Two very exciting happenings at Mendip last week. Firstly, in 2017, the Mendip Junior Open was re-instated after an absence of several years, thanks to the enthusiasm of the then-Captain, Richard Jeffrey.

This year, with Richard working with Stuart Disney and his team, resulted in an excellent event with a good entry, enjoyed by all who took part and with a number of members helping. Ladies’ Captain, Bron Cooper, was able to obtain some very generous sponsorship for the event, provided by Mark George of George Commercials.

With the course in splendid order, there was some excellent scoring, with eight youngsters bettering their handicaps. The overall winner of the Junior Mendip Vase was Lizzy Bryant from Orchardleigh, with a magnificent 44 points, playing off a handicap of 22. In Second place was Evie Thatcher from Farrington, with 41 points. The best U15 girl was Leah Bowden from Burnham with 36 points, and the best U15 boy was Ashton Wylie from Wells, playing off eight-handicap, who scored an excellent 39 points.

Running alongside the main event, the younger juniors played on a shortened course and competed for the Mini Mendip Vase. The winner was Lilianna Marshall from Farrington with 44 points, with four-year old Oli Roach from Orchardleigh in second place.

The second exciting event was the sighting of red kites over Mendip. A tribute to the conservation programme which has re-introduced the birds that were almost extinct, and they now seem to be migrating into our area.

The latest Nearest the Pin Competition saw a win for Vi Hayes in the Ladies’ event, with Ellen Reakes second and Jenny Merrett third. Men’s 0-12 saw a win for Matt Bendall, with Richard Jeffrey second and Tom Lowe third. Men’s 13+ went to Michael Sharp, with A. Rahn second and Dan Allen third.

The Annual running of the Jubilee Cup saw a fine entry of 112. Good weather and the course in splendid order resulted in some fine scoring. Division One went to Wayne Srawley (four) with an excellent net-68, with Henry Treasure second with 69 from Pat Meatyard and Duncan Offer after count-back.

Division Two went to Liam Robertson with an excellent net-67, with Peter Kivi second, after count-back from John Ellis with 69. Terry Williams won Division Three with seventy after count-back. However, the Cup Winner – with an outstanding net-64 – was Jon Tweed, playing off fifteen.

The Men’s Avalon B Team narrowly went down to a 2-3 defeat when visiting Cricket St Thomas. Wins for Mendip came from Duncan Offer/Trevor Oats and the team Captain-and-son partnership of Shaun and Liam Robertson. Unfortunately, this scoreline was repeated when entertaining Cannington. Wins this time came from Rob Ware/Simon Wynn and once again Shaun and Liam.

The Ladies held a qualifying stableford, with a very good entry as usual. Silver Division went to Vi Hayes with 33 points, Liz Rose was second with 31 after count back from Jean Padfield.

Bronze Division saw a fine win for fairly new lady member, Barker Andrews, with 38 points, with Diane Stanton second with 37 and Nola Russell third with 31. Copper Division went to Caroline Laws with 32. Allison Rumming was second and Sue Needham third.

The Seniors’ latest match saw a 4-4 result when visiting Enmore. Victorious for Mendip were the pairings of John Brooksbank/Brian Say, Bryan Lewis/Simon Atkinson, David Garnsworthy/Nick Inskip, with halves being gained by Jim Roebank/Jim Scott and Michael Sharp/Steve Cox.

The Seniors monthly Stableford attracted 78 entrants and again the playing conditions led to some fine scoring. Outstanding winner of Division One was Adrian Brooking-Clark (twelve) with 42 points – easily the best score of the day. Second was Tony Taylor with 39 on count-back from Simon Wynn.

Division Two went to Stephen Lake with 38 after count-back from Derek Strudwick, with John Treeby third with 37. The Veterans’ prize went to Bob Smallcombe with 34. Michael Hawkins was second and Roger Wickett third.

Tony Williams