John O'Gaunt 2017 June

John O’Gaunt Golf Club

June/July 2017

Introductory Free round of golf

JOHN O’Gaunt Golf Club members are being given
the opportunity to sign in a maximum of three guests
during July and August, absolutely free of charge.

The intention of the offer is so that the members can
showcase their club to those seriously considering
joining a golf club, and in particular joining John
O’Gaunt.

Members are therefore asked by the club to use it in
good faith, and not merely as a chance to invite friends
for a free round.

The club said: “Should any of your friends or family be considering joining a golf club, why
not encourage them to join John O’Gaunt?

“Guests will have to be signed in at the Pro Shop in the normal manner. Therefore, to facilitate,
members must pre-register their intention to make use of this facility with administration prior
to arriving to play.

“Members need to do this by emailing [email protected] at least 48 hours
before they intend to play. No registration means that guests will have to pay the usual rate.

“The offer is open to all playing members from Monday to Friday, and at weekends after 2pm.”

Who Nicked the course record?

NICHOLAS Smit wrote his name in the John O’Gaunt record books
as he compiled a course best eight-under-par 63 on the main
course in the Peak Production Trophy on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Gog Magog member (pictured, with Scratch Team Manager
Richard Bushell) birdied the first and third holes, before picking
up four more shots in a five-hole run either side of the turn.

With the previous mark, set by Norman Wharton, having stood for
37 years ago, Smit secured his moment of history with an eagle
on the 17th hole and a par down the last.

wwwJo.hjon hOn’Goaugnat uGnoltfgColulbfcMlaugbaz.icnoe .uk 1

Results follow all the hard work

WELCOME to the June/July edition of the John
O’Gaunt Magazine.

I hope you have all been enjoying this super
weather over the last few weeks.

We are now in full flow of the season, the
competitions coming thick and fast which gives an
opportunity for everybody to try to get onto one of
the competition boards.

Michael (Grace) has been doing a fantastic job
filling these events and it is great to see so many
of you joining in.

The Seniors Club Championship took place at the
start of June with five age categories attracting 157
entrants, which is a record for a singles competition!
This, again, is a testament to Michael’s hard work.

We have recently had the John O’Gaunt Pro-Am,
which is still the biggest Pro-Am in the East Region
with 54 professionals taking part.

It just goes to show that John O’Gaunt is no ‘push
over’ when only five professionals shot under par.

I played alongside Ian Campbell (Professional),
Jeff Wilson and Peter Collin and we had a credible
11 under par to finish sixth.

Thanks to all the guys for joining me and making it The social side of the Club continues to flourish,

a fantastic day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by including 70 members attending an excellent trip to

all who took part. London to watch ‘Beautiful’ the Carole King story.

Towards the end of May, John O’Gaunt hosted the The themed dining nights have been a huge

Peak Production Team Trophy with 14 teams from success and more are planned during the summer

various Clubs taking part. so please keep an eye on the website and come

This event again was kindly sponsored by Richard along to try.

Bushell of Peak Production Limited. Also we have the Summer Ball on June 23rd,

The highlight of the day was Nicholas Smits of Gog which is now sold out. Many thanks go to Sue
(Bassindale), Wendy (Ashcroft) and Simon (Davis)
Magog shooting a course record 63.
for all their hard work in this respect. I am sure we
The previous course best, which was set by are all looking forward to a great evening.
Norman Wharton, had stood for 37 years and
should still be recognised, as the course has Let’s hope that the sun continues to shine (with
changed considerably since then and obviously some rain in the evenings to keep the courses in
the superb condition they are in at the moment!).
equipment is very much different nowadays.

The Matt Gentle Memorial Trophy took place I would just like to finish by thanking Nigel and
on Sunday, May 28th which is a Junior/Adult the Green Staff, all Catering and Bar Staff for
competition. This was very well attended and their excellent work during this busy period in our
calendar.
enjoyed by everybody who took part.

It was also the final major competition I look forward to seeing you all at the Club in the
that Steve Akrill was involved in before he coming weeks.

leaves to start a new venture in the north. Club Captain,

We wish Steve all the very best for the future. David Wilsher

2 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

Building an updated fit-for-purpose facility

AS indicated in the May John O’Gaunt Magazine, We will then be able to present to the Members
the sub group had asked for the initial costings on and, once agreed, will start the task of tendering
the proposed Clubhouse work to be carried out. for the construction works.

