The annual match against 'The Aero' was again played at Denham Golf Club, on a day of changeable weather - dull and slightly damp in the morning, sunny intervals in the afternoon and a heavy downpour just as the last three groups were completing their rounds.

Unfortunately RAFGS Match Organiser Mark Foreman had to withdraw from the event at the last minute, so Nigel Dowdall took his place in managing the RAFGS team, with Anthony King leading for the Aero. The interest in the match was such that entries exceeded the 12 available places for both teams, but fortunately the club were able to offer us an additional tee-time allowing us to select teams of 14-a-side.

The start of the morning round was a little confused, largely due to some players not having seen the most recent version of the start sheet  - herding cats anyone?. In the end this was resolved with seven matches teeing off on time, albeit not necessarily with the intended pairings or in the intended batting order. There was a certain symmetry to the results, with the Aero winning all of the odd numbered matches and the RAFGS winning the even numbered matches - unfortunately from an RAFGS perspective this meant an Aero win by 4-3.

Following the usual superb Denham lunch, both teams set out for the afternoon Greensomes over the back 9 holes. The RAF team were clearly invigorated by the lunchtime food and drinks, winning 4 matches and halving the other 3, for an overall winning margin of 5 1/2-1 1/2.

Once everyone was back in the clubhouse, there was just time for the presentation of the Keith Davies Cup to winning Aero Captain, Anthony King, before everyone headed home after a very enjoyable day. Mark Foreman wasn't able to arrange for the Piercey John Quaich to be available for presentation, but will return it to the engraver to be updated following the RAFGS victory. Next year's match will again be at Denham, on 14 April 2026.

RAFGS team:

Who: RAF Association Banbury Branch

What: Charity Golf Day in support of Wings Appeal 2025

Where: Silverstone Golf Club MK18 SLH

When:  Thursday 12^th June 2025

Time:  Tees from 12:00hrs – meet from 10:00 for Coffee and Bacon Roll

Entrance Fee: £20 deposit, then £25 on arrival (includes £5 donation to service charities).

Please scan the QR code in the poster to access the online entry form..

Our first match of the season, the annual match against West Hill Golf Club, took place on Tuesday, 25th March.

The team of 12, plus match manager Nigel Dowdall, assembled at West Hill for tea/coffee, bacon rolls and to meet the West Hill team members, led by Richard Owen. It was a perfect day for golf with intermittent sunshine, a gentle breeze and, following the recent mainly dry weather, the course was in excellent condition. The team included three currently serving members and three playing the course for the first time.

The match itself was a close affair - the RAF took the first two matches, only for West Hill to reel off three matches in a row to lead 3-2. Fortunately our anchor pair of Graham Pearson and Paul Hughesdon came in with a 2 and 1 win in the last match, to complete a halved match at 3 - 3.  All the matches were close affairs, with three decided at the 16th and the others at the 17th. However, West Hill retain the  Wg Cdr James Webster trophy following their victory in 2024.

RAFGS team: Peter Bedford, Holly Steel, Les Bruckner, Martin Crocker, Kevin Conquergood, Ian Robinson, Geoff Thorburn, Stu Butler, Kevin Burston, Graham Pearson, Paul Hughesdon.

West Hill GC team: Richard Owen, Chris Barber, Tim Osbourne, Colin Whitbread, Rob Pike, Mat Beadle, Timm Christopher, Gerry Martin, John Botham, David Duncan, Nigel Sillick, John Todd.

Images of the course and the match can be found in the Gallery.