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Report for 2007

Our first meeting was on 26 April at the idyllic setting of Knole Park and the occasional light drizzle did nothing to spoil the enjoyment of the 33 members and guests at this lovely course. The retiring Captain, Alan Wood, won the Jack Ryman Cup with an excellent 41 points. Total Paper Management were again our much appreciated sponsors. At the subsequent AGM Alan handed over to Judith Smith who made history by becoming our first lady captain. Judith then proposed  David Cox to be her vice-captain.

Next we went east to the Captain’s home course, Boyce Hill, which turned out to be a little jewel, a beautiful undulating beacon in an area of Essex not noted for hills! It was a humid overcast but dry day and not surprising that Eric Smith with his oodles of course knowledge took the John Bond Cup with 37 points. The subsequent compulsory 2 stroke reduction in his handicap was greeted with much acclamation.  34 players enjoyed a lovely day.

Chris Lee sponsored the President’s Trophy meeting held, as always, at Gerrards Cross - a course unsurpassed for it’s excellent condition and a very popular place for our members. 39 players attended in muggy, but mainly dry weather.

With a score of 40 points David Littlechild won the main event.

For the Captain’s Outing we travelled even further East and stayed at the Thorpeness Golf Hotel in Suffolk. The first and final day’s events were played at the Thorpeness links, a marvellous test amidst the whins and heather. Not overlong but far from easy in the coastal breeze with the trademark ‘Dutch House’ overseeing the 18th. The Captain’s Salver was played for at Purdis Heath on the outskirts of Ipswich and this proved to be a stunning and undulating  test combining the attributes of the best pine and heathland courses with some daunting carries. The weather was breezy and overcast with the last few matches subjected to some heavy rain towards the end. The Salver was won by Gordon Lamb with a notable 39 points (Eric Smith heroically made light of his revised handicap finishing second on 38 points thus earning himself another one stroke reduction and provoking the usual barracking, to which he is well accustomed, regarding his true handicap)  The Captain and her sponsors generously supplied many prizes for all the various competitions and feats of golfing excellence and few of the 24  players went away empty handed.  A most enjoyable few days in generally clement weather.

The Secretary and the Society owe a debt to David Morgan for his usual sterling work not only as collector of dues at the meetings but also as sourcing (with Liz) of many of the prizes over the season. Geoff Fowler, as ever provided me with great support and instant print-outs of results as well as maintaining the website. This, by the way, is always the first port of call for anyone wanting the latest news and fixture details. 

Congratulations to the winners of the 2007 aggregate trophies:  David Littlechild  (Derek Watkins and Reg Conlon Trophies), Eric Smith (Guildford Trophy), Alan Wood (Spicer & Brian Tolley Trophies) Chris Phillips (Liberty Trophy)

Our incoming Captain has prepared a full programme for the new season with visits to no less than 5 new courses.

The Entry Form for the Spring Meeting is enclosed which will be at David’s home course of Wrotham Heath on 25 April. This is followed on 20 June with the Summer Meeting at Old Fold Manor in Hertfordshire and we return to Gerrards Cross for the President’s Trophy Meeting on 10 July.  You will all have now received details of his Outing to Belgium which is over the three days of 26 to 28 September on three courses. He has sent a form which he would like all members to return which gives the option of saying a) Yes, I am coming or b) I hope to attend but am not sure or c) I cannot attend.  From my own past experience I know it will be a great help and courtesy if all members return this form to him as soon as possible. All our trips abroad have been well supported (4 to France and 2 to Scotland) so please don’t hesitate - there will be excursions arranged for non-golfing partners and you will have a great time !

In conclusion, as Judith hands over to David at the Spring Meeting I know you will join me in offering our congratulations at the way she has organised a cracking season fully up to, if not exceeding, the standards of excellence we expect from those honoured to be chosen as our captain and leader. Her successor has a hard act to follow.

Best wishes to you all and I do hope we shall see as many of you as possible during the coming season.

Richard Johns

Hon. Secretary