We have now received these and have started on I know there are many that ask, “Why not just get

the job of reconciling them back to the costs that on with it?”, which is a fair question. But with so

were included in the original presentations. much of our resources being committed, I feel

One conclusion that we have reached already confident that our future is best served by being
is that, in the short and mid-term there is no diligent at this stage.

pressure to provide any substantial increase Peter Wade - Chairman House Special Projects

in space in the Clubhouse. Except for possibly

one event, The Summer Ball, we have adequate

capacity for all events and functions.

Consistent with that, we will, therefore, not be
looking to replace the existing conservatory with
a much larger one, as per the original plans, but
simply use the same footprint as the existing one
to build an updated, fit-for-purpose facility.

When we have completed the work on reviewing
the new cost projections, the full General
Committee will ratify them and re-engage with our
architects to get more detailed costings and plans.

Tap-Ins

DAVID Wilsher is holding his Captain’s Day on JOHN O’Gaunt Golf Club has enjoyed a

Sunday, July 2nd. With a collection of treats successful period of recruitment in the first

for Members and Guests, including a hot quarter of the year. But we still have Membership

buffet and live music on the day, please come availability in all categories. Please take the

along and support your Captain. opportunity to extend the invitation to join to all of

THREE net eagles and eight net birdies were your family, friends and colleagues.

on the winning scorecard of Russell Bodkin and PHIL Blackburn took home the Vice Captain’s
Tony Phipps in the Carthagena Bowl as they Cup for all those members who have joined
bagged 45 points. See photos on Page 9.
since 2014, with a score of 40 points around

SPACES are filling up for the Men’s Club Carthagena.

Championship as Jack Slater puts his title on ONE point was the margin of victory in the annual

the line over 36 holes on July 15-16th. Captain Vs Vice Captain team match as David

PLAYERS are urged to enter the Andy Finnigan Wilsher’s side got the better of the outfit led by his
Memorial Trophy on Sunday, July 9th. Played understudy Stuart Gardner.

on John O’Gaunt, it is open to Junior and Youth FAMILY and friends attended the funeral of
Members, plus Full Members who joined the club Gordon Haddow last month after he passed
before they were 18 years old. Entries close on away at the age of 82, following illness. He
Tuesday, June 27th.
had been a Club Member since 1973.

ENTRIES for the Mixed Invitation Cup, which WITH pages to fill in the John O’Gaunt Golf Club
takes place on Sunday, August 27th, will open Magazine in 2017 and beyond, there are plenty
on Saturday, July 15th.
of opportunities to advertise. Please contact the

PETER Dobson was successful in the May Club Office to get your message across to the

Midweek Medal with a net 72 on John O’Gaunt. Members, Guests and Visitors in the next issue.

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 3

4 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

Interest is high for ladies board comps

LADIES Captain Rosemary Kimber “On a beautiful ‘Mad

said: “In the past month, the Ladies Thursday’, at the end of

Section has been busy with many May, 60 ladies (some

board competitions along with other pictured below right) played

events. in the Spring Closed as they

“The Coronation Foursomes was competed over 36, 26 or 18
won by Jane Cooper and Tanya holes.

Willmott who will go forward to “The Division winners were

represent our club in the national Penny Staveley-Smith

competition. (Division 1), Di Oliver

“Towards the end of April, a field (Division 2) and Adrienne
of 24 ladies played in a medal with Massey (Division 3), with
booked tee times on the computer. Dawn French winning the
This was very well supported with Jo Spring Scratch Trophy.

Coker winning Division 1 and Pauline Wade taking “The Bedfordshire GC held the County

Division 2. Hopefully, more weekend medals will Championships this year.

have booked tee times in the future. “The winner of the 36 hole strokeplay on the

“The Auction Supper was well supported and was Thursday was John O’Gaunt’s Sophie Hillier. But

followed by the Auction Cup two days later, which unfortunately, she narrowly missed out on being

was won by Sue Bassindale and a new member County Champion as she lost in the KO Final.

Morag Hutcheon. The County First Division meeting was held on the

“The other Board competitions played were the same day as Chris Billington came third.

Captains Cup, won by Heather Anthony (pictured “Congratulations to all the winners. For those who

below left), and the Audrey Shuter Cup, which didn’t win, there are plenty of competitions in the

was formerly the Five Day Members’ Cup. That months ahead. Good luck to everyone in future

went to Susan Kennedy. competitions.”

