To make the day work, the organisers need large numbers of volunteers. As we had done the previous year, both Mrs Lawrence and I had put our hands up: she as a ball-spotter whilst I was on starter duties. This meant that I needed to be at the Club by 07:30 to get my marching orders plus a cup of coffee and a boerwors roll to fuel me for the day on the 1st tee. Fortunately, the weather was excellent and it was a real pleasure to be out there for three hours, setting the teams off on their way.
As you might expect, there was a wide variety in golfing skills - from scratch players to the (very) occasional golfer. Tee shots of all sorts were on show, even including the dreaded miss on the first tee (followed by a quick look up to see if anyone had been watching!). I recognised a number people teeing off, both professionally and from the world of international rugby (including a certain Jamie Salmon - he who is the answer to the quiz question, who is the only player to be capped for both England and New Zealand?).
Once my stint was over, I enjoyed some of the sponsor's beer on offer (Peroni is an SAB Miller brand) and also some themed barbecue offerings, after which I headed home to watch the 4th ODI between England and Australia. Exciting stuff right until the end with England getting over the line with one of their better run chases (3rd best ever!). Nice to finish a game with a six too...
In the evening, Kathryn and I were guest of the sponsors at the gala dinner. This took place in a specially erected marquee on the Walled Garden at the Club. The Club coped well with the 300+ guests and a good evening was had by all. There was a high-tech silent auction (we purchased a 4 day break in Portugal for next year!) but the highlight was the real one: the auctioneer was excellent - entertaining and I am sure that he earned his fees by the way in which he drove the bids up...
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