General, Golf, Historical3 Comments

Dispatch Trophy 1890

Change Therapy

THE BIRTH OF ‘THE BRAIDS’ AND THE DISPATCH TROPHY **Johnny Jones discovers some photographic golfing treasures** A few years ago, while leafing through some old photograph albums piled up on a battered chair in an antique shop, three pages of sepia photographs, showing crowds of people watching golfers, caught the author’s eye. The photographs were all quarter-plate size and apart from the pencilled date of 1890 there were no other identifying marks. However, I did recognise the distinctive clubhouse at the Braid Hills Golf Course, Edinburgh, Scotland and given the number of spectators, it was obvious these photos had been … Continue reading Dispatch Trophy 1890

A Storm in Any Port, Golf, Historical2 Comments

Update

Johnny Jones

No rest for me in this part of the world! The plan was to take things a wee bit easier and enjoy watching the seasons go by from our balcony, while enjoying the simple things in life, like daytime TV and trying to complete the newspaper crossword. Over the past few years, I have been encouraged by my wife, Ann, to tidy out the cupboard which houses hundreds of old photographs, which have been passed to me over the last 80 odd years, and some of these photos have been shared with Peter Bourhill, who owns Edinburgh’s premier magazine, the … Continue reading Update

Historical, Scotland, Uncategorized6 Comments

The Bridge of Sighs – Edinburgh

Johnny Jones

[*Supporting information on my article EDINBURGH’S BRIDGE OF SIGHS in the November/December2022 edition of the Edinburgh Life magazine* by Johnny Jones/ Jack Jones/John A Jones] Hidden and Enigmatic Statue I was born in 1934 and as a child every time my family walked over the Dean Bridge, my father would lift me up to let me see ‘The Little Sailor Boy’. He would tell me that the statue had been put there in memory of a sailor who had committed suicide by jumping off the bridge and that it had been put there to act as a warning to others … Continue reading The Bridge of Sighs – Edinburgh

Golf, Scotland4 Comments

I’ve given up Golf – 4 of 4

Johnny Jones

Now that I have accepted that my last chance of getting a hole in one has gone, all that is left for me to do is clear out my locker, hand in the key and make way for one of the younger, fitter members. However my playing partners and I have managed to spend a good portion of this last year out in the fresh air enjoying the camaraderie of playing the game that has, for so many years, been an important part of our lives. As a non-playing member I can still meet up with and enjoy the company … Continue reading I’ve given up Golf – 4 of 4

Golf, Scotland1 Comment

I’ve given up Golf – 3 of 4

Johnny Jones

I, like my partners, now find that staying on an even keel to play a shot has – bit by bit – become a lottery. Our stance has narrowed significantly, a shoulder turn is almost non-existent, keeping the left arm straight is a no go position, with the inevitable result that we have lost our confidence to strike the ball cleanly. Consequently, the ball no longer flies as far as it once did, to the embarrassing extent that, any of the ground-staff working more than 150 yards ahead of us, now know that our tee shots offer no threat to … Continue reading I’ve given up Golf – 3 of 4

Golf, Scotland1 Comment

I’ve given up Golf – 2 of 4

Johnny Jones

Most golf books are written with the intention of helping players to get to the top of their game, but here from personal experience I can now reveal what happens to golfers who have gone over their peak, slid down the slippery slope and arrived at the bottom. In thinking back to our decision, we must have felt then that the writing was already on the wall as, during this past year, our gradual descent from grace has become more and more apparent. In some ways our decline was exacerbated by the course closures brought about by Covid, and we … Continue reading I’ve given up Golf – 2 of 4

Golf, Scotland3 Comments

I’ve given up Golf – 1 of 4

Johnny Jones

For my two regular playing partners and myself, with a combined age of somewhere in excess of 260 years, the 31st of December last year was a momentous day. Exactly one year before that we had agreed to hang up our clubs at the end of the season and transfer to non-playing membership of the world’s 4th oldest golf club – the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society in Edinburgh. And on balance, it has turned out to be a decision that has proved to have been made just in time! A few years ago our group numbered around a dozen but … Continue reading I’ve given up Golf – 1 of 4

Charity, Golf, Scotland5 Comments

Donors raise £1200 for charity

Johnny Jones

The last few months have been hectic, with the launch of my 3rd book, A Storm On Any Course. To celebrate the launch of the final book in the Zander Trilogy, and my retiral from writing, we put out an offer to not only purchase a copy, but to also have their names printed at the rear of the book, under the title of Donors. All money received would be donated to our nominated charity, Get2gether. (They arrange social activities for people with disabilities in safe and friendly places in Edinburgh and the Lothians). With very limited access available, due … Continue reading Donors raise £1200 for charity

A Storm on Any Course, Golf, Scotland, Zander Trilogy20 Comments

Is it finally time to relax?

