The weather was kind to the participants of this year’s annual golf tournament organised by the Wigan and District Masonic Golfing Society at Houghwood Golf Club. This was a great venue for the tournament, and offered a challenge, and a few surprises, for the participants.
Harold Bibby proudly holds the Atkinson Trophy.
The club is situated in Billinge, in fact on the slopes of that huge hill known locally as the Billinge ‘lump’, and involved quite a bit of climbing up and down. Fortunately, the course offers superb views of the North-West which gave everyone an excuse to stop and stare whilst getting their breath back as and when required! The course was in excellent condition, and thanks are deservedly due to the staff at Houghwood, especially the greenkeepers.
The match was historically known as the Tower Golf Society tournament, as the original society was formed by players who were members of lodges meeting at Wigan’s Tower Buildings, and is still referred to under its old name by many of the competitors.
Following the golf, there was a dinner and presentation attended by players, visitors and their wives and partners at Pemberton Masonic Hall. The overall winner of the Atkinson Trophy was Harold Bibby, (Orrell Lodge No 8371) with 38 points. Runner-up was Committee stalwart Frank Jones, (Borsdane Lodge No 6460) with 34 points.
The Clifford Davies Trophy for the best ‘Senior’ was won by Malcolm Rush, (Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821), on 34 points.
The Righton Industrial Services Trophy for ‘Junior’ (i.e. younger members), was won by Kim Lyon, (Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821), with 34 points.
The Ledger Team Trophy was won by Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821.
Jack Eddleston won the visitors’ prize with the ever-popular score of 34 points, with Don Harcombe and Paul Williams close behind.
Peter Gore, (Borsdane Lodge No 6460), was the only one to score a magnificent ‘2.’
All gathered were treated to delightful after dinner entertainment in the form of a talk entitled, ‘Who Would Be A Referee?’ given by George Seddon, based on his experience as a Rugby Union, (and occasional Rugby League), referee.