It was last August last year when I made enquiries about our annual spring trip. My husband and I had stayed and played at The Bell’s Hotel and Country club a few years ago and when others mentioned it might be a good place to go my mind was made up.

I booked provisionally 36 places for Sunday and Monday, April 17 and 18, but eventually had to increase the reservations to 40. There was a good mix of people, husbands and wives, partners and groups of friends.

As the time to go got nearer, there was a buzz of excitement. Ros Williams was so eager she turned up at Sharon Kaye’s house 24 hours early. Sharon was still in her dressing gown, after all it was eight in the morning.

“I will pack the car Sharon, you get dressed.”

“Don’t know about you Ros, but I have got a match against Trefloyne today, I am going to Coleford tomorrow.” was Sharon’s reply.

Nice to know these trips are so popular.

Everyone turned up ready to play and luckily there was no rain. Unfortunately, due to the amount of rain that had fallen on the previous days, the course was not in the best of condition, but we all got round and, after having some social time in the bar, we retired to our rooms to dress for the evening meal, which was excellent.

Then time for the prize-giving and photos. First place in the ladies competition was Helen Morgan 31 pts, second Sara Alderman 27 pts and third Shan Thomas 27 pts. Sara Alderman also had a two.

In the men’s competition, first Mick Seal 39 pts, second Ken Chichester 36 pts and third Keith Leverton 35 pts. Mick was deducted one shot for the second day’s play.

On the second day, play started earlier, which gave us more time in the bar afterwards. The greens and fairways had been cut, so golf was a little easier. Mary Mountney needed a ‘tree wood’ and Fred changed his sport to angling, having to fish out Sue Leverton’s ball from the numerous water hazards.

Once again Helen Morgan won first place with 37 pts, second Linda Evans 32 pts, third Shan Thomas 30 pts, and fourth Sharon Kaye 30 pts.

In the men’s, first Harold James 38 pts, second Jack Davies 35 pts, third Fred Mountney 34 pts and fourth Brian Williams 32 pts.

Linda Evans and Robert Ryder both had a two.

It was nice to have Robert and Sue join us and I enjoyed watching him play on the second day. These professionals are a breed apart.

I would like to say thank you all for coming on the trip, we had a great weekend, good company, great food and the course, considering the amount of rain there had been, wasn’t too bad. I would also like to say that we raised £95 for my charity, the Alzheimers Society.

I am already looking forward to next year’s trip.

A.D.