Sylvia Davies
Ladies Captain



My first memory of golf was as a young girl living in ‘colonial’ Singapore and watching people with long sticks wandering around a field in the very hot tropical sun and hitting a little white ball around.  I thought then it was rather a stupid thing to do!!

Upon being widowed in my mid fifties I decided that I needed a new lease in life and to do something which I would find really very hard.  I thought that learning to play golf would fit the bill.   Boy, do I now wish that some kind soul in Singapore had given me a long stick and little white ball.   Things would be quite different now I am sure.  But, I always play in the hope that I will be better than the last time and of course it very rarely is, but just occasionally!!!  -  that is what is fascinating and addictive.  Golf has also given me a whole host of lovely people who are good friends and great to be with.

I joined Donnington Grove a few years ago because John Tonner, my man, told me it was the ‘best golf course in West Berkshire and that is one we should join’.  I still get a little thrill when I drive over the humpy bridge and see the vista, and I think that I am extremely lucky to be a member of such a lovely golf club.

I am honoured to be the Lady Captain for the year 2011 and it my hope and intention to support Tim in all his endeavours in the coming year.  I will also continue with the good work of previous Lady Captains in encouraging and supporting all our ladies in our small but very special ladies section both in golf and our social events.  In June we have arranged a charabanc trip to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, we will be having a charity Garden Party in June and a Golf tour to The Vale in September.  All good fun!!

The Ladies Section will not have a Lady Vice Captain for 2011, instead we have three match organisers.

Helen Huish is the organiser for the Inter Club Matches
Maija Myer is the organiser for the Mixed Matches
Susan Kingham is the organiser for the Bronze League

My chosen charity will be the Duchess of Kent House Hospice in Reading which provides specialist palliative care.  The unit treats adult patients with cancer and other life-shortening diseases, at no charge according to need. The hospice provides out-patient, in-patient and day therapy services, which includes respite care and symptom control.  It is the only palliative care unit which serves the Newbury, Reading and Wokingham areas and it services are invaluable to the terminally ill and their families, which I can personally attest to, as can many of our Members.  Your continuing support for this Charity is much appreciated.

I wish all our members a really good golf year with lots of fun both on and off the course.