Shore thing for 25 years as club says thank you

Wells Golf Club

The well-attended players' dinner on Friday followed the usual successful format which included a highly-regarded speaker – Philip Parker, past president of the Devon Golf Union and past chairman of the English Golf Union.

The guest of honour was Peter Beauchamp of Pro Tyre Wells Tyre Service, the principal sponsor of the first and second teams.

Philip, as one would expect, was fluent on his feet, rather humorous, deeply knowledgeable and committed to the game of golf.

The dinner also marked the conclusion of Alan Shore's role of teams' manager for all club sides. Alan has been a member of the club for 32 years, is a life member and has managed the teams for the best part of 25 years.

His approach to anything he does in terms of commitment and application is always 100 per cent, or not at all. The club is due a big vote of thanks to Alan for his excellent work over the years with the teams.

His successors are Zac Cambourne, who will manage the club teams and the first team, and Rob Payne, who will manage the seconds. The evening also featured the presentation to the various trophy winners. The principal trophies were the winter foursomes, won by James and Gary Burge, with Paul O'Dea and Jon Sackett runners-up. The winter fourball trophy was retained by Mark Western and Ian Burr, with Steve Heath and Colin Dines runners-up. The Avalon League player of the year was Steve Heath, the first team player of the year was Colin Mills and Simon Jackson was the seconds' player of the year.

The seniors' annual meeting saw Ron Hancock elected captain in succession to George West, who has had an excellent year and can now look forward to playing some relaxed golf.

Ron Hancock went through the usual emotions of pleasure and honour at being elected seniors' captain, followed by panic setting in and then realisation that there is a lot of experience in the section should he need to draw on it.

Ron joined the club in 2002 when he took up golf, now plays off 18 and as an engineering graduate with considerable management experience, will bring his own skills to his role.

At the meeting, Len Sweales was confirmed as chairman, ex-chairman Piers Dalby stood down and Colin Sellar was elected vice-captain. Glen Crocker, Stuart Mann and Nick Carter were elected to the committee and Martyn Underdown was appointed secretary in succession to Mike Shave, who is now on the board of management.

To put all this in order, the seniors' house has been tidied up and ready for the year ahead.

Raymond Smith