Southern PCB Golf Day and Dinner

September 16^th 2010

This was the 18^th consecutive year that we have celebrated the Southern PCB Golf Day. The event has grown considerably from its golfing roots and is now a recognised social and networking event for PCB colleagues and friends.

Our day started with a finger buffet lunch in the club bar with golf commencing at 12.30. We had 28 golfers this year and I am pleased to say that the starter got us all away on time. There was a minor hiccup during the photo call for group 6 when Howard Brown discovered that he had been provided a left hand set of clubs by the pro shop.

The weather was dry with sunny periods and the course had benefitted from the wet August and was in excellent condition.

We had a record number of 45 guests for our celebration dinner. Howard and Suzanne Brown joined us from Canada and Chris Lung had travelled from China. We are again so grateful that Lloyd Doyle sponsored the main prizes. Roy Lloyd was not able to be with us so Peter Coakley presented the prizes on his behalf.

Maurice Hubert had kindly sponsored “The Bernard Coles Cup” in memory of our great colleague who sadly passed away this year. Bernard’s son Robert was our guest of honour and it was fitting that he was with us to present the cup to the first winner, Graham Thompson. This cup is now an annual trophy and we will remember Bernard for his contribution to the PCB industry and the many enjoyable golf days he spent with us.

The Southern PCB Morton Trophy pairs competition was won by Alan Slade and Nigel Rowe with 43 points. Runners up were John Ennis and Dave Fitzgerald on 42 points.

The Longest Drive competition was won by Dave Fitzgerald and nearest the pin prizes were won by Neil Smith and John Ennis.

After the prize giving we were again superbly entertained by Bill Wilkie with his observations and jokes. I am so grateful to Bill that he travels so far to be with us.

We had some marvellous gifts for our prize draw donated by Bill Wilkie, Howard Brown, Kelvin Leigh, Mike Partridge, Nigel Rowe, Norman Fergusson and Paul Griffiths.

John Burgess again organised a spot the ball competition. This was won By Pete Starkey. I would like to thank David Jones who helped with the scoring and organised our sweepstake.

The winners of our cash prizes donated their proceeds to the “Help for Heroes” charity. This was particularly apt as we were so close to Wooten Bassett and the Lynham Air Base.  The proceeds were boosted by the auction of a Lamar golf voucher and individual contributions. We raised £273 which is fantastic.

My special thanks go to our sponsors which we all recognise make this day possible. They are listed on the menu below and we heartily toasted them at our celebration dinner.

Richard Wood-Roe

September 2010