Report of HAGS-UK outing to Puckrup Hall
3/4 August 2005
Another HAGS-UK outing has come and gone - successfully by all accounts - and once again the HAGS hotline to the man upstairs ensured excellent weather for our two days at Puckrup Hall (albeit it was rather windy on 3/8).
We were particularly pleased to welcome two new potential HAGS-UK members - Alan Green (ex-Schindlers Hong Kong) and John Herbert (ex-consultant to Schindlers) - both introduced as friends of Leslie Thompson's and now accepted as HAGS-UK members (despite that!).
A table showing the scoring can be viewed/downloaded here - the windy conditions on the first day (3/8) accounting for the generally lower scores on that day - and the prizes awarded on the usual principle of "everyone a winner", which is now the HAGS-UK tradition.
The facilities, ambience and course at Puckrup Hall were all praised. The course was in fine shape and had matured since our previous visit some years ago. The food was generally good (if rather pricey), apart from Jeremy Crockett's pork !! Look at it this way, Jeremy, it's a quick way to lose weight..... A toast to absent friends was proposed, in particular to Mike Harley, who kindly made available some of the unlooked-for refund (obtained following his last minute enforced withdrawal) as a contribution to the drinks fund, and John Boyd - both unable to attend because of injury.
For next year, when I have again agreed to act as convenor, we discussed possible venues, but - in true HAGS tradition - came to no firm conclusions. It was however suggested that next year we might choose a venue to the south of the M4 (Meon Valley and Donnington Valley were mentioned) as that would appear to suit everyone who regularly attends. Any other suggestions for potential venues would be welcome. Early August remains the preferred date, I presume, since noone said otherwise.
As previously, members of PWDGS-UK will again be invited and will be welcome to participate. Tony Lawrence, the PWDGS-UK convenor for their 2006 outing in June/July next year, will extend similar courtesies to HAGS-UK members.