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 5

Rolls Royce of putters is well worth a try

HEAD Club professional Lee Scarbrow said: “These are the Rolls

“Thanks to all the members who took part in the Royce of putters and

John O’Gaunt Pro-Am. A brilliant day was had by all. well worth a try, we

“We had some success with a team led by Jason will have both right
(Churchley) from the shop finishing second overall and left handed
on 14 under par and were only beaten to the top putters available
to try.
prize on countback.

“With 54 teams competing from all over the East “We look forward to
Region, the Professional’s winning score was a seeing you on the day.

three-under-par round of 68 from James Webber. “Keep an eye out
for a Ping wedge fitting day. It is all about
“We have had nothing but compliments about the the short game and Ping’s range of
course and we would only echo those and say wedges are right up there with the best.
how lucky we are to be playing here. We will let you know as soon as we can confirm

“Scotty Cameron Putters will be holding a putter a date.
fitting day on Wednesday, July 12th from 2-7pm. “Can we take this opportunity to wish David

“If you wish to book a half hour slot, please call the Wilsher, Mr Captain, a successful day on his

Shop on 01767 260094, or if you wish to just come Captain’s Day on Sunday, July 2nd. Good luck to

along and try the putters, feel free. all those taking part.”

Try Golf Or Improve Your Golf Dave Wilsher’s Captain’s Day

Opportunities for members, friends and relatives Sunday, July 2nd: Open to all members & guests

To book a place or for further information, please Live Music from “Stacey Wood” from 4pm.
contact the Professional Shop.
Selection from the Hot Buffet, available from
Visit the Shop in person 3.30pm-8.30pm at £9.50 per person (under-12’s
Telephone: 01767 260094 £4.75, under-5’s free):
Email: [email protected] Beef Chili
or [email protected] Beef Lasagne
Roasted Vegetable Pasta
10-17 Year Old’s Golf Camps Sweet and Sour Chicken
(Also open to current Junior Members)
All served with:
Golf Camps run by our Club PGA Accredited Rice, French Fries, Sour Cream, Nachos, Naan
Teaching Professionals Mark Wall & Tom Bread, Chutney, Mixed Salad, Garlic Bread
Bushell.
********************
10am-noon Selection of Desserts to include (at
& 1pm-3.30pm an an extra cost of £4.00):
£30 per day,
including lunch Eton Mess, Fresh Fruit Salad,
All equipment provided. Strawberries, Selection from
Dessert Board, Selection of
Tuesday, August 1st.
Wednesday, August 2nd. Maynard’s Local Ice Creams
Thursday, August 3rd. and Sorbets, Selection of
Tuesday, August 22nd. Fine Cheeses, served
Wednesday, August 23th. with Biscuits, Celery
Thursday, August 24th. and Grapes.

6 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

Your friendly, local
insurance broker

N. R. DAWS

INSURANCE CONSULTANTS LTD

01767 314798 | www.nrdaws.co.uk

Follow in the footsteps of a real legend

AN opportunity to match an early achievement
of Sir Nick Faldo will be at stake when the John
O’Gaunt Junior Open takes place on the new date
of Monday, July 24th.

With England’s greatest ever golfer’s name being
inscribed on the prestigious trophy after he won in
his youth, the club have joined forces with British
Junior Golf Tour to co-host the event.

BJGT have just completed their Super Six Series
over the spring, as young home club members
Paul Smith, Jessica Sporle and Alasdair Large
played in a collection of sold out competitions.

To take part in the John O’Gaunt Open, which is
played over 18 holes on the main course, please
get your name down asap.

Open to boys and girls with an official CONGU
handicap, it costs just £15 to play in the main event.

For those youngsters, without an official handicap,
they can play over nine holes off age-related tees. This costs just £10. Food is available at £5 per player.
To book into the event, visit www.juniorgolftour.co.uk or contact the club office at John O’Gaunt GC.

