Due to popular demand, I have tentatively organised this year's ToffeeWeb Golf Day. I was somewhat reluctant, as the last one at Aldersey Green Golf Club had so many Cancellations, but we did end up with 11 playing and an Adjudicator/Marker. Considering the 11 who turned up, apart from the Marker, there were none from the Merseyside Area, besides myself, and living in Chester, I'm not sure that counts as Merseyside!

However, I digress slightly, the few who did travel, from as far afield as Scotland, Hampshire, Bristol and Worcester, had a wonderful and enjoyable day and had the privilege and chance to meet Ted Draper in person, and witness him opening the competition by hitting the first ball. 

Sadly Ted has passed on since that day, ironically not from the cancer he was being treated for and responding well, but by way of a lung infection in the non-affected lung, which refused to respond to the many antibiotic treatments. 

Stephen Vincent, Ged Hogg and I attended the funeral and later the Celebration of Ted's Life at Boughton Cricket Club. Ged had only managed to get off work for an hour, so had to go back. Many of Ted's family expressed a desire to attend the next Golf Day, should one be arranged. 

Talking to his family, that Golf Day had meant so much to him, he hardly stopped talking about it. The granddaughters compiled a short film made up mostly of stills, and home videos over the years, and how much he enjoyed both his family and life. I was both surprised and almost welled up personally that, at the end of the film, there were shots of all the members of TW, along with Ted, who attended that Golf Day. 

This year, it will be held on 8 July at Hawarden Golf Club, Groomsdale Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire CH5 3EH. Although technically in North Wales, it is on the outskirts of Chester. Easily accessible via A55/M56 and M53. I have provisionally booked 6 Tee Times from 10:30 am. There will be bacon sandwiches and coffee, from 09:30 am. 18 holes of golf with Longest Drives, and Nearest the Pins, a two-course meal and Presentation and a Raffle (any donations gratefully received). 

The course is significantly different to Aldersey Green with a mixture of blind, hilly and undulating holes, interspersed with a few flat holes. It is walkable, for the younger and fitter golfers, but a buggy is advisable if suffering from any restricting ailments. They only have about eight buggies and two electric trolleys for hire, in addition to push-pull trolleys. If required, please inform me, and I can book them well in advance. 

The cost of the Day with everything (excluding buggy or trolley hire) will be £40.00. 

I had hoped to get it nearer to the end of the season but, with so many re-arranged fixtures and Everton being away too on the last day, plus the availability of the course, it just wasn't feasible. 

Everyone is welcome, but please state whether you wish to play or just support. A rough idea of your handicap and golfing ability will be required, but please in the interest of fairness, be as honest as you can be. Also, please only commit if you can definitely make it, barring emergencies, as meals and tee times have to be compensated for, once booked. 

Hawarden is listed in most golf books and magazines as the hidden gem of North Wales. It is always very well kept, and having a fairly new Head Greenkeeper, he has made a significant impact since his arrival. Working closely with the Greens Committee, there are very noticeable improvements being undertaken. It is a very friendly club with excellent catering facilities. 

Last year, the money generated from the Raffle was for Cancer Research UK, which I intend to honour again, but this time to split it between Connah's Quay Tigers Football Club. This was Ted's favoured charity at the funeral, should any donations be offered, and one he held a lot of interest in. 

Any questions please do not hesitate, but get in touch with me: Derek Knox del_kath@yahoo.co.uk — or by text to 07565 140075. Thanks in anticipation of your support!Â