Johnny Jones

Well, it has been a long time in coming, but I have finally received copies of my final book in paperback, this week. A wee bit of panic when one box went missing from the delivery van, however it is all sorted out, but I could have done without the drama. A Storm On Any Course has finally arrived, and will be getting distributed shortly, as the date for publication is the 11th November 2021. I recently created an initiative to allow people to have their name printed in the book, in exchange for a donation to my chosen charity. … Continue reading Is it finally time to relax?

A Storm on Any Course, Golf, Zander Trilogy7 Comments

A Penalty Drop  –  Liberton

Johnny Jones

A few days later, Zander and Grunt had a second encounter with the local “ball boys”. A group of elderly visitors were playing immediately ahead of them. No one had thought to tell them about the problem posed by the local children and blissfully unaware of this on-course hazard, they had started out. Zander and Grunt hung around the starter’s box until the last group had teed off, then followed them out onto the course. They played the long downhill first without incident, then as they teed up on the short par-four second –  which runs parallel to and in … Continue reading A Penalty Drop  –  Liberton

General, Historical, Scotland3 Comments

Hurdling: Take it in your stride!

Johnny Jones

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Tokyo Olympics on TV and as I watched the athletics it brought back memories of the days when I could run, jump and throw things well enough to get me national recognition, but not quite to the standards expected of an Olympian. On a number of occasions I represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the Decathlon. However one match against Holland in Vlardingen, 1963, is carved into my memory, as that was the day when I demolished a hurdle in the 110 metre race and as a result met a legend of track and … Continue reading Hurdling: Take it in your stride!

General, Historical6 Comments

The closest I got to the Olympics

Johnny Jones

In all my 20 odd years of competitive athletics, my performances were just never quite up to Olympic standards. However not to be beaten, my wife Ann and I travelled over to Greece a few years back where we visited the original Ancient Olympic Arena at Olympia. I must have been crazy to try a 100 metre sprint in the 30 degree heat, especially since I had not worn a pair of spikes in over 30 years, but the old urge took over! It was a interesting day out and one that we both thoroughly enjoyed. I find the history … Continue reading The closest I got to the Olympics

A Storm on Any Course, Golf, Scotland, Zander Trilogy2 Comments

Background to the Sample story

Johnny Jones

I wanted to share some background to the sample story from my upcoming book, A Storm On Any Course. The main two components of this Sample story happened in other and quite different places. 1     The collapse of the motor bike line happened during a parade day in Rome. The riders, all policemen, had parked their bikes just as described and gone off to act as crowd marshals. I did not see what started it, however I did witness the spectacular and noisy domino effect of the bikes falling down! 2     The seagull was hit by a lone … Continue reading Background to the Sample story

A Storm on Any Course, Golf, Scotland, Zander Trilogy1 Comment

Sample story

Johnny Jones

Taken from my upcoming book A Storm On Any Course, the final chapter of Zander’s Trilogy. A Birdie  – Melville Golf Centre Zander’s leg was improving by the day, but wasn’t yet strong enough to let him walk out to the practice areas in the middle of the course, let alone get all the way round and, with the club’s driving range out of commission for at least another two weeks, how was he going to hold his game together? Then he thought about going to a public driving range and heard someone talking about, The Melville Golf Centre on the … Continue reading Sample story

A Storm on Any Course, Golf, Scotland1 Comment

Have your name in my book – limited offer date closes 16th September

Johnny Jones

A Storm on Any Course -the 3rd and final book of Zander’s Trilogy. BUY MY BOOK AND HAVE YOUR NAME PRINTED INSIDE IT ALL PROCEEDS TO CHARITY To celebrate the completion of the Zander Trilogy I –  Johnny Jones, an 86year old Edinburgh author – will be donating the profits from a special limited edition of its third and final book, A Storm on Any Course, to the charity get2gether (SC043027). This is a small group of dedicated volunteers who provide a vital service to the communities of Edinburgh and The Lothians by helping Disabled Adults to find friendship and … Continue reading Have your name in my book – limited offer date closes 16th September

General, Golf, Zander Trilogy7 Comments

Change of Book Title!

