To ALL at S.W.G.C,

Both Dottie & I would like to express our sincere thoughts of gratitude /pleasure to you through the club's newsletter . We were introduced to S.A. via a 3-week holiday period, during which we taken "down to the club" 1 Friday night for drinks & meet some of our hosts friends, we were immediately smitten by the warmth of the people we shared that night with. Both Dottie /I had never even thought or contemplated golf as pastime hobby, neither of us had ever played nor had anything to do with it, but seeing & realising the close friendships within the club that existed. We already saw for ourselves just how stunning Somerset West ( & the people ) were...

We returned to the U.K. after our holiday, but were hooked & determined to sample more of "The Rainbow Nation" & S.W.G.C. for a longer period, after a few months we eagerly retuned for a 3 months stay & joined SWGC, tried our hand at playing golf (+ enjoyed the beer=me & wine=Dottie haha) down at the club...during that first 3-month stint, we not only were reunited with our special little gang but very soon we both came to the conclusion that we were being encouraged/accepted/ adopted into becoming part of a family...that feeling was so special to us both!

Back then it was possible to extend 3 months to 6 months which we readily & gleefully did, because of all you wonderful people of S.W.G.C. we wanted more & more which we did! Over the course of time quickly made many many more special friends, & acquaintances which enriched our life/time in S.A. , my best & most important friend in the world became my Wife in S.A. we lived our dreams in Somerset West & we thank so many of you special people for enhancing our lives...I personally, am a coward when it boils down to saying the important matters of the heart (I am not as strong as my wife) and I would not have been able to say goodbye to individuals face to face, hence this post .. I would like this chance to say a special THANKS for the memories to Ray (OMG I nearly broke into song) Mondays/Fridays/plus the Buntings Barmy Army, the lunches, & especially the Monday Club crowd., Jerry for the Hackers & the SAAF days.

Also very proud to have been a part of The Mighty Pomms, Big Bobs Beastly Bashers organised by ex-Royal Marine Bob Sankey ("Sir") that sir may indeed have been inserted before his name heheh). Brian Jones, Peter Nettlefold for their work with the seniors, & Kevin van der Spuy = International Day, & last but not least "Midge" for organising the Ladies Leagues ...plus the committees for the other BIG Special Days in the year...To finish with, to all you fellow members for the brilliant fun times you have let us share with you & the few sad memories of people who have had bereavements to loved ones, all these memories we will carry with us forever in our hearts, your kindness & concerns for us both, will give us both strength & fortitude in our future times! With God’s grace we can return to S.A. to carry on fulfilling our dreams back there in Somerset West Golf Club...Again we both. Thank you All!

Best Heartfelt Regards
Dottie / Allen

Colin Lines

Our dear friend Colin passed away on Friday 4th August He was a member for 17years at the Club , his wife bought him membership for a Christmas present and he never looked back. He was one of the nicest persons I have met, always a smile on his face and so loyal to our club. Colin battled with cancer for almost a year, but his mates would often bring him to the club for a wee pint. We are surely going to miss you, my man.

A memorial service will be held on Friday 18th August. For full details please contact Colin’s wife ,Christine, on 082 473 8184 or e-mail her clines@mweb.co.za

Derek Furminger

We also lost a dear friend, Derek Furminger, on the 27 July. Below is a letter from Heather. Our thoughts are with you and the family