A passion, an obsession, a romance, a nice acquaintanceship with trees, sand, and water

One of the highlights of the Masonic Calendar - the EL Masonic Golf Society's Derby Cup - was held today at Whitefield Golf Club where WBro Gordon Desser, one of our District Secretaries from Manchester, is currently the Captain.

The weather was warm and breezy but nothing could deter the intrepid teams of golfers on this splendid and fun afternoon and evening out, which this year attracted 40 of the Provinces best golf players. As is now the norm for this event, the 'shotgun' start ensured all could arrive back at the clubhouse together to enjoy each others company. Doublets and triplets (below) tee'd off around the course, closely followed by our brave photographer, who narrowly avoided several well aimed balls as he circumnavigated the course to catch cameradery and masonic fellowship at its best.

Following an exciting, breezy, sometimes tense but mostly fun afternoon's golf, it was back to the bar, and then time to get changed before dinner. Non-golfers are of course warmly welcomed. The guest of honour was of course the President of the Society, RWBro Jack Price, Provincial Grand Master. WBro Martin Roche, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, also joined in the wholesome meal served in the Clubhouse.

After dinner the Secretary, Alan Banks (left), greeted the brethren and introduced the Club Captain, Gordon Desser, who, in turn, welcomed all and looked forward to seeing everyone again next year.

The Chairman, WBro Malcolm K Worsley, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, then greeted the President of the EL Golf Society, Jack Price and immediate Past President of the Society, Paul Rink.

Malcolm Said that all looked well despite perhaps being a little tired and that the sun had been kind today. The course had been in good condition and it was a shame that greater numbers of golfers hadn't turned out, especially as the competion had been publicised so well across the Province, by email to all of the brethren and on the Provincial website.

Malcolm welcomed 6 new golfers to this particular match and thanked the staff and caterers for looking after everyone so well during the day and evening.

He finished by referring to the forthcoming Jimmy Hemsley Salver in October and hoped that this would be well supported, especially by those present this evening.

Alan Banks then took to the floor again to announce the winners, who were warmly congratulated by the President, Jack Price. Jack then spoke to the brethren, asking them to spread the word amongst their fellow golfers about what a tremendous day's fun it had been, and to try and encourage further support amongst the brethren for next year's Derby Cup and the other Provincial golf competions. As ambassadors for Provincial golf it is up to the brethren present to encourage more to join in the merriment of the day.

The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing

First Prize with 37 points - Peter Tonge

Second Prize with 36 points - Lionel Levine

Third Prize with 36 points - Martin Caller

Team Prize - Martin Caller, Jack and Ronnie Levene

It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place this world is when one is playing golf