‘Unless we are prepared to be more positive in action – to learn from the experiences of Golf England – that indifference lends itself to stagnation – then I fear for the future of Amateur golf.

‘Its curious that the elected officials of the governing body go from club to county then to the EGU yet at some stage we are transmogrified from “one of us to one of them”. On our own, the EGU cannot communicate effectively. We, as the EGU, as the Warwickshire Union, “we” is every one of your 52 golf clubs.

‘If we are continue to have, to maintain, to control – we must not sit back!’

That was the only direct message in a speech which include praise for Matt Cryer (especially for his win and his attitude in Prague late in the 2004 Summer season when Matt was selected to represent England in the Czech Open Amateur Championship), and for Rob Steele and Chris Evans, both of whom are part of the England squads.

Mr Fisher included stories from his time as President and working for the EGU – his visit as EGU president to the Masters, the fun of being at the Home Internationals in Ballybunion when the major summer horse racing event was also taking place in the town and there was much entertainment in seeing the enjoyment of the race goers as in the golf.

There was also the occasion when Mr Fisher attended an EGU Championship at an Open Championship course. On such occasions it is practice that the EGU President is given a parking space but this had not happened when Mr Fisher arrived at the club. The Secretary did remedy this omission but Mr Fisher’s car found itself underneath a Pigeon’s nest with the result …..

Warwickshire President Jim Dean provided an insight into the work done by all those who make the Union what it is, with words of praise for all the individuals concerned. He then presented the Midland League Trophy and the Daily Telegraph Salver to 1st Team Captain Andy Kearns, who then in turn introduced all the 1st team players who had contributed to that win.

Jim Dean did included words of consolation to the 2nds who had not retained their Midland title but had come very close, losing all their first few matches by the odd point and with the result coming down each time to just a putt or shot to the 18th greens by the last players out on the course.

There was one final introduction, albeit for the last few months of what has been 11 years of serving as Warwickshire Union Secretary. Jim’s words about John Stubbings produced a standing ovation for John’s efforts – we have arranged to interview John for January when he will be able to recount his views and personal recollections on the successes the County has had, and its failures, as well as perhaps introducing some of the ‘bloopers’ that no-one has know about before.

Toastmaster for the evening was Graham Hargreaves and guest included representatives and County Presidents from all the Midland Unions. Of the club members present, Anthony Gascoigne was making one of his first appearances since his recent kidney transplant – and looking very well.

There are three photos of the evening here, with this editorial. Additional pictures can be found in WUGC – Team – 1st Team – Pictures very shortly and the 1st Team Captain Andy Kearns sat down after the Dinner to provide a very interesting and frank interview on his first year and the success of Team Warwickshire, a feature which will appear here in mid December.

For the first week of December will be Part I of a special interview with Peter McEvoy. Part of that very interesting interview will be here in the week before Christmas and throughout December, there will be reviews of the successes, and failures, that were Warwickshire Golf in 2004.