Busy week for the Pattaya Sports Club as they hold their Annual General Meeting and Summer Party

The Pattaya Sports Club held their Annual General Meeting earlier this week, followed by the well-attended annual Summer Party at the Town in Town Hotel.

The main item on the agenda at the AGM was the election of a new Executive Committee. Whilst many of the old faces remained steadfast in their positions, there were some important changes, including the “changing of the guard” at the top.

The Pattaya Sports Club Executive Committee for 2001/2002: (back row L to R): Golf Chairman Steve Donovan, Social Chairman Ken Crow, Secretary George Bennison, Softball Chairman John McAllen, Sports Promotion Herbie Ishinaga, Computer Club Chairman Phil Sagar, Fishing Chairman Frank Collins, Vice President Jim Montgomery, President Carl Engel, Treasurer Craig Lewis. (Front row L to R) Public Relations Papasan Ray Rogers, Bowling Chairman La Montgomery, and Charity Chairman Bernie Tuppin. Not Shown: Charter Member Dick Caggiano, Darts Chairman Len Banfield, Media/Internet Chairman Peter Malhotra, Registrar Bjarne Nielsen, and Auditor Somboon.

Peter Malhotra, after having successfully presided over the association for the past three years, during which time he saw the club through some difficult times, decided to step down and allow “new blood” to take over the reigns.

Carl Engel, previously the PSC Fishing Chairman, was elected as the new president of the PSC. Carl brings to the position many years of experience in Pattaya, and the general consensus is that he will fill the position with dedication and integrity.

George Bennsion took over Ron Herbert’s role of secretary, while Frank Collins took Carl Engel’s place as Fishing Chairman.

Dennis Willet stepped down as Golf Chairman to let Steve Donavan take the reigns of what, for Pattaya Sports Club, is probably one of the most challenging positions. Amongst other duties, Steve has been handed the task of coordinating the golf tournament schedule for the year and encouraging a joint handicap system with the other golfing fraternities in Pattaya.

Peter Malhotra, not to be left off the board entirely, was elected as Media and Internet chairman. Jim Montgomery was re-elected vice-president, and Ken Crow will continue his role as official Party and Social Chairman.

Great fun had by all at the annual PSC Summer Party

Also joining the committee were new honorary member Wuttikorn Kamolchoke and new life members Bjarne Nielsen and Dick Caggiano.

Two days after the AGM, the Pattaya Sports Club had their annual summer party at the Town In Town Hotel. Ken was back, and as always he was trying to out do himself. With the help of the committee and the staff at the hotel, the party was once again a great success. The band from the Winchester Club did an outstanding job and was very well liked by all.

The prize draws were as exciting as ever, with Dick ‘come on down’ Caggiano calling the numbers, giving away many prizes, including three baht worth of gold. Once again, the fairer sex won most of the prizes.

The winners of the half of gold were: Tongmiam, Christien Nielsen, and Tiamjant Stapnill. Bungson (Nan) won the grand prize of 1 Baht Gold.

The Hong Kong Swiss XI take two from Pattaya Orphanage

Story and photos
by Brendan Richards

The Swiss XI soccer team on an end of season tour visited Pattaya for the first time since the club formed in 1979. Founding member Peter Klaus said that the team had visited Thailand on a number of occasions but this was their first time in Pattaya, with a few of them commenting on the great hospitality they encountered while staying in fun city.

The Pattaya Orphanage player (Blue & Yellow) gets ready to tackle the Swiss ball

A friendly two day tournament was arranged with four teams in all. However, two of the teams, one from Bangkok and the other from Pattaya couldn’t make it. So there it was! A two team soccer tournament, the Pattaya Orphanage and the Hong Kong Swiss XI.

The orphanage put up a good fight, playing a great game of football whilst showing off their ball handling (or is that “footling”?) skills and teamwork, but the Swiss XI team had an advantage in both physical height and experience, and ultimately defeated the orphanage 3 to 1 in the first game of the day.

With Father Ray Brennan on the sidelines watching over his boys, and both teams keen to play, they ran back on the field for another game, this time 20 minutes ‘a side’. The match came down to a shootout at the end, with the Swiss again defeating the Pattaya Orphanage 4 to 2.

A rematch was scheduled the following day, but at press time the results were not known.

The Swiss XI Team looked as though they enjoyed their first visit to Pattaya and the Pattaya Orphanage boys obviously enjoyed the chance to play an international side. We look forward to seeing the Swiss visiting Pattaya again in the future.

My Country, My Beer, My Race

The Singha Beer Racing Team certainly made it a family affair at the Bira Circuit last weekend, with four of the Singha Beer family making it to the top spots of the Sport Grand Champion (Concept II) events.

Bira’s brolly dollies

In an exciting final for the Grand Champion cars, the all the way winner was Thanavud, from brothers Piti and Sant, with cousin Chaiyanin coming home in 4th position.

