Due to our declining and ageing membership we decided we could not now sustain the four or five meetings we had previously enjoyed. However, the Committee were determined to keep the society going for as long as we had enough members to hold at least one annual get together.
This meeting was held at the delightful resort of Sandford Springs on the Hampshire/Berkshire border on the 12th and 13th of September. Seventeen members assembled of whom 13 played over the two days. We were delighted to welcome Eric and Judith Smith although neither was able to play.
The weather was reasonable. A bit chilly and sunny but with some heavy showers developing on the first day but it stayed dry on day two.
This is a very popular place with 27 undulating parkland holes with some very tricky greens – the whole in excellent condition. The pace of play was slow, not particularly due to our group as there were several other groups with 50 buggies in use and tee times fully booked all through the day.
The Captain’s Salver was contested on the first day with Chris Phillips victorious with 32 points, closed followed by Alan Wood (30) and John Astrop with 29. After a good dinner, comfortable night in the 4 star hotel, and an excellent breakfast we assembled for the President’s Trophy. Again this was a close contest with Paul Cohen winning with 32 points. Chris Phillips and John Astrop (again!) runners-up with 29 points. There was a separate prize for the best non-winning aggregate won by Graham Knights with 57 points.
A brief Annual General Meeting was held and David Littlechild was elected as Captain, Richard Johns as Secretary & Treasurer with Peter Jones becoming the third member.
Mention was made and thanks given to David Stride who due to ill health was unable to continue as Treasurer.
It was decided to abolish the annual membership fee as we had sufficient surplus funds to sustain the society for the next few years, and all were asked to cancel their standing orders. The meeting is also sent their good wishes to Liz Morgan as David was still unwell and in the care of a home.
The Secretary thanked David Littlechild for organising the visit to Sandford Springs and it was decided we would try to have a repeat meeting next year and all would be advised when details were finalised. Thanks were also given to Geoff Fowler for maintaining the Society website.
In conclusion it was agreed that keeping the society going, even if for only one meeting, was an excellent way for old friends to reunite and renew acquaintance.
Richard Johns
30 January 2025
