​Chairman’s Chat August 31st 2026

Hello all!

I hope you’ve all enjoyed the glorious weather this summer. My 5 iron has seen the ball rolling a long way down those barren fairways!

I have just had the report from the Colin Lewin Invitational committee (Paul Rogers, Rich Rogers, Dave Lewin, Patrick Jacobs and Genevieve). As you all know this was an idea of Colin’s a couple of years ago and Paul Rogers has put it all succinctly on the CGS website. What you may not know is that £2,198.04 has been raised from this event! How magnificent is that?

 

I know it has been a lot of hard work from the committee (the committee were there at 6 am on the day). We cannot thank them enough and Colin would be so so proud of them. Thanks also to others that contributed to this success – Paul Traynor, Joe the Pro, Honey Miller, Harry Lewin and Amanda and all the other staff at White Hill Golf Club.

I do hope we can persuade new members to join after the success of the day. After all, that was the original idea and why it is called the invitational.

The appearance of one of our honorary members, Rick Wakeman, was a huge success – he was outstanding. The CLI committee have decided to donate a sum for one of Rick’s chosen animal charities. Our own member, magician Richard Pinner also performed  an excellent routine which was much enjoyed. There have also been donations to White Hill charity and our own charity fund. There is also a healthy balance being carried over for next years’ event. If there are any volunteers for the 2027 sub-committee, let us know.

Thanks also to founder member Johnny Mans (who also designed our logo). Johnny is now an agent and manager and sent along one of his clients – Metin Salih who arrived at 2.30 and spent the next few hours drawing fantastic pictures of Rick Wakeman, Rory McIlroy and our very own Colin Lewin. This raised a decent amount in the auction expertly handled by Andy Collins. Hopefully we can get him along to the ball in March, together with Johnny Mans.

Speaking of the ball, it is going to be, once again, a fantastic event. Excellent band, excellent venue and pleased to say we have already sold a fair amount of tickets. I have a feeling we will increase numbers considerably this year. The flyer is on our website and Facebook page. £75 a ticket in this day and age is unbelievable value! Please secure your seats/tables now with a £25 per person deposit. We are limited on numbers so you don’t want to miss out! Also as it is a hotel you can book rooms for an overnight stay.

Sorry to say I will miss Wedges this year (I’m sure my absence increases the chance of us winning!). However, I hope to see as many of you as possible at Chairman’s Day on Tuesday 29th September at Langdon Hills. The bad news is that the loft is looking spartan for prizes this year but the good news is that I have been to many charity shops!!!

Until then, kindest regards,
Dave