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 7

Large
points
tally on a
Gentle day

FIFTY one points was the magnificent winning score in
the annual Matt Gentle Foursomes Trophy as the father
and son duo of Cameron and Alasdair Large (pictured
above) earned the plaudits on the Carthagena course.
In an adult and juniors pairs competition in memory of the
former junior club member, who passed away in 2009,
aged just 15, a field of 60 golfers took part.
With some of Matt’s family helping out with the presentation
(pictured below), second spot went to Club Captain David
Wilsher with granddaughter Isabel Davies (45 points) on
countback from Stephen Clinton and Madeline Clinton,
with James Black and Archie Black fourth on 41.
Alasdair Large maintained his brilliant form into the next
junior club event as he lifted the Under 14’s Cup the
following weekend with a score of 43 points. Tom Sennett
(41) and Jenifer Tocha (40) were also in the prizes.
Two other new junior members, Ixie Akpan and Ethan
Akpan, were the players to beat in the Gaunt Cup as they
grabbed first and second respectively after carding 40
and 36 points on the John O’Gaunt course.

8 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

‘Putters and Posers’
www.thesportsjournalist.com

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 9

JOG Fourth Hole Project With Course and Golf Committee
Chairman Phil Haddow

THE club is currently in a period of Clearly, certain fixtures would be moved onto

consultation with Central Beds Council Carthagena while the fourth hole is out of

regarding the planning application for our commission.

proposed makeover of the fourth hole on the Michael (Grace) will be explaining this in
John O’Gaunt course.
his weekly updates just as soon as we have

This is normal for any planning application certainty on the project.

and was fully expected when we made our Course Manager Nigel Broadwith also had this
submission earlier in the year.
in mind when our green staff carried out the

The planning officer in charge is taking deep scarify and over-seeding on Carthagena

advice from a number of departments last September. The greens are rolling really

within the council, including Ecological; well as a result and are in excellent condition

Archaeological; Arborilogical and Flood to take into the summer.

Management specialists. Only essential coursework will be carried

Your committee is working through the out to minimise disruption while we’re more

various queries that are being raised and reliant on the Carthagena course later in the

tweaking the plan to accommodate their year.

comments where possible. On John O’Gaunt itself, the only significant

The clock is ticking relentlessly towards the disruption to play would be the loss of the

September 11th planned start date. However, fourth hole, occasional construction noise

we are in the fortunate position of having a and the deployment of machinery.

contractor sitting in the wings, primed and The plan is to play a short course from
ready to start work at short notice.
September 11th until the Sutton Cup in March.

Project meetings with our contractor have On finishing the third hole, play would
been going ahead on the assumption that continue from the 14th as a short hole
planning permission will be granted.
(without crossing the brook). From the 18th,

There have been a number of questions players would be directed to the 10th tee. On

from Members regarding logistics and how finishing the 13th, play would continue from

the club would operate during the period of the fifth with the ninth as a finishing hole.

construction. It’s slightly premature to talk about logistics,

but this has been a Frequently Asked Question

for some time now. So hopefully this gives

some insight into our contingency plan.

Rest assured, it would be ‘business as usual’
at the club as work is carried out in this self-
contained corner of the course.

Certainty on the project would be nice.
However, John O’Gaunt is not exempt from
life’s imponderables. Your committee is
continuing to work hard alongside the council
to navigate through the planning process.

Crossed fingers from Members and some
luck with the weather are also in the mix!

Thanks to everybody for your patience as we
work towards our September 11th deadline
for starting work.

A further update will be posted just as soon
as we have something definitive to report.

10 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

Competition
Winners

THE TOOLING SPECIALISTS FOR PRECISION COMPONENT MACHINING

SUPPLIERS OF PRECISION TOOLING AND EQUIPMENT TO MANUFACTURERS OF COMPONENTS FOR THE

MEDICAL, AUTOMOTIVE, AEROSPACE, AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 11

Huge field enjoy Club Seniors Championship

NEIL Brown needed to wait all day before being
confirmed 2017 Club Senior Men’s Champion as
he beat a large field of over 150 golfers on the
John O’Gaunt course.

After posting two birdies in a one-under-par gross
score of 70 in the opening group, Brown held on to
top spot by two strokes from Paul Wharton.

The net plaudits went to Phil Cottier (pictured left)
thanks to a net 69, while Chris Walker had the
leading stableford total of 38 points.

With prizes being handed out in age categories
for 55-60, 61-65, 66-70, 71-75 and a new 76+
division, Michael Case, Tony Waters, Geoff
Elcome, David Gauge and Alan Fowler grabbed
the respective honours.

