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PM Paul T on the tee -
HF Sharon T and the view -
Dining Room ready for lunch -
A golfer's delight: roast gammon and beef with all the trimmings -
Happy diners -
Past Master Derek Harris, Liveryman Conrad Blakey -
The Charles Rich Trophy retained by PM Ian Panto -
PM Ian Panto receives his trophy -
HF Sharon Taberer receives her prize -
Company and guests on the balcony
Company Golf Day
2nd July 2026Betchworth Park GC, Dorking
A beautiful day for a drive into the Surrey Hills ... the views along the A31 Hog's Back were spectacular, and we could easily see the City of London's dramatic skyline, and as far north as the Wembley arch.
When you turn off the road and into the driveway up to any golf course, it's like entering a different world, and beautiful Betchworth Park Golf Club is no exception, with its fairways lined by ancient lime trees, its manicured greens and glorious views to Box Hill. We arrived in time to sit out under the awnings on the upstairs terrace with cool drinks and spot our Company's golfers and guests as they headed back up the 18th towards the clubhouse, opened in 1913.
Our Company Golf Day this year was the best attended for many years. Past Master Derek Harris used to organise this popular event at Tandridge Golf Club, with its famous pudding, where he and his wife, Sheila, are members. However, it became time to pass the baton, and Past Master Paul Taberer cheerfully took up the challenge a few years ago, together with Honorary Freeman Sharon Taberer. Past Master Michael Walter arranged for us to combine our Company Day with members of his alma mater's Old Dovorian Golf Society, and this year it was decided to transfer the event to Betchworth.
I have an unrelated interest in both the Tandridge and Betchworth courses. They are just two of the many designed by the famous Harry S Colt (1869-1951) who was responsible for over 300 of the world's best courses across six continents. By coincidence, Colt was an Old Monktonian, which means that he was at the same school as our son Tom (although 130 years apart), and it's also where I volunteer as the research historian. Last year I collaborated with John Slater, a member of Tandridge, who was writing a biography of Harry Colt for the magazine Golf Quarterly. I've attached a copy of the article in the documents section of this blog post.
PM Paul has kindly written his own report of the day, and I can do no better than copy it here. Thanks again to everyone for making it so memorable.
A total of 14 players took part from the Company. We comprised Past Masters Simon Orlik, Ian Panto and Paul Taberer, Liverymen Bryan Jenkinson and Mike de la Fargue (on a visit from Cape Town) and Honorary Freeman Sharon Taberer, together with eight guests. Our group combined with 16 players from the Old Dovorians Golf Society (including our own Liveryman David Walter), making for a lively and enjoyable occasion.
We were delighted that the Master, Jacqueline Burrows, and her Consort, Simon Burrows, joined us for lunch, and we are very grateful to the Master for kindly presenting the prizes. We were also pleased to be joined for lunch by Past Master Derek Harris and Honorary Freeman Sheila Harris, as well as Liveryman Conrad Blakey and his partner Jayne.
Lunch was excellent, with a very enjoyable carvery followed by an impressive selection of puddings — much appreciated after a warm morning on the fairways.
Congratulations go to all our prize winners, and especially to PM Ian Panto, who retained the Charles Rich Cup as leading member, having won it last year.
The prize winners were:
- The Charles Rich Cup (leading member): PM Ian Panto
- 1st Place: Richard Hollington (guest)
- 2nd Place: Liz Hurrell (guest)
- 3rd Place: Jack de la Fargue (guest)
- Closest to the Pin: HF Sharon Taberer and Paul Hurrell (guest)
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful day, with excellent golf, fine weather, good food and, above all, great company. Our thanks go to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a pleasant occasion, and to Betchworth Park Golf Club for hosting us so well.
Thanks too to Past Master Nigel Rich for kindly donating 3 magnums of Mirabeau rosé wine towards the prizes!