Keeping in touch with news and comment from the regions

SURREY The annual Scotland v England match was held at Lingfield Park GC on July 5th, the result being a three-all draw despite the Scottish Captain having only a week to muster a team. Sorry Robert, it wasn't deliberate, honest! In maintaining a drawn result the Scots retain the trophy yet again. My thanks to both Robert Brewer for Scotland and Terry Huntley for England, for noble efforts of captaincy and to Jim Russell and his staff for preparing the course for the match. Additionally, a big thank-you to the new owners of Lingfield Park for their generosity in allowing us the use of their facilities. The Cresta Cup was played at Ashford Manor GC on July 12th and proved to be quite a test of golf. The highest score was 37 points from M. Yorston, who was honest enough to tell us of his revised Club handicap, which was lower than his BIGGA handicap.* Second after a countback was Paul Weston with 35 points, narrowly beating Terry Edwards, also with 35. The Trade prize was won by M Luker with 38 points. The course was in great shape thanks to Terry and his staff and we were made most welcome by the Artisans Section. Finally our thanks to all our sponsors who are so generous throughout the year. In mentioning Paul Weston I understand that he recently had his clubs stolen from his workshop at The Drift GC. The moral... don't be complacent and keep your clubs locked away, for it seems that thieves have a lot of nerve. On a personal note, I hope Paul's new weapons don't improve his game too much, for I have still to meet him in the Huxley Bowl! News of forthcoming events now, with the Regional Tournament scheduled for Gog Magog GC on October 8th. Entry forms from Derek Walder on 0737 246088. These must be returned ASAP to S Silvester, 7 Park Rd, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP15 5HL. The Surrey Autumn Meeting will be held at Purley Downs GC on October 18th and forms should be returned as soon as possible. Also planned for October is a lecture at Ashford Manor Artisans Section on October 1st, the lecture being given by Ruffords Top Dress. Your support will be most welcome please! The seminar on November 6th is approaching fast and with only 120 places it will be a case of first come, first served. Please contact me, Phil Baldock, on 0251 254287 for tickets. PHIL BALDOCK