Cornwall 1990

 

The trip to Cornwall was unique in a number of ways. It is the only golf holiday Boyd has attended (we had to stay in his house for that to happen!) it is the only holiday we have travelled to by train (more of that journey later) and it was the first time Dave Ardren made an appearance on one of our trips.

By rights the trip to Cornwall should already have appeared on TV during the series "Great Train Journeys of the World"! In planning it seemed the logical way to travel. There was a direct train from Scotland to Penzance and we all lived somewhere along the route of the journey so we could all board the train as it passed near us. As new voyagers boarded the train the 'carry-out' could continually be refreshed! Perfect! With hind-sight a 10 hour train journey (8 from Lancaster, 7 from Crewe) with frequent alcohol top-ups was always going to be dangerous - and so it transpired! We survived two warnings from the guard for being 'rowdy' and when we eventually did alight from the train we left behind one coat, two sweaters and a personal hi-fi! I use the term 'alight' loosely - Bridget's description was that we were 'poured' from the train! Having thrown Boyd's wife and children out of their home we dropped our bags off and headed for the pub!

The party this year consisted of: Fritz, Gavin, Stef, Andy, Keith, Tony, Dave, Steve, Alan, Boyd and (for one day) Albert (I can't remember if Colin was there). The golf got off to an amazing start. At a charming little 9 hole course by the name of Budock Vean, Fritz 'aced the short 9th! This remains the only hole-in-one to happen on the golf holiday. However, it has to be said, there have been more worthy shots for lesser reward! A topped 5 iron, which rolled 150 yards down a hill, then up onto a slightly raised green, rolled 25 yards across undulating slopes and fell unerringly into the cup! Still it's not how it's how many and we were all delighted for Fritz (especially when he got in the round of large Fiddichs). As a small aside when Fritz played the same hole second time round he played a beautiful shot to the heart of the green and 4 putted! That's golf!

Many of the courses we played had spectacular views over the cliffs. At Mullion Andy and Keith gave Boyd and Steve a 7 and 6 (dog's license) thrashing. Cape Cornwall had some spectacular holes and a clubhouse with wonderful facilities including a swimming pool. It was our day out in St Austell that Albert joined us. We held the room competition that day and amazingly it was won by Fritz and Stef!

Most of our drinking was done near Boyd's house but we did have one night out in Penzance. We democratically drew straws to see who would drive, but in true 'moaning bastard' style when Gavin lost he refused to drive. A small fleet of taxis were ordered and an excellent night was had by all.

The society wishes the thank Boyd (well Bridget really) for his hospitality. We all had a terrific time in Cornwall.

It must be said that the train journey home was a much more subdued event - our week had taken its toll!

KD