The Concept I cars, the training ground for the future stars, saw the race debut of Matti Kaikkonen, a mature age driver and Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya member. With a spin on the first corner, through over-exuberance, he then put on a mature display to come from last to 4th, setting a string of personal best laps.

Michael magnificent - Ralfie robbed!

The brothers Schumacher again dominated the racing from the Nurburgring last weekend. The Qualifying was a shoot-out between them, with Michael in the Ferrari scraping in to claim pole position just ahead of younger brother Ralf in the BMW Williams. The race was another epic battle between the brothers, but a ten second stop-go penalty given to Ralf for a minor infringement saw the BMW Williams relegated to 4th, behind big brother Michael, Juan Pablo Montoya in the second BMW Williams 2nd, and a lucky David Coulthard in the first of the McLaren Mercedes.

Ralph Schumacher (photo courtesy of Planet-F1 and Bothwell Photographics)

The start was a classic Michael move, going from one side of the grid to the other to effectively shut the door on all sides! He was followed by Ralf, then Montoya, Coulthard, Hakkinen (McLaren Mercedes), Trulli in the Jordan and then Barichello in the second Ferrari, still trying to convince himself that there are two “Number 1’s” in the prancing horse stable, but not convincing anyone else.

By lap 10 Michael had pulled out a healthy gap over Ralf and looked to be running away with the race, but suddenly both Ralf and Montoya began to peg the Ferrari back, and by lap 18 the BMW Williams was plastered all over Michael’s exhaust pipes.

The battle raged for the next 10 laps and then both Schumachers pitted together on lap 28, with Michael in and out first with Ralf right behind. Unfortunately, as he left the pit area Ralf partially crossed the white line defining the pits from race track proper. Some pedantic steward then issued a 10 second stop-go penalty, for which Ralf came in on lap 39, and thus effectively ruined the race for millions of spectators world-wide. I hope he sleeps well in his sanctimonious sleeping bag.

After that the race was processional, enlivened only by Jean Alesi in the Prost getting an E for Effort in a last ditch out-braking manoeuvre to pass Raikkonen, only to spin off into the sand trap, and Rooby Baby trying out his Ferrari as an off-roader as well.

The world championship points score now stand at M. Schumacher 68, Coulthard 44, Barrichello 26, R. Schumacher 25, and Montoya 12.

The next round of the championship is the French Grand Prix this weekend at the Magny Cours circuit.

Rich returns to bowling with a great 646 series

Man Utd. prove they are still top of the Premier League

Manutd’s beat the Andycaps to be the top of the league again. It looks like team captain Postman Pete will once again be heading down Soi 6 to seek more solace from the social workers in that area of town, whilst Andy is left looking for his cap.

The Dream Team fell at the last hurdle as they lost on the last end, the team captain Mike Delaney sent a last bowl in the last end that left them losing 5 points when 4 would have resulted in a victory; a hand grenade would have done less damage, enough said.

The Kalooki Kids came up trumps as they were left with a royal flush beating Tommy’s Bar who were only holding a pair of twos, the moral of this story is less viagra more starch.

Would you believe it? The Windmills ground the (must have been hung over) Carlsberg Kids into the ground, watched by an excited biased crowd.

Don’t forget the handicap singles competition is this weekend 30/06/01 & 01/07/01. We still have 8 entries left. Please come along, you wont believe until you see it! Coming soon: the new par 3 golf & 9 end and lawn bowling league. Call in or tel. 038 720 741 the saga never ends!

This Week’s Results

Manutd’s 23 V Andycaps 14
Windmills 19 V Carlsberg Kids 17
Dream Team 20 V The Hammers 20
Kalooki Kids 14 V Tommy’s Bar 11

Fitness Tips: Giving advice on traveller’s thrombosis (part 1)

G’day Readers,

In light of recent media coverage of traveller’s thrombosis, commonly termed “economy class syndrome”, this week’s article aims to provide travellers with practical advice before a flight. A study linking air travel with deep vein thrombosis is expected to be published in the next couple of weeks, so media coverage is likely to increase.

It has been know for many years that immobilisation can lead to the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, until a number of recent highly publicised deaths, the public was largely unaware that air travel could increase the risk of developing DVT. Although research in the area has produced conflicting results, it is generally believed that air travel can increase the risk of developing DVT if only because it increases factors, such as immobilisation and dehydration, which can increase risk of developing DVT.

At the end of last year, a House of Lords report by the Select Committee on Science and Technology recommended that further research in the area be carried out as soon as possible. It said that no authoritative data was available but gave precautionary advice concerning air travel and DVT (see PT, December 2, 2000, p811).

Within the next month, John Scurr (consultant vascular surgeon, Middlesex Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS trust) is expected to publish the results of a trial in the Lancet examining the link between DVT and air travel. In an interview he told The Journal on January 23 that the study will show a conclusive link between DVT and flying.

