with gin.
When I got back to the UK I knew I couldn't continue in the rag trade and rather missed out by now on getting a proper acting career going or getting back into film so I trained in soft furnishing and learnt the building regs! Won't bore you with the interior design world the best part of which wasn't the clients so much as my lovely gangs of builders who kept me laughing all the time and always made me be optimistic when I thought everything was about to go pear shaped. They worked all hours and never complained. One lot was from Rainham in Kent and the other lot from Worcestershire. I worked mainly for the hotel trade and corporate market in the City.
I took up golf properly when I lived in Worcestershire and there's no doubt it helped to keep me fit and to endure the very long hours and physical stamina you need. Even when I came full circle back into theatre putting on shows for Charity I found the Club was a wonderful place to come to and forget the stresses of budget and the odd premadonner (can't spell)giving you hell
when you know they are complete amateur idiots yet they profess to know more than anybody.
Enough of all this stuff - get to the diary!
1st November:
Less than a week to go to my inaugoration on 7th Nov. Have got the committee I want (with a bit of juggling I might add! But all's well that ends well- will have to ask the girls if they want their names changed for privacy.
Its too late for me cos I've got a website and another blog (toadsrevenge.blogspot.com) and I do need to attend to that a bit this year to try to get on and sell my play - so please look at that as well if you like, especially if you have a production company. I will tell you about all the girls on the committee later - in fact now I come to think of it they could post a bit about themselves on here.
Tomorrow is photo time - getting the hair done first thing for shoot at 2.0 pm.
Talk to you tomorrow!
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