Johnny Jones

Late in the day I know, but something wasn’t sitting right for me in connection with the Title of my 3rd book, therefore I have decided to change it from A Storm in a Tin Cup to A Storm on any Course. My wife and I have been reading and re-reading until the cows come home, so we are at a stage that should see the book sent off ready for printing, finally this summer. As many of you know, each time we read the stories, we find ‘things’ to change and then end up changing them back again! Easy … Continue reading Change of Book Title!

More Ports More Storms, Scotland, Western Isles2 Comments

A Waterfall in Tobermory!

Johnny Jones

Excerpt taken from chapter 17, The Wee Wee Waterfall – Tobermory in the second book of the Zander Trilogy by Johnny Jones – More Ports More Storms. On sale now. Topographically, a significant part of Tobermory lies on the high ground above the harbour and it is there that the Western Isles Hotel occupies a prominent site. The hotel’s position allows its guests to enjoy magnificent panoramic views from Tobermory down the Sound of Mull.  Access to the hotel is via the Back Brae, a road that doubles back on itself up a steep hill.  To landward, the road cuts into … Continue reading A Waterfall in Tobermory!

General, More Ports More Storms, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles4 Comments

Fast Lady

Johnny Jones

Zander and his crew could not believe their good fortune, to ‘manage’ the luxury 45 foot yacht the ‘Fast Lady’. It had everything they were not used to having aboard a boat! Zander was amazed to find digital controls in the bridge, including a GPS! Everything was in pristeen condition, not like what he and his crew were used to in previous yachting adventures. Their job was to take business associates of the yachts owner, on scenic trips around the Western Isles of Scotland and to ensure they were all well fed and hydrated, with the finest foods and whiskies. … Continue reading Fast Lady

A Storm in Any Port, More Ports More Storms, Sailing, Western Isles, Zander TrilogyLeave a comment

High Jinks on the High Seas!

Johnny Jones

Now some of you must be wondering what is fact and what is fiction from reading the stories about Zander and his crew, throughout my first two books in the Zander Trilogy. I can tell you that the following ‘trick’ is based on fact, however the names of those responsible will never be revealed! In my second book More Ports More Storms, the crew decide to have some ‘fun’ with a rival skipper of another nearby yacht, as part of an on-going fued with Zander. After enticing the rival and his crew ashore to have a peace-making drink in Tobermory, … Continue reading High Jinks on the High Seas!

More Ports More Storms, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles, Zander Trilogy10 Comments

Iona Abbey and Beyond

Johnny Jones

From the second book of the Zander Trilogy, More Ports More Storms, chapter 12, Zander and his crew’s itinery was set to take in a number of beautiful places on the West coast of Scotland, aboard their ‘borrowed’ 45 foot luxury yacht, the Fast Lady. The following places were included in their planned trip: The Sound of Mull, Iona Abbey, Ganavan Bay near Oban and Loch Buie Iona Abbey is an abbey located on the island of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. It is one of the oldest Christian religious centres in … Continue reading Iona Abbey and Beyond

More Ports More Storms, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles, Zander Trilogy8 Comments

To the Pub!

Johnny Jones

The pub visited by the yachting crews from More Ports More Storms, in chapters 17 and 18 was based on a real place, the Mishnish Hotel and Bar, on the seafront in Tobermory. ‘The Mish’, near the pier on the harbourfront, is a favourite hang-out for visiting yachties and a great place for a pint, with a very convivial atmosphere. Wood-panelled and flag-draped, this is a good old traditional pub where you can listen to live folk music, toast your toes by the open fire and enjoy some local banter. Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late … Continue reading To the Pub!

More Ports More Storms, Scotland, Zander TrilogyLeave a comment

Fastest promotion ever!

Johnny Jones

Excerpt taken from Chapter 4, Do it in style get out fast, in More Ports More Storms; On one occasion, by virtue of an unpredicted passage through the transit area of an airport in a war zone, the army awarded him a Campaign Medal for active service there.  This went some way to make up for the one denied him by the sea scouts.  In a service career littered with ups and downs, Zander experienced occasional minor ‘ups’, but principally major ‘downs’, the most significant down being his spell of two years National Service, that put his professional career on … Continue reading Fastest promotion ever!

