MAJOR Frank Newton was the first president of Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club, and now - 129 years later - John Ford has succeeded David Powell to become the 11th president, writes Richard Walsh.

Ford, who was club captain in 1999, said: “While at the club this week, I looked at the Presidents’ Board.

“I was drawn to the gravitas of the names of my predecessors and reminded of the great work and dedication they had contributed to T&P, thereby ensuring the wonderful club we have today.”

The AGM, conducted via Zoom last week, was a well supported event, and witnessed a family double as Ford’s wife Jacky was elected as T&P’s first female club captain.

She said the couple, who joined T&P 38 years ago, were honoured to have created a piece of club history together.

In her acceptance speech, Jacky (who was ladies’ captain in 2016), said she felt proud and privileged to become club captain.

With golf’s Return to Play protocols established, her hopes for the year were that everyone could have an uninterrupted year of fun out on the course.

In addition to all the regular matches and competitions, events members can look forward to include the Captains’ Drive-In, Captain’s Away Day at Lyme Regis Golf Club, Captain’s Day, the Pro-Am and the Captain/Professional Challenge Matches.

The first date in this year’s T&P calendar is the Captains’ Drive-In on Saturday, April 3, to be played as a four-all Texas Scramble with any combination of men, ladies and juniors permitted.

The BRS sign-in becomes available on Thursday, March 25, at 8pm.

Half of the entry fee will go towards supporting SURE (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment), the charity that both Jacky Ford and ladies captain Ali McGown will be supporting during this year.

The Captain’s Away Day will be taking place at Lyme Regis on Wednesday, May 19, further details of which will be available shortly.