Undoubtedly the highlight during my time in office was our Centenary Dinner in November 2006 at the National Motorcycle Museum, which was very well supported by our members. I think that our guests from other counties were hugely impressed and we were all greatly entertained by speeches from Michael Bonallack, Peter McEvoy, Donald Steel and John Stirling.

All our clubs also participated in our Centenary Cocktail Party at Olton and our Centenary golf competitions at Walmley, Leamington & County and Harborne. In addition we had two memorable matches for our officials against Worcestershire and Gloucestershire (who were both also celebrating their Centenaries) which resulted in a half and a win respectively. It was an excellent year which properly celebrated our history.

I was thrilled when our County Men's Team qualified in 2006 at Church Brampton from our Midland Region to play in the National County Finals at Prince?s in Kent. Unfortunately they could only finish fourth in the Finals after some really intense golf, but I was proud of them and our Captain, Graham Hargreaves, who had worked so hard.

We suffered more disappointment in the Midland League, finishing runners-up in both 2006 and 2007 by losing our final games at Handsworth on each occasion. A half would have been sufficient both times, but we couldn't hold on to our morning foursomes lead. We will have to find a luckier venue in future! However our 2nd Team, under Nick Clifford?s captaincy, did win their League in 2006, which was a great achievement.

Our juniors have enjoyed almost uninterrupted success during these last two years, including winning the Boys Four Counties (versus Gloucestershire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire) for the 7th year in succession - the others are beginning to get fed up with us! Congratulations to Junior Chairman John Jewsbury and his willing helpers for all they have achieved. The boys' behaviour both on and off the course has been excellent, and it is good to see so many of them progressing into the 1st and 2nd Teams. We have an excellent structure, which now includes a Young Masters Championship at Stoneleigh Deer Park for the very young. This competition attracts a very large entry and the standard of play is remarkably high.

The individual highlight for me was Matthew Cryer (Coventry) reaching the 36-hole Final of the English Amateur Championship at Royal St. George's. It was a very hot day and the golf was sizzling as well! Matthew was all square at lunch, but eventually lost 3 and 2 - he just needed to hole a few more putts, but it was not to be.

I have been privileged to witness some notable individual achievements, including Bill Nicolson (Coventry) reaching 100 appearances for Warwickshire, but I would like to record how proud I am of my club, Moor Hall, for their players winning the Warwickshire Seniors Championship and also the Over-70s; the Dick Squires Cup; the Men?s Matchplay Championship (by an under-18 year old); the Boys Matchplay Championship; and by Robert Bardsley winning all his foursomes and singles matches for Warwickshire Boys during the season - an unprecedented feat!

I have been lucky to work with an extremely likeable and committed group of men during my time with Warwickshire and I should particularly like to mention the County Secretary, Graham Hayes, for all his support and hard work - without him the County just wouldn't function. Also the astonishing interest and dedication of David Morgan, our Website Manager, who attends all sorts of events at all sorts of places and has provided us with such an excellent website - his friendly disposition can be infectious!

My congratulations are extended to my predecessor, Jim Dean, not only for two fine years as President, but also on being invited to become President of the Midland Golf Union in November 2008.

I wish the current President, John Duncombe, a very happy and enjoyable two years as President. I know he will work hard for the County and for all its clubs and members.

I have made many friends, both inside and outside Warwickshire, and I count myself as very fortunate.