In more general terms, Scurr said that blood oscillates between a fine balance of bleeding and clotting. Flying pushes this balance in favour of clotting. While for the majority of passengers this did not cause a problem, it could for some groups, including older passengers and those with coexisting diseases. The real problem was that people with genetic predispositions could not be identified and such defects probably accounted for the small number of cases of DVT in young people.

Personal and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing DVT. These factors are covered in Panel 1. It is important to remember that even if people have no apparent risk factors they are not immune from the possibility of developing DVT. Therefore, all travellers should take some basic precautions against DVT and those with know risk factors should take additional ones. Advice for travellers is summarised in Panel 2, which we will cover next week.

In the meantime, Scurr says that people with co-existing illness or who are taking a large number of medicines should be referred to their general practitioners or airline travel doctors for specialist advice prior to travelling.

Panel 1: Risk factors for DVT

Being immobile, especially in seated position
Previous history of DVT
Hormonal treatment
Recent surgery or radiotherapy
Lower limb trauma
Malignancy
Abnormalities of blood clotting
Reduced oxygen and air pressure
Smoking
Pregnancy or recent parturition
Low humidity – aircraft cabins are always a low humidity environment
Insufficient fluid intake
Age over 40 or long history of inactivity
Increased duration or frequency of travel

Keep fit and Stay Healthy.

Carpe’ Diem

Close race at the halfway point of the Sunday League Quiz

The Sunday League quiz nights are now more well supported and more popular than ever before. The questions set by Barrie Kenyon are varied, difficult, and diverse. The standards of all ten participating teams are higher than ever. Equally as important is that occasional visitors who sit in on one quiz match get hooked, and become devoted regular players for the duration of their stay.

The situation at this half-way point is that the top five teams are only separated by 35 points and there are 900 points to be played for in the second half of the season. Also, the percentage of correct answers between the top and bottom teams is a mere 15.56%.

So there is certainly something for everybody in the quiz leagues, newcomers most welcome. Oh yes - all the bars sell beer!

Any bar wishing to join either the Sunday or Wednesday quiz leagues are invited to contact us at [email protected] 

Scott shines at Eastern Star

Ladies Day at Ban Chang

Tuesday June 19th had the Bunker Boys and Girls travel to Century Golf Club at Ban Chang for a Stableford competition. The large turnout meant two divisions with the cut being 21 and under.

Division 2 saw the transport manager Mr. John playing level par 36 with Chris Coffey 38 and the winner, lovely Lamun Mili playing to 39 points.

Division 1 had equally good scores with Kevin Fortt 37, Mr. Loy 38 and the winner, another lovely, Mam Trayling with 39 points. Avery good day for the Bunker girls!

Near pins went to “The Guru” who has just returned from his European golfing clinic, Lamon, Martyn Grey and Dr. Pinky. The Bananas were awarded to “Dogleg” for reasons that cannot be published! Martyn Grey won the lucky draw.

Superstars Ed and Scott

June 22 saw the Bunker Boys and Girls off to Eastern Star for a medal competition. Apologies were made by the management for the condition of the greens but this did not seem to affect several of the field.

Division one had a three way tie for first with Charlie Chen, Mr. Loy and everybody’s favorite Ed Trayling. Ed, for the first time ever, beat his wife Mam and celebrated accordingly in the Bunker.

Division 2 had Chris Coffey firing a net 70, only to trail a blazing Scott Haynes who had a remarkable net 64! Prepare for amputation Scott.

Near pins went to Chris Coffey, Ed Trayling, John Preddy and Gordon McKnight. The bananas were awarded to the transport manager for not tipping his caddy and losing her off the back of his golf cart. Chris John fled the scene and will be awarded his prize next week. The lucky draw was won by Peter Mackay.

Patience rewarded at Natural Park

PSC Golf Members Monthly

Sixty PSC golfers traveled to Natural Park Resort on Friday, June 15 for the monthly member’s competition. From Sriracha onwards the trip was made in a driving rain which continued long after arrival at the course. The weather seemed so bad that the management declared it a day for walkers only. No carts! Quite a problem for many of our older players and those carrying injuries. To stay or not to stay? That was the question.

The registration table hosted confusion; four balls became two balls or no shows. A number of players opted for a return home or a search for a drier venue. What looked like being a mudbath though turned into a sunbath, as the rain ceased, the wind came up and puddles dried up. The management did a backflip and announced carts would be allowed. Too late for those who had gone but for those who stayed, patience rewarded!

The fifty-two remaining golfers enjoyed a great day’s golf on a course that was beautifully presented and had drained off remarkably well. The pick and place rule introduced for the day was hardly required. In spite of the reduced numbers the PSC generously sponsored four flights so that with novelties and lucky draws very few went home empty handed.

