Bob Beeson reports …
This year’s Devon Golf Captains dinner was a most enjoyable evening hosted by the Captain, Bob Beeson, ably assisted by his Vice Captain, Dave Smith, along with the instigators of the night, Graham Heaman and Steve Spicer. Excellent food and wine was backed up with first class service and we were made to feel so welcome back at Sandy Park. Entertainment was provided by Tank Sherman, an old favourite with Devon Golf Captains. He lived up to his reputation for providing a fine night of comedy without offending anybody. Tank assisted with the auction with all proceeds going to the Exeter Chiefs Foundation.
Again we were well supported with items for the raffle and not only by our main sponsors – Tolchards, Bonjour Golf and Golf Shop Online – but also the professionals at Exeter, Exminster, Dainton Park and Stover. A special mention is due to Lloyd Howle from Stover who put the bag he won in the raffle up for auction and this raised £235 to add to the coffers. The 100 attendees raised a great total of £2,176 to be split between the same two charities which were supported last year.
RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Station at Brixham welcomed us with open arms and the coxswain, Andy Medley, kindly gave Graham, Dave (head photographer) and I a very interesting tour of the Severn Class lifeboat, “Alec and Christina Dykes”. I passed on the tour of the engine – I could not face the vertical staircase down – but am reliably told by our railway experts that it was in pristine condition, betraying its 24 years of service. Andy explained how they dealt with some of their call outs and how his crew was structured. It was fascinating to learn how many volunteers are involved with only two paid officers. They were really appreciative for the donation and assured it would be spent locally.
Left to right: Graham Heaman, Bob Beeson, Mike Gilbert (RNLI Torbay Treasurer), Andy Medley
Our next trip was to Exeter to the Devon Air Ambulance headquarters at Pinhoe. I had swopped Graham with Steve and we were greeted by Steffan Anderson-Thomas, who we had both met at Eaglescott last year. Again they are so appreciative of our donation as they still do not have any Government support. We were hoping to have a photograph taken with the one of the newly acquired Critical Care cars but, unfortunately, they were all out doing what they are designed for – saving lives !!
Left to right: Steve Spicer, Steffan Anderson-Thomas, Bob Beeson