WITH autumn and winter upon us we asked our Club Captain at Downes Crediton Golf Club, Gerald Abdoll, to reflect on how the summer of golf at Downes Crediton has unfolded. Here are his reflections in his own words:

We have enjoyed playing on a course in exceptional condition. With virtually no rain throughout the summer conditions have tested our skills as golfers, as well as the abilities of our greenkeeping staff.

I would therefore like to start by congratulating them on producing a course that we have been able to enjoy week in, week out, throughout the season.

The fact that we have had more members than usual competing in our competitions and knockout events is a testament to the excellent playing conditions that members have enjoyed.

This year’s Club Championship took place over the course of the summer with the following winners: Gross score champion was Luke Burchell. The net score Champion was Steve Glover. Ladies Gross score champion was Tracey Chandler, and the nett Champion Sue Jackson.

Our Junior Champion was Liam Whittlestone. Congratulations to all our champions on their achievements.

Under the captaincy of Nigel Hoskins, our Dartmoor League team secured promotion to Division Two after finishing second in Division Three.

This is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to congratulate Nigel and the whole team on their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

In the East Devon League, we did not quite reach the heights of last year, but we managed to win the Dartington Cup at the season finale, held at Exeter Golf and Country Club. This was an excellent way to round off the season, and congratulations go to everyone who contributed to this success.

I feel I must say something about our catering facilities this Summer. Under the guidance of Luke Dimond, assisted by Simone, a lot of progress has been made with new ideas and huge success with the restoration of Sunday lunches.

We are so pleased that many people from Crediton and the surrounding areas have enjoyed the catering and hospitality of the club. Supporting our catering facilities helps the club, and I hope we will see more people making use of what is available.

At the beginning of the academic year, we traditionally see an influx of students from Exeter University. This has become a regular feature over the past few years, and I hope this relationship will continue for many years to come.

The students are planning to hold their charity day in November to raise money for the Movember initiative. I wish them every success with their fundraising efforts.

This was the year when the Club celebrated its 50th anniversary, and much was written about this in previous editions of the Courier.

Most of the events organised to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary were very well supported by our members. However, these celebrations would not have been possible without the help and dedication of my wife, Maureen, together with Fran Shrubsole, Lynn Parry and Shirley Stunnell.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to them for the time and effort they put into making the celebrations such a success. Their contribution was greatly appreciated.

It was indeed a notable and most memorable year. I will continue my reflections in next week’s issue.