Roy talked of his childhood and where he grew up, drawing people's notice to how Mansfield is very proud of Rebecca Addlington, double gold medal winner at the Beijing Olympics. His pride was further detailed in the success that the England Boys Team managed under his stewardship from the mid 90s to 2005.

Roy spoke with humour and candid detail, for the latter notably about how 'change' sometimes had little respect for the foundations of the game of golf. He included reference to some of the European Tour players who were in this year's Ryder Cup - Paul Casey, Justin Rose and in particular Nottinghamshire's Lee Westwood and Oliver Wilson - then to our Counties' success in eventually finishing the second best Junior Team in England, and the recognition (by the EGU) of Jamie Carney and in Roy's words, finally that for Andy Sullivan.

This speech was responded to by our President, John Duncombe. John started with providing some more detail of Roy Case's career at every level in Amateur golf. There was mention for all the volunteers who run our Union, with an invite for any of the guests present to join the team (or anyone reading this report.

John started with how the Union has been very grateful for the new sponsorship from Parkridge, a medium term agreement which started this year. Their support is very much appreciated.

John continued with how successful the new Newsletter has been, and how it will be improved for 2009. He then told everyone about each of the Union's sub-groups had worked so well through the year, each under the stewardship of one of the new Directors of the WUGC Ltd.

John concluded that with mention of how another 'county man' through and through, Past President John Stubbings, had not 'retired' after decades of service and was now turning his efforts to the County Card and County Membership, then finished that section of his response with particular mention of our Secretary (the man responsible for organising the Dinner as well), Graham Hayes.

John then gave a summary of the individual and team successes from 2008, with special mention to our Juniors and how they had done so well to firstly reach the County Finals and then to beat Cornwall and Lancashire before falling to the might of Surrey. There was a special presentation to Andy Sullivan and his father Terry, after Andy had shown his devotion to Warwickshire Golf by rushing 400 miles after losing in the semi-finals of the British Amateur, to play in the County 6s qualifier (and to win the individual) all with the equal commitment of Terry as 'chauffeur'

John made three presentations, for the Top 3 in this year's inaugural Order of Merit. Third place went to County Captain Gareth Jenkins and First Place was shared by James Smith and Rob Browning.

The other presentations were for the medals for Runner-up and Third places in the 2008 Midland Order of Merit. They were made by MGU President Jim Dean to Sam Dodds (Third) as Rory Kirwan (Second place) was unable to attend the dinner.

That left the duty of responding to the toast to the 'Guests' to come from entertainer Steve Tandy. Introduced as a local footballer (once) of some note, Steve Tandy, Steve didn't mention his football career but had the guests in the proverbial 'stitches' with his stories of golf club life, much recounted through an excellent Seve Ballesteros impersonation. His stories finished with more impersonations and jokes old and new told notably through the voice of the West Country Comedian Jethro.

So finished the golfing season 2008. This web site will have news of 2009 Championships and other calendar dates as soon as they are available, together with reviews of this year from respective County Captains.

Please keep coming back to our site through December and into the New year - we have some Christmas Present reviews which will start to appear next week, then more than 100 holiday and equipment reviews to keep your golfing interest going throughout this Winter.