1. We enjoyed good golfing weather at Cuddington. Yes the wind got up a bit in the late morning but it stayed dry and the temperature was just right for early spring. We felt particularly pleased with ourselves when we noticed the rain coming down while we ate dinner! We had 60 people out and many were there to witness Keith’s drive in. He and his guests were resplendent in Scottish headgear - how sad our three Scots members were not present to add authenticity to the occasion -but an Irish element then crept into the proceedings as a Mulligan came into play….. We hope all  will enjoy seeing the photos (kindly taken by TT) which I’m sure Ian will be posting on the web site.
    
2. Once the hilarity subsided – it took a while – and we got down to the serious business of trying to score Stableford points, we were reminded that after the two downhill par 5s to open your round, Cuddington has some long par 4s, particularly the uphill 17^th and 18^th which I guess is payback time after the fairly benign opening.
    
3. Ian Barrett is only beginning his fourth BAGS season but has already made his mark in our Hall of Fame. With 41 points he notched his fourth day victory (the others were at Gatton Manor, Hankley and Farnham) and got his handicap down to the 18 which was his target when he became a member. Don’t stop there Ian, as those who have seen your game develop know that you can improve further.
    
4. Well done also to Brian Wynn (despite the Miami jet lag) with his first podium placing since he won at West Byfleet in April 1995. Perfect timing Brian as you picked up your champagne commemorating your 100^th BAGS round. Amongst the improvers it’s also pleasing to note David Jackson’s 31 pointer and John Moody getting amongst the birdie 2’s money.
    
5. Andy is already setting a hot pace in the Chairman’s having knocked up 75 points in his first two outings. To add to his enjoyment he won the Bramley fourball in the Charity NP. Many thanks to all who took part, helping us to raise £180. 
    
6. We now look forward to our 150^th day event in the superb surroundings of St George’s Hill. We have a maximum capacity of 60 players and there are already people on the waiting list so please confirm your place by paying for the day by next weekend. Chris has decided to embellish the occasion still further by putting in a 4 ball at Shirley Park as the Charity Nearest the Pin - more details nearer the time. Don’t forget also that the draw for the Golfathon rounds allocation will be made during this event.
    
7. At Cuddington Roger ran through the KO Draws which he and John did last weekend. These have now been issued so that those involved can make their plans to organise the matches.
    
8. Several people have enquired about whether we can take more than the current limit of 32 on the South Downs Tour in September. The main stumbling block is West Sussex whose normal rules require that any groups over 32 in number should play foursomes rather than 2 balls which is obviously unacceptable to us. I’ll call them within the next week to ask whether they’ll stretch to 36 on this occasion. Thanks to those on the tour who have paid the second tranche of £150 which is now due. Please could the remainder of the non SO people deal with this within the next few days. 
    
9. We’ve now completed initial costings on the proposed tour of 2011 to Belgium and think this will work out at around £600 for our normal four day package. In case this hike from our normal £450 should prove unacceptable in today’s difficult times, we are offering an alternative package based in Norfolk at the lower figure. Within the next week therefore we’ll be contacting regular tourers to vote on the two options. We have no wish to be overly bureaucratic but feel that the difference in cost between the two possible packages is such that we need a vote.
    
10. Ian tells me that the hits on the web site are at a very encouraging level, indicating that most members are using this excellent facility. If you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to see the wealth of material available on it, do take a look - you’ll be very impressed with the results from Steve and Ian’s efforts. www.bagsgolf.co.uk is what you need so put it in your Favourites section.
     
11. Some members have mentioned that they have never been paired with certain players whom they are keen to partner. We did at one point try to run a spreadsheet indicating previous pairings but with constant OOP reshuffles, it became too difficult to administer. I do attempt to ring the changes but don’t always get it right so if you have a particular request, let me know and I’ll try to oblige.

Have an enjoyable Easter and I’ll see the lucky ones at St George’s Hill.