If success can be measured in numbers 2017 was a very good year for the GSGB.

51 members took part in overseas tours and 332 in domestic UK meetings, although of course, some members have attended multiple meetings and tours. Total membership of the society is now around 600 as resignations continue to exceed new members.

The year began with 24 members heading for Tenerife for some spring sunshine.

Whilst the island itself may not be to everyone’s taste, the hotel was excellent and the courses also very good despite a sluggish pace of play.

The domestic season began in May, in sunny Suffolk , at Aldeburgh where, unusually for the Society, we had to play in 2 balls. The second day at Thorpeness was also blessed with sunshine and some excellent golf. The Scratch cups were won by David Archibald and Gabi Heuchel.

From East Anglia, we moved across to the West coast, in June, for our first visit to Conwy and North Wales GC. Wind was a big issue here although Jim Hunter and Clare Fulton managed to cope with the conditions to win their respective Founders Cups.

The AGM in July was held at The Mere in Cheshire where, sadly, the weather was not at all kind to us and the second day’s competitions had to be abandoned after 14 holes. The Handicap Cups were won by Giles Hinchcliffe and Katherine Archibald and the traditional “Enjoy Golf Together” by Katherine and David Archibald.

The August meeting was at Sand Moor on day one and Pannal on day two.

The King of Morocco Cup was won by John Ryder and the Society salver by Pat Bennett.

The final meeting, in September, was our first visit to The Addington for about 9 years and we had two dry days on this most attractive heathland course, unbelievably close to central London. George Clark and Christine Hinchcliffe were the cup winners.

Earlier in the month, 27 people toured Belgium in a very enjoyable trip organized by Ed Devine. The rain normally relented by the time we got onto the tee!

This is my last report as Chairman of the Society and I should like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your company and friendship, it has been a great pleasure and privilege to Chair the Society for the past 3 years.

I should also like to thank my fellow committee members who seek new venues for tours and try to arrange events to the member’s liking.

Especially I should like to thank Brian Ward who puts in an enormous amount of work on our behalf and runs all our events with a calm professionalism and personal approach greatly appreciated by us all.

Robin Moser