As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary year, there is a real sense of excitement building around the Society. A great deal of time and effort has already gone into making sure this milestone will be one to remember, and I am enormously grateful to our Committee for taking on this work alongside the smooth running of our outings and competitions throughout the year.

We were especially fortunate to have two additional Committee members this season, as we also faced some unforeseen challenges that demanded far more time and attention than any of us could have anticipated. More on that shortly.

A Strongly Supported Season

The season just gone was extremely well supported, which is a real credit to the enthusiasm and commitment of our members. Unfortunately, our final event had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Travel would have been unsafe, and the playing conditions would have made for a thoroughly unpleasant day. The good news is that we have retained our deposit, so South Beds will return to the diary next year. Tony, as always, will make the necessary arrangements for adjustments or refunds for those who had paid but were unable to play.

The winners of our competitions and trophies will be posted separately, but I would like to offer my congratulations once again to everyone who came out on top this year. Our Greensomes competition ran alongside the outings and, thankfully, escaped the injuries and disruptions that might otherwise have delayed matches. Thanks go to Brian Bamber for overseeing the competition and to all the teams for playing their ties on time. It was our strongest entry yet, and in the end Phil and Pete Thomas prevailed over some impressive newcomers in what was a very closely contested competition.

Growing Membership and Interest

We were delighted to welcome some new members this year, and it is encouraging to see news of the Society continuing to spread. In just the last few weeks alone, I have received four new enquiries, which is a promising sign for the future.

Exciting Plans for Our Golden Year

One of the biggest highlights is that the OU Club has agreed to our bid for additional funding to help celebrate our golden anniversary. This means we can all look forward to a fuller programme of golf in 2026, with some exciting additions to the calendar.

Among the ideas we are working to organise are:

• An additional special event at a splendid venue, offered at an exceptional bargain price.
• A new trophy at the Club Championships, with representation sought from all four nations.
• A possible weekend event, if there is enough interest, featuring two rounds and an overnight stay.
• The introduction of an OUGS Hall of Fame, recognising those who helped bring us to 50 years and those who have made exceptional contributions to sustaining the Society.
• Special prizes to reward various aspects of golf, beyond simply winning.

I very much hope that as many members as possible will support these events and help make our anniversary year a fitting celebration.

Welcoming Terry and Howard as Full Members

I am also pleased to formally announce the addition of Terry and Howard to our membership. Under our Constitution, the Committee may from time to time admit associate members who do not have the traditional link to the OU. Given the commitment both have shown to the Society and its aims, we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to play and compete as full members.

Thanks to the Committee

I mentioned the Committee at the start, and I would like to repeat just how hard they have worked this year to organise, manage, and plan for the Society.

• Tony deserves special thanks for helping secure our grant.
• Jim has, as ever, kept handicaps moving in the appropriate direction — up, down, or in some cases, perhaps just up!
• Brian did an excellent job running the Greensomes competition.

I would particularly like to single out Jill and Jim for everything they did this year under exceptional circumstances, ensuring that things ran smoothly on each day of play.

I am also extremely grateful to Dave and Debbie for joining the Committee this year. Without them, we would not have managed a particularly tricky situation involving a complaint, which has since prompted us to revise the Constitution. Along with Tony and Brian, their calm judgement and wise counsel ensured that a fair process was followed — and was clearly seen to be followed.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Finally, thank you to all of you who make being part of the Society so enjoyable and worthwhile. We deeply appreciate not only your support, but also the gratitude and feedback you share from time to time.

I am already looking forward to next season and to celebrating this major milestone with you all. With your continued support, I am confident that we can make 2026 a memorable year for all the right reasons.