Mark 'Angel' Wood adapted his game best to the conditions, leaving the rest of the field in his wake, to lift the spoils for the weekend.

December 12 and 13 - a big adventure for us - featured our annual 'Stay Away' weekend (wives and partners rejoiced) and off we went down the M4 heading for the Forest of Dean to stay and play Bells Hotel and Forest of Dean golf course.

The weather, although no snow, did make the course a bit of a lottery - better on day two - but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the nineteen hardy (some might say stupid) and faithful members, who, suitably booted and suited - thank goodness for thermals - arrived at the venue ready to tee-off at the allotted start time. Some had played the course before, but still found it a daunting task, mainly due to the adverse conditions.

On day one, play commenced at 11 am with four groups off the first and two groups off the 10th. The fairways were rock hard, making lofted shots bounce in any direction, and greens looking like skating rinks which made putting impossible. However, it was the same for everyone and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves - especially Mark.

First off the blocks from the first were 'Homer' Perrott, 'Santa' Lewis and 'Chippy' Wood. Reasonable golf was played by two of the three (Chippy should have stayed in the warmth of the clubhouse!) 'Santa' putted on the ice and found the cup with monotomous ease!

In their wake came 'Goddad' King, 'Caravan' Connett and 'Cranes' Tabb. The leader of the pack (with his brand new clubs) had a shocker, whilst the other two were quite happy with their round.

Hot on their heels were 'Pieman' Davies, 'Araf' Jones and 'Bwana' James. Much was expected from this threeball, but they did not live up to reputations.

Last off the first were 'Eleanor' Rigby, 'Schnozz' Davies and new member 'Tiffy' King (welcome to KGS). Try as hard as they could, it was a below par performances.

From the tenth, the first trio to tee-off were 'Taxi' Taylor, 'HRH' Royal and 'Doc' Bannister. Solid golf played by these three put them in contention for the 'silverware.'

The final group - a fourball - consisted of 'Curtains' Boughey, 'Bookie' Williams, 'Nelson' Davies and 'Angel' Wood. This group stuck to their tasks, played good golf and returned excellent cards, with 'Angel' leading the way with an excellent 30 points.

After a few quick drinks, we retired to our rooms for a well-earned rest ready for dinner at 7 pm, and what an amazing meal it was, after which Mark presented the annual trophies for the winners of the Winter League.

The winner of the shield was Barry 'Chippy' Wood. In second place Bobby 'Goddad' King and third place went to Steve 'Araf' Jones.

The wooden spoon was awarded to Mick 'Spoonie' Hamilton.

Nearest pin trophy - Barry 'Chippy' Wood; longest drive - Steve 'Eleanor' Rigby; and the OAP prize went to John 'Bwana' James.

Mark congratulated the recipients and urged the others to try harder next term. He also thanked the caterers for the fantastic meal and the service provided.

To conclude the evening's proceedings, he thanked the Mansel brothers, of Stepaside Garage, Hyundai Main Dealers, for their generosity in sponsoring the league trophies - long may it continue.

Day two dawned fair, the course had thawed slightly overnight and conditions looked brighter. Once ablutions were completed we straggled down for a 'full English or should it be Welsh', and it certainly proved worth getting up for. Then once packed we were ready for the off.

Teams - apart from one - stayed as life. The one change being 'Nelson' joining 'Homer' in a buggy to make that team a fourball. Order of play was reversed, but due to the ladies having first use of the first, only one of our teams could go off there, the rest using the 10th.

So off the first went 'Goddad', 'Cranes and 'Caravan. A slightly better round than the day before, and it could have been a lot better had two of them gone to bed at a reasonable hour!

The first off the 10th were 'Angel', 'Bookie' and 'Curtains' (now a threeball having transferred 'Nelson' to 'Santa's' group). Once again this team played solidly and were very happy on return.

Following them were 'Eleanor', 'Tiffy' and 'Schnozz' - not quite as good as Sunday, but reasonable considering skating golf balls on frozen ponds!

Third trio consisted of 'Bwana', 'Pieman' and 'Araf.' A much-improved performance from them, with steady golf from tee to green.

The 'tobacco addicts' were next to take to the fairways, namely 'Doc', 'HRH' and 'Taxi', and they sure smoked their way round the course, returning to the 19th in very happy mood!

Last out were (now a fourball) 'Santa', 'Chippy', 'Nelson' and chauffeur 'Homer', both doing it the easy way in a buggy! An improvement to the previous day's golf, but not quite enough.

Once all the teams had assembled in the clubhouse, bacon or turkey baguettes were produced and washed down with a tipple of one's choice. Suitably sated, it was time for the da'sy prize-giving, which once again was left to Mark to perform, and he said that he felt embarrassed to say that he was the winner, to which a few comments were passed which cannot be put into print.

Results: 1. Mark 'Angel' Wood with a total of 62pts; 2. Simon 'Pieman' Davies (on countback) 59 pts; and 3. Richard 'Nelson' Davies, also with 59 pts.

Nearest the pin - Trevor 'Santa' Lewis; longest drive - Steve 'Eleanor' Rigby; 20-plus handicap - Martin 'Schnozz' Davies; OAP - Trevor 'Santa' Lewis.

Wooden spoon - Pat 'Tiffy' King (the norm for a newcomer to lift this prestigious trophy!).

Teams - 1. 'Doc', 'HRH' and 'Taxi'; 2. 'Bwana', 'Pieman' and 'Araf'; 3. 'Santa', 'Homer' and 'Chippy.'

In conclusion, Mark thanked all the players for their continued support and for making the trip to the Forest of Dean. He then welcomed Pat King to the society, hoping he had enjoyed himself. He thanked the Bells for their hospitality and their fantastic catering, which was applauded by each person.

Our next golf day has been arranged for Wednesday, January 12, at Tenby GC, 10 am teeing. Please confirm your availability as soon as possible by contacting either Mark or Barry.

Hope all of you enjoyed the Bells experience and will continue with your support.

I want to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone a very happy Christmas and a safe and happy golfing new year.

Play to enjoy the game, whatever your ability. Hope to see all of you on the course in 2011. Weather permitting.

CHIPPY