CCOGS HISTORY
A HISTORY OF CCOGS
- The 21st Century

And so CCOGS embarked on its journey past 40 years and into the new millenium. Having undergone a reorganisation in 1998 with the formation of the Halton and Warrington Unitary Councils little did we know that the County Council was to face a further and more dramatic review, the results of which were to be announced before CCOGS reached its 50th anniversary. More about that later.

From the golfing perspective the period from 1999 to 2008 has seen the Society maintain its strength in terms of membership. In 1999 this stood at 96. In 2008 it was 75. New members have been recruited and it has been particularly pleasing to welcome new faces from the east side of Cheshire. As the hard core of members have now survived another 10 years the age profile of the Society (in common with golf clubs in general) is increasing. This has meant the Society has also become much stronger in terms of friendship and closer bonds but this has not prevented new members from being made most welcome. It is important that the Society does as much as possible to recruit younger members as they will represent its long term future. Women members would also be welcomed.

The last decade has produced many highlights for CCOGS members. Individuals will of course remember their own particular triumphs with their names being recorded on the various trophies. Perhaps however one of the more memorable events which everyone present will remember took place at Upton Golf Club in 2005 on the occasion of Alan Siddall's Captains Day. From a strong field a first time winner emerged, who it is hoped will not mind being described as "not in the first flush of youth" Clive Howard's victory jig as he went up to collect the Trophy will long be remembered. This in many ways typified what the game of golf is all about. Clive had taken the game up after his retirement and his maiden victory and his finest golfing hour will be recorded in CCOGS records forever.

All winners of CCOGS trophies are popular but probably the most popular winner of the decade came in the 50th anniversary year on Captains Day at Chester Golf Club. Up to then the person in sole possession of the CCOGS record stableford score was John Mason of the Education Department He recorded a wonderful score of 46 points at Llangollen Golf Club on CCOGS 25th Anniversary Captains Day in 1984. How appropriate that in the 50th anniversary season this score should be equalled by David Lloyd. He played so well off his handicap of 21 that he came within a whisker of winning the gross prize. It was an extremely popular win for David had been the secretary and main stay of the Society from 1991 to 2007..

The 50th Anniversary
It was important that CCOGS should properly recognise its 50th anniversary season. After all it is a rare event for a golf society to achieve this significant milepost. In common with the 25th and 40th anniversary seasons Past Captains hosted each competition. These were well attended and in a year when the weather was less than kind by and large the weather on competition days was reasonably good.

An additional event was held to mark the 50th year. This was an overnight trip to the Belfry with rounds being played on the Brabazon and PGA National courses. Whilst the attendance was small (in part due to members having other commitments around the middle of the year) it was nevertheless a successful trip thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended.

The year culminated with a 50th anniversary dinner held at Chester Golf Club on 1st November 2008. Over 100 people attended including eighteen past captains. In addition to the President (Cllr Steve Wilkinson) and Vice-President (Jeremy Taylor) it was particularly nice to welcome Margaret Melrose and Ron Carey who were Presidents of the Society in 1984/85 and 1986/87 respectively. Past President Cllr Neville Price and past Vice-President Colin Cheesman also attended.

It was an evening that typified the spirit of CCOGS and was enjoyed by all who attended. However whilst Sir John Boynton had been able to send people home happy from the 40th anniversary dinner the evening was tinged with a little sadness. This was because, as a result of the organisational review referred to earlier, Cheshire County Council would no longer exist after 31st March 2009.