Graham spent 30 years with Massey Ferguson before his retirement last September. His work was centre around Purchasing for the Agricultural Industry so he will be very adept at negotiations!

The Hayes Family is very much a golfing one, with son David a member of this years victorious Midland League Championship team and Graham is no mean golfer himself. He has a handicap of 6 at present but has been as low as 4 and his major golfing achievement was winning the Drayton Park Open. He best round – a 71 at Maxstoke.

‘I spent many happy years at Massey Ferguson and I am very much looking forward to this job’, said Graham.

I want to bring and open approach and my strong administrative qualities – and my enthusiasm’, said the man who has complete support from Mrs Hayes for this new challenge, ‘She is absolutely delighted. She says it will be a “perfect fit”.’

This new half yearly meeting for the Warwickshire Union clubs and the Executive was the idea of new President Jim dean, to make sure that clubs are aware and involved in all that the Union does.

There were reports from the County Captains and team management and from the co-ordinator of the coaching and performance plans, Graham Hargreaves (Ladbrook Park). The County has committed itself to significantly more behind the scenes efforts than in previous years and with two trophies to be presented at the Annual Dinner later this November, the results are already starting to show for the effort and the financial commitment.

The initial plans for the Centenary of the Union in 2006 were announced – starting with a Cocktail Party on the actual anniversary of the Union, in early March at Olton Golf Club, the scene of the very first WUGC meeting.

There will be two Am-Ams, one at Walmley and one at Leamington, where clubs can send a team of three players to partner a Warwickshire 1st or 2nd team player, and there will be a Four-Ball competition. To finish the centenary there will be a Gala Dinner.

The centenary book is more than 70% completed but there are already Centenary Blazer buttons available, from your County Secretary.

News from the EGU came from Peter Holt and there was discussion of a proposed Card Scheme for WUGC Clubs – please ask your Secretary for details of what could be a great way to play other Warwickshire, and possible Worcestershire and Shropshire and Herefordshire courses for a reduced green fee, as well as raising money for all the activities the Union does to support golf in the County.

There will, very shortly, be the first of a regular Newsletter for Clubs, from President Jim Dean. It will be sent to all clubs and will be available from this web site.

Lastly, please don’t forget to send in your table forms if you want to come to the Warwickshire Union Annual Dinner on Friday November 26th. Its an evening of presentations and of speeches, including a special guest who is sure to be a very funny way to round off what is always a wonderful evening.