Bob Coles - AKVG Captain for 2023
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Past Captains:
2022: Martyn Dines, Whitstable GC
2020/21: Dave Parker MBE, Corinthians GC
2019: Brian Rayner, Kings Hill GC
2018: Nigel Courtney, Westerham GC
2017: Eddie Ruff, Chestfield GC
2016: Bill Piper, Wrotham Heath GC
2015: Reg Greenwood, Bearsted GC
2014: Bert Bowen, Faversham GC
2013: Ian McInnis, Park Wood GC.
2012: Ian Fright; Prince’s G.C.
2011: Jim Silvester; Redlibbets G.C.
2010: Richard Hedley; Broome Park G.C.
2009: Terry Jones; Shortlands G.C.
2008: J. Clark Button; Cobtree Manor Park G.C.
2007: Norman Fisher; Hemsted Forest G.C
I am conscious of the honour of taking over this Chain of Office and thank you all for electing me as your captain for 2023.
As a serving committee member, I am well aware of the effort that goes into arranging our matches and programme and particularly of the work that Martyn has contributed over the past few years. It will be a hard act to follow.
I took up golf after retiring, in 2001, when I joined High Elms golf club. There I have happily remained – becoming seniors captain in 2012 and then chairman. I was recruited to AKVG by Bill Law, who was AKVG captain in 2005, and I took over from him as AKVG Rep.
The AKVG is a wonderful institution providing us with the opportunity to play on a wide variety of memorable courses across Kent and to meet so many friendly people from other clubs playing the game we love. It has also enabled me to take part in a couple of tours to play against our associates in Devon and Cornwall – an experience which I would thoroughly recommend.
As a society able to field up to 100 players we get all this at very reasonable prices. My aim as captain will be to continue to support and promote this very successful and enjoyable AKVG formula throughout 2023.
My chosen charity is St Christopher’s Hospice which provides excellent, modern accommodation. It has been cited as “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission. It also provides support in the community for over 7,500 people. This whole sector has been sadly neglected and support will take some pressure off the NHS. St Christopher’s needs to raise around £15m a year.
We start the 2023 season with my Captains Prize Day at the Nevill golf club. I hope to see you all there on Monday 3rd April. Last time we were there the half-way house catering was excellent and I plan to treat you all to their wonderful sausage rolls. Overall it looks to be a very exciting programme and our thanks to Nigel for pulling this together.
Finally I would like to introduce you to my Vice Captain who is Alan Wood from Etchinghill golf club. I know he will enjoy the experience and I look forward to seeing more of him in the coming year and to passing on the baton - or Chain of Office - to him in 2024.
I wish you all a happy, and a healthy 2023 – and good golfing.
Bob Coles