One of the most popular novelties in these events is contested by the hairy knuckle brigade, the long drive. Chairman Dennis has knuckles as hairy as most and is a regular contestant. On this occasion his missile launch miraculously found the fairway well past the previous best; a mild fit of chest beating ensued. As this was his last hole, he was soon in the clubhouse where his confidence was matched by his generosity; he bought drinks for his friends by way of celebration. You know the story about counting chickens? There was still one group on the course, in it there was one more chicken, Nick Strasshine. Still the beer was nice Dennis.

Regardless of that disappointment, Dennis had good reason to feel good about his day. After a shaky start with the flatstick, he settled into a steady groove and put together a solid 37 points, good enough to win the A flight. Along the way he picked up a near pin prize on his fourth hole. He also gained revenge on Nick Strasshine, relegating him to second place with Peter Christiansen taking third after losing on count back to Nick.

B flight saw the very consistent Larry Nicholas taking home the trophy. Rumor has it that Larry has had a string of sub handicap rounds lately and may not enjoy the luxury of his current handicap much longer. The minor prizes in this flight went to Bob Morrison and Alan Olcott.

First out, first in, forty points sums up Pete Galle’s day. Pete really enjoyed the day and his meal afterwards having time for a few extra courses (food that is). Picking up the scraps (prizes not food) in C flight were Martin Hanfeldt and the newly named “Powder Puff Papa” so called for the soft and delicate manner of his strokes.

One of the patient players who waited around and secured a cart was Mr. Spare Parts, Alan Pearce. Alan has recently had two new knees fitted and still finds it difficult to walk 18 holes. With the aid of the cart he was able to put a huge distance between himself and the rest of the D flight. Alan had a huge 45 points to leave Keaw Ryan (39) and Steve Wilkins (36) gasping in his exhaust fumes.

Rob Brown and Ron Edwards proved to be the luckiest or ablest putters on the day depending on whose story you believe. No matter which, they won the prizes. Awards for nearest the pins went to Dennis Willett, Dick Caggiano, Philipe Berra and Powder Puff Papa (Bernie Tuppin).

After conducting the presentations, Chairman Dennis announced that business commitments have forced him to relinquish his position effective next week. The committee and PSC members take this opportunity to thank Dennis for a job well done and wish him well for the future. As always, we are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors: Green Bottle, Rosie O’Gradys, Blue Parrot, Tequila Reef Cantina, Cafe Kronborg, Papa Ray and Shenanigans that make these events possible.

Final scores: A flight: Dennis Willett 37, Nick Strasshine 34, Peter Christiansen 34. B flight; Larry Nicholas 39, Bob Morrison 36, Alan Olcott 33. C flight: Pete Galle 40, Martin Hanfelt 38, Bernie Tuppin 35. D flight: Alan Pearce 45, Keaw Ryan 39, Steve Wilkins 36.

Near Pins: Dennis Willett, Dick Caggiano, Philipe Berra, Bernie Tuppin.
Long Putts: Rob Brown, Ron Edwards
Long Drive: Nick Strasshine

You did not ask about water

Bobs grab the top honors

PSC Golf - Three Sisters

Monday, June 21 saw a total of twenty golfers sweat their way around the hot and steamy Siam Country Club standard venue. The course condition was good except for the two recently repaired greens, which made for difficult putting across the repaired areas.

A lot of respectable scores were posted and the results saw Bobby Clarke just pip Bob Deane for the bragging rights of the week with 40 Stableford points against 39. It was all tied until reference was made to the latest PSC handicap report, which dropped Bob Deane one stroke. The two Paul’s jointly held the cellar, Kraft and Donahue came in with scores they do not wish to be reported.

Welcome back to Jeff Couch and Izzy Freedman, Jeff from work and Izzy from a month long holiday in the USA with his new, solve all the problems, set of Callaway X-14 irons. A lot more work to be done there if Callaway’s reputation is to be upheld.

Stories of the day abounded at the drink shack as always with one in particular seemingly aimed at Billy Fain; a tale of the horse, the chicken and the BMW and awe inspiring life saving actions on the farm with a moral twist. Who says a BMW is the solution to an active sex life?

The post-mortem brought out a lot of conversation about the previous week’s two day venture to Khao Soi Dao with all those who went praising the total experience in spite of some heavy rain which sent the losers off early to the locker room for a hot shower. The winners finished their rounds in style despite the adverse conditions. For anyone who hasn’t been there, trust me, it is a fine experience with challenging golf and a very pleasant social atmosphere well worth the nearly three hour drive. The stop to visit the Ban Chang Camel on the way home topped off the tour nicely. Another trip will be scheduled as soon as the participants recover.

Updated every Friday
Copyright 2001  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand
Tel. 66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax: 66-38 427 596

Updated by Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]