May brings no defeats

JOHN O’Gaunt’s senior’s team were involved STEVE Akrill’s last seniors competition, before he
in three tight matches last month as they drew moves, ended with victory as he combined well
twice, before recording an excellent 5½-2½ with Derek Page, Steve Cooper and Algy Grimes
victory away to East Herts. (all pictured above, with Seniors Captain Fred
Williams) in the Ken Robinson Scramble.
Richard Coventry and John Gregory were in good The quartet carded an impressive total of net 55
touch for the team in their first outing at St. Neots. in hot and humid conditions on the Carthagena
course to finish half a stroke clear of David Lincoln
A win from Gerry Gentle and Ray Smart and another and John Ellary, and the veteran pairing of Alan
point from Keith Fuller and Richard Westergreen- Fowler and Robin Smith.
Thorne helped the side finish all square. The sun also came out two weeks earlier for the
Rex Bullock Trophy as a gentle breeze made
It was the same result a few days later at home to scoring conditions ideal for the seniors.
Harpenden Common - just with different players Although event organiser Neil Pinnington shot
on the scoresheet. 42 points to finish three ahead of Alan Anderson
and Jim Peacock, he couldn’t match the superb
Gerry Degaute and Jim Peacock (4&3), Terry winning tally of 43 posted by Michael Tomblin.
McSweeney and William Skelding (6&5), David
Crosby and Peter Wade (3&2) and Ken Doggrell
and Ray Smart (one hole) were all victorious in
the 4-4 draw.

The team found their very best form a fortnight
later as they reversed a 5-3 loss to East Herts in
last year’s fixture with a collection of solid wins.

Arguably the best performance came from match
organiser Keith Hargreaves, who triumphed with
Seniors Captain Fred Williams despite being in
serious discomfort with a bad back.

12 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 13

Recent Club Results Ladies Team Stableford - JOG (May 18th):
Winners: Lindsay Derry, Nicola Hunter & Sheila
Vice-Captain’s Cup - CAR (June 4th): Murphy (74 points), runners-up: Pat Harrington,
1 Philip Blackburn (40 points), 2 Penelope Susan Bryan & Penelope Staveley-Smith (72).
Staveley-Smith (38), 3 Tanya Willmott (38).

Junior Gaunt Cup - JOG (June 4th): Ken Robinson Scramble - CAR (May 16th):
Winners: Stephen Akrill, Peter Grimes, Derek Page &
1 Ixie Akpan (40 points), 2 Ethan Akpan (36), 3rd Stephen Cooper (net 55), runners-up: David Lincoln,
Alan Fowler, John Ellary & Robin Smith (55.5).
Paul Smith (33).
Senior Men’s Championship - JOG (June 2nd): Carthagena Bowl - CAR (May 14th):
1 Neil Brown (43 points), 2 Phil Cottier (38), 3
Christopher Walker (38).
1 Russell Bodkin & Tony Phipps (45 points), 2
Ladies Ping 4BBB - JOG (June 1st): Simon Albone & Mark Eaton (43), 3 Kay Daniels &
Winners: Jean Peacock & Jane Cooper (42 points), Diane Munns (43).
runners-up: Diane Munns & Jean Cobb (41).
Midweek Stableford - CAR (May 31st): Fun Friday Scramble - CAR (May 12th):
1 Neil Stewart (41 points), 2 Michael Round (40), Winners: Gary Branch, Andrew Fage, David Gabbitas
3 Matthew Gudgin (39). & Richard McKay (net 51.5), runners-up: Barry
Gaynor, David Lenton, Gary Tait & Neil Willson (53.1).
Junior U14 Cup - CAR (May 30th):
1 Alasdair Large (43 points), 2 Thomas Sennett Midweek Stableford - JOG (May 10th):
1 Richard McKay (39 points), 2 Greg Osborne
(41), 3 Jenifer Tocha (40).
(38), 3 Ian Milne (37).
Peak Production Trophy - JOG (May 29th):
1 Nicholas Smits - Gog Magog (71 + 63 = 134), 2 Senior Men’s Open (Singles) - JOG (May 8th):
Jack Hawksby - Millbrook (72 + 70 = 142), 3 Luke Winner: Colin Webber - Elton Furze (37 points),
Charnley - South Beds (75 + 68 = 143). runner-up: Bob Howell - Millbrook (37).

