Hooray, this year we got plenty of our golf in, (or at least tried our best)!      We started in the pouring rain at Yelverton and then were challenged by the difficult (impossible for me) St Mellion where at least it was sunny. What a great part of the world to spend some leisure time. Scratch trophies were won by Alison Evans from Chelmsford and David James from Yelverton and Christine remembered that she played well. Who am I to argue?

I loved our AGM at Carden Park. The hotel has been beautifully refurbished and the two courses provided differing challenges (both too hard for me). Brian had arranged a 48 hour floorshow of a multi-millionaire’s wedding, with girls in full fancy dress and Alexandra Burke singing on stage. It was difficult to tell our members and the wedding guests apart. The warm sunshine and for some of our ladies an extensive cocktail menu, helped to create a holiday atmosphere as we wandered through the Cheshire countryside. Neil Dalton from Meon Valley and Jan Mackinnon from Ipswich won the Handicap Cups. Neil & Jean Dalton won the Enjoy Golf Together trophy.

Then it was off to Yorkshire’s pride and joy, Alwoodley, paired with Fulford. What a treasure Alwoodley is. How can gorgeous purple heather be so attractive on the first tee and so hated by the back nine? Another golfing mystery. A splendid dinner in the French chateau looking clubhouse was enjoyed by all present. Fulford was a different challenge. A longer course played in a light drizzle and a gaze in awe at the site of Langer’s tree shot produced good greens and quality winners. Alan Percival from Astbury and Pat Bennett from Reading were victorious.

Our final event of the year took us to the highly rated Blackwell, the course of many bunkers and the model for the 12^t*at Augusta National (if you believe the folklore). It was a very enjoyable day and great value for money, particularly for those that lost their way and played an extra hole (without penalty). The clubhouse was full of nostalgia and they treated us well. In fact I think our donation may have kick started their junior section. I also think we lost several members drinking happily waiting for a taxi to arrive that was never going to come! The next day we were off to Edgbaston and another supporting club. Captain Tim liked us so much he joined our society, thanks to Brian’s silver tongue. I enjoyed my day with Michael Curley although I insisted on driving the buggy! A really enjoyable two days to omplete o«r golfing year The day was rol.!DñeJ off with the presen.tgt|nn of the Barmen Seniors Trophies to Jce Nixon from Chelmsford and Gillian Curley from Stratford-on-Avon.

The Knight Super Senior Salvers were awarded to long time supporters of GSGB and popular winners, David and Joyce Storer from Alwoodley.

Sadly our two tours were postponed for another year. The excellent and fully subscribed tour to Dublin 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 third 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. Similarly, the Biarritz tour had to be postponed until Autumn 2022. Let us hope that the virus gods leave us alone next year.

Plans are also in place for an attractive looking Autumn tour of Lisbon and North Portugal in 2023. Turkey is a strong contender for the Spring tour. It’s still a wait and see time for organisers.

2022 meetings are a mix of restructured old and new.

• Our first meeting is at Seascale and Silloth on Solway in May.  Silloth is renowned for its excellent links layout which I am really looking forward to.
• In June we will play both the Gog Magog courses, a first visit for We have many fine members from this club which has supported us well over the years.
• Our AGM is oop north in Durham with a return to Ramside Great facilities, two good courses and the doorway to a northern break.
• August is a cross border affair with more links golf at the testing and fabulous Littlestone in Kent paired with Cooden Beach on the Sussex coast.
• September sees us round up the domestic part of our season at Cirencester and Tewkesbury Park, both new courses to me. An itinerary to enjoy!

On a general note, our website is up and running with detailed results and glorious photos.

Our finances remain broadly where we would like them to be with a roughly break even scenario expected this year keeping our bank account at circa £20,000. It has been maintained at this level for many years to cover us for any unexpected surprises.

Events this year were thankfully well supported. 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. 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 work hard on your behalf to provide meetings and tours for your enjoyment. We are nearly always happy to hear your thoughts!

Enjoy your golf, keep your distance and stay healthy.

Giles Hinchcliffe, Chairman.