It was an early start and when I arrived at Hazel Grove around 7:30 a.m. some of the teams were settled into their coffee and toast etc.!

The weather was very kind to us with wall to wall sunshine for most of the day. The course at Hazel Grove looked immaculate and the ground staff did our President proud.

The President, Mrs Maggie Morley was on the 1st tee to see each match on its way from 9:00am. Chapel en le Frith v Oldham was the first match out, followed by Davenport v Harwood. Once all of the teams had gone out I took the opportunity to sit back and have a welcome cup of tea whilst sat overlooking the course and enjoying the view.

Oldham lost to Chapel en le Frith 4/3 (the last match being conceded) and Davenport beat Harwood 6/1 All 4 teams, officials and committee members had lunch and sadly we had to say goodbye to Oldham and Harwood– congratulations to both teams for reaching the semi-finals.

2.30p saw the start of the finals with each pairing wished good luck on the first tee by the President.

Bell Cup competition 2023

The first two matches went to Chapel en le Frith, the next two matches going to Davenport, Chapel then won the following two matches which brought the final result to Chapel en le Frith winning 4/3. Commiserations to Davenport for a fight well fought.

The Presentation and supper followed with a delicious buffet put on by the catering staff. My thanks go to President, Maggie Morley and to Hazel Grove for their hospitality and to the Grounds Staff who had done a wonderful job in presenting a course to be proud of.

Sadly, it is now time for me to step back and reflect on the wonderful years I have had the privilege of managing this prestigious competition.

I have met with so many competitors over the past seven years, some of whom I can now consider my friends. I will still continue to keep a keen eye out in the following years and may it continue to be the success it has enjoyed for such a long time.