'In the last couple of days, it has been announced that Michael Lunt, member at Moseley and Honorary member at Blackwell, will be the next Captain of the R&A. Michael won the Amateur in 1963 and the English Amateur in 19966 and played in four Walker Cups. This is an honour for Worcestershire and the Midlands.'

Mr Peplow then spoke of past administrators and officials from his County -

'We have a lot to thank the forefathers of County Unions for - the opportunity for a Counties best to play against others. One of the earliest Worcestershire Presidents (for 30 years) was Guy Blackwood, a member at Blackwell.

'These Centenary events are an excuse for looking back. One hundred years ago, clubs were formed adjacent to railway stations, simply because it was the best mode of transport.

'Last week I was up at Hoylake where thankfully the Open is to be held this year. Its another club built next to a railway. Nearly 40 years ago, when Roberto De Vincenzo won the last open held there, the prize money was two thousand pounds!

'It would be wonderful if we could bury a time capsule on a day like today, maybe a deep freezer, the sort which can cryogenically freeze people in.

'I rang Margaret Boyd, the wife of our County Secretary, last week. I asked her if she could choose ?possibles? from the executive who could go in such a box - she said it was a 'bloody good idea'.'

'There has been a rivalry these past 100 years between our two counties - I have to choose my words very carefully - and we wish Warwickshire 'measured' success this year - we would like some for us as well. Its always been a friendly rivalry and I extend our warmest greetings to you all.'

With that the hosts from Worcestershire stood to toast those present from Warwickshire.

With a present of the Worcestershire Centenary Books and the 'biography' of Blackwell made to Warwickshire Union Centenary President John Stubbings, it was then our President's turn to respond -

'Thank you for those kind words.

'When I look around this room, I see Paul Skerritt, your County Captain. He has turned 'Indian'.

'A few years ago, when i was in charge of the Warwickshire Juniors, Paul was one of our players. Its good to see that he has got better.

'Thanks to Worcestershire for bringing him on!

'Congratulations to Worcestershire for getting to their Centenary before us. We had a match against the ladies last week and they were quick to tell us that their Centenary was four years prior to ours - We are delighted to be here!

'We had difficulty in selecting our side. We left out our County Champion and a couple of our better players. Did we lose?

'It was a tremendous result - a draw 8 matches each.

'The County player games were 4:4. The non-descripts were 4:4.

'I must pay thank you to the Jewsbury family. Cyril his here - 90 something or other. His son John a past County player won today and his son Fred was in the County section of this match. My thanks go to you all!

'We played some splendid fellows. It was a great match. Thanks to all those who won ...

'We know Worcestershire have had a great time in their Centenary. We aim to do the same. My thanks go to our two County Secretaries, messrs Boyd and Hayes, for all their work involved.

'We are trying hard to win something in our Centenary. Our genuine commiserations go to Worcestershire for your very near miss in last year's Midland League. A few years ago we were in contention for the Midland title, and we came here only to lose the foursomes 5-0. We made bit of a recovery but the following year, we took you to Pype Hayes ..... only joking.

With that, our President gave Mr Peplow a Centenary Plate and the first of the special Centenary celebration was concluded.

Pictured - Main - all the guests for the day - Left - the Warwickshire players and guests - Right - The Jewsbury Family together with County Secretary Graham Hayes and his son, David, the 2006 President's

Putter Champion

If you like your own momento of this special year CLICK HERE for the catalogue of the special Centenary Clothing endorsed by the Warwickshire Union