Midweek Medal - JOG (May 26th): Ladies Auction Cup - JOG (May 7th):

1 Peter Dobson (net 72), 2 Ash Latter (73), 3 1 Sue Bassindale & Morag Hutcheon (net 45), 2
Glenn Wilkinson (73).
Laura Ann Collin & Victoria Collin (41), 3 Wendy
Ladies Spring 18-hole Greensomes - CAR (May 25th): Percival & Danielle Rooney (41).
Winners: Jenny Edwards & Sara Fowler (38
points), runners-up: Morag Hutcheon & Rosemary Junior Stableford - CAR (May 7th):
Kimber (38). 1 Alasdair Large (42 points), 2 Hannah Phillips
(40), 3 Lawrence Jefferys (37).
Ladies Spring 8-hole Greensomes - CAR (May 25th):
Winners: Charmaine Gillett & Susan Hurren (12 points), Ladies Captain’s Cup - JOG (May 4th):
runners-up: Julia Cottenden & Anne Marie Evelyn (11). 1 Heather Anthony (net 73), 2 Yvette Bunker-Dare
Ladies Spring Closed Medal - CAR (May 25th): (75), 3 Pauline Wade (77).
Division 1: Winner: Penelope Staveley-Smith (net
73). Division 2: Winner: Diane Oliver (65). Division Ladies Audrey Shuter Cup - JOG (May 4th):
3: Winner: Adrienne Massey (67). 1 Susan Kennedy (32 points), 2 Glynis Hale (30),
3 Susan Hankins-Matthews (28).

Ladies 4BBB - JOG (May 21st): Midweek Medal - CAR (May 3rd):
Winners: Diane Oliver & Tracie Allan (38 points), 1 Desmond Daish (net 59), 2 Morgan Darnell (62),
runners-up: Wendy Percival & Morag Hutcheon (36). 3 Matthew Gudgin (64).

Junior Stableford - JOG (May 21st): Lawrence Seniors’ Rex Bullock Trophy - CAR (May 2nd):
1 Callum Bareham (33 points), 2 1 Michael A Tomblin (43 points), 2 Neil Pinnington
Jefferys (32), 3 Thomas Sennett (29). (42), 3 Alan Anderson (39).

May Medal - JOG (May 20th): Girls’ Inter-club Team Challenge - JOG (May 1st):

Division 1: Winner: Simon Albone (net 70). 1 Emma Brown (37 points), 2 Isabella Brunskill -
Division 2: Winner: Russell Bodkin (72). Division Enfield (36), 3 Katie Martin - Moor Park (36).

3: Winner: Andy Kaye (72). Grouse Trophy - CAR (May 1st):

Ladies Medal/Eclectic - JOG (May 18th): 1 Chris Treadwell & Adam Woods (net 63.0),
Division 1: Winner: Anna Collis (net 73). Division 2 Ralph Ahern & Joe Carroll (63.5), 3 Richard
2: Winner: Joan Cocksedge (84). Kensall & Simon Kensall (65.0).

14 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk

Breeding season starts early for birds

IT’S been an excellent time for our breeding birds. Also, there is currently a Tawny Owl on eggs on

Usually when I check the nestboxes it’s late May Carthagena and the Barn Owl box on Carthagena

when I expect to find chicks. But on May 9th, to will be checked in July.

my surprise, I found a brood of 12 Blue Tits and a The first sighting of Willow Warbler was by the
brood of six Great Tits on Carthagena - both about 14th fairway on Carthagena, while Garden Warbler
a week old. This is the earliest I have ringed chicks and Whitethroat were in Pegnut Wood just off the
on either course but, it was just the start!
course near the fifth green on John O’Gaunt.

I found many more chicks of varying ages on On a dawn chorus walk, the first Cuckoo was heard
Carthagena, including some almost ready to by a member in Pegnut Wood and by the ninth
fledge. Great Tits did better than 2016 (95 to 83) fairway on John O’Gaunt.
and Blue Tits not quite so good (146 to 200).
A Common Tern was seen flying over the fifth green
When checking John O’Gaunt there was quite a on Carthagena while two Partridges, probably
significant difference, the broods were generally Red-legged, were spotted on the fifth fairway on
smaller and not developing as quick and opposite John O’Gaunt, both of these are good spots.
to Carthagena. Blue Tits were about the same as
last year (109 to 113) and Great Tits not as good Also on 12th, the first Swallows and Swifts were
(50 to 63). On average, chicks were about one or seen flying over John O’Gaunt.

two weeks earlier than the previous year. There have been a pair of Greylag Geese hanging

around the course, usually in the morning and a

Grey Wagtail has been seen several times near the

brook between the third green and the 14th tee.

