CUGC Centenary Celebrated in Style
8th October 2021
The Cheshire Union of Golf Club’s Centenary Dinner was delayed for a year due to Covid but it proved to be a fitting occasion in all aspects at the superb venue of The Mere Resort.

As well as distinguished guests and representatives from other counties and golf organisations, county officials and members from Cheshire clubs the attendance was boosted by the first attendance of ladies to the annual dinner from the CCLGA and wives and partners of county officials and top guests.

There was an attendance of around 270, which was by far the largest for many years with over 70 ladies enjoying the occasion to the full.

The main guests were Peter Forster, the Captain of the R&A and Graham Yates, the President of England Golf, who both played their part on the night of celebration of 100 years of Cheshire County Golf.

There was an entertaining glimpse of the past 100 years on a running slide show provided by Jerry Dixon plus a display board outlining the county history.

CUGC secretary Peter Whitehead had a busy night as MC and President David Durling (Shrigley Hall) also had a big part to play and they both gave deserved thanks to all who had worked hard behind the scenes to set up a splendid and fitting celebration.

The Mere Resort provided its usual excellent service and dinner enjoyed by all.

The first main speaker was Peter Forster who gave an illuminating and amusing speech about his time in golf, the great history of Cheshire and the R&A plans to keep golf growing at all levels in the present and future.

He then presented the Centenary Plate to David Durling.

This was followed by David Durling who welcomed all of the distinguished guests and then gave due thanks to all who contributed so much to Cheshire Golf in recent and previous years.

There were then presentations of Centenary Plates to the three Cheshire clubs, who are also celebrating their centenaries, by Graham Yates to Eaton Lady Captain Ann Shepherd, Sandiway Captain Bruce Johnson and Prestbury Captain Nick Wood.

David Durling then presented awards to Cheshire Player of the Year Jon Beesley (The Mere) and Gareth Bradley (Bramhall) the Seniors Order of Merit winner.

The winner of the Men’s Order of Merit, Jack Brooks (The Mere) was unable to attend.

Then the evening was concluded by Entertainer Billy Flywheel who put on a great show of comedy, mystery and magic.

Photos & copy courtesy Geoff Garnett