Last Saturday, club captain, John Gillespie, was well pleased with the excellent turnout for his Captain's Day.

However, it did not look too good first thing. With the rain coming down steadily, it put off a few of the early morning starters, but as the day wore on, the weather improved and, with the conditions getting better, it was the later starters who came in with the better scores.

In the junior black box section, the captain presented a prize to all three participants. It was a nine-hole stableford and in first place with an excellent return of 24 points was Ryan Dennehy, earning a three shot cut in his handicap from 49 to 46. In second on 21 points was Nathaniel John, with Richard Dwyer third on 19.

In the ladies' section, Anne Wilks won the ladies' senior prize on 34 points. In the main section, though, young Olivia Bradbury, who had a bad accident skiing, which resulted in a broken leg a few months ago, came in with a stunning 40 points. It was a remarkable return for Olivia, who was absolutely thrilled to win. She, too, had her handicap cut by three shots from 23 to 20. In second place six points back on 34 was ladies' club champion, Georgia Thomas.

In the men's vet section, Michael Fox headed the field on 36 points to win by one point from Bob Howse on 35; this dropped Mike by one shot to 26. Mike was also in the winnings for the raffle, so he was well pleased with his day. John Hayhoe, who has been very consistent lately, was in third spot with 33 points.

So to the main section, with 69 competing in the men's white box event. Four players finished on 35 points, Ralph Johns, Darren Thomas, David Webb and Paul Jenkins, but it was Ralph who took the third spot, winning on countback. In second was Jack Guerreiro on 36, but running away with a fine 40 points to win the competition was popular winner Neil Webb. It was a good day for Neil, with his elder son David on the leaderboard and his younger son Mathew, playing off the whites, coming in with a very creditable 28 points.

Other prizes were awarded to the following: longest drives - 9th Richard Morton, 18th Simon Sweet and also 18th for the ladies Fair Ball; nearest the pin - 6th Roger Schooling and Beth Morris, 12th Nick Allen and 17th for the ladies Pam Coles.

Neil thanked the captain for all the effort and time he had put in to make it a fine Captain's Day event; he also praised Chris Jenkins and his staff for presenting the course in such a magnificent condition.

This praise was echoed by captain John Gillespie when he spoke of the event.

At the presentation, John Gillespie began by giving generous praise for the ladies team who reached the final of the Ladies Team Championship at Aberystwyth, presenting them before the club.

He then had much pleasure in presenting a cheque for £1004.40 to Chris Beynon for the Afghan Appeal. He was assisted in this by Jim Martin who organised the event.

Chris Beynon, who is the secretary of the appeal, on behalf of the Welsh Regiment, went on to say how delighted they were with the efforts made by the club and saying that the Welsh Regiment were truly grateful to the Tenby members for their generous donations.

Jim Martin surprised Chris when on behalf of the Tenby GC Seniors Section he presented a further cheque for £100; the fund was further boosted when captain John Gillespie presented another £50 from the raffle money.

Chris Beynon gave a short talk on what the charity was all about, explaining the hardships and difficulties out in Afghanistan.

He then had much pleasure, on behalf of the Welsh Regiment, of awarding Tenby GC the Silver Medal of Honour, which was received by captain John Gillespie on behalf of the club.

The captain also read out a letter from the local MP, Simon Hart, who praised the club for their outstanding achievement and generosity.

With what Chris had collected himself round the town on Saturday and on the day of the event, the total money raised was around £2,000!

In conclusion, the captain said how pleased he was with the excellent turnout by the members for his day. He also thanked Dave Hancock, Rhys Harry and Steve Turner for all their efforts. Not least, he went on to say how pleased he was for the help given to him by Chris Beecher and Tony Key for their efforts in raising over £300 for the charities. He also thanked all those who had generously donated the raffle prizes.

J.D.M.