With the recent warm weather, there has been an
increase in Butterfly sightings, Orange Tip, Small
White, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell
and the first Speckled Wood.

The first Dragonflies of the year were seen near
the 14th tee along the brook, three pairs of Large
Red Damselflies and several Banded Demoiselles.

The best news from the boxes must be the Kestrels The Moth trap has been run a few times and
(pictured above). For the first time, we have a pair yielded three new species for the Club, including
nesting on both courses. the delightful Puss Moth (pictured below).

At the start of June, each box had three chicks, Later in the summer the wildflower areas on the
the box on Carthagena is about a week to 10 course should be teaming with life, full of flowers
days ahead of John O’Gaunt. This proves that our and pollinating insects.

rough grass management is working and there is There will be two Bat walks in August and Badger
a plentiful supply of small mammals to feed those watches in August and September, please keep a
check on emails from the club for confirmed dates.
hungry chicks.

There have also been five Jackdaw Chicks in
boxes and two Stock Dove Chicks and one box
with Stock Dove eggs.

The total number of chicks is now over 400. As the
chicks nested a bit earlier this year I didn’t think the
food supply would be at its peak and there wouldn’t
be many chicks but it all turned out pretty good
even with some occasional heavy rain.

Unfortunately, I found more dead chicks and
unhatched eggs than last year including a clutch of
14 eggs which could be down to lack of food.

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Magazine 15

John O’Gaunt Golf Club Club info:

Fixtures www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk Address:
Sutton Park
June Event (course) Sutton
Bedfordshire
Thu 15th Ladies Stableford (CAR)
SG9 2LY
Ladies Past Captains Salver (CAR)
Administration:
Sat 17th Ladies Silver Salver (CAR) 01767 260360
Membership & general enquiries - option 2
Junior Tavistock Trophy (JOG) Handicaps, comps, reservations - option 3

Sun 18th Midsummer Madness Trophy (CAR) General manager/secretary:
01767 260360 - option 8
Mixed v Leighton Buzzard (JOG)
Members and bar:
Junior Rookies Cup (CAR) 01767 263429

Mon 19th Ladies League v The Bedford (CAR) Restaurant:
01767 261469
Senior Ladies v Bedfordshire (JOG)
Professional shop:
Tue 20th Seniors v St Neots (CAR) 01767 260094

Wed 21st Midweek Stableford (CAR) Fax:
01767 262834
Thu 22nd Ladies Stableford (CAR) Email:
[email protected]
Sat 24th Sir Malcolm Stewart Cup (JOG)

Scratch B v Bedfordshire (JOG)

Sun 25th June Medal (CAR) Bar Hours

Tue 27th Seniors v East Herts (JOG) Monday 11:00am - Close
Tuesday 11:00am - Close
Wed 28th Midweek Medal Gents & Ladies (JOG) Wednesday 11:00am - Close
Thursday 11:00am - Close
Ladies v St Neots (CAR) Friday 11:00am - Close
Saturday 10:30am - Close
Thu 29th Ladies 4BBB Comp (JOG) Sunday 10:30am - Close

Ladies Team Stableford (JOG)

July

Sat 1st Intermediate Scratch v Flempton (CAR) Catering Hours

Ladies Scratch v Beds & County (CAR) Monday 8:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6:00pm
Junior Ver League (CAR) Wednesday 8:30am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6:00pm
Sun 2nd Captains Day (JOG & CAR) Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Tue 4th Seniors v Leighton Buzzard (CAR) Sunday 8:00am - 5:30pm

Thu 6th Ladies Swinden Cup (JOG)

Sat 8th Letchworth Silver Salver Qualifier (JOG)

Sun 9th Andy Finnigan Memorial Trophy (JOG)

Tue 11th Seniors Reg Batson Trophy (JOG)

Thu 13th Ladies Par & Grannies Trophy (CAR)

Fri 14th Scratch B v Chalgrave (JOG)

Sat 15th Club & Junior Championship - R1 (CAR)

Sun 16th Club & Junior Championship - R2 (JOG)

16 www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk