Thank you for electing me as Chairman at the AGM at Ramside Hall in July. I will try to maintain the great spirit that is the foundation of our wonderful Society.

Many thanks must go to Giles for his four years in office. Great job, Giles, you can relax at meetings from now on. Thanks to Christine too. The old phrase has never been so true.

Thanks also to Ed Devine and Clare Fulton who have completed their tlme on the committee. Both have a great depth of knowledge of the game and haveprovided indispensable advice, along with a few laughs. Welcome to new committee member Richard Wadkin and co-opted members Pete Carpenter and Ronnie Steedman.

At the AGM, treasurer Robin Moser reported a good financial performance for the year with slightly increased reserves, which are now in excess of £22K.

Those of you who were at Ramside will remember a great meeting highlighted by the 37-degree heat and the performance of the Jacksons, Yogi and Paul, who each won their aggregate competitions and, not surprisingly, the Enjoy-Golf- Together Trophy.

It was still hot by the time we arrived at Littlestone, but not as hot as Doug Carrington!: At his first meeting he recorded the firsi hoie-in-one at a meeting for many years and then squandered his winnings (and some) by standing a round in the bar after dinner. Such was the forecast that we feared for the following day’s play at Cooden Beach, but in the event only the early starters got wet. Overall winners were Geoff Ogden and Linda Cusack. Well done to them.

The final meeting coincided with the Queen’s funeral and was reduced to just one day at Tewkesbury Park. Understandably, some people decided it was too far for just one day, but 31 people turned up and were rewarded with a fine course, wonderful views over the City and a glorious day. Pauline Cameron and Bill Nickson won the Super Seniors Trophies. Shirley Singh and I won the Seniors. Oh the joy of being a youngster!!

The final event of the year was the tour to SW France at the beginning of October. Twenty-two people arrived in Bordeaux for what proved to be 12 days of almost wall-to-wall sunshine, great courses and a glass of wine or two, around that wonderful city and then in Biarritz. We owe a lot to Robin Moser, our fearless leader, for the organisation, late-night team selection and card-checking. And to Sally, for keeping him sane(ish).

Everyone loved it.

Those of you who have not accessed the website recently should take a look. It has improved markedly over the last few years and much of that is down to the efforts and expertise of Ian Macleod. Thanks Ian. By the way, if anyone would like to learn about managing websites, please contact me or Brian.

Thanks again to Brian for his tireless work and welcoming face behind the desk. Congratulations are in order. Brian is this year’s Captain at Astbury Golf Club.

How will he possibly cope?

I hope some of you get to play in the sunshine over the winter, whether home or away, but whatever else, I look forward to seeing you at a meeting next year.

The schedule for next year is really exciting. Six of the nine courses we are visiting are new to the Society and Brian has done a remarkable job negotiating days at top-flight clubs. I’m particularly looking forward to the first visit to our new participating club, Cavendish in Derbyshire. GSGB member Terry Hayward is Chairman there and I’m certain he will make us feel welcome. Details of all meetings will be on the website in the next few days.

Remember, we are always looking for new members; this would be a good time to introduce them. So if you know people you think would enjoy the society, please give them a nudge.

Best Wishes Robert

PS I have just heard that our former Chairman and President, Alan Golbourn, has passed away after a long illness. Alan was a County-level golfer, but much more than that, he was a real gentleman, kind, helpful and modest. Our sympathies go to his wife Carole and his family.