He recounted his very humble upbringing, his time as an (unsuccessful) goal-keeper for Notts Forest before then moving to a career working for the then Coal Board.

There were cautionary words of how the present economic conditions are affecting clubs and how change is being welcomed as long as it is not to the detriment of the value, integrity and tradition of our game.

Roy then went on to highlight how all the support from cub, through county to then EGU level had produced the incredible success in the Professional game that now meant an Englishman (Lee Westwood) was the World No 1.

There were some excellent stories, notably of how the average club golfer walks 900 miles a year and drinks 22 gallons of beer - producing a very respectable carbon footprint of 41 miles to the gallon!

Roy finished his speech with some words of praise and encouragement for Warwickshire talent, notably the 'outstandingly talented' Andy Sullivan who ash just won his first international amateur championship and is in the squad for next year's Walker Cup.

There was a finale of praise for all the officers and volunteers who work for the Union, and for those who have done so in the past, helping make Warwickshire a major force in County Golf.

Te response came from our President John Powell.

John gave the attendees a history of our last year when our Junior, Mens and Seniors teams came 3rd, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Midland qualifying for their respective English County Team championships. John then went of to give words of praise for all the Warwickshire Champions and members of regional and national squads, again mentioning the treble of Andy Sullivan in winning the Amateur, the Matchplay and the Open.

It was then time for the President of the MGU, Andrew Blows, to present our 2nds Team Captain Neville Gardner with the Midland League trophy.

Neville responded with a fine speech and was then able to introduce 14 of the team to collect their individual medals for their triumph.

The evening then concluded with a wonderful 40 minutes of stories and jokes from Mr Ian Irving, 'Entertainer and Humourist'. Ian will no doubt be back many times to our County, such was the response to his contribution to the evening.

As ever, Copt Heath were exemplary hosts to all the guests from both other Midland Counties and the many clubs represented.