Sadly, not a lot seems to have changed from last year!  The virus has changed its name and so has the health secretary, but we remain under observation! The promises of returns to ‘freedom’ are couched with caution.  Everyone has views and most have become prudent enough to only mention them in private.  What were strange and unusual times now almost seem to be the norm.  But those of us in the GSGB are starting to stir.  Our day in the sunshine at St Mellion was thoroughly enjoyable and meeting up with ‘old’ friends was fantastic.  Yelverton fed and watered us well (especially watered) and scratch trophies were wrenched from the hands of last year’s holders into the grasp of our worthy winners, Alison Evans from Chelmsford and David James from Yelverton. There were also excellent individual performances from Christine Hinchcliffe from Sand Moor and Robert Hill from Bath. Paul Jackson, Louise Andrews, Barry Luscombe and Gill Goddard triumphed in the individual day events.  Yours truly succumbed to sauvignon blancitis, an excellent way to cede my trophy. Next is our AGM at Carden Park, and I look forward to seeing many of you at this event. 

There are a few items to update you on.

• The excellent and fully subscribed tour to Dublin has been postponed (again) and will be held on similar dates during Spring 2022. Robert Hill is in the process of making arrangements and all of those who were down to enjoy it will be given priority when it comes to booking second time around. If any of the original participants find that they are unable to make the new dates their places will firstly be offered to the current reserves and then to the general membership.

• Next year’s meetings are a mix of restructured old and new. Our first meeting is at Seascale and Silloth on Solway in May.   Silloth is world renowned as an excellent and impressive links layout which I am really looking forward to.  In June we will play both Gog Magog courses, another first for me.  We have many fine members from the Gogs which has supported us well over the years.  Our AGM is oop north near Durham at Ramside Hall.  Great facilities, 2 good courses and the doorway to a northern break.  August sees us enjoy more links golf at the testing and fabulous Littlestone paired with a first society visit to Cooden Beach.  September sees us at Cirencester and Tewkesbury, both new courses to me.  An itinerary to enjoy and there will be news of another high quality golf course being added our list of Participating Clubs very soon.

• Sadly the Biarritz tour has had to be postponed for another year. The virus gods cannot make up their minds on quarantining and this may also push back our proposed tour of Lisbon and North Portugal.  It is a wait and see time for organisers.

On a general note, the finances of the Society remain broadly where we would like them to be with a small loss being made during the year to 28th February 2021.  Inevitably, the society took a small financial hit last year. Our bank account has for many years maintained a sum of approximately £20,000 to cover us for unexpected surprises. Unfortunately this was the year where we dipped slightly into our cash reserves because of our reduced income from our meetings and tours.

Events this year are thankfully well supported but our membership slowly declines to around the 500 mark. Please pass on details of the Society to like-minded souls as new members are always welcome.  Please show them our excellent new website which should whet their appetite.  Most of our new members come from personal recommendations so you can do your bit.

Your committee and, more importantly, our excellent secretary Brian Ward works hard on your behalf to provide meetings and tours for your enjoyment.  We are almost always happy to hear your thoughts and please let us know if you have any recommendations for future tours, especially if you would be prepared to help set up and also host one.

 Enjoy your golf, stay healthy and watch out for hidden cameras.

Giles Hinchcliffe, 

Chairman.