"It was a great pleasure for me, and indeed a great privilege (possibly relief?)for the members, in my acceptance of the sole nomination for Captain of such an august body as the Honourable Society of Scottish Shankers. It is with a deep sense of tradition and not a little apprehension that I finally accepted this noble position after much consultation and a few more Bacardi and diet Cokes, (with a slice of orange in), it seemed the correct thing to do. I realise I am perfectly qualified to be the Captain with a gaff in Spain, a garden in Broughty Ferry for the BBQ and a helpful and adoring woman at my side, (who I look forward to introducing to the current Lady Tosh at an appropriate juncture), which I believe were prerequisites for the position. I would like to record my gracious thanks for the overwhelming unanimous vote at my election. Furthermore I look forward to "driving myself in" down the first at the R&A and some decent,but common cove, earning the silver doubloon by retrieving the club ball from the middle of the fairway or more likely the rough on the left or indeed the out of bounds on the right! I do hope to uphold the fine traditions and look forward to welcoming you to the Captains cocktail party,

We have a full golfing and social calendar ahead of us and look forward to a 100% attendance and much fun ensuing. I will of course be issuing missives from time to time and please feel free to contact me if you feel it absolutely and entirely necessary."

Gerry Tosh (Captain of the Society of Scottish Shankers)

Late News. The annual competition for the Colonels putter has been postponed due to the conflict in the Middle East. The putter has been melted down and donated to the war effort along with the railings at Baxter Park. A replacement replica has been purchased and will be played for in 2005, God or Allah willing.