MONMOUTHSHIRE Golf Club's recent AGM was a nostalgic and reflective one as it marked the end of an important era in the club's history and development, with President of the Club, Mr Iestyn Tucker deciding to step down as a result of failing health. 

Iestyn has been a member of the Club since 1948 and is very much a living legend in golfing circles, not just here in Wales, but in the UK in general. 

He played for Wales on 168 occasions, was actively involved in the management of the Welsh Golf Union over many years, captained the Monmouthshire Club on two occasions and amazingly managed to run up an unimaginable total of 26 Holes in One. 

A number of the course records he set around the Principality still stand, notwithstanding the

significant improvements there have been in golfing equipment over the last 20 years.

During his playing career he was considered to be the best amateur player in Wales and the UK. His departure from the club management and playing scene will leave a significant void that will be hard to fill.

The outgoing Club Captain, Bryan Davies spoke of Iestyn's status as a giant amongst his golfing peers, "One who was and is an example to us all, particularly of all that is good in golfing and more broadly in competitive sport as a whole."

Iestyn, as a Life Member of the Monmouthshire Golf Club, hopes to be able to attend the club in the coming years. 

On behalf of those present the Captain wished Iestyn and Beryl every health, wealth and happiness in his well earned retirement.

A new Club President, Mr Eric Cox, was elected during the meeting. Eric has been a member of the club for just over 40 years and has been a Vice President of the Club for a number of years and is also a past Captain.

His knowledge of and experience in the game is noteworthy.

The club's Managing Secretary, Mr Ray Bradley also stood down at the meeting. Ray retired from the club after 12 years in his current role.

Ray has been a member of the club for 34 years and has also held the office of Club Captain.  The meeting thanked him for his contribution to the ongoing success of the club and wished him and his wife Sue every happiness in their retirement.

The new Club Managing Secretary, Mr John Barnes was introduced to the meeting. John's family home is in the Croydon area and prior to his appointment he worked at his local golf club. John has a military background and has been described as being "Mad on golf". 

All those present wished John every success in his new role.

The Outgoing Captain, Mr Bryan Davies in his short departure speech congratulated Mrs Elaine Richards on her recent appointment as Ladies Captain and Mr Albert Turvey on his appointment as Seniors Captain. 

Both sections are very active and successful within the club and the captain thanked their predecessors Mrs Barbara Chambers and Mr Gordon Kirk for their hard work and commitment over the last 12 months.

During the evening Mrs Joan Neville was elected as a Life Member of the Club. Joan has held many positions within golf management in the Club, Wales and the UK. 

She has only recently stepped down as President of the national Ladies Golf Union. Joan is also a serving Vice President of Monmouthshire Golf Club.

The Captain nominated the Vice Captain, Mr Paul Harrison, as Captain for the coming 12 months. This proposal was unanimously supported by all in attendance. 

Paul has been a member of the Club for over 30 years and has played competitive golf throughout this period.

He was warmly received in his new office by those present who wished him well for the future. At the conclusion of his acceptance speech Paul proposed Professor John Miles as his Vice Captain for the coming year. Paul's proposal was fully supported by those in attendance.

The Treasurer, Mr Malcolm Rebeiro, was re elected.  The outgoing captain thanked Malcolm for his dedication and professionalism which had allowed the club to operate successfully within its budget over the last 12 months.

Six new Committee members were elected at the meeting and words of thanks and appreciation were expressed by the meeting for the work of the outgoing Committee members; Sir Trevor Morris, Merlin English, Chris Morgan and Gordon Kirk.

The Club would welcome approaches from those interested in becoming members, both playing and social, and can be contacted by calling the Club on 01873 852606, the Club's website or a personal visit.

Monmouthshire Golf Club is the oldest 18 hole course in Gwent and one of the oldest in Wales. 

It is a members club and is committed to providing golfing opportunities to the local community.

PICTURED above are Eric Cox (new president), John Barnes (new secretary), Bryan Davies (outgoing captain), Elaine Richards (Ladies captain), Ray Bradley (outgoing secretary).