More Ports More Storms, Scotland, Zander TrilogyLeave a comment

No No No -Yes – Waverley Station Edinburgh

Johnny Jones

Are you sitting comfortably?  Good.  I am about to tell you a series of stories about the adventures of one extraordinary man, and believe me – you do want to be sitting down for this. Yes, I know you have heard many stories before, exciting stories, thrilling stories, stories that set your heart pounding and your blood racing.  However, these particular stories are different.  They are funny ones that make your heart sing; your body convulse with laughter and leave you to enjoy a warm contented glow.  You may think yourself a veteran of the works of tellers of tales … Continue reading No No No -Yes – Waverley Station Edinburgh

General, Historical, More Ports More Storms, Scotland, Video, Website, Zander Trilogy5 Comments

Explosives and Jewellery!

Johnny Jones

There are loads of new short stories in More Ports More Storms, my second book of the Zander Trilogy, and I wanted to share with you one such story which involved  Zander, many years before he got involved in Sailing. How much is Fiction, I will allow the reader to decide, but let me say that I was there and have the T-shirt to prove it! In the late 1960’s, Zander was training to be a Chartered Engineer and was required to work at a place called Harthill, where construction was underway to create the first Motorway Service Station in … Continue reading Explosives and Jewellery!

Historical, Video8 Comments

Panoramic Video – Crimea

Johnny Jones

I made up the following clip from photos I took during a visit to the Crimea with my wife in 2007, during the period of a few years that tourists were allowed to visit. No one is allowed to visit there now and even  Russians need special authorization to be allowed in. The Defence of Sevastopol was a significant event in the Crimean War between Russia and the military alliance of Turkey, Great Britain, France and the Sardinian Kingdom. (1853-1856) The 349-day long siege, which lasted from October 1854 until September 1855, is depicted on one of the largest panoramic paintings in … Continue reading Panoramic Video – Crimea

A Storm in Any Port, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles, Zander Trilogy12 Comments

Sailing home

Johnny Jones

For anyone who has sailed a boat, anywhere in the world, the joys of heading into a berth for the night, after an exhausting experience is very welcome. To view the scenery, on the route whether familiar or not, stays with you forever. “Late afternoon found the despondent Emeraldeers south east of Arran puttering up the Firth of Clyde in almost flat calm conditions, the sun scattering diamond like reflection on the surface of the sea. Their intended route would take them between Bute and the Cumbraes, past Wemyss Bay, with Dunoon on the port side then turning to starboard … Continue reading Sailing home

A Storm in Any Port, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles9 Comments

Midges and Clegs

Johnny Jones

A wee bit of advice for any visitor to the Highlands and West Coast of Scotland, is to take suitable insect repellent/ clothing, as these wee beasties have a habit of appearing just when you least expect it and interrupt your plans. Midges, pronounced Mijjee,  The Scottish midge belongs to a family of midges known as Ceratopogonidae – biting midges. Other members of this family are known as ‘no see ums’ in North America Clegs also known as Horseflies cause piercing burning sensations and can take a long time to heal, and may become infected. One of my chapters in … Continue reading Midges and Clegs

A Storm in Any Port, More Ports More Storms, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles, Zander Trilogy19 Comments

Auld Reekie – Puffer

Johnny Jones

The Puffer featured here in my books is the Auld Reekie, one of the last to be built for the Royal Navy in 1943. It was built by Isaac Pimblott at Northwich on the River Weaver in Cheshire. When it was subsequently demobbed, it plied its civilian trade around the western seaboard of Scotland. Victuals Inshore Craft (V.I.C. No 27) was initially designed, fitted out and registered as a shore-to-ship water carrier. She originally worked out of Rosyth then later at Scapa Flow before moving to the west coast of Scotland. She was one of a number of different types … Continue reading Auld Reekie – Puffer

A Storm in Any Port, Historical, Sailing, Scotland, Western Isles, Zander Trilogy9 Comments

Puilladrobhain

Johnny Jones

The following relates to Chapter 56 and 57 in my 1st Book A Storm in Any Port describing some of the places the crew visited. The crew of the Emerald sailed back across the Firth of Lorne, up the west side of Luing, before steering through the narrow channel that separates the islands of Easdale and Seil. They were all in need of some light refreshments, which invariably means finding a Hotel where they can sample some beer and local spirits, so it was Grunt, who suggested they head for Puilladrobhain – translated in Gaelic as ‘the pool of the … Continue reading Puilladrobhain