A very mixed bag for Axe Cliff Golf Club member last week due to the weather again.

What a shame the weather put paid to the FROLIC with the ladies last Monday but, fear not, we hope to replay it this week.

Last Friday, however, the club did manage to stage a Shotgun Start for the Seniors so we could all get back to the clubhouse in time for refreshment from Clare and team and a special presentation by captain John Hanna.

It was a marvellous turnout to support John 's excellent efforts in fund raising throughout the year and our golfers enjoyed some fine weather out on the course as well.

John, on behalf of Axe Cliff Golf Club's Seniors' Section, was delighted to welcome Naomi Cole and Geoff Clode from Axe Valley Friends of FORCE. Geoff, its chairman, received a cheque for an amazing £2,510.

John, in a very good speech, explained to all why he had chosen FORCE cancer charity for his year. He first knew of the charity when a lady member of the club advised him of the excellent support it had given her and her husband which inspired him to raise the money.

He knew he picked right when, on a visit to Tesco, a collection was being made for FORCE and he was approached by a lady who asked if he was aware of the charity. She told him that, without the help of FORCE, when her husband sadly passed away, she would not have been able to cope. When he saw the smile in her eyes, he knew.

Due to Covid restrictions, his fund raising didn't start until March this year. Three raffles were held during the remaining of the year and, as always, were well supported by the Seniors.

Not just content with that, captain John persuaded many of the local golf clubs to part with gifts of 4 Ball games which he auctioned.

He also opened a pop-up restaurant at home on two evenings at which some members and their partners enjoyed his culinary skills.

John was also overwhelmed by the many donations that were given by members, friends and passers-by, mainly walkers who were passing the clubhouse on the South West Coastal Path, and stopped for a bite and well earned drink.

He would like to thank everyone who supported his charity through these difficult times and he knows the generosity shown simply reflects the friendliness of this Axe Cliff club.

He received a complimentary email from Geoff Clode thanking everyone for the warm welcome that he and Naomi got from members and was blown away by the amount of the cheque especially as the last two years have been very challenging for all charities.

John was then able to give out the result of the Christmas Stableford that preceded the presentation thanks to Rob Grove and Brian Thompson excellent checking of cards.

In Division One Adrian Bishop was the outright winner with 40 points; retired busman, Stuart Mackie was second with 37 points and close behind on 36 points Bill Dearling took third spot.

In Division Two, Mick Swann, hitting so many fairways with his long drives, took the honours with 34 points, but only just, from two others both on 33 pointsts with Nigel Garwood's back nine better than Dave Weston's.

Prizes were also handed out for nearest the the pin on the par 3 seventh hole won by Tony Snell; the 11th was won by the Rhonnda's Leighton Morgan and Tony Snell also won nearest the pin in 2 on the par 4, 13th hole.

Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy News Year.