THE Suffolk Ladies' County Golf Association, sponsored by European Customer Solutions Ltd, held their annual meeting over the weekend. Of course, it was essentially a business meeting concerning the organisation of the golf game but, to the perceptive observer, it much more clearly concerned the people within the set-up.

THE Suffolk Ladies' County Golf Association, sponsored by European Customer Solutions Ltd, held their annual meeting over the weekend.

Of course, it was essentially a business meeting concerning the organisation of the golf game but, to the perceptive observer, it much more clearly concerned the people within the set-up.

The Kesgrave Community Centre was pretty full, the car park overflowing. The lady golfers of all ages, from tender to maturing nicely, at first stood to remember two who had died in the last 12 months.

Both were members of Felixstowe. Sandra Wells (Baxter) played for Suffolk in the late 70s and is remembered for her wide smile and cheery personality.

Gill Hughes was a much-loved and keen follower of the game, who gave her time and energy with great goodwill as secretary of the County Association, indefatigable trolley-puller at County Week and throughout the competitive season and beyond and as an unsurpassed supporter of friends and colleagues.

They are both much missed.

The personnel of the governing body made its expected annual shift.

At the top of the pyramid, Kate Platten stood down as President.

She completed two very successful years, during which her wide-ranging business experience and her unflagging and cheerful interest in the 'goings-on' proved extremely valuable.

She was succeeded by Sue Cook, who brings a different set of assets to the position.

Both played for Suffolk and served as County Captain, but Mrs Cook has also ranged through the gamut of jobs available to the golfing enthusiast.

She has been ELGA representative for Suffolk on the Midlands Division and she plays a major part in the ongoing reassessment of Standard Scratch Scores for Suffolk golf courses.

She has been secretary, captain and handicap secretary for the Ladies' Section of Aldeburgh Golf Club.

She is also a keen supporter of junior golf. Mrs Cook said that becoming President was a tremendous honour and she hoped to continue the development of golf for all ages.

One unexpected announcement concerned Hannah Rees, who resigned her position as Vice-Captain. Sadly, because of ill health and for personal reasons, she felt unable to continue but she hoped to get back to golf in due course.

The Association also hopes that she will.

Her input over the years, which began when she was just about a teenager, has shown a graceful skill and gritty determination on the golf course and, as champion, she has been a fine golfing role model, leading the team with good humour and the attractive manners that enhance the game.

Everyone will wish her well.

Presentations

Nigel Birrell Shield: Liz Laflin (Stowmarket) and Amanda Norman (Felixstowe) shared the honour for their outstanding contribution to golf in 2007.

County First team colours: Vicky Inglis (Woodbridge) and Heidi Baek (Felixstowe).

Junior Captain's jersey and colours: Cheryl Chisholm (Stowmarket).

Junior Colours: Charlotte Fawdry (Ipswich) and Jojo Hamer-Philip (Cretingham).

Silver Coronation Medal: Four players finished on -6. Kath Staff (Bury St Edmunds) won the day from Julie Larter (Woodbridge), Jane Holley and Caroline Heyward (Stowmarket).

Bronze Coronation Medal: Aliston Taylor (Stowmarket). Playing off 33, her gross 89 meant that she finished on -16!